Page 118 of Visions of You
Mordyn couldn't help commenting on that when he entered the room with Apollo. "I see you've got plenty of food for the non-bloodsuckers, but what about us vampires? Don't tell me you forgot about your undead pals."
Jaron rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Even if I'd offered you blood, you couldn't drink it."
"True," Mordyn conceded. "Good thing I brought my own food." He grinned at Apollo.
Apollo shook his head, but didn't fight the kiss Mordyn pressed to his lips. He looked good, all things considered, and Jaron was glad to see him. Apollo had cut back on his working hours after the kidnapping. Jaron had wondered if that was due to trauma, but when Jaron had gone to him to apologize for his involvement in everything, Apollo had assured him that he was fine.
He just wanted to spend more time with Mordyn.
Jaron glanced at the vampire and remembered the way he'd sliced off Malkira's head. The memory made his stomach want to turn, though he understood why Mordyn had done it.
Jaron didn't blame him for it.
"You've had enough to eat today," Apollo said, giving his mate a playful shove.
"I'll never have enough." Mordyn went in for another kiss and Jaron turned away from them to greet Ceska and Ianair who walked into the living room with raised eyebrows.
"Hey, Jaron," Ceska gave him a quick hug before going for the snacks.
Ianair gave Jaron a pat on the back. "Nice place."
"Thanks," Jaron replied with a grin. "I'm glad you two could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it."
Altair and Sven arrived after that, almost at the same time as Rhyme and Iskander. Jaron pointed out the vegan food platter to Rhyme who thanked him with a bright smile before grabbing one of the wraps.
"What's it like, living with Keegan?" he asked.
"I'm grateful to have him with me every day," Jaron said, surprised by his own honesty. He would never take his mate for granted.
Rhyme nodded solemnly.
And then Keegan stepped into the middle of the room, holding up the envelopes Jaron had seen him with earlier and Jaron wondered if the vampire was about to do something to challenge the feeling of gratitude Jaron had just expressed.
Keegan surveyed the room, taking in the faces of those he held dearest. Mordyn and Apollo shared a private laugh. Sven leaned against Altair on the couch, and Iskander stood back and watched with a smile as Rhyme talked to Ceska about the best recipe for salad dressing.
For a moment, Keegan felt a pang of guilt. These vampires were his friends, his family. And he had manipulated them all at one point or another, bending their actions to fit the future he envisioned. Seeing Malkira's twisted control over Jaron and himself had been a harsh lesson.
A long overdue wake-up call.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the center of the room, catching everyone's attention. "I want to say something."
All eyes turned to him.
"I've been given a gift—or maybe a curse—of seeing into the future," Keegan continued. "And I've used that gift to manipulate many of you. I used to tell myself I had the best intentions, but that's not enough." He locked eyes with Altair as he said this, the vampire he'd hurt more than anyone in his quest for vengeance for his sister.
He'd manipulated Altair into killing his own brother.
Sure, Nephariel had deserved it, but Altair would never have done it if Keegan hadn't worked to bring about the perfect set of circumstances by allowing Sven to be taken from Altair.
Altair nodded now, but said nothing.
Keegan turned to Mordyn. "I meddled in your life more times than I can count."
Mordyn's expression softened. "I'll continue to pay you back every chance I get," he promised.
Keegan allowed himself a smile, then he addressed Iskander. "I hope one day I can be as honest with you as you've always been to me."
