Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“Damn, you guys don't mess around.”
Remy nodded. “Viggo was also worried that if things got crazy, innocent bystanders could get hurt in the scuffle. His warning told me a lot about Viggo; he was observant, protective, and cared about people around him, even if they were strangers. We left the pub to avoid confrontation, but we continued talking and realized we had a lot in common. We became fast friends, and the rest is history.”
“I'm glad you were there that night,” Skyler told me with a squeeze to my hand. “I'm a little confused, though; you said all vampires have a fated mate, right?” I nodded. “So why did the vampires in the bar care that Remy was eye-fucking the bartender? What if he was his mate? Don't they accept Fate's pairings?”
“Most do,” Remy replied. “Especially nowadays. But back then, the most important part of mating was growing the species. Two males couldn't produce offspring, so the pairing was seen as useless. Homosexuality was misunderstood, and therefore hated. Unfortunately, it was often true for humans and other species.
“Over time, understanding and acceptance grew in all species, but not in all individuals. Some vampires consider Fate’s gay pairings to be blessings because they believe true love is beautiful in all forms. Others believe the only good thing to come from them is the linked lifelines; if one partner is killed, two lives are lost.”
I needlessly added, “My father is in the second category.”
“Holy hell,” Skyler whispered, rubbing his hand over his face. “No wonder you hid that part of yourself from him.”
“But people like him are very few and far between,” Remy continued. “Times have changed so much; now there are dating websites and apps right at your fingertips to find a partner of any kind.” Skyler nodded his agreement and I scowled; I didn’t like the idea of him knowing about these apps.
“It makes it easy to find company for the night.” My friend sighed. “But I must admit I’m growing tired of all that. I crave the connection that awaits me with my fated one.”
“I’m sure you’ll find him soon,” I soothed, while Skyler nodded along.
“Definitely. If Viggo found me while he was buried in a graveyard, I’m sure you’ll find your guy too. Just do me a favor when you do?” Remy raised his brows in question. “Don’t suck out so much of his blood you nearly kill him.”
I nearly apologized again to my beloved, but he and Remy shared a laugh. I’d told my friend everything about our meeting, and they were making light of the situation. I was grateful Skyler held no ill will towards me.
“Speaking of feeding,” I cut in, “That is another reason for our visit; I couldn’t take what I needed from Skyler without harming him. I need blood, but I don’t know where to go. I was hoping you could help me, and watch over Skyler while I’m gone.”
“I’d be happy to, but that’s not necessary.” Remy stood up from the table and walked to a nearby cupboard. He retrieved a tall glass and a clear bag of red liquid. He ripped off a corner of the pouch and filled the glass before sliding it across the table to me. My mouth watered at the scent which wafted from it; blood.
“How is this possible?” I asked as I reached for the cup. I took a drink, and my body demanded more. In several large gulps, I drained the glass. I took a deep breath, satisfaction washing over me as my cells buzzed with energy.
“One more?” Remy asked, retrieving another bag. I nodded and he served me again, and I drank it just as quickly. After the second helping, I was totally recharged and at full strength. I was finally at my best for Skyler.
My friend discarded the bags and joined us at the table again. “We no longer feed from humans directly. The vampire population grew, and the demand became too high. People began noticing disappearances around town. Even though we fed from criminals, they still had friends and families who questioned their absence.
“Rumors began to spread about monsters lurking the lands. At first, the police worked with us to try and dispel the rumors.” Remy looked to Skyler. “I’m sure you’ve heard all sorts of false things about vampires.” My mate nodded. “That was by design; we spread lies about sunlight and garlic repelling us so that we could hide in plain sight. If we walked around outside in the daylight, no one would suspect us.”
“That’s genius,” Skyler replied, appearing impressed.
Remy gave him a smile that quickly faded. “Unfortunately, there was still a problem; police were being bombarded by questions about missing people, and they were running out of excuses. Then, more questions arose within law enforcement regarding morality and ethics; did one being have the right to kill another, even if it was for survival?