Breaking the kiss, he steadies me. “Now, I’m going, and you will remember that I’m not like the other men you’ve dated.”
I giggle. “That much is certain. I’m sorry if I offended you, Ion. I just don’t want to rush you, but after your speech, I can see that my worries are unfounded.”
“I’ll see you tonight.” He walks to the front door, but doesn’t open it. Instead, he turns and looks me up and down. “When you do come out, and we have that date, do you think you would wear that yellow dress you were wearing at the dance?”
“I…um…yes. I can do that.” My face and neck are on fire as I consider what he wants to do with me in the very revealing dress I wore to try to get his attention, but ended up sending him away in a jealous fit.
The light in his eyes brightens. “Good.” He pulls his hood up and heads out the door.
Chapter Nine
ION
As I got out of the shower at Mari’s house, where I’ve been staying, it occurred to me that it’s not only Lori’s daughters who should be informed of our new status. I pull on jeans and a hoodie and text Mari and Tilda.
Ion:
If you have a few minutes, I’d like to call a quick family meeting.
Mari:
Is everything alright?
Ion:
Fine. Good, actually.
Tilda:
I’m in town buying a few things. I can be at your place in twenty minutes.
Ion:
Great. Mari, does that work with your schedule?
Mari:
I’ll be there. Should I bring Sam?
Ion:
That would be nice, but if he’s busy, you can relay the information.
Mari:
I head to the kitchen and consider whether wine would be appropriate. Vampires don’t get drunk or even buzzed. We do, however, enjoy the taste of wine. Instead, I opt for a pot of coffee.
Mari arrives first. Her long dark hair is swept up and knotted at the back of her head. She’s in all black and wearing a veiled hat to protect herself from the sun. Once inside, she removes the hat and leaves it on the bench near the door. “You should feel free to redecorate, Ion.”
“Perhaps, at some point, I’ll purchase this house from you. Though I might need something bigger.” I pour each of us a cup of coffee.
She raises an eyebrow. “Indeed? Have things escalated with Lori?”
“Don’t ruin my news.” I laugh. “Where is Sam?”
“He’s knee-deep in building me a meditation tower in our backyard. Last week, he spent endless hours building the nursery. That man is always working.” She sips her coffee and smiles into the cup. Nearly six months pregnant with a creature that will certainly be half-giant, she shows a bump bigger than ahuman baby would at this stage. We don’t know if the child will be born a vampire as well. Her pregnancy is a first for our kind.
“There’s nothing wrong with a man wanting to make you happy.” I sit on the stool next to her.
