Page 21 of Rescued By the Vexed Vampire

“I love you,” I murmured softly in the stillness, my voice breaking. I looked down at Lily, her eyes fluttering closed as she drifted back to sleep. “And God help me, I love you, too.”

What was I supposed to do with that?

Before I could spiral any further, there was a knock on the door. A soft, tentative knock that broke the silence like a ripple on still water. Bethany stirred beside me, her eyes fluttering open as she blinked sleepily.

“Did I fall asleep?” she asked, her voice thick with exhaustion.

“Yeah,” I replied, my voice still hoarse. “There’s someone at the door.”

She frowned, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was nearly three in the morning. “Who could it be?”

“Only one way to find out,” I said, shifting Lily gently so she was cradled in one arm. I didn’t want to put her down. Not yet.

Bethany stood, stretching before heading toward the door. She opened it cautiously, and I heard her sharp intake of breath as she recognized the visitors.

Standing on the doorstep were two police officers, their uniforms crisp against the backdrop of the dimly lit hallway.Beside them was an older woman with silver hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her face was lined with age and weariness, but there was a warmth in her eyes that made her seem familiar, even though I was certain I’d never met her before.

“Are you Miss Bethany Snow?” one of the officers asked.

“Yes,” Bethany replied, her voice tinged with worry. “Is everything all right?”

The older woman stepped forward, her eyes softening as she looked at Bethany and then at me, holding Lily in my arms. “My name is Rose-Marie Chamberlain,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m Lily’s grandmother.”

The relief that washed over me was almost overwhelming, and I felt Bethany relax slightly beside me. But Rose-Marie’s expression was still heavy, and I knew there was more to the story.

“Please, come in,” Bethany said, stepping aside, allowing them to enter.

The police officers stayed in the hallway, but Rose-Marie walked in slowly, her eyes fixed on Lily. I could see the emotion welling up in her eyes, and I knew without a doubt that she was telling the truth.

“I...I can’t thank you both enough for taking care of her,” Rose-Marie said, her voice trembling slightly. “My daughter, Lily’s mother, has been struggling with her mental health ever since her husband was killed in the service. He never got to meet Lily, and it’s been...so hard on her.”

I glanced at Bethany, seeing the tears already gathering in her eyes. I struggled to keep my own emotions in check as I listened to Rose-Marie’s story.

“She had a moment of crisis,” Rose-Marie continued, her voice breaking. “She made a poor choice leaving Lily the way shedid, but she’s agreed to get help, and we’re doing everything we can to support her. My husband and I will be caring for Lily and her older brother Liam until my daughter is ready to take them back.”

Bethany couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She let out a quiet sob, covering her mouth with her hand as she tried to regain control. I felt my own throat tighten, the weight of everything pressing down on me.

“We’ve fallen in love with her,” Bethany said, her voice barely audible through her tears. “In just a few hours...she’s precious. She’s...”

Rose-Marie nodded, her own eyes shining. “I know…She is. And I promise you, she’s in good hands now.”

Bethany wiped at her tears, sniffling softly. “Can we...would it be all right if we came to visit her? Maybe...babysit sometimes?”

Rose-Marie’s face softened into a genuine smile. “Of course. Lily’s brother, Liam, just turned four. He could use a positive male role model in his life. If you’re willing, Mr. Youngblood, I know he’d love to spend time with you. Maybe playing ball at the park?”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. I knew I shouldn’t promise something like that, not when I was supposed to return to New York. But as I stood there, with Bethany by my side and Lily in my arms, I couldn’t imagine leaving. Not now. Not ever.

“Call me Drake,” I said quietly, meeting Rose-Marie’s eyes. “And I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”

The older woman smiled warmly, reaching out to take Lily from my arms. I hesitated for just a moment before letting go, feeling an unexpected sense of loss as the child’s warmth left mychest. Rose-Marie held her close, whispering softly to her as she rocked her gently.

“Thank you,” Rose-Marie said, her voice full of gratitude. “Thank you both.”

Bethany managed a watery smile, nodding as Rose-Marie and Lily turned to leave with the officers. I watched as the door closed behind them, the weight of the goodbye settling over the apartment like a heavy fog.

And then, without warning, Bethany burst into tears. She collapsed against me, her body shaking with sobs, and I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as she cried into my chest. I pressed my lips to the top of her head, whispering words of comfort that felt inadequate against the depth of her pain.

“I love you,” I murmured, my voice rough with emotion. “Bethany, I love you.”

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