Page 81 of Abiding Blood

“Wren. When she realized who you were, she came and got me. Ever since the night we saved her, she and I have been close.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I thought that might be her. Her parents weren’t dead after all.”

“No. They were seriously injured but survived. As it turns out, many people survived. There are now thirty humans here, along with twenty creatures, including those you’ve already met. Life here isn’t easy, but we’re doing our best.”

“There are many more out there as well. I can show the council a map later if you like.”

“That would be great. I know Hanna, in particular, owes you an apology for stunning you last night.”

“Is that what happened? I don’t remember anything except seeing your face and putting my arms around you.”

Julian winced. “Yeah, she thought you were trying to eat me.”

“I take it you didn’t tell them about me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I told them I was waiting for my husband to come back, but the fact that you’re a vampire was quite a revelation.”

“Husband? I like that. I like that very much.” I squeezed Julian tighter.

“Me too,” Julian said, his voice thick with emotion. “I believe we’ll be happy here.”

“But will the others be okay with me being here? Won’t that make them uncomfortable?” I asked. I hoped it wouldn’t cause Julian any problems. I didn’t want to ruin the life he’d built for himself. But I didn’t want to be without him either.

“No. We discussed it while you were asleep. They agreed you could stay, provided you don’t eat anyone. I gave my assurance, by the way, so please don’t.”

I chuckled. “I promise. I’ve spent years testing myself and honing my self-control. I’m steady. If I ever lose that steadiness, there’s likely a witch or two who could help me regain it.”

Julian smiled and nodded. “And most of the humans have agreed to donate blood occasionally to help feed you. We have a clinic. It’s all very, well…clinical,” Julian added.

“Does that mean you don’t want to feed me yourself anymore, the traditional way?”

“Oh no,” Julian said, reaching up to brush his thumb across my bottom lip. “I’m very much looking forward to it, as soon as you’re feeling up to it.”

I growled and shifted my head toward Julian’s throat, but he stopped me. He pulled free of my embrace and sat up, looking down at me.

“There’s one more condition,” he said. “Considering your recent past, I think you’ll agree. They insist that you not create any more vampires.”

I gazed back at my mate, concern on his face. I took Julian’s hand in mine. “The world is better off without us, especially now. Yes, I agree,” I answered honestly. “But what about you? Do you agree? You should know that the only person I’d ever be tempted to turn is you, only because I want to spend as much time with you as possible.”

Julian shook his head. “I haven’t changed my mind,” he said. “As long as you’re by my side, I’m satisfied with one human lifetime.”

Leaning forward, I kissed him gently. His hand cupped my face, and he deepened the kiss. When he parted his lips, I licked into his warm mouth, then pulled back to look into his eyes.

“That sounds perfect to me,” I said, meaning it with all my heart.

EPILOGUE

It was nearly afternoon when my mother, Wren, arrived to watch the children. I didn’t mind. I had plenty of chores to do around the house that day. However, as the hours passed, my anxiety grew. As one of the community healers, I needed to check on several people that day. I glanced out the window for the tenth time and spotted my mother crossing the street.

My mom was in her sixties now, but you wouldn’t know it from this distance. She was still lean and strong, moving with grace. Her steps made her curls bounce as she jogged the short distance to the door. As she got closer, I could see her dark hair streaked with gray and soft lines on her friendly face. I reached up and touched the corner of my own mouth, hoping I would look like her as I aged.

We greeted each other warmly, and then my mom headed straight for her youngest grandchild. She scooped up the little boy and set him on her hip, where he fit perfectly.

“Where are you off to?” she asked.

“I have several stops to make, but I’m headed first to see Julian. He was stable last night, and I told Vincent to get me if anything changed. Now that it’s daytime, I still want to stop by.”

My mother nodded. “Please send my love. Let him know I’ll come by later to visit.”