Page 24 of Her Vampire Hero

They barely made it back to Rook's apartment above the tea shop before he had her pressed against the wall, his lips trailing hot kisses down her neck. Jenny arched into him, her fingers tangling in his hair.

When Rook's fangs finally sank into her neck, Jenny gasped. There was a brief moment of sharp pain, quickly overwhelmed by a wave of pleasure so intense it made her knees buckle. Rook held her up, one arm around her waist while the other cradled her head.

As he drank from her, Jenny felt their connection deepen. It was as if she could feel Rook's emotions alongside her own—his desire, his love, his fear of losing her. She clung to him, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all.

When Rook finally pulled away, licking the wounds closed with his tongue, Jenny felt dizzy and euphoric. She looked up at him, seeing her own wonder reflected in his eyes.

"That was..." she trailed off, unable to find words to describe the experience.

"Incredible," Rook finished for her, pressing his forehead against hers. "You're incredible, Jenny."

They made love slowly, reverently, both of them savoring every touch, every kiss. Afterward, as they lay tangled together in Rook's bed, Jenny felt more content than she ever had in her life.

But as the first light of dawn began to creep through the curtains, reality intruded on their bubble of bliss. Jenny should get back to her room, and Rook needed to retreat to his light-tight sanctuary for the day.

As they said their goodbyes at the door, Rook pulled Jenny close, burying his face in her hair. "I love you," he said.

Jenny's heart soared even as fear gripped her. She wanted to say it back, wanted to promise him forever. But the words stuck in her throat, held back by the last vestiges of her uncertainty.

Instead, she kissed him deeply, pouring all her feelings into the gesture. When they parted, Rook's smile was sad but understanding.

"Until tonight," he said, squeezing her hand one last time before closing the door.

Jenny made her way back to the B&B in a daze, her mind and heart at war. She loved Rook, she was sure of that now. But was love enough? Could she really give up her whole life, her dreams, to stay in this strange town?

As she crawled into bed, exhausted but unable to sleep, Jenny's thoughts drifted to the Camry. It was almost finished. Soon, she'd have to make a choice: stay in Beastly Falls with Rook or drive away towards her old dreams.

Chapter Eight

Jenny wiped her hands on a rag, stepping back to admire her handiwork. The Camry gleamed in the moonlight, its engine purring like a contented cat. She'd done it. After a week of blood, sweat, and more than a few colorful curses, the car was ready to hit the road.

A sense of accomplishment washed over her, quickly followed by a wave of dread. The week was up tomorrow. She had a decision to make, and the weight of it pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

"You've done a remarkable job," a familiar voice said from behind her.

Jenny turned to see Rook approaching, his eyes fixed on the car. She searched his face for any sign of the turmoil she felt, but his expression was carefully neutral.

"Thanks," Jenny replied, her voice sounding strained even to her own ears. "It's ready to go whenever I decide to leave."

"About that," Rook said, his tone light in a way that felt forced. "I was hoping we could spend this evening together. One last adventure before you head out to chase your dreams or decide to stay with me forever."

Jenny's heart clenched at the words 'one last adventure.' She wanted to protest, to tell him she hadn't made up her mind yet. But the look on Rook's face stopped her. There was something in his eyes, a resigned determination that made her pause.

"What did you have in mind?" she asked instead.

A small smile played at Rook's lips. "It's a surprise. Meet me at the edge of town at in an hour?"

Jenny nodded, curiosity piqued despite the melancholy hanging over them. "I'll be there."

As Rook walked away, Jenny's eyes drifted back to the Camry. It represented everything she'd ever wanted—a ticket to a better life, a chance to prove herself. So why did the thought of driving it out of Beastly Falls feel like tearing out a piece of her heart?

When Jenny arrived at their meeting spot, Rook was already there, a picnic basket in one hand and a blanket draped over his arm. He smiled when he saw her, and for a moment, it was easy to forget the bittersweet nature of their outing.

"Ready for an evening under the stars?" Rook asked, offering his free arm.

Jenny took it, letting him guide her down a path she hadn't noticed before. "Lead the way, vampire boy."

They walked in comfortable silence, the sounds of the forest surrounding them. Jenny breathed in the crisp night air, marveling at how quickly Beastly Falls had come to feel like home.

---