Page 39 of Worse Fates

He’d asked if I wanted a new adventure and how could I turn him down? In the years that followed we shared much, but then…maybe we didn’t share enough.

A new moonbeam shines bright into the room.

“Sen had left us to travel alone and you were lonely when I found Francisco, weren’t you?” I ask gently.

Vidar grunts noncommittally.

“And when I found Tristan you lost me again, but this time you had Rurik for company. But when I met Samuel and Rurik found his mate you…you had no one.”

Vidar’s gaze drops to his legs. “My problems aren’t yours.”

I smile sadly, I didn’t want Golden to be burdened with my problems, either.

When I stay silent, Vidar grunts. “My apathy was in the beginning stages. You lost Samuel and we both know the tragedy of Rurik’s mate. Sen had left, again. Our family was falling apart and I didn’t know how to stop it. I was desperate to cure my apathy. Then I stumbled across Ramy…he was so different from you all…gentle. I hoped, foolishly, that something within me would change.”

I move slowly to the tub, kneeling to be on his level. “Why have you never turned a woman into a vampire, Vidar?”

Vidar stares out of the window. “You weren’t the only vampire looking for your soulmate, offspring. It was easier to turn men who could only ever be a friend.”

I follow Vidar’s gaze. “Loving someone means you share not just the good, but the bad.” Maybe that’s why Golden appeared relieved when I finally got angry.

Turning back to my maker’s withered face, I say, “I think changes are in order for our family. Too long we’ve hidden ourselves, and for what reason? I agreed to share an eternal life with you and it’s time I make amends for my ignorance. Rejoin the world, Maker. You brought me to life with blood once long ago, let me repay you for that debt.”

Vidar’s mouth tugs up, it’s a brittle smile but real. “Offering you eternal life was a gift I gave willingly, and I’ve been happy with you at my side, despite my current form.”

When our eyes meet this time, I see the many memories we’ve shared together and one—maybe the most important one—is the clearest; a moonlit night, my mouth filling with his blood as he promises me a new life.

“Drink.” I lift my wrist to my Maker’s mouth.

He hesitates, fear of rejoining a world he abandoned trembling in his exhale. But I do not waver, neither did he long ago. When jagged fangs slice into my wrist, I hold strong—after all, he once told me birth, even rebirth, is painful.

Chapter Fourteen - Golden

A cold detachment settles in me as I follow Ramy. Each step heavy, every breath weighing me down further.

Kai doesn’t let go of me once. Even when Ramy leads us into a room—that could be a prison cell for all I care—Kai’s hand remains. After a quick, hushed conversation between Kai and Ramy, our new vampire friend departs.

When the door shuts, I can’t fight back the sweeping wave that crashes into me and I fall into myself, a sobbing, shaking mess

“He left.”

Before I even finish speaking, Kai’s arms are around me. “It’s okay, I got you, Golden.”

“I’m so lost, Kai.” I grab fistfuls of his leather jacket. “I don’t understand any of my feelings.”

“Mate, you need to get out of these wet clothes and sleep. Let’s handle that first. Everything else we can deal with later.”

Like the big brother he is, Kai gives orders and leaves no room for argument. Soon I’m stripped and shoved into a bed with sheets softer than clouds.

Kai was probably right, already I feel better with my head buried in the pillows.

‘They smell like home,’ is my last thought before drifting into sleep.

???

Lights dancing behind my eyes signal it’s time to wake up, even though I’d like nothing more than plopping my ass right back into dreamland. So, instead of facing the shitstorm comingmy way, I stay on my back, staring blankly at the dark grey ceiling.

I hurt Lucero. Lucero hurt me.