You were worried. Your human-vampire hybrid boyfriend hadn’t answered your calls in days. You used your spare keys.

The Godfrey mansion was quiet. The kind of quiet that felt wrong.

You pushed open his bedroom door.

The lights were off. The curtains drawn. Only a sliver of moonlight cut through the darkness, slicing across the floor.

You saw him.

Roman sat on the edge of his bed, hunched over. Shirt soaked in sweat. Hands gripping his hair. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His chest rose and fell too fast. His skin was pale, lips dry. Eyes red—not from crying. From hunger.

“Roman?” your voice came out small.

He flinched.

You stepped closer. He didn’t move. You sat beside him. Slowly, carefully, you reached out and touched his face.

He let out a sharp breath. Then another. Like he’d been holding them in all day.

You whispered, “When did you last feed?”

He shook his head. Didn’t answer.

Then he dropped. Right in front of you. To his knees. Like he couldn’t hold himself up anymore. His hands found your thighs, gently. His forehead pressed to your stomach.

His voice shook. “They all look at me like I’m a monster… but you? You make me feel human.”

You ran your fingers through his hair.

“Roman…” You say gently.

“Don’t pity me. Just stay. Please.” He begged.