Page 118 of Nearly Dead

I don’t want to tell him it’s only one of many homes Costin owns.I honestly don’t even know how many he has.I never thought to ask.“We like it.”

“We,” he repeats.His eyes find my antique engagement ring, a simple platinum band with a blood-red stone.“Anthony mentioned you’re getting married.”

“Yes.”

An awkward silence falls between us.There’s so much to say, and no easy place to start.

“I wanted to say—” I begin.

Diana breaks the tension, running back into the room.

“You can see the whole city from here.”She tugs at Paul’s hand.“Dad, come look!”

I let her lead us to the window.The three of us stand side by side, watching the city lights come alive as darkness falls.

“It’s pretty here,” Diana says.Then, with the directness only children possess, she asks, “Are you really a vampire now?”

Paul starts to object, but I stop him with a look.“Yes,” I tell her honestly.“And a werewolf too.I’m something new.”

Her eyes widen.“Cool!Can you turn into a bat?”

I laugh despite myself.“Not yet.Maybe someday.”

“Can I pet you when you’re a wolf?Sully says I can’t just pet any wolf.”

I nod.“Sully is right.Ask your dad before you do anything with the supernatural.That’s important.”

“Does this mean I’ll be special someday too?”She touches the amulet.

I really hope not.“You’re already special.The dragon needs you to be you.”

“Can I see your fangs?”Her boundless curiosity is untainted by fear.

“Diana,” Paul warns, but I shake my head.

“It’s okay.”I kneel to her level.“Are you sure?It might be scary.”

She nods eagerly.I let my fangs extend slightly, just enough to be visible without being terrifying.

Instead of recoiling, she leans closer, fascinated.“They’re cool.Dad, can I get fangs?”

I retract them, feeling a strange relief.Children see the world so differently.

“Absolutely not,” Paul states.

“The amulet’s keeping you safe?”I ask, touching the pendant at her throat.“Draakmar is behaving himself?”

She nods solemnly.“It gets warm sometimes when there’s danger.Dad says that means it’s working.”

“Smart dad,” I say, standing up again.“It’ll always protect you, as long as you wear it.”

“Draakmar gives me his dreams sometimes.He really likes fires,” Diana says.“Did he do that to you too?”

I nod.Though, the visions the ancient dragon gave me were his fantasies of fire consuming the world as he destroyed it.I put a stop to that plan, and suspect it was the dragon’s way of keeping his magic before Elizabeth and Thane tried to steal it.Hopefully, things will be easier for Diana.She doesn’t seem afraid, and maybe that’s the difference.Draakmar chose her.The dragon’s connection to the girl seems strong.That’s good.

Paul’s expression has softened, watching our interaction.“Diana, why don’t you go draw a picture for Tamara?I packed your markers.”

He lifts the backpack.She needs no further encouragement as she grabs it, racing off to the dining table.

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