Everlasting Hunger (The Hunger Mate Series) by Brandy Dorsch Page A

this point but it’s becoming deeper.  I could sense your hesitation with Jasper in the back room and I believe that you felt me when I said that it would be fine, yes?” 
    Ellie sits up in surprise. “Actually, I did.  I thought it was strange that I would suddenly be okay with being with Jasper but felt that you would understand.”
    Jasper takes hold of her other hand. “I told you that he was fine with us being together, gorgeous.  The Hunger is a deeper connection then just sex and blood.” 
    Glancing between the two sexy vampires Ellie asks, “So how do you complete the connection?  Is it like getting married and what are the implications of a human completing it?” 
    Ian reaches for his glass, as he smiles. “Vampires don’t get married in the traditional sense, Ellie. However, it’s a permanent connection and it would involve you drinking my blood and becoming a vampire.”  He tosses back the scotch.
    Ellie jumps up and wonders if she heard him right.

 

     
    Ellie stares back and forth between Ian and Jasper in confusion. Ian reaches out tugging her into his lap and Ellie pulls back. 
    “I would have to become a vampire?  What would that, I mean, would I have to die?  I don’t think that this is something that I want to do.  This is a lot to process.” 
    Jasper hears the panic in her voice.  He leans close to her and whispers, “It’s okay, gorgeous.  No one is going to make you do anything that you don’t want to do.  Relax and close your eyes for a few moments.” 
    Ellie does what he says and as she starts to slump over, Jasper picks her up and heads to the VIP lounge. 
    Walking into the private lounge, he heads to the daybed resting in the corner and lays her down on it.  Stroking her hair back from her face, he covers her with a blanket, kisses her lips, and heads back out to the floor where he left Ian sitting at the table. 
    “Thank you for compelling her, Jasper.  I didn’t know she would get upset at the thought of becoming a vampire.” 
    Jasper sits down and pours another glass of scotch.  The area that the VIP table sits in is enclosed on three sides and it lends an air of privacy to their conversations. 
    “Ian, I feel like I need to talk to you about Ellie.  I find myself drawn to her and feel very protective of her.  I’m beginning to care for her and she really seems to be bothered about the thought of becoming a vampire.  Do you have any ideas on why that would be such a problem for her and cause her to panic?” 
    Ian takes a drink and sits the glass down on the table.  “I don’t know.  I’m thinking that it’s possible that she is like most humans and fears the thought of death.  The traditional finality of that can lead many humans to have an irrational fear of it.  If she embraces the idea of becoming a vampire, it means she also would have to accept the fact that she would have to die.” 
    Jasper leans back in his seat. “I think that it also has to do with the loss of her little brother Michael.  He passed away when she was a little girl from a rare blood infection.  I found out about it when I did her background work for you.”
    “You didn’t think that it was something that I needed to know about?” 
    Jasper shakes his head. “No.  I assumed that she would still be sad about the death of her brother, but I didn’t think she would have a fear of death because of the loss.” 
    “Let her rest for a few minutes and then I’ll go talk to her and explain things in more detail.”  Ian turns in his chair toward Jasper. “On a side note, did you get your invite to Annabelle’s party for next weekend?” 
    Jasper smiles. “I did.  I also have no idea on who to take with me.” 
    Gesturing with his hand, Ian laughs. “Take a look around, Jasper.  You could invite any woman you see.  I’m sure all of them would love to attend a formal ball with a wealthy vampire.” 
    Jasper looks around and into the startling green