Page 137 of Eternal Surrender

Sensing Ingrid’s approach, I continued to direct my attention toward the horizon, not quite ready to see what she might convey.

Standing side by side with nothing but the sound of the rolling waves caressing the shoreline, Ingrid and I shared a moment of calm and eventually she snuggled against me. I wrapped my arm around her, feeling her warmth as she relaxed.

“Jadeon,” she whispered at last, squeezing me tighter.

I realized I’d been holding my breath.

“How does drinking your blood help me get my memory back?” She looked up at me.

“Apparently for a mortal,” I began, “blending imbibed blood with your augmented arousal initiates a biochemical reaction, and a transformation naturally induces a heightened state of awareness.”

“And afterward I’ll remember everything?”

I gave a reluctant smile.

She sucked on her bottom lip, her gaze drifting.

Affectionately, I rubbed her back. “How about you just believe everything I’ve told you?”

She gave what looked like an unconvincing nod. “I’ve been trying to work out who’s the dominant one.” She lifted her head away from my chest and peered up. “Orpheus had a penchant for terrorizing people.” She watched me carefully.

“Jadeon’s tamed the dragon.”

“I can see that.” She took my hand. “Do you really believe those ancient scrolls hold the key to reversing this?”

“They’re my only hope, apparently.”

“I’ll help you find them.”

I squeezed her hand, wanting to tell her that through her strength, I was finding mine. Though facing death terrified me, virtually incapacitating me from finding my way back.

She turned to see my face clearly. “How does it feel?”

“I’ve almost managed to still these clashing thoughts. I feel normal.” I gave a shrug. “Perhaps normal isn’t right. Centered.” I searched for the words. “It feels like William was always here.”

“I wish you’d have told me who you really are, William.”

“There were so many times I wanted to.” I shook my head. “You still doubt it, even now.” I gave her a nudge. “Can’t blame you.”

She gazed out over the ocean. “On more than one occasion, I’d have sworn I caught sight of Jadeon in your eyes.” She shook her head.

“I’m sorry for everything I’ve put you through.”

“You’ve been strong for me. Now it’s my turn.”

I went to answer but was too choked up to let the words find their freedom.

“Your friends adore you,” she said, “so you must be doing something right.”

I coughed, clearing the emotion from my throat. “Trusting the word of a vampire?” I pulled a face. “Foolish at best.”

She softened as though her thoughts had returned to those last few hours we’d shared.

“You take my breath away, Ingrid Jansen.” I reached just below her right eye using my thumb to wipe away smudged mascara. “I’m grateful you’re hanging in there with me.”

Marcus strolled toward us and stopped short a few feet away as though trying to judge whether he’d interrupted something.

“Marcus,” I said, warmly inviting him to join us. “How is your sister?”