I don't know that they were so exclusive about their relationship back then as they are now. And I'm Toreador. My Clan isn't known for being very exclusive or...ahem, modest. I'm working on that in myself, though.

On top of this, William was very addictive, very intense. I think I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, really. I couldn't help myself; it was too easy to drown in him. Even now, I find myself longing for the past, for his touch. But that was the past. We've both moved on since then.

Oh, we still flirt and carry on, but we're more like really close friends now. In fact, there are times that I see him more as an older brother figure. Someone I can rely on and trust with my life.

Once he decided to devote himself to Ian and I had pulled away from him on that level, things started clearing up. Before, boundaries were blurred, unclear. Now, it's as clear as fine crystal. I don't cross those boundaries anymore; not with him, nor anyone else.

Eventually a new man came into my life. He reminded me of William in a way, with his roguish demeanor and rugged good-looks. But there was something much more raw about him, and there were very distinct differences between the two of them.

His name was Darius.

Despite my misgivings about getting into another relationship at the time, I found myself hopelessly falling in love with him. Yes, even a vampire can love. It may be difficult to believe, especially since it is nearly as rare as monogamous relationships in our world, but it's true.

Darius became more than just a fellow member of the Clan of the Rose. He became my friend and lover. I let him into my heart as much as I let Ben in, as much as William, and even more. It was a huge risk, but I dove in.