Page 66 of Your Coffin or Mine
“You’ll see,” I respond coyly, pushing her gloves into her hands. We won’t be having another situation like last time.
She smiles sheepishly before putting them on and giddiness spreads.
I want to share with her my favorite part of the castle.
Doyle is against showing her the inner secrets of my home, but I want to see her reaction. I want to know if she will findthem as wonderful as I do and have no intentions of following his edict of staying away from her. His panties will be in a twist no matter what I do, the whiny ass.
We finally exit the castle through a rough wrought-iron gate, and she gasps. “Oh my god! I had no idea this was even here.”
Her eyes light up as she takes in the massive balcony. Its steps are inlaid in stone, and it overlooks the massive hedge maze that’s currently dusted in snow. The fountain can be seen from here, but the hedges are so tall it’s easy to get disoriented once inside.
“Well, it was a later addition, maybe three hundred years ago. But it is my most treasured place in the entire castle.”
“I can see why. It’s like a little hidden world back here.”
Her eyes widen and she comes to a stop. “Oh my gosh, it’s gorgeous.”
I smile and gesture for her to follow. “This part of the castle is kept secret, and in the winter, you can see it, but only if you’re looking for it. This way,” I say, walking underneath an archway.
Her blue eyes look around, surprised. “What, that’s not it?” she says, pointing at the balcony.
“No. Come and I will show you the secret of the castle.” I hold my hand out and she takes it, her glove-covered grip sure and warm in mine. We walk hand in hand, and I help her up the stairs, ensuring she doesn’t fall. “It’s just this way.”
“Wow.” Her gaze darts around eagerly as she lets me lead her along.
The balcony winds around the back of the castle, hidden from view by the massive evergreen firs that were planted expressly for this purpose. It’s a hidden alcove with a fireplace and stone seating area. Not that we will be sitting today, not for what I want to show her.
I walk into the darkness, the evergreens thick and lush, covered in white.
Letting go of her hand, I wave them down. “Wait just here.”
She looks up into the muted sunlight, closing her eyes as the soft flurries caress her pink cheeks. She’s warmth and light, and I find myself drawn to her. She looks like she belongs here, which says a lot because I have never invited another soul to this place.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, feeling them turn red behind my eyelids. It takes but a moment and I hear the flap of tiny wings before Aubrey squeals excitedly. “Oh my god. Are those... bats?”
I open my eyes when a tiny one alights on my upturned palm, and I stroke its wings, showing her that it is safe. She does the same and pride wells in my chest. The grin on her face is brighter than the sun, and right in this moment, I wish I could see it every day. Tiny squeaks fill the air as the small bats leave the cave below the balcony, hearing my call and coming to say hello.
She giggles as another comes to sit on her shoulder. “This is freaking amazing. Oh my gosh, how did I not know how cute they are? What do they eat?”
“These are mouse-eared bats. They usually eat things like spiders and small insects for sustenance.”
She glances to me. “So, they don’t bite?”
“These won’t. I still wouldn’t venture out here alone at night though. It’s safe if you’re with me, but otherwise, they’re animals and are a part of nature as much as you are.”
“I can’t believe this place. Burnie would freak right out.” She twists her palm and more alight across her shoulders squeaking in her ear. “Are they always so friendly?”
“No, usually I bring them crickets Doyle procures from the nearby fish hatchery. They were probably expecting treats since I haven’t been here in some time.”
“Well, we have to get some then. Poor things.”
I watch as she pets one lightly and the others fly away, probably to go back to sleep. They are nocturnal, after all. The sight of her grinning and laughing amongst them fills me with joy.
“Oh, I just want to take you home. Look how cute you are!”
I’ve never brought anyone here, have never wanted to bring anyone near the cave, actually. But somehow I knew she would like it. This odd, spirited woman who is slowly but surely taking over my undead heart.
She rubs lightly under the little bat’s chin, and I become irrationally jealous of the bat.I am bewitched.
