Chapter 39: Chapter 39: His Past Mate

Dimitri POV

Ariana's cool hands caressed his face. He could feel her genuine shock and melancholy.

"What? Oh my God. I can't even imagine."

He kissed her fingers. "I pray that you never do."

"That's so sad. I mean ... that sounds so trite."

"Yes," he said candidly. "But you couldn't possibly fathom the horror that I witnessed. I know, I know, I'm a vile bloodsucker--"

"Oh, stop! NO ONE deserves to lose a loved one like that."

Her passionate defense of what was right made him smile. So did the curiosity buzzing through the bond. 

"Ask me what you want to ask," he encouraged, savoring her comforting touch. 

"Did THEY do it?"

He ground his fangs together so hard he should have a headache. "You mean my family?"

"Well, to put it bluntly ... yes."

He pulled her into his arms and just lay there, stroking her hair. "Yes."

* * * * *

1951