Page 58 of Kentucky Nights
“Kentucky doesn’t know this, but Daphne was a Dimseer. Kind of like a psychic, but she had the ability to see into every dimension, past, present, and future, in all worlds. When she met Kentucky, she saw every path his life could lead, with all thedifferent choices he would make, leading him to the same end—death. Until she saw you. She loved him, of course, but she kept Kentucky alive to meet you. Dimseers are so special. They are protectors, in a way. Kentucky’s heart was protected with her, for you, Dru. It’s also why she died like she did.”
“Of old age? Kentucky said she was in her seventies when she passed.”
“Dimseers live extra-long lives. Their normal lifespan is one hundred and fifty years. When they find someone to love, they sacrifice their ability to see into the dimensions, which also cuts their lifespan in half.”
“She sacrificed her life for us?”
“Yes, because in all the lives she saw with Kentucky, you were the only one who could truly save the man she loved. She knew they weren’t fated. She knew the role she had to play. Kentucky loved her in the best way he could, but she knew the only woman he could ever dedicate himself to was his fated mate. He never fed from her. They both agreedthatwould need to be saved for his mate, if he were to ever find her.You.” Lorcan boops my nose to make his point.
I clutch onto Kentucky’s hand harder, wishing I could hug Daphne for everything she sacrificed to bring Kentucky to me. She kept him alive when he ached for death. All so we could have forever together. I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who would do such a selfless deed.
“Makes sense why I trusted him so fast. We are meant for each other, then?”
Lorcan grins. “Yes. Your souls are bound. You were both created with the other in mind. It’s unfortunate how he was turned, but the moment he was, Fate knew who his mate needed to be. Kentucky needed a strong, kind, curious woman. One who didn’t shy away from the truth, no matter how hard it was to accept, because he still struggles with who he is, Dru. You don’t.You know who you are, through and through. He doesn’t take being a vampire in stride. He hates that part of himself.”
“I love that part of him,” I state, caressing the side of Kentucky’s face. “I love him.”
“If you accept him, all of him, then eternity will be a very happy experience for both of you.”
“I have to act like I don’t know all of this? That I don’t want him to finish claiming me? I don’t know if I can.”
“Dru, I can’t emphasize this enough. If he feels that in any way your choice was taken away to make your own decision, he might not believe you want him. He will think you were swayed. Why do you think he asked for four days? He thought he had more time before he needed your blood, but I’m not sure if he will make it another two days without it. You seem to be doing alright. Every human is different. You could be fine now, and in an hour, you could be curled in on yourself crying.”
“I did that last night,” I grumble. “When I thought he still loved Daphne.” I can’t believe I admitted that out loud.
“He will always love her, but not in the way he was meant to love you.” Lorcan places his hand on top of mine. “The mating heat will get worse too, until he bites you. Prepare yourself for that.”
“Will I be a vampire too? Also, another question, having my blood won’t seal the bond? Just the bite?”
“No, not unless you want to be? You will live as a human forever, and you won’t age. And to answer, yes, it is the bite that seals the bond. Don’t get me wrong, the blood takes you a step closer, but the bite is key.”
Okay, that’s good. We have more time then, like Kentucky wants. “And if I wanted to be? Would he still be able to feed from me? I don’t like the thought of him feeding from anyone else.”
“You would feed off each other. That wouldn’t change. Are you seriously thinking about asking him to do that? I don’t know if that’s a line he will cross, Dru. At least, not right now.”
“I want to be able to keep up with him. I want to experience what he does. There’s no rush, obviously. Being with him doesn’t scare me. None of this scares me.”
“You’re a weird human.”
“I don’t mind that one bit.” I run my fingers through Kentucky’s hair, wishing he would open his eyes. “I only have my best friend Carmen waiting for me at home. I have my job, but I think I’ll be able to be a dentist here too. I don’t have to give that part of myself up, do I?”
“No. You can do whatever you want. You’re seriously okay with all of this? You’re going to freak out later, aren’t you? The facts haven’t hit you yet, right? You’re going to panic and run away or something.”
“I’m logical, Lorcan. I wanted all the facts so I can determine what I want. I was confused before. I didn’t understand why I felt the way I felt. It all makes sense now. I wish he would have told me the truth.” I continue to stroke Kentucky’s hair, missing him even though he is asleep. “My choice is him, and it’s been him since the moment I saw him. He’s my choice, Lorcan.”
“You’re a good human, Dru. Not many would take this in stride, especially after everything you have been through.”
“It led me here. How can I be mad about that?”
“An odd human yet a good one.” Lorcan stands. “Do you need anything else?”
“Actually, yes, and I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about it. I need clothes, underwear, a bra, and feminine products. I would ask Kentucky, but…” I point to him, showing that can’t happen.
“I can do that.” A notepad and a pen appear in his hand. “I need your sizes for everything. Also, do you like a variety pack of the tampons?”
“You don’t mind? Seriously?”
“I’ve been alive for a very long time. This does not bother me. Plus, it’s the least I can do for the woman who is taking care of my friend.”
