56. (PERCY POV)

(PERCY POV)

I was utterly bewildered by what had just transpired. It was the most intimate and powerful experience I'd ever had with a vampire. Before, every encounter was rough, violent, and aggressively impersonal. They'd often force me into doing other things right after feeding, seldom bothering to heal the bites.

That's why I was so covered in scars.

But this time was different. No vampire had ever tried to cuddle with me after. Yet, here I was, nestled in a vampire's arms, and he seemed so content, almost radiating joy.

Overwhelmed, I asked, "Why was it so different this time? All the other times, it was always so rough and aggressive. What just happened... it wasn't like that."

His face was buried in my hair, his lips pressed against the back of my neck, and I could feel his grin. In a hushed tone, he whispered, "Because none of them cared about you like I do, Cariño."

"Cariño, what does that mean?" I asked.

When he didn't respond, I rolled over to face him, eager to look into