Page 89 of Captured in Love
He is, technically. Also, Levi and Raphaël have some serious explaining to do. What on earth were they thinking, involving my father like this?
“Right. But how old is hereally?” he insists. “Because I suspect his physical and actual age don’t exactly match.”
“I don’t…” I trail off, not sure of what to say. “Did he…?”
“He’s not the first vampire I met, you know,” Dad says. “I mean, not that ImetRaphaël. I certainly hope to, someday, if you’re okay with that, because I haveso many questions!” He stops, coughs, and adds, “Well, if you patch things up with him, of course.”
I cover my eyes with a hand. “I don’t even know where to begin with all of this.”
Raphaël is in for an interrogation if he ever meets my relatives. Though I suspect Dad might have to get in line—Lily has a bone to pick with Raphaël. My family would also have more than a few questions for Isak if they ever learned about his true nature.
“I’m sorry, darling,” Dad says. “I know it’s a lot. And I won’t tell you what to do, least of all in your romantic relationships.”
I shudder. “Yeah, let’s not go there.”
“But I will tell you,” he continues, raising his voice slightly to drown out my protest, “to follow your heart. It’s a good heart, Nora, and it won’t steer you wrong.”
And now I’m on the verge of tears again. “Okay, Dad. Thanks.”
“I miss you,” he says simply.
“I miss you, too.” I also miss my siblings and most of all my mom, but if I allow myself to let out all of these feelings, I’ll start crying again and won’t ever stop.
“This isn’t your new phone number, is it?” Dad asks.
“No, it’s…” I try to think of a way to describe Isak and finally say, “This is my friend’s phone.”
“Well, then, call me again soon,” he says. “Do you know how you’re getting to Greece?”
“Yeah, I think so. There’s someone here who might be able to help.”
Even though Dad saw Isak on that video call we did in Egypt, I’m not about to tell him exactly where I am. Especially since Dad is clearly in cahoots with Levi and Raphaël, and I’m not ready for them to come find me, either.
Dad’s slightly exasperated sigh is so familiar, my heart aches with the urge to stop this madness and just return home to Boston. We’d have tea over the old kitchen table, Lily and Elliot would bicker, Dad would clean off his glasses on the edge of his shirt and tell them to stop, and everything would be well again.
But he just adds, “Be careful. I love you!”
“Love you, too,” I return, then tap the end button.
I sit in on the couch for several long minutes, replaying the conversation with my dad. Everything he said about Mom, the Scottish witches, even vampires. When I see him again, I’ll have to ask him about the other vampire he mentioned—somehow, it’s hard to imagine my slightly confused, peace-loving father hanging out with vampires.
I wish I could contact Skye to let her know I’m alive. Even if we’ve never met, I feel like she’s becoming a real friend, and I could use a friend right now. But that will have to wait until I find a way to log in to our secret chat.
I put Isak’s phone on the coffee table and settle on the couch. The pillow is soft, the blanket warm, and I’m suddenly so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. From the other end of the house, the girls’ voices grow quiet, and the soft tones of a lullaby drift over. Isak is singing them to sleep, and it’s beautiful, even though I can’t make out the words.
There is so much I still need to do, but my body won’t let me. Tomorrow, I’ll deal with everything.
My eyes close to the sound of Isak’s song, and I let myself drift off, comforted by the knowledge that for tonight, at least, I’m safe.
Epilogue
Nora
Morning sun warmsmy face as I slowly become conscious of my surroundings. The pillow beneath my cheek smells of laundry detergent, and my blanket cocoon is perfectly warm. Someone is talking in hushed tones, a male and a female voice lilting in a language I don’t understand.
Then a stifled giggle sounds from close by, followed by someone saying, “Shhh!”
My brain kicks into gear, and I peer through my eyelashes to find Klara and Dana crouched in front of me, hands clasped and their faces bright with laughter. I pretend to be asleep. They creep closer and closer, whispering in that way kids do when they think they’re being stealthy.
