Page 22 of Valentine's With A Vampire

She laughs, eyes misting. “That’s better than I’d hoped.” Her smile lingers. “Now you can decide what’s next. Will you stay in Evershift Haven? Will you return to the human world? There’s no right or wrong answer. Only your heart.”

I trade a glance with Vandria. Her lips tremble, waiting. My chest clenches with the weight of the decision. My old lifecalls, offering a sense of normality, but that always felt hollow. Evershift Haven might be insane, but it’s also the first time I’ve felt truly alive since I left the military.

I blow out a long breath. “I can’t walk away from Vandria.”

Relief brightens her expression. She grips my hand tighter. Grizelda beams, clapping her hands with a jingle of bracelets. “Fabulous. Now, we must celebrate with a nice pot of tea—”

Gran raises a hand. “Maybe tomorrow, dear. Declan and I need a private chat, and he’s owed a thorough explanation of how I parted ways with Evershift Haven all those decades ago.”

Vandria edges back. “I’ll give you space, but...will I see you soon?” She glances at me, voice laced with lingering insecurity.

I squeeze her fingers. “Yes. We’ll figure it out.”

She nods, blinking rapidly, then slips out the door with a ghost of a smile. My heart aches to follow, but Gran touches my shoulder, gently steering me back toward Grizelda’s messy table. The teapot puffs its pink steam again, as though celebrating.

She gestures at a chair. “Sit, my boy.”

I lower myself, exhaling. The swirl of left over tension lingers, but relief seeps in. I’m not running anymore. Gran glances at Grizelda, who hums a contented tune while fetching more cups. The cat purrs near the fireplace. It all feels so normal in this decidedly abnormal place.

She sets her hand over mine. “We have a lot to discuss, but first, I need to say I’m proud of you, and I hope you find happiness here. That’s all I ever wanted.”

My eyes mist with tears. I clear my throat roughly. “I’m still angry you tricked me.”

She squeezes my fingers. “You’ll forgive me eventually.”

Grizelda laughs softly, pouring fresh tea. I sink deeper into the chair, tension unwinding. The wind outside rustles the bizarre plants in the yard. Evershift Haven remains as magical and confounding as ever, but I don’t feel trapped. Not anymore.

I cradle the warm teacup, letting the possibility of a real future bloom in my heart. Vandria. My grandmother. This entire crazy town. Maybe it’s all the second chance I never knew I needed.

Chapter 8—Vandria

NIGHT DRAPES OVER EVERSHIFTHaven like a velvet cloak, and the festival glow casts dancing pink lights against every building. I stand under a lamppost near the edge of the Town Square, fiddling with the collar of my jacket. I keep glancing in the direction of Grizelda’s cottage, where Declan went earlier. My stomach knots with uncertainty.

A swirl of conversation drifts past me from couples enjoying the holiday illusions. Bram and Fiona pass by, tipping their heads to me in greeting. I manage a small smile, trying not to worry too much. He said he was staying, which is what I want, but he seemed uncertain...

I consider walking away to give him more space, but then I see him exit Grizelda’s gate with Bethany at his side. Though her face is lined with age, her eyes sparkle with the same magic that infuses the rest of this town. Declan stands a step behind her, arms loose at his sides. Our gazes lock from across the street, and a swirl of nerves tenses in my gut. Are we about to talk, or is he leaving again?

Bethany spots me, offers a nod, and murmurs something to him. She continues on toward the Town Square, presumably giving us privacy. He hesitates for a second before he starts my way.

When we’re within a few feet of each other, he stops. I try to sound neutral and stand casually, but I’m a mess of nerves. “So?” My voice sounds smaller than I’d like.

He runs a hand across the back of his neck, exhaling. “Gran explained everything. Why she sent me here. She left to see the world for a bit, always planning to return, but then she met my grandfather, a human, and gave up the idea of returning to Evershift Haven when she fell in love with him. You were sort of dragged into all this. I owe you an apology, and a conversation.”

My heart twists. “You already apologized. Sort of.”

A faint grimace tugs his mouth. “Not enough. I blamed magic for everything, when maybe it was just me scared of losing control.” He meets my eyes. “I’m not proud of running out on you.”

A swirl of conflicting feelings floods me—hurt, relief, longing, and fear. I remember the look of panic in his face after the lantern flared but then remember how it felt having him in my arms, his body aligned with mine. I tremble with longing and a bit of confusion. I want him to stay because he wants to. Is he still doing what he thinks magic is forcing him to do?

His brow crinkles. “Are you cold?”

I shake my head. “No.” I glance at passersby, but no one’s paying close attention. They’re too busy with festival festivities. I risk a step closer. “I’m just uncertain where we go from here.”

His sigh shivers. “Grizelda and your mother might say the magic is done. The lantern is gone. We’re left with whatever real feelings remain. I guess the question is, do we want to explore them?”

My eyes flit over his expression. “Do you?”

He lifts one shoulder, a half-shrug betraying vulnerability. “I’d be lying if I said I wanted to leave you. The idea of heading back to my old life with no closure is impossible now.”

---