Page 73 of Shut Up and Bite Me

Hours pass by with ease, and before we know it, we’ve spent the entire afternoon hanging out with Cheryl, reminiscing on old stories that I know would’ve had Cheryl laughing up a storm. It was nice spending that time with my two favorite ladies, not including Lulu beans, of course.

I can’t help but wonder what the old Greyson would be doing right now if he never took a chance to hang out with two classmates heading to a bar one random night.

One thing’s for certain: I wouldn’t be bonded to a vampire named Vivian who owns me, heart and soul. And god, what a shame that would be.

We have to stop at the Barlowe on our way back home. Vivian said she has to talk to Ava about something, and I’m happy to tag along.

Surprisingly, this is only my second time at Vivian’s hotel, and I have such a different point of view looking at it now, knowing what lies inside and beneath the surface.

As we walk up the few steps to the entrance, the doorman pulls it open, greeting Vivian. “Ms. Barlowe. Welcome.”

“Thank you, Greg.” She smiles, passing through the door with me following closely behind.

Guests wander through the grand foyer, some even enjoying time sitting on the benches around the sky-high clock tower. Little do they know what happens down below.

Vivian leads me to a locked double-door entrance, pressing her thumb onto the little screen that scans her fingerprint, the door clicking unlocked a second later.

“Fancy,” I murmur as she pushes the thick wooden door open and we step through, the lock securing back in place the second it swings shut.

She turns and faces me, walking backward and holding her hands out for me to grab, and I happily slide my hands around hers.

I can feel the sense of surprise building inside of her. I guess that’s a downfall of being able to sense each other’s feelings. It’s like a language all of its own.

She sighs, her eyes locking onto mine as I feel disappointment trickle into her. “I was doing so good keeping the surprise a secret.”

Chuckling, I drop one of her hands before pulling her into my side with our still-connected hand, intertwining my fingers with hers. “Don’t beat yourself up. I still don’t know exactly what we’re doing here.”

She nods, coming to a halt and turning to face a large wooden door. Standing behind her, I rub my hands up and down her arms as another scanner reads her thumb, the door unlocking once approved.

She opens the door to find the members of the High Council sitting in wingback chairs around a circular table, two of the chairs still empty.

They welcome us with cheer and hugs before finding their seats. Vivian sits in one of the empty chairs, gesturing to me to sit down beside her in the other free seat.

The members smile at me, and I can feel the same waves of eager anticipation billowing off them.

Vivian sets her hand on top of mine, pulling my attention. “As all of you know, with Jason’s passing, we have the duty of finding that special individual to fill his spot on the High Council.” She pauses and looks up at me. “You have shown bravery beyond measure and selflessness to protect those around you at all costs. You are genuine and kind. All traits held in high regard. Because of that, we would like to offer the seat to you.”

My chest warms, my heart racing at their offer.

“Will you accept?” she asks, hope blossoming in her like a garden of flowers.

Glancing at each of the faces around the table, I nod, knowing that in this seat, I’ll be able to make a difference, have an impact on the world that matters. “Yes, of course, I accept.”

Everyone claps, their words of kindness filling the room at my acceptance.

“We are lucky to have you.” Ava smiles, sitting beside Vivian.

My gratitude is almost too much to bear that they offered me a seat at this table. “Thank you, guys, from the bottom of my heart.”

“That settles that,” Vivian declares, sliding her chair back and rising to her feet. “Quickest meeting ever.”

“This was the only reason you needed to stop in?” I ask her, surprised at how well she actually managed to keep it from me.

She nods, biting down on her bottom lip. “I’m sorry. Forgive me. I was so excited it was almost impossible to rein that in anytime we spoke about the council.”

Standing to my feet, I kick the chair back and offer her my hand. “I forgive you.”

She slides her fingers in mine and stands to her feet, and I can’t help myself from scanning her head to toe.

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