Page 77 of Toward Immortal Ruin

“So what you’re saying is that you wouldn’t harm yourself if I died?”

“I—it—” Growling in a sound closer to panther than human, Nero closed the distance between them but didn’t touch her. “Of course not.”

“Liar.”

It was as clear a day. His fingers were caressing her cheek before she even knew he’d moved, the soft touch making her lean into him.

“Life shouldn’t end for you even if I die, Nero.”

Instant, searing pain flooded his features, a desolation she could both see and feel. That was an answer in and of itself. Cured of her anger, Eden wrapped her arms around him. Panicked breaths had constricted his chest, and for the first time, she sensed his vulnerability.

“Nero. Hey, it’s okay. I’m here.”

But for how long?

In just a few days, Nero had become her entire world. She had gone from a solitary life to one where she was cherished.Loved.Here, on this beautiful island, she’d fallen in love with a man worth her tears. With kindness and chivalry, the immortal had swept into her life like a hero of legend, and she had no regrets. Her cruel destiny had at least chosen well: Nero was the love of her life.

And suddenly, Eden knew she had to try. Whether or not the vampire blood would work, she owed it to herself, and to Nero, to explore the only option that gave their love a chance.

“I want to try, Nero.”

The whispered words against his chest were muffled, but he’d heard her. A swell of pride washed through their bond, tempered by reluctance.

“I don’t want you to do this for me. This is your life, Eden, and what you want matters. What happens to me afterward—that’s of no consequence.”

“No consequence?” Pushing off his chest, Eden glowered up at him. “Nero, you’ve given me the world these last few days, shown me what it’s like to not be alone. Surrounded me with love. You took me to the Taj Mahal and to see my dad. You caredfor me, Nero. And now, I’m going to care for you. I want to do this. For both of us.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

An hour later, Ninaand Aidan arrived. Though neither allowed themselves to look distraught, Nero could sense the heaviness of their psyches. A bitter sadness had infiltrated their minds after the tragedy they had discovered just hours earlier.

“We can’t thank you both enough for being here,” he began.

The footsteps that shadowed him into the foyer announced the arrival of his mate. Immediately pulling her close to his body, Nero introduced them. “Eden, this is Nina. You already know Aidan.”

“Hi Aidan,” she greeted. “Nina, it’s wonderful to meet you.”

Nina held out her hand in greeting. “Pleasure to meet you, Eden. Nero’s told us so much about you, and I’m eager to get to know you better.”

“You as well.” She dipped her chin. “Nero said that you’re a vampire?”

Nina nodded. “Yes, the vampire breed started with my blood. I was born a Raeth.”

“That’s fascinating,” Eden breathed. “I’d love to know more about how that works—about how you can belong to two immortal races.”

Aidan shifted uneasily at Nina’s side, but said nothing while his sister explained, “It’s a long story, but I’d be happy to tell you. For now, can we come in and discuss the plan?”

“Of course.”

Sweeping an arm out, Nero closed the door behind them when Eden’s beat of distress registered to his senses.

“Aidan, are you okay?” Her voice was filled with concern. “I heard about what happened.”

Aidan’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be fine. TheCitizenshave done some terrible things, but I have no doubt we’ll soon put an end to it.”

“I’m sorry.” Eden gingerly squeezed Aidan’s arm. “I want you to know, I would have been proud to have you as my alpha. You’ve treated me with nothing but consideration and support, despite the circumstances theCitizensput us all in.”

Forgiveness and deep emotion flooded the alpha’s features. “It was understandable; I don’t blame you. I’m hopeful that this will work—even if that means I don’t get to claim you as one of my own.”

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