Page 88 of Bad Moon Rising (Dark-Hunter 17)
"You can't."
She growled at him. "Why not?"
He leaned his forehead against her cheek while he cupped her face with his hand. "Because if I see you there, I won't be able to go through with it and I can't do that to my brother." He looked up at her and the painful torment in his eyes scorched her. "Do you understand? I have to do this alone." He brushed her tears away with the back of his hand. "I love you, Aimee."
Those words infuriated her. "Now you say that? Now? What is wrong with you?"
He smiled tenderly. "I never once in my life had good timing. Too late to start now."
She pulled him to her and held him close. "I love you, Fang. Damn you to hell for it!" Then she took her necklace from around his neck and and placed it in his hand. "If I can't be with you . . ."
He clutched it tight and repeated the words that were engraved in it. "Where I am always thou art. Thy image lives within my heart."
She nodded as more tears flowed. "Mate or no mate, you are the only one I'll ever love."
He kissed her gently before he made himself leave her. If he didn't go now, he'd chicken out completely.
Because honestly, it was hard to justify his brother's happiness and life by breaking the heart of the only woman he'd ever really loved.
It's all right, he told himself. He'd be waiting for her on the other side. One day he'd see her again and there the demon wouldn't have any control over him. He wouldn't have to fear ever hurting her.
She would be safe and there wouldn't be anyone who could keep them apart.
But in this life, he had to do the right thing.
Sick to his stomach, he dressed himself and took one last look at Aimee. Completely naked, she kissed his hand that held her locket.
He bent down to take one last breath in her hair so that her scent would give him strength and carry him to his grave. "I love you," he whispered, then he made himself leave.
Fang!" Aimee gasped, feeling desolate without him. How would she be able to live knowing he was really gone?
At least in the past there was always the chance that he'd come to his senses and be here.
But now . . .
He was going to die and there was nothing she could do.
Go get him!
The urge was so strong. If only she could. But Fang would never forgive her for that. How could he? She knew the pain of living without her brothers. The unrelenting agony of knowing she'd been the reason they had been caught and killed. They had protected her and given their lives so that she could live.
She couldn't wish that pain on Fang.
No, it would be Vane who would suffer, knowing that his happiness had been bought in blood. Fang's blood.
Besides, Savitar had issued his orders. If Fang didn't surrender, Savitar would hunt him down. He would die anyway.
Heartbroken, Aimee dressed herself and sat on the bed, trying to use her powers to see him.
Savitar wouldn't even allow her that much comfort.
Fang materialized in Savitar's opulent hall where the Omegrion council met.
Completely empty, the room had windows that were open and looking out onto a beautiful sea. Fang closed his eyes as the soft wind brushed his skin and ruffled his hair. The salt in the air was as sweet as the birds that sang outside.
It was a beautiful day to die.
He slid Aimee's locket into his pocket at the same time he felt the fissure of power rippling behind him.
"So you came alone." Savitar appeared in front of him, dressed in a black wet suit. His hair was plastered back from his face and still dripping wet.
"Was I not supposed to?"
Savitar snorted as he wiped some of the droplets off his face. "I didn't know if you'd have it in you or not."
"Guess I'm full of surprises."
He didn't appear to appreciate Fang's sarcasm. "You know the charges against you?"
"I was told murder."
"Fourteen counts. How do you plead?"
Fang shrugged with a nonchalance he most definitely didn't feel. "I suppose most people go down on their hands and knees."
Savitar laughed, then sobered. "But not you."
"Nope. Never." He narrowed his gaze on Savitar. "Honestly, I have no memory of murdering anyone, but if I did it, I'm here for my punishment."
Savitar rubbed his chin with his thumb. "You never flinch, do you?"
"It's not in me. But I expect you to abide by your word and spare my family."
"You've nothing to say on your own behalf?"
"Not really."
"Then prepare to die."
