“Was he aware of what you did?”
I sat down behind my desk and grabbed one of the napkins, my fingers fidgeting with the white paper. “Not until after he woke up. We left some blood bags for him, but he destroyed them. I don’t know what to do, Henry. I don’t think he’ll let anyone into his world.”
“Then you need to upset his world,” he said, his eyes boring into mine.
I tore the napkin in two. “How can I do that if I can’t even get near him?”
“Eve, you’ve been watching him for a long time. What have you learned?”
I frowned, trying to think. No one ever approached Lucien, and when he did encounter someone, it was always deliberate and ended badly for the other person. Until now. “He chooses to be alone.”
“You’re right. So if you can’t go to him, make him come to you.” His voice, always calm, had a hint of playfulness to it.
I wasn’t sure how I could do that, but it made sense. Henry leaned over and stopped my hands from continuing to shred the napkin. “You need to want this with every fiber of your being. It will be difficult and frightening at first, but if you really commit, you will get through to him.”
I tossed the napkin away and sighed. “You’re right. I’ve been afraid, but I do want this. I know there is good in him.” I nodded. “I’ll do it. I’ll find a way to make him come to me.”
***
The moment I committed to Lucien, I felt something new grow inside me like a determined spring chick anxious to shed its cramped shell. I let it all go—including my doubts and fears for the future. My experiences up to this point, whether good or bad, had made me who I was today. If I could, would I change any of it? A month, or even a week ago, I would’ve said yes. I always thought that if I could go back to my younger self, I would tell her to run away because she wasn’t strong enough for the storm brewing in her future. But now I know that storm was crucial to my development. I needed those moments as much as a caterpillar needs a cocoon.
I am ready.
No more doubts.
No more fears.
I knew who I was, and I deserved to be happy. Finally, I believed this.
I left work early to prepare myself for what was to come. I vowed to become something beautiful in Lucien’s life no matter the cost. His soul was as valuable as mine. When the clock turned midnight, I had only to think of Lucien to be near him. My ability no longer required me to be asleep.
I found him standing between two warehouses down by the marina. He was gazing into the stormy night sky; the occasional crack of lightening reflected in his blue eyes. I couldn’t read his stony expression, but at least he looked well, which meant he had fed.
Lucien didn’t feel my approach. I circled him until we came face to face.
“Lucien,” I whispered.
His eyes closed as if feeling a gentle breeze.
I leaned forward on the tips of my toes and gently brushed my lips against his.
“I’m coming for you.”
About the Author
Rachel was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she’s not in her writing lair, she’s partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…
Visit Rachel McClellan’s website at www.RachelMcClellan.com to read her other many novels, including the exciting sequel to The Devil’s Fool, The Devil’s Angel, book two in the Devil Series!