Chapter 36

GRACE

^THREE DAYS LATER ^

My head was throbbing, and my body felt like it was made of lead. I was surrounded by darkness, and even though I tried to open my eyes, my eyelids were too heavy to lift. My mouth felt like it was filled with cotton.

I didn’t know how I was going to pull through, but I knew I had to. Haven must be going through hell without me.

“Grace.”

His voice reached me, and I wanted to respond, but my body wouldn’t cooperate.

“I miss you, my love.”

The pain and sadness in his voice tore at my heart. I could feel his body against mine, and it felt colder than usual.

How could that be? Vampires were already so cold. Then it dawned on me. He must not be feeding properly.

I tried to make my body respond, and the best I could do was squeeze his hand. I felt him tense up next to me as soon as he felt my touch.

“Grace?” he called again.

I forced my body to squeeze his hand again, and I succeeded. He gasped and held me close. His scent filled my nostrils, and I let out a sigh of relief. I missed him so much. I felt safe and at home in his arms.

“Oh God. Sweetheart, I’m so happy,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.

I felt his tears fall on my cheek, but I still couldn’t open my eyes. He held me close, whispering sweet words. He must have been really scared for me to lose his composure like that.

“Ha...Ven...,” I managed to croak out, my throat feeling like sandpaper.

“I’ll go get you something to drink,” he said.

He stood up, and I took the chance to open my eyes. The world was blurry for a moment before my eyes adjusted.

It was night outside, and judging by the state of the bed, Haven hadn’t left my side much. He could be so intense. I must have come close to dying this time. I shivered at the thought of what happened with Silas, and Haven noticed.

“Are you cold? Do you want me to get another blanket?” he asked, handing me a glass of water.

“No,” I said after taking a sip. “I’m... okay.”

I looked into his eyes, and they were a deep ruby red. He looked paler than usual, and even thinner. There was a shadow of a beard on his jaw. That wasn’t like my usually immaculate boyfriend. It showed how much he feared the worst this time. I couldn’t blame him.

“Are you... okay?” I asked.

“I felt like I was dying when I heard you’d been kidnapped,” he answered, offering me a small smile.

“I was... scared too,” I admitted, looking down.

He pulled me back into his arms, and I snuggled against his chest. He kissed the top of my head, and I felt his body relax. I wished we could stay like this forever. I was safe, and so was he.

“Me too. But don’t worry. Silas is locked up tight for the next hundred years. He’ll never hurt you again.”

I looked into his ruby-red eyes, and he was serious. Locked? Could we really lock up a vampire like in jail?

“What did you do to him?” I asked.

“I locked him in a coffin in the basement. He can’t escape on his own, and no one will help him. I’m keeping an eye on all his offspring in our city.”

“He’s here?” I asked, worried.

“Yes. Locked up with silver and holy water. He can’t get out, sweetheart. You’re safe.”

“I trust you,” I said, burying my face in his chest.

“I hope so. I don’t deserve it after what happened, but... I want you to be safe.”

“It’s not your fault. I was the one who suggested giving the house away.”

“Yes, but I knew Silas wouldn’t let that go. I should have kept a closer eye on you, even at the club. It was arrogant of me to think he wouldn’t try to kidnap you while I was so close. I’m sorry, Grace. I hope you can forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, angel.” I smiled at him. “You’re not responsible for your brother. Don’t ruin your health over this.”

I traced the shadows under his eyes, and he kissed my fingers, making me smile even wider. He was still breathtaking, but I wanted him to take care of himself too. I wouldn’t be happy if he was sick because of me.

“I’ll eat something now that I know you’re okay. Do you want me to prepare a bath?” he asked.

“Yes, I’d love that. I feel... Well, I’m sure I smell worse.”

“You always smell wonderful to me.” He smiled before kissing my head.

I knew he was lying, but I appreciated it. He was so sweet. He stood up to go to the bathroom, and I tried to move a bit.

My body felt stiff, but I knew I could manage. As if sensing my struggle, Haven scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the bathroom.

“Do you need help undressing, babe?” he asked, sitting me on the edge of the bathtub.

“Yes, please.” I chuckled.

He helped me out of my clothes, and there was no lust in his eyes this time. Only love. I would never tire of that look, and I remembered that he confessed his love for me in my dream. I hoped to hear that again soon.

“Are you going to join me in the bath?” I asked.

“I’ll eat first because I haven’t since the last time I fed off you, and your scent is too tempting right now. I don’t want to hurt you when I just got you back.”

He helped me into the warm water once I was completely naked. He kissed my forehead, then left the bathroom.

He was probably headed to the kitchen to warm up some blood. I was relieved he wouldn’t be taking mine, considering the mere thought still made my stomach churn.

The water’s warmth was comforting, cleansing me from the inside out. I was safe with Haven, and Silas wouldn’t dare come near me again.

That was a relief. I was still a bit shaky, but nothing a hearty meal and a warm embrace from my beloved couldn’t fix.

Haven returned with a mug in his hand, placing it on the edge of the tub before sliding in behind me. I hadn’t noticed he was naked until then, and I was disappointed I’d missed the view.

“Why the long face, sweetheart? Is the water too hot?” he asked, pulling me against his chest.

“You were naked...and I didn’t notice.” I sighed.

“If that’s all, then it’s no big deal.” He laughed. “You’ll have plenty of time to admire me when we get back to bed.”

“I like the sound of that.” I sighed. “Your eyes are still red.”

“Yeah. This won’t be enough to make up for four days without feeding. I’ll need to drink more than usual.”

“That’s why you brought the mug,” I said, glancing at it.

“Right. I don’t want to hurt you. My thirst can wait until you’re feeling better.”

“I appreciate that because I can’t offer you mine right now.”

“I know, darling, and that’s okay,” he said softly. “I can wait a bit longer. I’ve waited centuries to taste your blood. A few more days won’t hurt.”

“You’re perfect.” I sighed.

He chuckled and held me tighter, his hands gently caressing my arms and legs. It felt so good I could have drifted off to sleep right then and there.

“I’m not, or you wouldn’t be hurt.”

“Quiet. It’s not your fault.”

I realized too late that I’d overstepped. Haven might be concerned about my health now, but he was still my dominant and I was his submissive. I shouldn’t have spoken to him like that.

“I’ll let it slide this time, but be careful, Grace. I’m still in charge here.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” I said in a small voice.

“It’s okay. You won’t be punished for a while.” He smiled at me.

“That’s a relief.” I chuckled. “Let’s wait a few days before we get back into the swing of things. If that’s okay with you.”

“Absolutely. Take all the time you need, darling.”

We lingered in the bath a bit longer, then it was time to return to bed. We settled in, and I snuggled against his chest. I could have sworn he was purring with contentment to have me back.

I was just as happy to be back. I’d missed him terribly, and being in the dark was no place for me. From now on, I wanted to bask in Haven’s light.