AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I follow Archie inside. Tiny paws scamper up the steps, and Page appears. He races straight for our visitor, and I lurch forward to stop him. But the little ball of fur rushes right between my legs and launches himself at Archie. I expect my pet to claw the vampire, but Page settles comfortably on the man's shoulder.
“I'll take him before he ruins your suit.”
“It's fine.” Archie chuckles, patting Page like he's used to cats climbing him. Maybe he is.
“Are vampires some sort of cat magnets?”
“Not that I know of.” He runs his fingers through Page's fur. “Who's an adorable little kitty? You are.”
I can't help grinning as I introduce them. “Page, say hello to Archie.” My cheeks flush as I belatedly remember Page is a cat and can't talk. “Archie, this is Page. I found him under the porch last week when I was taking out the trash.”
Page meows, almost as if to say hello.
“Nice to meet you,” Archie says, and I'm not sure if he talks to cats, too, or if he's just humoring me. Either way, any reservations I've had about inviting a vampire into this isolated library dissolve. Not that he actually needed to be invited in.
“Can I look around?” Archie asks. “I’d love to see the library.”
I nod. “It’s a public library. Everyone is welcome.”
“Including vampires?” he teases.
I nod. “Would you like a tour?” I glance at the fiction section and quickly look away. What if we pass by Pride and Prejudice and it sends me to Alaska or the middle of the ocean?
“A tour would be wonderful.”
“I just need to feed Page first. The little guy must be starving.” I lead the way across the foyer toward the stairs. “Thank you so much for walking me home. I really appreciate it.”
He smiles. “Are you okay with letting me stay for the day? The sun’s up now, and I won’t be able to make it back to the manor easily.” He actually looks uncomfortable.
“Will the sunlight kill you?”
“Not immediately. I could get back in time, but it would hurt.”
“Then, yes, you can stay.” My heart pounds at the thought. I glance at Page, snuggled on his shoulder. “I don't think my cat is letting you go any time soon.”
Archie chuckles and follows me downstairs. My apartment is tiny and a bit embarrassing, but it’s mine.
“I'm sorry your breakfast is late, bud,” I say as I open a can of food for the purring Page.
“This is where you live?” Archie asks, looking around.
“The apartment comes with the job.”
Archie nods and runs his fingers along some of the handmade throw blankets I’ve collected over the years. “I love their bright colors.”
I smile. “My mother made these. She loved crafting, but especially making throws. A color for every mood.” The familiar sense of loss settles in the pit of my stomach, but it’s the first time I’ve had the chance to talk about her since she passed, and the words flood out. “Chilly evenings were her favorite. We would each pick a throw, and I’d snuggle with a good book while she’d work on her next creation. She always said how she loved the interplay of colors and textures.”
“They’re beautiful,” he says. “So lively.”
I can’t help the snort that escapes me. A vampire calling something lively. Then I shake myself.
“Cat’s fed. So… Let’s go upstairs,” I say. “I’ll give you that tour.”
Janet
Archie and I head back to the library, and he turns straight toward the classics. My heart leaps into my throat.
“Stop!” I shout.
