"I don't understand."
A soft rain started to fall. I held out my hands; the raindrops were blazing hot and turned to blood the minute they touched my fingertips.
"His blood calls to you." Cassius nodded in understanding. "Better return to him before he takes a bite."
"But you didn't tell me—"
I jolted awake to see Ethan hovering over me, his eyes completely black. "Tell me you didn't touch him. Tell me!" he roared.
I shook my head, my heart slamming against my chest. "I didn't touch him."
Ethan closed his eyes and swore. "I can't protect you in your dreams."
I reached for his face, shocked that he let me touch him now that the transition was over. "Then you'll have to trust me."
"Trust is earned."
"So let me try to earn it." I fought back angry tears.
He turned his head in my hand and kissed my palm. "I feel like I've already failed you. And that's the truth."
His breath was hot against my skin. I was afraid to move my hand, afraid it would shatter the moment. "Then stop failing."
"Not that simple," he whispered.
"Make it."
Black soulless eyes met mine. "Give me time."
"Do we have that? Time?"
He shuddered then leaned over me; his muscular body coming into contact with mine had me trembling with need. "I honestly hope so."
His lips grazed my neck.
I stopped breathing altogether.
"You taste like rain."
"I was on a lake."
"Dark Ones love water."
"Why?" I loved the feel of his lips against my neck as he talked.
"Because they love their own reflections."
I burst out laughing. It felt good.
Soon Ethan joined me and pulled my body on top of his. "Sleep, Genesis."
"No more dreams?"
"He can only invade once in a night."
"Oh… good." I yawned and stretched my arms above my head.
"Do that again, and I won't be held responsible for my own actions," he said in a husky voice.