[That was a secret that would need to come out soon. Bren did not like the idea of keeping something so big from his lover, from his soulmate. It was not fair, and if anyone deserved to know it was Essek. If what Trent Ikithon had done to him proved to be something that had the power to drive them apart, then Bren would have all the more reason to want to tear Ikithon to bits. He hoped it wouldn't; as strong as this love that he was bathed in just now felt, he had some wild spark of hope that it wouldn't, no matter how much he had heard of Vampires and weres being natural enemies.

They belonged to each other. Nothing so simple could get in the way of that? Could it? So Bren allowed himself to sink fully into the ecstasy of those teeth in his neck, of Essek spilling his seed inside him.

A low, shivering moan as Essek drew his teeth free, at those continued movements against him, inside him.]

I love you too. I haven't been whole before I met you. I need you.

[And Bren would protect Essek too, from whatever threat came to their doorstep.]

Mm... I feel amazing. But I will tell you. Do not worry, Sternenlicht, I am hardier than I look.

[He lifted a hand to brush along his cheek, the faint flush of life visible there.] I like the way you look with my blood coursing through you.