Page 143 of Dark Flame

Harlow’s fingers slide down my arm until linking between mine. “Still. He’s the only one you had from your time. Even when he was against you, you still thought of him as a friend.”

Except her. Harlow isn’t fleeting.

“It doesn’t matter,” I say, my throat filling with an emotion I don’t understand. “It’s over.”

She huffs, shaking her head. “Take the sympathy, ancient bloodsucker.”

“Ancient bloodsucker,” I repeat, amused with her moniker. “You’re a bloodsucker too, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I won’t call you ancient if youfinallyadmit how old you are. You’re so weird about your age, but if we have forever together, it’s only fair I know.”

“Make you a deal; we have to find shelter within the next few hours. We can find somewhere close by or begin the trek back to Banff. It’s a couple hours away. Your choice because I don’t know how you feel about returning.”

She blinks. “Didn’t catch a deal in that.”

I knock against her shoulder. “Answer the question.”

Amusement slides away, replaced by a deep pondering that darkens her purple eye. She nods after a moment. “Yeah, I should let Morgan know I’m alright, and thank her for all she’s done.”

“Okay. Let’s use the journey to test your new abilities. If you beat me back to Banff, I’ll tell you my true age. If I beat you, I won’t.”

Her eyes narrow, calculating her chances of beating me. “Only if you teach me how to run.”

“The same way you did as a human. One foot in front of the other.”

She scowls. “Smartass. Seriously, though.”

“I am serious. It’s exactly like you’d run as a mortal, except there’s no need to pace your breathing. Your instincts will take over and do the rest.”

“Fine.” She stands, reaching down to offer a hand.

Once I’m zipped up, I gesture in the way we’ll need to go. “I’ll give you a five-minute head start so you get comfortable in your new body.” She doesn’t move, needing another urge. “Tick, tock, Hellion, your head start is getting less and less. If you want to win…”

With a determined, set expression, she takes off, her speed making her a blur to the untrained eye. But mine? I see every luscious curve of her body, every dip in the path she takes.

I give her ten minutes. As a new vampire, there’s no chance for her to beat me. My strength is greater than hers, but her attempt to win will be an enjoyment regardless.

The monster inside paces at the sight of our Bride getting farther away, especially after she was already placed in danger today. But I force myself still, counting down the seconds until following.

Just like the time I chased her after her escape attempt, few urges carry me toward her:

Chase.

Hunt.

Fuck.

And fuck again…

And again.

Sixty

HARLOW

Alec’s speedproves I have no shot of beating him all the way to Banff, which means Istilldon’t get his age.

Yet. Iwillfigure it out.