The moment he kissed me, something sparked—some forbidden thread of connection that went deeper than I could explain. I let him bite me not because he tricked me, but because I wanted it.
I could tell him that. But then what excuse would I have left to keep saying no? And if I do tell… how long until I tell them everything else?
I need to get out of here. Before this stops being a hiding place, and starts feeling like home.
"They're arriving soon," Asher says as we finish setting up the living room. "We'll start with introductions. Then I'll give you the floor."
He hasn't mentioned Kayden all day. I haven't either. The silence feels loaded, but I leave it untouched.
"All right," I say, adjusting a throw pillow like it matters.
"If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just let me know," Asher adds, his tone softening.
"Thanks. I'll be fine." I glance up at him. "I trust you."
It hits me as I say it. I mean it.
I trust Asher. That rare kind of trust that settles low and quiet because they've earned it.
He smiles, something real flickering in his eyes just before headlights sweep through the window.
A car door slams, and seconds later the front door bursts open like someone kicked it for fun. A woman strides, red curls bouncing, freckles everywhere, and a grin like we've been best friends in a past life.
"Hi! You must be the mystery girl I've heard so much about," she beams, clasping both my hands in hers before I can process a thing. "I'm Donna. Donna Bright. But don't hold that against me."
I blink, thrown by the whirlwind.
Asher steps in with an amused edge. "Harlan Bright is the mayor. Donna's his daughter."
"Oh, she doesn't know the local politics yet?" Donna perks up like this is delightful. "Great. No bias. Well, except for the vampire part, but hey, we're working on that PR. I'm not the 'grr' type, if you know what I mean." She bares her teeth in a goofy imitation of a snarl, then shakes her head. "Asher here keeps us in line, so my dad lets us stay. Discreet, well-behaved, and mostly harmless."
It's a lot: fast, friendly, unfiltered. I like her instantly.
"It's really nice to meet you," I say with a smile. "And… get to know so much about you right away."
Donna laughs. "Yeah, people say I talk a lot, but it's all interesting, so I figure it balances out."
"It does. I already feel more informed," I admit.
"See? She gets it." She spins toward Asher. "Do you have those sesame chips like last time?"
"On the table," Asher replies, not missing a beat.
"You eat chips?" I ask, surprised.
Donna's already snatching a handful. "I'm a newer vamp. Taste buds haven't gone entirely numb yet. It's kind of the dream—eat whatever you want, never gain a pound. High-key obsessed with jalapeño popcorn right now."
I chuckle. "I guess that is theBrightside of vampirism."
Donna freezes, then laughs so loud it startles me. "TheBrightside. Oh, she's funny. Asher, good pick."
He doesn't respond, but I catch the way his lips twitch, and suddenly I feel just a little more like I belong.
Before either of us can comment on Donna's chip obsession, the door opens again.
Another woman walks in first, tall and sharp, moving with the quiet confidence of someone who's seen her share of battles. Half of her blonde hair is shaved close to the scalp, the other half styled into a loose, messy fauxhawk. Her eyes are a piercing, ice-blue, more assessing than friendly. Without a word, she nods to Asher, then to me, and heads straight for the drinks table. Grabs a beer like it was meant for her.
"Astrid?" I hazard a guess.
