Page 67 of How to Dump a Vampire

Draven nods, jaw set with determination. “We will find a way. I cannot allow my family to keep inflicting such atrocities.” His expression softens as he brushes a wind-blown lock of hair from my cheek. “You give me hope that change is possible, Thorn.”

My heart swells, warmed by his faith despite the daunting task ahead.

I cover his hand with my own. “Then let us prepare. We will face tomorrow together.”

Draven’s smile steels my resolve.

We climb higher along the parapets until Draven stops before a thick oaken door set into the stone. “Ready for your surprise?”

At my curious nod, he pushes open the door to reveal a cozy chamber nestled at the top of a corner turret, lit by flickering candles and warmed by a merry fire in the hearth. My eyes widen taking in the tableset with gleaming dishes and elegant tapered candles. A bottle of wine chills in a silver bucket beside a vase of winter roses.

Draven helps me remove my fur-trimmed cloak. “I thought, after the exhausting day, we deserved a private repast away from prying eyes. Some time to simply… be.” His voice drops low on those last words.

My pulse quickens as he guides me to the table, each touch sparking heat beneath my skin. I allow myself to relax into the intimacy of the scene. Tonight is just for us.

We dine on tender pheasant in cranberry sauce, buttery mashed potatoes with chives, crusty bread, and an array of tiny cakes for dessert. Everything is delicious, but it’s Draven’s company that truly nourishes me. The conversation flows easily, his humor and intellect sparking my own. For the first time in forever, I feel free to simply be myself.

As we finish dessert, soft flecks of snow dance past the arrow slit windows. I gaze out at the whirling flakes, comforted by the cocoon of warmth we’ve created within these old stone walls.

Behind me, Draven rises and adds another log to the hearth before refilling our wine glasses. “Come.Let’s enjoy the view,” he murmurs, drawing me over to the windowsill piled high with plush embroidered cushions.

I sip my wine, leaning into Draven’s sturdy frame as his arm encircles my waist. Together, we watch the winter storm unleash its beauty beyond the leaded glass. I’ve never felt so at peace.

After a time, Draven shifts beside me. “Do you trust me, Thorn?” His words ghost warm against my ear.

I turn to meet his gaze, finding yearning and promise lurking in those quicksilver depths. “Yes,” I whisper.

It’s true. Despite all that’s happened, this vampire has proven himself worthy of my faith.

Joy lights up Draven’s handsome face. He brushes back a raven curl that’s escaped my braid, his touch trailing sparks across my skin. Ever so slowly, giving me time to pull away, he bends his head and presses his lips to mine in the softest kiss.

My eyes flutter shut as I return the kiss, savoring the tender pressure of his mouth moving with mine. No urgency or heat, just unspoken affection passing through this chaste contact.

When we finally draw apart, Draven grazes his knuckles down my cheek reverently. “You are so very precious to me, Thorn,” he murmurs, silver eyes glowing warmly. “In you, I have found something I never dared hope for—a kindred spirit.”

Emotion clogs my throat, tears pricking behind my eyes. After lifetimes of hiding, here at last is someone who truly sees me. Who values the real Thorn in all her complexities. I feel sort of silly for having avoided the fated mate connection for so long. So many things that could have simply been worked out if we had just talked. I’ve never been one to do things the easy way, though, now have I?

I frame Draven’s face between my hands, pouring all that words cannot convey into another sweet, lingering kiss. For this one perfect night, the past and future fall away. There is only now, only this, only us.

The peaceful moment shatters at the sound of laughter floating up from the garden below. Curious, I lean over the stone balustrade to peer down at the source. To my astonishment, I recognize the golden head of Lord Anthony beside the chestnut curls of Princess Audrey. They stand pressed close together beneath a tree, heads bent in intimate conversation.

Draven joins me and smothers a laugh at the sight. “Well, well, it seems those two have been keeping secrets from me. They’re a good match, though.”

I glance at him in surprise as understanding dawns. “They appear quite… smitten with one another.”

“Indeed, though it’s hardly surprising. Audrey has been enamored with Anthony for years. I’m glad to see he finally returned her affections.” Mischief glints in Draven’s eyes. “Shall we have a little fun?”

Before I can ask what he means, Draven grins. With a flick of his arm so quick I hardly see the movement, he creates a gust of icy wind to swirl down from the ramparts into the garden below.

The brisk air disturbs a nearby bush, dislodging the blanket of fresh snow clinging to its branches. A sparkling cascade rains down over Anthony and Audrey, who laugh in delight as they twirl together amidst the shimmering flurry. Joy fills me seeing how clearly besotted they are.

Above, I shake my head at Draven, unable to hide my smile. “You are incorrigible.”

Draven’s expression grows serious again. “Yes, but their love cannot last. Not when Audrey is expected to make a political match. My father would neverapprove a turned vampire for his daughter.” Regret tinges his voice.

My heart clenches, reminded anew of the petty prejudices that still persist, even here.

I slip my hand into Draven’s, giving it a consoling squeeze. “Let them have this happiness however fleeting,” I say softly. “We cannot know what changes tomorrow may bring.”

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