Page 148 of Vampires of Eden

I exhale a groan and rub my hands against my face in utter frustration as my heart sinks. “Danny, it isn’t like that.”

“It’s exactly like that.”

“You said that you’d try?—”

“I also said that I neededtimeto wrap my head around all this stuff—the pomp and circumstance of an Eden engagement. You said you understood!”

My shoulders drop. I don’t know what to do. Or what to say. How can we do this together if I have to hide him from the vampires in my life? How can it work? I don’t want him to be a secret, but it feels as if he’s forcing my hand.

Daniel steps out of the bathroom, shirtless. His duffle bag is in one hand and his sweater is in the other. Abruptly, he catches sight of me and pauses in his movement.

“What’s that look for? You know where I stand on this, Alexander. I’ve told you.”

“I know. You have.”

“Then why do you have that look on your face—Ihatethat look.”

“What look?”

“Like I’m breaking your heart!”

We’re silent. Buffy nudges my elbow and I twist, caressing her back as I calm my emotions.

“Talk to me,” Daniel says, setting his bag and sweater on the floor at his side.

Focused on Buffy, I gather my thoughts. “I know that you want to protect yourself, and I understand why. I just… need you to understand thatIwant to protect you, too. I wouldn’t put you in a situation where you’d be chastised or looked down on. That’s all.”

Daniel walks over and I’m surprised when he shifts down onto his knees in front of me, commanding my attention. His palms rest beside my hips as he looks up into my face.

“Do you want me to meet your father?” he asks.

“Yes, I do.”

He sighs and lays his forehead against the top of my knee. He doesn’t speak. With my free hand, I play with the length of his braid.

“Please stay,” I say softly. “You can trust me.”

“I trust you. It’s other vampires that I don’t trust.” Daniel lifts his head, frowning. “Why am I jealous of this cat?”

“Don’t be jealous of the cat. I’m capable of loving you both.”

“Yes, but she’s obviously the easier one to love.”

“That’s not true. If it’s any consolation, I’ve probably loved you much longer. I just… didn’t know what to call it when I was fourteen and when I first saw you.” I give the length of his braid a playful tug.

Daniel’s chest rises and falls in a breath as he nods. “I’ll meet him. I’ll stay for lunch.”

CHAPTER 35

Daniel

I’m back in Alexander’s bed, out of my pants and eating cherries as a coping mechanism to distract myself from the anxiety sitting in my chest.

I’m edgy as hell. I hate being nervous like this.

For two years, I’ve done everything within my power to pad my environment and make it comfortable. Yes, I love Alexander and I want to be with him, but… this is not easy. I knew it wouldn’t be.

“Do you need to feed?”