The Vampire's Luna

"Dear gods, please never say anything like that again." Damien pinched the bridge of his nose. "Seriously. That sentence took ten years off my immortal life."

Lucivar chuckled unapologetically. "You need thicker skin. What’s immortality if not for a few inappropriate comments?"

"I cannot become king," Damien said flatly. "Not if the mate bond is broken. And if it’s broken, Uncle Gabriel is going to sink his fangs into the throne."

Lucivar’s light-heartedness evaporated. He sat up straighter. "I know. I’m aware of the Gabriel problem. But he’s not your problem. He’s mine."

Damien looked over. "You say that like you’ve got a plan."

"I always have a plan," Lucivar said smoothly. "But there’s still nothing to fear. All we need is an heir."

"Father..." Damien dragged a hand down his face. "It’s not as easy as it was, alright? I can’t just bed a woman and pop out a prince. My mate is rejecting me with grace and honor. Meanwhile, I’m supposed to seduce a replacement and pretend like it means nothing?"

Lucivar gave him a long, knowing look. "Son, you’re a vampire. Pretending should be second nature."

"It used to be simple. Then Luna shows up. Now I feel like everything I touch that isn’t her is wrong. It’s like... my body won’t listen to me."

Lucivar pursed his lips, then exhaled. "You love her."

"No, I’m mated to her. There’s a difference."

"There really isn’t."