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I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Alexander nodded. “We’ll never be able to repay you.”

Newry shook his head and stared hard at Alexander. “I believe you were there for my daughter, whether you’re willing to admit it to yourself or not. It comforts me to realize that much, at least.”

I faced Alexander. He exhaled carefully, then nodded at the doctor and said, “We’ll find a way to keep in touch.” As he took my hand and we turned to head out of the chamber door, he stilled, focused on the doctor and added, “If you uncover whether two donors who’ve ingested vampire blood can have children, I’d be grateful to know.”

The doctor nodded, and said brusquely, “I’ll do my best to find out. Just...take care of yourself, and of this wonderful woman you’ve found.” His smile warmed his craggy face. “And never forget that sometimes fate drags us through the worst trials and tribulations to get to the biggest prize.”

I released Alexander’s hand and stepped toward the doctor, hugging him before I whispered, “Say hello to Nancy for me.” I pulled back, ignoring the doctor’s watery eyes to kiss him on his leathery cheek. “Goodbye, Doctor Newry.”

I turned to Alexander. He took a final look around the nest, as though he was trying to exorcise his fears so that he could leave them at the door on the way out.

“Are you ready?” I asked gently. After all this was over, I owed Jasper a big, juicy bone.

If we couldn’t have children, we’d have Jasper, at least.

He turned to me, his eyes losing their vacant look as he focused on me. He inhaled then said huskily, “I’m ready.”

I reclaimed his hand and, as we walked to the elevator and stepped inside, he faced away from the nest and stared at me as if I was the only thing that existed... The only thing that mattered. “I love you,” he said hoarsely.

I smiled. “And I love you too.” I squeezed his hand. “We’re in this together. For always.”

Want more paranormal/science fiction stories by Mel Teshco...?

His Asset

My name is a number, or at least it had always been that way until Adam, my master, brings me to his home and calls me Bella. He almost makes me feel human—almost—but I’m as much animal as I am person, a travesty to nature according to the vile scientists who created me. That Adam also makes me feel desired, a woman he wants as his own, sends me into a tailspin I can’t control.

But then, I distrust everyone, especially men. I plan my escape, making use of my untried wings to get away. I’m exhausted when I land in a grungy part of a strange city. When a feral gang of men try to overpower me and have their wicked way, I use my powers to overthrow them, but ultimately it’s a stranger, a street-toughened man named Reuben, who saves me.

I willingly stay with him. He’s known as Chief in the underground fighting world, where he battles against other hardened men for glory and cash prizes. But behind closed doors he shows me his tender side, and he makes me feel again, filling some of the void Adam left in my heart.

Or so I thought.

It isn’t until I’m captured again by Adam that I question everything I’ve resisted. How can I want to be with this brilliant man of science even as I want to be with a man who rules the streets?

Which of them should I trust? Who do I love?

I guess I’m about to find out.