I did not love Nathaniel, not the way I needed to, but the look in his eyes left no doubt how he felt about me. That look that said he'd seen it all, done it all, and it had destroyed something inside him. You're a big vampire, feed yourself, I said, and that was out loud. What? I asked.
It filled my body like someone trying on a coat that was far too small. It sounded like some kind of blessing turned curse, but I ignored it. Images of him and Asher, and Julianna, Asher's long-dead human servant. No pleasure is worth her price, and besides, I don't like men, not even a little, and if you aren't at least bisexual, you can't survive at her court.