Page 43

REMY

Dropped the ball?

You have no idea. I laugh at the devil.

I’ve dropped everything.

Now, I’m breaking.

Memories leak through the cracks melted open by his venom.

The man I used to be glowers at the monster I’ve become. I was a general, groomed to kill creatures like myself.

I’ve forgotten all of that.

I’ve forgotten all the human rules that used to bind me.

“Iris.” Irisirisirisirisiris. I chant her name and try to take cover in her soul.

Her body is the dream.

All soft, warm curves and a never-ending flow of fruit-drenched blood—she’s enough to slake lifetimes of unrelenting thirst.

I don’t want to remember. “I want to stay here. With you.”

“You’re. Here. I’m— here! ” she stutters in breathy gasps.

The grip of her soul keeps me grounded.

Her pulse.

Her flavor.

Her sweet pussy and the glow of her soul.

Animal , the voice of my old conscience whispers.

Yes.

That’s what I am.

That’s what I have to be.

Anything to stay with her.