Page 95 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“Why?” I snapped. “I hardly know you.”

“Hardly is a strong word for people fucking day and night.”

“It doesn’t mean anything—”

“Good sex means something in my book. Now, talk to me.”

I looked away.

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t care, Clara.”

I kept my eyes on the ocean.

“Maybe the dreams would stop if you got it off your chest—”

“Geez, you’re nosy.”

He was quiet for a while. “I would share something personal with you if I had something to share. But I don’t.”

“That’s sad. I’m not sure who I feel worse for—you or me.”

“I admit, life has been a bit predictable…”

I ignored him, wanting this conversation to end.

“I’ve never loved a woman and lost her. Two of my brothers have, and that wasn’t fun to watch. Do you know why we became vampires in the first place?”

“No…”

“My parents and three brothers and I grew up on a farm. A big farm. We all went to market while my mother stayed home. When we returned, we found that raiders had robbed our home—and raped and killed my mother.”

I closed my eyes, the image too much to bear.

“There were too many of them. Too few of us. So we became strong—and ripped them to pieces.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Yeah, it was pretty shitty. It’s been so long now that I have a hard time picturing my mother’s face. I wish I had a painting of her, but the assholes ransacked the place and destroyed most of it.”

I felt terrible.

“That’s the moment that’s defined the rest of my life.”

“Did your father remarry?”

He released a quiet scoff. “My father has a heart of stone now. He’s never been the same. I’m sure his bed is frequented by enthusiasts, but they’re just a means to an end.” He stared at the side of my face, waiting for me to look at him.

I met his stare.

“Your turn.”

It was hard to start. Didn’t know where to begin. “Aegnor was everything I thought I wanted. Different from the other elves. Marched to the beat of his own drum. Asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”

“So you did love him.”

I was too ashamed to admit I ever had. “My father didn’t approve. Said he didn’t trust him. I thought he was being overprotective, but it turns out, he couldn’t have been more right. I came to realize he already loved someone else…and he was just using me to get the throne. Once he got it, I’m not sure what his plan was…to kill me? Make it look like an accident? I’m glad I’ll never find out.” My gaze dropped because I couldn’t handle the judgment in his eyes. Everyone in Evanguard thought I was a fool. It was the most embarrassing moment of my life. “Most of the elves believe I’m unfit to be their ruler. If I didn’t notice a snake in my own garden, how could they trust me to protect them all? It’s a harsh question—but a fair one.” My eyes remained down, unsure why I’d told him a story that cast me in a horrible light.

“You loved someone without suspicion because you have a full heart. That’s more than most people can say because they’re too broken and harsh. I’m sorry that happened to you, and they’re all wrong for assuming a single mistake makes you unfit to be their queen. You’re no fool, and that asshole will come to regret the day he crossed you.”