Page 70 of Reapers Don’t Ride

That was the price? That I look after Ever? I glanced at him. He looked irritated and slightly amused. “I don’t understand,” I said slowly. “What’s the price?”

“The price?” The Commander stared at me, confused.

“Nothing is free.”

He cocked his head, and his smile became bittersweet. “You paid the price by loving Gavriel. Also, being alive means that you’ve lost your vampire strength, speed, and invulnerability. You’ll be weak for a long time. You’ll never be Ruby Blood again. You’ll have limitations. Some people seek immortality that you’ve lost.”

I studied him, at the truth that blazed in his eyes. The price for life was weakness? That would take some getting used to, but for life? It was nothing. I slowly smiled at him and then at Ever. He wasn’t anything close to death, and he was over a hundred and fifty years old. I probably wasn’t going to die any time soon. “I’m guessing that he’s asking me to watch you to help give me a sense of purpose, which will help me with this impossible transition. You’re nothing close to death.”

The Commander winced. “That’s right. I’m dealing with Ever’s daughter. I am also genuinely concerned that Ever will pour too much into you, leaving him weak and wan. I think that if you cause his death, it will set you back. Also, a good angel will be gone without having seen his grandchildren.”

I reached out and grabbed Ever’s wrist. I checked the temperature, pulse and the feel of his papery skin. My nerves weren’t as sensitive, but he felt steadily alive. “We wouldn’t want him to die without seeing these mythical grandchildren we aren’t burdening me with before Gavriel is even aware that I’m human. He may simply be addicted to being drained by me and want nothing to do with a live girl.” My heart clenched and breathing became difficult. Was that possible? More possible than me coming back to life.

The Commander smiled at me. “I suppose that’s possible. Like you only want him for his blood.”

I scowled at him. “That’s why you sent him away, because he’d never agree to risk my pathetic vampire life with something as impossible as transitioning from death, not to fetch some marvelous talisman.”

He winked at me and patted my hand. “Of course. But you’re the one who grabbed Tranquility. That was suicide.”

“It was necessary.”

“It was death. You couldn’t continue as a vampire, but perhaps you can continue as something else. After a hundred years, aren’t you ready for a change?”

I blinked at the Commander. Team Leader. Richard’s dad, stomach churning, heart aching. “Thank you.”

He patted my hand. “That streak of sense, you inherited it from your grandmother.”

Ever snorted.

I fell asleep to the sound of their low quarrelling. That was how two powerful and awkward angels communicated their love. Brothers in combat, friends for life. Life. That really was a miracle.