Page 140 of Eternal Craving

Silently, he invited me to read his mind.

And I did. “You’re a man of philosophy?”

“What does it feel like to change?”

“So you’ve read the books but not actually spoken with any of your victims?”

“By the time they get to me,” he said, “they’re not in any shape to converse.”

“A part of you dies inside. But you still have a sense of the old you.”

“Can you control the urge to feed?”

“Well, I’m not biting you, am I?”

His smile was like a grimace. “Do you hunt alone or in packs?”

“Alone,” I said. “Only your men hunt in packs.”

“We must agree to disagree.”

I smirked. “Our differences will bring us closer.”

Archer chuckled.

“I dare to believe that, although I’m different,” I said. “I’m no less deserving to share this world with you.”

“Your species has evolved.”

“It seems that it can go either way.”

“Perhaps, but your kind has developed new skills.”

“Tracking us has become harder?” I asked. “That’s good.”

I stared at the far shelves and wished that I had more time to read the books.

Archer followed my gaze. “What other gifts have you developed?”

“Do you have to take a lover?” I asked.

“Excuse me?”

“Hoping that she’ll bear you a son?”

“And you were doing so well. I was rather enjoying our conversation.”

“No, you weren’t. But I do fascinate you.”

“Perhaps we could come to some arrangement. You could teach me more.”

“Visit again?”

He nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Does your invite include a trip to Salisbury?”

He seemed concerned. “I’ve offended you.”