Evans, Gabrielle - Hypnotic Healing [Fatefully Yours 6] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever ManLove) by Gabrielle Evans Page A

baby.”
    “Good, because I’m tired, and I don’t feel like kicking your ass right now.”
    Hex threw his head back and laughed as Fiero eased Echo under the blankets on the bed. Then Fiero and Eyce began undressing, preparing to sleep through the day and be there for Echo if the man needed them.
    Sitting on the side of the bed, Hex cupped his mate’s face and smiled. “How are you feeling?”
    “Tired, sore, confused, take your pick. What happened to me?”
    “Just sleep, and we’ll talk when you wake up, okay?” Hex knew he couldn’t dodge the answer forever, but so far Echo seemed to be oblivious to his new status in the paranormal world. If Hex could keep it that way for a little longer, maybe he’d figure out a way to explain it to his lover.
    “Okay, but tomorrow, I want answers. My brain feels fried, and I can’t think straight. I feel weird, though, and I know that the sun is coming up in exactly nineteen minutes. How do I know that?”
    “Because you’re a bloodsucker now,” Fiero said with a teasing glint in his eye. Hex wanted to deck the bastard.
    “Don’t use that word,” Echo scolded half-heartedly. “I may be a vampire now, but I’m still your mate. Don’t be rude.”
    Hex’s mouth fell open, and he gaped. Well, there went his theory that Echo was oblivious to what he’d become.
    Echo rolled his eyes and snorted. “Close your mouth, Hex. I’m not stupid. My throat burns, I have fangs now, and I want to sink them into your neck as we speak. I don’t understand a lot of it, like how I know when the sun will be up, or exactly what being a vampire entails. I’m sure Syn and Jinx will help me, though.”
    “How can you be so calm about this? Aren’t you scared, or at least mad?”
    “Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it right now. Ask me again tomorrow, and I’m sure my opinion on the matter will change a dozen different times between now and then. It’s done, though. It can’t be changed. I still have the men I love, and you don’t seem to mind, so that’s enough for now.”
    Bending over his mate, Hex kissed Echo’s cheek and trailed his lips to the man’s ear. “You are amazing.” He paused for a second, gathering his courage. “I love you.”
    Echo’s small hand came up to rest against the side of his neck. “I know, love.” Hex sat up to see his mate’s face. Echo smiled softly. “You look like hell. Go get some sleep. We’re going to need you running on all cylinders when it’s time to talk.”
    “Sweet-talker,” Hex teased. He kissed his mate again and rose from the bed. “I’ll see you when the sun goes down.”
    “I have no doubt you’ll be pacing the kitchen well before then. Try to sleep, though.”
    Hex bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. The little runt knew him too well.

    * * * *

    The next time Echo woke up, he was feeling a hell of a lot better—besides the burning ache in his throat. At least he knew what it meant this time. With no windows to see out of the basement, he didn’t know what time it was, or how long his lovers had slept. Judging by his still-damp hair from his shower, it hadn’t been long. He didn’t want to wake Eyce or Fiero, but the longer he stared up at the ceiling, the worse the raw, burning need became.
    Strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him up against Eyce’s chest, and Echo whimpered as his nose pressed right along his mate’s jugular. He gritted his teeth together, hissing when his fangs pierced his bottom lip. Stupid fangs. Weren’t the damn things supposed to retract when he wasn’t using them?
    Eyce moaned in his sleep, cuddling Echo closer, urging his face to the crook of his neck. Echo’s entire body began to shake violently as he fought not to sink his fangs into the supple flesh.
    “What’s wrong, baby?” Eyce mumbled drowsily.
    Echo whimpered and shook his head. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to drink from his mate—boy, did he—but he figured it would be a pretty