Page 120 of Fighting for Her Heart

Her expression changes sharply and she looks away.

“What did I say? Anna. I’m so sorry.”

Shaking her head, she turns back to me. “No, your assumption about the utility of a blood partner isentirelycorrect—at least in most cases. However Timur was chosen by the king to be my blood partner, because…because, as I said, I was only seventeen, and had suffered trauma, and because, because as a eunuch Timur could not…”

“Oh!” Suddenly I remember that particular word from history books. Eunuchs are men missing their genitals—or parts of them? “Eunuchs don’t have…”

“Stones.” Anna finishes my thought. “But…” She looks away again.

“What is it?” I ask, wondering how she satisfied her sexual urges after feedings, without having sex with Timur, given he can’t get erect. Fingers and tongues never did it for me. Especially not after I became a vampire. After feedings, did she have sex with someone else, instead of Timur? Does she feel guilty about that?

“What’s wrong, Anna?” It seems clear she wants to talk about this with someone.

“I recently discovered a deception,” she says softly.

“What was it?” I squeeze her hand. “I don’t mean to pry. You don’t need to tell me.”

“No, no. It was I who raised the subject, and I very much want to discuss this with…may I call you a friend?”

“Of course.” I smile.

She looks into my eyes. “I have recently discovered that… It turns out that Timur isnota eunuch.”

“Oh.” I bite my lip. “Anna, I’m sorry to ask this, but all those years, after feeding from each other, you two never…”

“Not ever.” She shakes her head. “Timur has never touched me. Not in a sexual manner.”

“Then how… I’m sorry. It’s just…” If I’d been able to resist sex after feeding, so many things would have been less complicated. “I’m sorry, Anna. Does Timur prefer men? Is that it? And how do you satisfy—”

Someone knocks on the door. Timur enters.

“I apologize for the interruption, Your Highness, but you have an urgent meeting with the Mariano syndicate.”

Sighing, Anna gets off the sofa.

I rise too, and she pulls me into an embrace. “I apologize that I must cut short our visit. I hope that we can finish this conversation at a later date?”

“Of course.”

She leans back from me. “I am very glad to call you my friend.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Ember

I glancearound the familiar offices. It’s only been a few months, but it feels so strange to be back here at Sanctuary House.

“Ember!” Shana bounds through the office like a tsunami, and everyone else shifts their attention toward me, a few of the staff smiling and waving.

Since I only came in once a week, on average, and mostly dealt with Shana, I never had friends at the office, and I can see now that they probably thought me strange. The girl who won’t go out after dark.

Shana pulls me into a tight hug, her much larger body engulfing mine and her familiar soapy scent even more prominent than it used to be—a result of my heightened sense of smell, no doubt. I can hear and smell and practically taste her blood too as it races through her veins, but it doesn’t tempt me. I’ve eaten. Although I expect that Shana’s blood is delicious given her diet—balanced between fresh healthy food, and lots of fabulous cheeses and rich desserts. Eating well is one part of her wealthy upbringing that Shana didn’t leave behind when she went into the not-for-profit world.

My former boss pulls back and, holding me by the shoulders, looks into my eyes.

“Lamby.” She shakes her head. “I was so worried about you when Mr. Zuben called to tell me you wouldn’t be coming back to work here. Especially since I knew you’d gone on a date with that rough looking guy with the tattoos—and gold bars.” She winks. “But girl…” She whistles slightly. “You are looking fine. So fine.” She brushes her fingers over my cheek. “You’re glowing.”

I smile. I feel like I’m glowing.