A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

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She felt a rush of warmth in the region of her heart.

He loved her beyond her ability to comprehend and with that realizationcame a truth she had thus far refused to acknowledge.

She was in love with him.Loved him in this life as surely as she had loved him in all the others. The thought made her giddy with excitement, and filled her with a sudden sense of dread. She had died in his arms in all her previous lives. Was she destined to die in his arms this time, as well? If so, was it possible to change her fate?

Throwing back the covers, she slid out of bed and headed for the kitchen. She couldn't be expected to think clearly without her morning jolt of caffeine.

She stared out the window while she waited for the coffee to perk. She loved Dominic.

The thought lingered in the back of her mind the rest of the day. She thought of him while she showered, while she painted, while she ate lunch, while she walked in the gardens, while she counted the hours until sunset when she would see him again. And each time she thought of him, happiness welled within her, bringing a smile to her face.

She loved Dominic.

And then, as the sun began to sink behind the wall, she was overcome with nervousness. Did she dare admit she loved him? If she confessed how she felt, would he ever let her go? Did she want to be free of him? What sort of future could a mortal have with a vampire? Was it possible for him to become mortal again? Could she… she thrust the thought away. She had refused to accept the Dark Gift in every past life. That, at least, had not changed. She could not imagine herself as a vampire, forever doomed to dwell in darkness, never to see the light of day again,forced to drink blood for eternity. How could she face the future if she knew she would never again be able to satisfy her craving for dark chocolate, or enjoy a milk shake on a hot summer day, or indulge in a piece of lemon meringue pie?

She sensed his presence before he appeared. There was a familiar tremor in the air and suddenly he was standing beside her.Tall and dark and more handsome than the law allowed. Black jeans hugged his long legs, a black sweater emphasized the width of his shoulders.

His nearness made her tremble.

Bemused, Dominic lifted one brow. "Surely, after all this time, you cannot be afraid of me?"
"No. I'm not afraid. Not anymore."

"What is it, then?"

"I'm just happy to see you. I missed you today." "Indeed?"

She nodded, her heart pounding with happiness and anticipation. What would he say when she told him