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"That’s horrible"

Baojia shrugged "It was reality But I beca back to China, but my parents wrote me and tolde that paid what I was ry I felt very alone And there were very feomen here--no Chinese women, anyould want to marry a laborer like me So I had no hope of a family or children I was an income to them That was all"

Her heart ached for him He had wanted a normal life Wanted a family and a future But instead…

"They didn’t deserve you"

"I’ what they needed to survive I can’t blaranted the way he had been But she dropped it and asked, "Why did you become a vampire?"

"Ernesto had ships He did trade in China And he wanted ed "So, he offered to e to San Francisco and the start of a new life if I would become his child It was a trade I didn’t have to say yes"

Natalie had her own doubts about that, but she let Baojia speak

"I agreed He paid for ave them the money I had saved, and I became his vampire He was certain I would be very powerful because of my speed and skill as a human He was correct"

"And your human family?" She reached out and stroked his face He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes in pleasure

"They still live in San Francisco There are many of them now" He opened proud eyes "They have been very successful"

"Do they know about you?"

He shook his head "No I have h the years, but not closely It would not be wise"

"You sacrificed a lot for them"

"Yes" He narrowed his eyes "But don’ta vampire I like the power, Natalie Even if there are costs And I like being feared byfeared means those I protect are safer I would not want to be anything else

She shivered at his words but didn’t look away "I know"

"Do you?" He rew long His knee spread her legs and he settled against her, letting his aht she could burst frole touch Baojia had barely ood ree"