“ I do not regard this life as a gift , James ,” he said evenly .
Her name on the Vampire ’ s lips sounded like velvet . She shuddered . James was thrilled by him . This much she could admit . But she didn ’ t want him so much as she wanted what he had . Strength , agility , power , beauty . She wanted to be him . Her body screamed to be remade in his image , to be molded by his hands .
“ I don ’ t understand you ,” he said , shaking his head . She snapped out of her trance and realized he was staring at her . He searched her eyes for an answer – an explanation . “ Why do you want to die so badly ?”
“ I don ’ t want to die ,” James said , her voice weary . Hadn ’ t she explained it well enough ? “ Ever . That ’ s the point .” His eyes softened . “ Everyone dies eventually .” “ Not you ,” she said , her voice barely above a whisper . Her eyes bore into his , pleading with him . Please , they seemed to say . Save me .
“ Yes , but …” The Vampire turned from her . His shoulders raised in frustration . “ I couldn ’ t live the rest of forever knowing I condemned someone to this life . It ’ s not what you think it is .”
“ I don ’ t care ,” James spat . She was losing her patience . “ I just want to be immortal . I don ’ t care what I have to do .”
“ Oh , you don ’ t ?” The Vampire moved toward her . He practically floated . So graceful , his footsteps barely making a sound against the pavement .
62