Page 53 of Visions of You

"What kind of sacrifice?" Jaron demanded.

He'd do anything for Keegan.

Well, almost…

He wasn't going to kill another person so he could be happy with his mate.

The way Keegan looked at him, though, he got the feeling that was exactly what they would need to do if they wanted to change their fate.

"There's got to be another way," Jaron said before Keegan could even speak the words.

Would the vampire seriously consider it? Sacrificing someone?

"There isn't another way," Keegan said.

"There has to be," Jaron insisted. "I'll help you find it."

Keegan fixed him with a look. "If this is too much for you maybe you should rethink dating a vampire."

"Are we dating now?"

"Isn't that what you want?"

"I want so much more than that."

Keegan's features darkened. "All the more reason for you to reconsider."

"I won't," Jaron said firmly.

Keegan looked at him for a long moment, then he shook his head. "You really are too persistent for your own good."

"It's one of my best qualities," Jaron said. "Along with my dashing good looks and charming personality, of course."

"Of course," Keegan said drily.

Jaron glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. He wasn't prepared to let this topic go, but he knew he had to get to work. Apollo was counting on him, and they had a kidnapper to catch.

"I have to head into the office," Jaron said reluctantly, standing up from his chair. "Don't sacrifice anything or anyone while I'm gone."

Keegan's hand shot out, grabbing Jaron's wrist before he could take a step. "Wait."

Jaron looked down at his mate, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Keegan let go of Jaron's wrist and grabbed a piece of paper, scribbling something down quickly. "I worked on this before I started my research," he said, handing the paper to Jaron. "It'san updated list of potential victims. I'm sure I got the right names this time."

Jaron scanned the list, his heart sinking at the thought of more people being taken. He looked back at Keegan, trying to muster up a smile. "But nothing is ever written in stone, right?" he asked, hoping Keegan would catch the subtle reference to their own fate.

Keegan's expression remained impassive, though, and he didn't take the bait. "Just be careful out there," he said instead.

Jaron nodded, folding the paper and tucking it into his pocket. He turned to leave, but then paused, looking back at Keegan. "Hey, before I go, can I get your number?"

Keegan hesitated for a moment, then held out his hand. "Give me your phone."

Jaron handed it over, watching as Keegan typed his number into Jaron's contacts. When he was done, Keegan passed the phone back.

"There," he said. "Now you can reach me whenever you need to."

Jaron grinned, feeling a little thrill at the idea of being able to contact his vampire whenever he wanted. Oh, the dirty messages he could text him, the pictures he could send… He quickly typed on his display, and a second later, Keegan's phone buzzed in his pants.