Page 41 of The Neighborhood Vampire

“I’m sorry,” Hugo said. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“But if not for the spell, I would have never met you,” she said. Alice let go of Hugo’s hands and fixated on the ground. “I’ve been thinking it over. The spell has put more than just me in danger. It’s caused trouble for Ez and now the Raskins. All because of me. I can’t ask them to stay in harm’s way.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I’ve decided the best thing to do is run again,” Alice said, returning to Hugo’s eyes. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to follow me.”

Hugo took her hands again and leaned closer. He fixed his gaze on her, never taking his icy blue eyes away. Her soul set ablaze by their connection. A connection deeper than anything spoken. Something not born out of infatuation or lust—a connection born out of love.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” Hugo said. “If you think it’s best to move, then let’s move.”

A tear rolled down Alice’s cheek. “You don’t have to?—”

Hugo let go of one hand to cup her face and used his thumb to wipe away the tear. She placed her hand on top of his. He gently lifted her chin.

“I love you. Your very essence has bewitched my soul. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth to make sure you’re safe. Whatever it takes. You have my word. Everything will be okay. I promise,” Hugo said.

“Thank you,” Alice mouthed; no words spoken.

They wrapped their arms around each other, connecting their hearts and souls together. Alice wanted this moment to last forever, safe and secure within Hugo’s arms in their wine cellar.

“It’s almost sundown,” Alice said. “We should get going if we’re going to Ez’s place.”

They relinquished their hug, much to the dismay of Alice’s soul. They left the wine cellar. The candles extinguished as the door closed shut behind them. They made their way up the creaky basement stairs to an awaiting Max. Her tail wagged as she welcomed them back from the basement.

“So, will Ez take us some place tonight?” Hugo asked as they made their way to the front door. “Do we need to bring Max and Gwennie?”

Alice pulled her black and purple tailcoat from the coat rack. She slipped her arms into the sleeves and pulled it tight around her body.

“Probably not,” Alice said. “But we can begin preparations.”

“Why not call her?” Hugo asked.

“Because she’ll say no. This is going to require showing up in person.”

“If it won’t be tonight, then maybe I should stay behind,” Hugo said. Alice tilted her head in confusion. “If they see us both leave, what if they try to do something to the Raskins or someone else in the town? No doubt they’re tracking our movements with their ghouls. It’s a little suspicious if we both leave.”

Alice grabbed her curved witch’s hat. “I see your point. I don’t like it, but you have a point. Stay inside until I get back.”

“If they make a move?”

Her fingers crumpled the black brim as she nervously rotated the hat in her hands. “Don’t do anything unless you absolutely must. Call the Raskins to let them know our plan. Tell them not to leave under any circumstances. If they move on the town, then we’ll have to let them.”

“I can do that,” Hugo said.

She gave him another hug, laying her head on his chest. She squeezed him tightly, not wanting to let him go. He leaned his head against hers.

“Be safe,” Hugo said.

“You too,” Alice replied. She kissed him on the cheek. She placed her hat on her head, tugging on the brim to ensure a snug fit. She pulled back the black curtain. It was clear. She opened the door. “I love you.”

“Of course you do,” Hugo said with a wink. He blew her a kiss.

Alice smiled. She acted as if she caught it in the air and put her hand in the coat pocket. “I’ll save it for later.” She gave him a wink and left, shutting the door behind her.

Chapter 11

Vampire Hunters

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