did it because your happiness came first. “His tone softened and so did the look in his eyes. “I’d do anything for you.” “Can’t you fix me so I don’t turn into a vampire? Can’t we just date and my normal life can resume? I need more time.” Chase hesitated, a pained look crossing his handsome face. “I’d give you anything if it were possible. The rogue harmed you too much for a hospital to save your life. My blood was the only option to keep you alive. I didn’t mean for this to happen, for you to start to turn into a vampire, but he’d taken you too close to death. You have only two options now—become one of them or agree to be my mate. Either way, I can’t turn back the clock and undo what has been done.” Jasmine didn’t like it but she knew he spoke the truth. He had supernatural powers but time travel wasn’t one of them. Putting anyone else in danger wasn’t something she’d ever willingly do. “I’d die for you, Jasmine.” Sincerity deepened his voice. “I know it’s asking a lot, perhaps too much, but please agree to be my mate. I swear you won’t regret it. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. We’ll work out all the issues.” Her heart squeezed inside tightly while she stared deeply into his beautiful eyes. He meant every word. She believed that and the love she felt for him grew stronger until it was tough to breathe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be with him forever. Her concerns and fears faded as they watched each other. “Yes.” The one word came from her lips. She wasn’t sure who was more surprised by her agreement. Becoming his mate was a lifelong commitment. He’d made sure she understood there would be no turning back and they’d live for a very long time. Chase’s smile faded as a low growl emanated from deep within his chest. “You won’t regret this.” Jasmine really hoped she wouldn’t. “What do we do?” He leaned closer. “What comes natural.” “That didn’t answer my question.” “I’m going to make love to you.” One warm hand gently cupped her cheek. “And when the time is right, I’m going to bleed for you. You’ll drink more of my blood while I bite into you.” “Will it hurt?” It sounded oddly sexy but she didn’t want to feel pain. “Never.” The husky promise was one she wanted to believe as he closed the distance between them and his full lips brushed hers. Just the whisper-soft feel of their mouths touching was enough to make her heart race with excitement. His masculine scent and taste was arousing. “Undress.” She leaned into him, kissing him when he would have pulled away to give her room to maneuver out of her T-shirt and boxers. She grabbed the curve of his shoulder and hung on. The shyness of their new relationship had her longing to get lost in the moment before she was naked. It would be easy to do with Chase. The man almost screamed raw sex appeal. Another growl rumbled from him and her nipples tightened in anticipation. The sex between them had been amazing, wonderful and intense. She wanted to be that mindless again and pushed up against him, going chest to chest with Chase. His free hand wrapped around her back, pulling her more snugly against him. Tongue met tongue as they explored each other with an eagerness born of pure fervor. The memories of the last time they’d touched excited her as much as his kiss. No one had ever made her as hot as he did. It might have been the forbidden delight of being with the ultimate bad boy but her ability to think faded. Whatever the reason, she squirmed, wishing she’d stripped when he’d asked so no barriers were between them. Chase pushed her onto her back and she didn’t struggle when his weight pinned her down. He tore the T-shirt at the sides, the material easily giving way to his strength. The sound of it shredding only heightened her desire to be skin to skin with him. His knuckles caressed the skin he bared, teasing