Page 18 of How to Dump a Vampire

Thorn studies me for a long moment before inclining her head in acknowledgement. There are still ghosts of distrust between us, but I pray continued understanding will help lay them to rest.

We pass the rest of the meal in thoughtful quiet. I sense Thorn observing me when she believes I’m not looking, as if trying to solve a complex riddle. I pretend not to notice, hiding my smile.

After we finish eating, I help Thorn clear the table then stoke the glowing embers in the hearth. Neither of us is eager to sleep just yet, so we settle together before the fire as the wind continues its lonesome howling outside.

Thorn takes up her knitting, needles clacking rhythmically, while I page idly through a leather-bound book of local myths and legends. We don’t speak, but the silence wraps around us with tender comfort. Each time I glance up, I find Thorn already watching me over her clicking needles, an affectionate half-smile teasing her lips.

I know I should bank the fire soon and try to sleep, putting emotional thoughts to rest, but solitude is not what my restless spirit craves tonight. Not when this extraordinary woman sits close enough to touch, each shared moment knitting our hearts closer than her yarn.

8

Thorn

My hands tremble as I hastily gather up the abandoned mugs and kettle, clattering them loudly in my distress. The tea items rattle on the tray, evidence of my inner turmoil I cannot seem to still.

What came over me? Kissing Draven without a second thought. I have so many secrets that would get me killed, and I just gave a vampire that I don’t really know anything about a massive clue to learn who I am.

I chance a glance over at him where he sits watching me, no doubt confused by my sudden frantic energy after our heated embrace. Heat rises in my cheeks. I avert my gaze quickly, afraid he’ll read the truth spelled out in my eyes—that, for a blissful moment, I forgot myself entirely and gave in to desire.

Such foolishness cannot happen again.

Breathing deeply, I brace myself on the edge of the wash basin. The past has taught me that passion only brings pain. In this case, Draven’s involvement threatens the safe solitary life I’ve built, away from prying eyes and powers intent on using me.

I must regain control. Apply logic. Establish boundaries. Suppress dangerous feelings that would only lead to heartbreak again. I am the only one who can shape my destiny, and I will not have it derailed by an ill-fated mate bond and my own pathetic longing.

Gods above, what did I just unleash by kissing Draven like that?

Draven’s still watching me with those penetrating silver eyes, no doubt wondering what in fiery blazes has come over the forest hermit who was snogging him senseless moments ago. I quickly avert my gaze.

Get it together, Thorn!This cannot happen again. That smoldering passion only brings pain. I need to be logical and set some boundaries between us before I do something reckless like smile or make eye contact.

I ignore Draven’s confused staring and hunker down at my table to scratch out a list of rules for keeping myself in check.

No touching the hot vampire whose kiss still smolders through your veins.

Seriously, stop fantasizing about his hands on you!

And no more gazing dreamily into his eyes either or you’ll spill all your secrets.

The quill scratches loudly on the parchment as I outline precautions against getting closer to Draven. I see him stand cautiously, looking like he wants to say something, to ask what’s wrong, but I keep scribbling, willing him to leave me be with my frantic list-making.

He hesitates then sinks back down by the fire, his expression going from confused to hurt in a flash. Great, now I’ve wounded his pride. Honestly, it’s for our own good. I cannot let myself fall any deeper under this man’s spell, or I’ll end up burned again.

I continue filling the parchment with strict rules to keep my dangerous heart in check.

Light topics only.

No discussion whatsoever of unbreakable bonds or my mixed bloodline. Way too risky, like dancing with fire.

There, guidelines established!

I survey my list critically, checking for any loopholes. Satisfied I’ve got enough here to avoid further entanglements, I set aside the parchment. No need toexplain all this to Draven. He’d argue fate has it out for us or some nonsense. I have to start following these rules pronto before we do anything else we’ll regret at sunrise.

Having decided on this logical course, I rise to fix us a bedtime snack, avoiding his eyes. I focus wholly on slicing bread and cheese, willing my hands to be steady. Nice and simple food prep. No more intimate dinners that end with us gazing longingly across the table.

I hear Draven approach behind me, his footsteps cautious. My shoulders tense instinctively.Don’t turn around. Don’t you dare make small talk or let him get close again!I brace myself on the worn countertop as he hovers over my shoulder.

“Thorn.” His voice is gentle, full of questions I can’t answer. “Have I done something to upset you? Please, talk to me.”

---