Page 25 of Her Vampire Hero

After about fifteen minutes, the trees opened up to reveal a small clearing. Jenny gasped at the sight. Hundreds of fireflies danced in the air, their gentle light creating a magical atmosphere. In the center of the clearing was a small pond, its surface like glass, reflecting the starry sky above.

They settled on the blanket, and Rook began unpacking the picnic basket. Jenny's eyes widened as she saw the spread—all her favorites from the past week, including pastries from the pixie bakery and that amazing selkie seafood dish she'd loved.

"You remembered everything," she said, touched by the thoughtfulness.

Rook's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Of course. I remember everything about you."

Jenny leaned back on her hands, gazing up at the stars. She felt Rook's eyes on her and turned to meet his gaze.

"What?" she asked, suddenly self-conscious.

Rook reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just committing this moment to memory," he said, his voice low and intense.

Jenny's breath caught in her throat. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. When Rook's lips met hers, it felt like coming home.

The kiss started soft and tender, but quickly grew more passionate. Jenny wrapped her arms around Rook's neck, pulling him closer. His cool hands slipped under the hem of her shirt, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

They made love under the stars, their bodies moving together with a desperation born of impending separation. Jenny clung to Rook, trying to memorize every touch, every sensation. When they finally lay spent in each other's arms, Jenny felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

"Hey," Rook said gently, wiping away a tear that had escaped. "What's wrong?"

Jenny shook her head, unable to put her tumultuous emotions into words. "I just wish I had more time," she finally managed. “More time to know if this is the right choice.”

Rook's arms tightened around her. "I know, my love. I know."

They lay in silence for a while, watching the stars wheel overhead. As the first hints of dawn began to lighten the eastern sky, Rook sat up, his expression serious.

"Jenny," he said, taking her hands in his. "I need you to listen to me, okay?"

Jenny nodded, her stomach clenching with anxiety.

"You are the most remarkable woman I've ever met," Rook began, his voice thick with emotion. "You're brilliant, and kind,and so incredibly strong. You deserve every happiness this world has to offer."

"Rook—" Jenny started, but he shook his head, silencing her.

"Please, let me finish. I know you came to Beastly Falls by accident, that you have dreams and plans that don't include being stuck in a small, supernatural town. And as much as it pains me to say this, I think... I think you should go."

Jenny felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "What? But I thought... what about us? The mate bond?"

Rook's smile was sad. "The mate bond is real, and what we have is beautiful. But I can't ask you to give up your dreams for me. You have so much potential, Jenny. The world needs your talent, your vision. I won't be the one to hold you back."

Tears were flowing freely down Jenny's cheeks now. "But I love you," she said, her voice breaking.

He closed his eyes, his smile tight. “Thank you. Thank you for that. I love you," Rook replied, pulling her close. "More than I ever thought possible. That's why I have to let you go."

They held each other until Rook’s dawn alarm went off. He pulled away, pressing a gentle kiss to Jenny's forehead. "Come on," he said quietly. "We should get you back to town. You have a long drive ahead of you."

The walk back to town was silent, heavy with unspoken words and suppressed sobs. When they reached the parking lot where the Camry waited, Jenny felt like she was moving through a fog.

"I don't know if I want to do this," she admitted.

Rook cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with a mix of love and sorrow. "Trust your heart. It will never steer you wrong.”

He kissed her then, pouring every ounce of love and encouragement he could into the gesture. When they parted, both were breathless.

"Goodbye, Jenny," Rook said, taking a step back. "Drive safe. And be happy."

Before Jenny could respond, Rook was gone, disappearing into the shadows before the first rays of sunlight touched the town.

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