Immortal Love

behavior when you were immortal, though.”

“Because of what Beatriz said?”

I shrugged. “And Federico.”

Becquer started. “You discussed my life with Federico?” He seemed dismay.

I nodded.

“Then, there’s no hope for me, is there?”

“If I say there is not, would you leave?”

Becquer stared at me, a deep frown in his forehead. Finally he shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t leave. I love you.”

“So you said to every one of your many lovers.”

“So I may have,” Becquer agreed, then continued eagerly, “I’m sorry, Carla. I can’t change the past, but, please, don’t reject me just now. I only ask that you give me a chance to show you that I really care.”

“What if it doesn’t work? What if our relationship ends? Wouldn’t you regret then giving up immortality for nothing?”

“It wouldn’t have been for nothing. Have you forgotten I wrote my best poems when my love went unrequited. You are my muse, Carla. Thanks to you, my mind is full of stories once again. You have given me a gift more precious than immortality. You will be my muse even if you get tired of me.”

“No pressure, then?”

His eyes lit up as a lazy smile curved his lips. “No pressure.”

“I suppose, in that case, I could give you a chance. You brought me roses, after all, so it’s fair that I let you stay. At least until they wilt.”

“And when they wilt, I’ll replace them,” Becquer said wrapping his arms around my waist. “And you’ll pretend you haven’t noticed and let me stay a little longer because, by then, you’ll be crazy about me.”

“And I’ll pretend I’ve not noticed,” I repeated tracing with my fingers the red scar on his neck. “Because I’m crazy about you.”

Becquer took my hand and kissed my fingers one by one.

“Is that human enough for you?” he whispered as another drop of blood welled in his thumb. Without waiting for my answer, he pulled me to him and stole the yes from my lips.

About the Author

I was born in Galicia (northern Spain) and went to college in Madrid, where I finished my Ph.D. in Biology. For the next ten years, I worked as a researcher both in Madrid and at the University of Davis in California.

My writing career started when I came to live in Pennsylvania in the 1990s. Following my first sale, a magazine article on latex allergy, I published four nonfiction books for Chelsea House (Facts on File).

My Young Adult novel, Two Moon Princess (the story of a discontented medieval princess, eager to live life on her own terms, who lands in modern day California) was published in 2007 by Tanglewood Press. It was recognized with the bronze award by the ForeWord Magazine in the Juvenile fiction category.

Immortal Love is my first adult novel. The Spanish version, Becquer eterno, was included in the Exhibition, Becquer tan Cerca … A traves del Arte (Sevilla, May-June 2012).

You can visit me at my blog: http://carmenferreiroesteban.wordpress.com  or at my website: www.carmenferreiroesteban.com

For information about my writing/editing/translating services, please go to www.WriteEditPublish.com.

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