Page 153 of House of Crimson Hearts
But now she has chosen me, it makes what I must do hurt even more. What a joke. The gods finally gave her to me, and I have to let her go.
I have what I need, I stole it the same way I stole her memories, and then I left her sleeping with the moon.
I slip away down the castle stairs, my heart thudding against my ribs in a way that vampire hearts never do.
But I’ve tasted her now.
I know what she is.
I know who she is.
What I do now will confirm it.
When I find my way to the ballroom, Xavier is already there, leaning against the door cloaked in shadows waiting for me. He tucks his hair behind his ear.
“Did you feed from her?” he says, his voice deep and husky.
I can barely bring my eyes to meet his.
He sighs, deep and breathy. “And?” he says.
“And I fear you’re right.”
His lips press together in a thin white line. “I hoped I was mistaken. I could see you falling and I prayed to the witch-gods that I was wrong.”
“Falling? Xave, I have loved her for three years.”
His brows knit. “Oh gods, what did you do?”
“It was the only way…”
“You bonded with her?” he says, his eyes suddenly wide.
“What choice did I have? You realise that who she is… what she is, that’s why she’s been addicted to blood. I’m the fucking reason she’s activated. I won’t allow her to take from another vampire. Not while her heart belongs to me.”
“How the hell are you going to manage this,” he says, but it’s not a question, it’s a statement. He understands the choice I made, though neither of us know how I’m going to handle the consequences.
I grasp Xavier by the neck and pull his forehead down to kiss.
“I’m sorry, this is the only way I can protect her.”
“What are you?—”
“I don’t think I’ve said this before, but… I love you, brother…”
“Tave,” he says and his voice breaks. “You don’t need to do this. I will protect her with my life. I can help you protect her, you’ll need a friend.”
“It’s your memories or your life, Xavier. And I am too fond of you to take that. Will you submit?”
“After all these years you still don’t trust me?”
“I do. Of course, I do. It’s the rest of the world I don’t. If anyone were to find out, they could take you from me. Use you to get to her. I promise I’ll give them back when I can.”
His refined features harden, and then his expression softens. “Only because it’s you. And you absolutely owe me a favour of the highest order.”
“Consider it banked.”
He nods. “I’m ready.”
