Page 28 of Her Vampire Hero

“I’m a day walker,” he said in awe.

Epilogue

After the curse was broken for all Beastly Falls...

Jenny fidgeted in the uncomfortable plastic chair, acutely aware of the three pairs of eyes scrutinizing her from across the table. The TV studio's harsh lighting made her feel like she was under interrogation rather than in a job interview.

"So, Jenny," the lead producer said, leaning forward with a predatory smile, "tell us why you'd be perfect for 'Grease Monkey Mayhem.'"

Jenny took a deep breath, channeling her inner Rook for a touch of centuries-old confidence. "Well, I'm passionate about cars, I work well under pressure, and I'm always up for a challenge."

The producers exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

"And drama?" another producer prompted. "How do you handle conflict?"

Jenny blinked. "I... try to resolve it calmly and efficiently?"

More glances were exchanged, this time accompanied by slight frowns.

"I see," the lead producer said, his tone decidedly less enthusiastic. "And if a coworker sabotaged your project?"

"I'd report it to HR and—" Jenny stopped, suddenly realizing what they were looking for. "I mean, I'd throw a wrench at them and call them a rusty lug nut?"

The weak attempt at drama fell flat. The producers' disappointed sighs told Jenny everything she needed to know.

Fifteen minutes later, Jenny walked out of the studio, a strange mix of emotions swirling in her chest. She'd dreamed of this opportunity for so long, and yet...

As she climbed into her beloved VW Beetle, Jenny's phone chimed with a text from Rook:

"How'd it go, my gear-grinding goddess? Knock their socks off?"

Jenny smiled, warmth spreading through her at the silly endearment. She typed back:

"More like knocked myself out of the running. Turns out I'm too 'well-adjusted' for reality TV. Heading home now."

Home. The word resonated in a way it never had before. With sudden clarity, Jenny realized she wasn't disappointed about the interview. She was relieved.

Her phone chimed again:

"Their loss is Beastly Falls' gain. Drive safe, love. I'll have a cup of your favorite waiting."

Jenny's smile widened as she started the engine. She had a long drive ahead, but for once, she couldn't wait to get back to her small, supernaturally strange town.

SIX MONTHS LATER

The sound of metal clanging against metal filled the air, punctuated by the occasional rev of an engine or burst of laughter. Jenny slid out from under a cherry-red 1957 Chevy, which would have been a classic if not for the fact that it ran on unicorn tears instead of gasoline.

"All right, Mrs. Hollowbrook," Jenny called out to the vampire matron waiting nearby. "Try it now."

The engine roared to life, purring with ethereal smoothness. Mrs. Hollowbrook clapped her hands in delight.

"Oh, marvelous. I was worried I'd have to trade her in for one of those dreadful modern contraptions."

Jenny grinned, wiping her hands on a rag. "Not on my watch. This beauty's got at least another century in her."

As Mrs. Hollowbrook drove off, Jenny took a moment to survey her domain. "Cortado's Supernatural Speedshop" read the sign above the garage doors. Inside, an eclectic mix of vehicles waited for her attention—everything from a pixie-sized scooter to a troll's reinforced pickup truck.

The bell above the door chimed, and Jenny turned to see Rook entering, a steaming mug in each hand.

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