she leaned against the railing , a slight smile on her face . but could i be certain that he was telling me the truth ? thats pretty much why i married my husband . the first time i met you , in 1986 , you seemed to think i wasnt doing a very good job of it . it is a death sentence if a vampire kills his mate or companion . '' i could tell she was goading me , so i said nothing . ben 's voice caught in his throat . he could taste the blood in his mouth . 