Blood Lust Read Free Page A

friends and family. How they will react to his not aging as quickly as they. Yesterday morning his mind was filled with doubt as to the wisdom of being bonded to a vampire. He seems to think I will tire of him as he ages and will look for a new companion. Of course, I would do no such thing…”
    “And you have told him this?”
    “Yes, but he is human, and as you know only too well, they are not always easily persuaded, not always rational in their thinking. Human emotions can be like quicksilver at times.”
    Marcus smiled wryly. “This I know, and their actions can be just as irrational. Before Roger became vampire, his spontaneity could sometimes be alarming. Even now… But you did not come here to listen to tales of Roger’s unpredictable nature.” He took a long sip of his wine then put his glass down on the bar. “Let me ask you this. Have you considered the consequences of becoming mortal?”
    Andrew stared at him with widening eyes “You mean it’s possible?”
    “I did not say that. To be honest, I have never heard of any vampire reverting to mortality. But if it were possible, the fact that you are over two hundred years old would have some effect on your physiology. The human body is not designed to live forever. I imagine that you would age overnight, perhaps even crumble to dust in an instant. Hardly the result you intend, Andrew.”
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    BLOOD LUST
    J.P. Bowie
    14
     
    “But if it could be done over a period of time. Perhaps if I stopped drinking human blood…”
    “Then you would simply grow weak. You would not become mortal, Andrew—and imagine how Tommy would react to seeing you in such a state. No, my friend, such a thing is not possible, I’m afraid. Relationships with mortals are tenuous at best. However, they are not impossible—Ron and Jean-Claude seem to manage well. Perhaps Tommy should talk with Ron or Christopher, Carlos’ lover.”
    Andrew nodded. “I expected that such a thing was not possible. I just thought that if anyone would know of it, it would be you.”
    “Have you heard from Jared recently?” Marcus asked, changing the subject none too subtly.
    “He and Joey are in New York.”
    “There again, another mortal-vampire union.” Marcus smiled and motioned Andrew towards the plush wingback chairs by the fireplace. “I really do think you are worrying needlessly, Andrew. Tommy and you are in love, and love makes all things possible.”
    They spent the rest of their time seated by the fireplace, engaged in small talk until Andrew felt he had wasted enough of Marcus’ evening and rose to take his leave, thanking him for his time and patience.
    “There is an alternative,” Marcus said as he walked Andrew to the door.
    “One that you do not fully approve of.”
    Marcus acknowledged this with a slight nod. “It is my belief that humans should be changed only after understanding all the consequences, and only if they are completely willing—even if their mortal life is in danger.”
    Andrew smiled sadly. “I think that is a choice Tommy would never make. It would put him even more at odds with the doubts that already cloud his mind.”
     

     
    It was a quiet night at the fire station. Tommy and his friend, Alex Benson, had worked out, eaten a large pizza between them, and now Tommy was reading a magazine while his buddy lay on a bench gently snoring. The rest of the crew were sitting around likewise napping, reading or gabbing. Some nights were like this—no alarms, no distress calls from www.total-e-bound.com
     
    BLOOD LUST
    J.P. Bowie
    15
     
    pet owners trying to get their cat down from a tree, no vagrant wandering in looking for a cup of coffee and a handout.
    Quiet. Too quiet. Tommy tossed his magazine aside with a soft sigh. Times like this when he didn’t have enough to occupy his mind and body were when he thought about his relationship with Andrew, and just where the hell it was all heading. He loved the guy—
    loved him more than