Page 153 of Eternal Craving

“You make it sound unpalatable.”

“This is no time to jest.”

I leaned against the tombstone next to him. “To survive, you’re going to have to look at it differently.”

Marcus paced.

I sighed. “You can’t go on like this.”

He rubbed his hands together. “Is there any other way?”

“You already know there isn’t.”

“So you just bite, suck, and run?”

“One does not gulp a fine wine or rush through a delicious meal.”

“How can you enjoy it?”

“It’s a pleasure like no other.”

Marcus shook his head. “I’m bloody terrified.”

“Calm down. You’re starving, too, right?”

He nodded. “After I took that girl in the tower… Not sure I can do it again.”

“I’ll walk you through it.”

“What if something goes wrong?”

“It never does,” I said. “We’re designed to be the perfect predator.”

“Dear God.”

I rested my fingertips on my temples. “Your sister can do it. Rachel’s so sweet, they don’t even see it coming.”

“What if they beg for mercy?”

I grabbed his arm and guided him along the pathway. “The art is to have them begging for more.” I stopped before a monument. “See that?”

“The gravestone?”

“Yes, and it’s something you’ll never have. Something good comes out of every situation, and for us that’s one hell of a benefit.”

Within the hour, we’d taken a corner table in a noisy, public house, The Baker’s Dozen. The finest food and drink were offered. This place attracted the more discerning customers. Apparently, it had once been a bakery but had soon become a popular meeting place for locals when warm ale had become available.

Marcus stared at a young man who leaned against the bar, sipping his ale.

I nudged Marcus. “I hope you’re not sizing him up?”

“I thought you’d be pleased.”

“He’s twisting his wedding ring.”

“So?”

“He’s not used to wearing it.”