Page 92 of Your Coffin or Mine
I managed to hide it well, but I do fear what’s going on in her mind. I hate that I have to leave, and I’m aware I’m pouring all my trust into someone who could very much damage me. She is a social media fiend, and I doubt it’d take her long to gain attention. Though, admittedly, everyone would just think she’s gone insane.
She would destroy my trust in the process if she does, and many may hunt her for it, but . . . I’m choosing to have faith in this woman because I think I’m in love with her. I want to believe this was all meant to be, even the messy way I revealed to her what I am.
“You promise to talk to me about this tonight?” she asks, and I nod. “What about Doyle? Is he a vampire, too?”
I laugh, but instantly cough when she looks disappointed in my reaction. “That’s not my story to tell,” I say as I clear my throat. “But no, he wishes he was like me, in all ways.”
I wink and grin when Aubrey’s lips twitch, suddenly put at ease.
“I have to go, but I’ll see you tonight.” I kiss the corner of her lips and grow disappointed she doesn’t chase mine for more.
Although the last thing I want to do is leave her alone, I will never put Aubrey in harm’s way for anyone. As much as I trust Doyle, I need to keep him from her until the scent of what I’ve done has faded. He will just have to wonder what’s happening for a bit longer. And to be honest, I would like to know that as well because it is all her decision. I hope she accepts me, this, us, but I can’t force her.
I cup her cheek.What an unusual and vibrant creature.I want to hold her and feel her in my arms until she agrees to be mine. She’s going to let me explain, and so far, there haven’t been any hysterics. She is perfect. Her pulse hasn’t jumped since I touched her again, and I thank my maker she isn’t afraid.
Someone somewhere is laughing at the absurdity of this chapter in my life.Meconcerned with decorations for some inconsequential dance over making sure she understands? Preposterous. Better for Doyle to believe I am so fascinated with her that I would paint the castle pink to see her smile, rather than him finding out I bit her and there are new developments.Not just yet.
“I can either finish planning your ball, or I can have a go at seeing if we can repeat the shower. You did seem to find that very exciting,” I say with mock exasperation, since she isn’t answering me.
“No!” She sputters a laugh and grins. “I think I’ve had enough shower sex and almost falling to my death for one day.”
I laugh in return. “Then we’ll talk tonight.” I place a finger over her lips. “But you can’t tell anyone what you’ve learned.”
She arches a brow and purses her lips a moment. I can practically see the wheels turning in her mind.
“Okay,” she mouths against my finger, and my body is instantly flooded with happiness.
She will be mine.My bride.
Aubrey
“Whatisyour life?I mean, how is this possible? Do you know how many times I have watched Bram Stoker and you, of allpeople, findtheDracula? Come on, man,” Burnie says over the phone, the sound muffled as she eats.
As soon as Vlad left me alone, I called her. Of course I called her! He’sfreakingDracula and I need to tell someone before I lose my mind. Plus, whenever I promise not to tell a secret, Bernadette is always excluded from that. She’s my best friend and my platonic soulmate. She doesn’t count.
Now that I’m back in my room, I eye the made bed from the couch, toying with a loose thread on my pink shirt I changed into from my recovered suitcase.
“Burnie, this is serious.” I cup my hand around the bottom of the phone and my mouth, sincerely not wanting anyone to overhear me, even if I am in a bedroom behind closed doors. I’ve lost my earbuds, but that isn’t going to stop me. “Legit-as-fuck vampires.”
After several messages trying to explain the rollercoaster I’m currently riding, that also feels like it’s on fire, I gave up and called her. There is no way possible to have this convo via text. Vampires are real? What the actual eff?!
“So, like, he for real bit you?” she says, around a mouthful of food.
“Yes. I already told you that,” I whisper.
She swallows audibly. “And you didn’t get a picture? Where’s your head at, dude? We need receipts.”
I walk to the bathroom just to get to a mirror to look at the exact spots where the marks have faded. I’ve done this so many times now I can’t even count. I keep expecting them to pop back up.
“No, they faded by the time I left his bathroom.”
“Or he’s messing with your head.” I can hear the disbelief in her tone.
The thought isn’t a new one. I mean, obviously the guy has fangs. I know what I saw, and he even admitted it to me!
“I don’t think he is,” I grumble as I make my way back to the couch.
“If that’s true, why didn’t he do it earlier?”
