NightFall: Book One: Bloodlust Is the Cure for the Immortal Soul by Anastacia Kelley Page B

of its powerful grasp. He could feel Van’s mind racing as well as his heart. Both seemed erratic.
    Van is troubled. Saldivar feared this. He must have had that same nightmare Saldivar had centuries ago warning him that death is near, and soon, if not transformed, death would claim him. Saldivar predicted this. He knew what this meant. Van had to make a choice. For in two more days, he will draw his last breath. Saldivar felt a chill down to the very marrow of his bones.
    They have wasted far too much time. He will have to confront Van tonight and ask him once more. If he does not accept the gift, Saldivar will reluctantly say good bye and grieve for the loss. He would move on. It was the way it had to be.
    Saldivar once again closed his eyes and waited for nightfall.
    *
    Van was pacing the floor when Saldivar entered the room. He stopped mid-step and faced Saldivar with eyes of pure fear and pain.
    “You are in clear torment.” It was not a question.
    Van nodded silently. He could not reiterate the nightmare. Although he could not recall much, a surreal feeling passed through him. Even he thought, or perhaps, convinced himself it did no happen.
    Saldivar sai d one lucid word: “Nightmare,” but lucid was the last thing it felt like to Van.
    Van did not act surprised at Saldivar’s statement. He already knew of their strong mental connection.
    Saldivar could not play any part in persuading Van to change. He deliberately closed his mind off so Van’s decision would be his. He could not assist him in any way. He also could not read Van’s mind. He did not really want to know ahead of time what Van wanted to do. All Saldivar could do was hope for the best.
    Van tilted his head upwards and closed his eyes. He sucked in a breath through his nose. He straightened his head as he let out the breath and opened his eyes slowly. He spoke, his words unhurried and decided. “I feel death is so close that I can feel its icy fingers at my throat. I am so young yet I feel like a sixty year old man. At this rate, the older man could surpass me any day. It is also very tough for me to admit that I have never known a woman or what love truly is. I am scared I will die never knowing of the true pleasures in life. The not knowing is scarier than death itself.” Van paused. He was gathering the courage for what he was about to say. It was now or never. It was either yes or dead.
    Van looked at Saldivar square in the eyes. “I want life, Saldivar. I know it is eternal but I have not even begun to live. Without your gift I will never get to experience what life has to offer.” He started walking around the room at a somewhat lazy pace. “Life has been rough for you then and now as you are and yet you live and thrive with a positive attitude. I have never had that…….ever.” He clenched his fists to his chest. “And I want it so badly.”
    Saldivar broke into a smile so big Van was taken aback. He had never seen Saldivar smile that way. It was a relief to see Saldivar pleased at his choice.
    “Your life was in an impass e until I cam e to you. Not any more. I cannot tell you the pleasure I feel in hearing that this is your choice.” Saldivar hugged Van in a fatherly embrace. “It is a wise decision, Van. You will not be sorry of your outcome. There will be no regrets. You are going to have a wonderful eternity,” Saldivar vaticinated.
    Saldivar’s excitement was contagious. It certainly had to be better than what Van was doing and how he was living now. A healthy life was the most important thing to Va n. He had to face the facts. One: he was dying. Two: he had no life. Three: no family. Four: no home. Five: no friends. Did he want to live the few moments he had left like this?
    Saldivar had class, a gorgeous home, health, wealth, women, eternity and he hoped in him……a kindred spirit? He wanted what Saldivar could give him. He did not want to take it. He wanted to earn it. He did have some dignity left in him yet. The people