I nod. “I just want a minute with you if that’s fine,” I whisper.
“It is more than fine.” His smile is just the best.
“Oh, hang on,” Rosie says, snagging two iced coffees from the fridge. “I was hoping you’d be back soon. Imayhave meal-prepped your fridge while we waited for Moth to get back.”
Bless these friends of mine.
Rosemary brown sugar lattes have become one of Rosie’s signature items, and each sip I take, combined with the scent of the trees and summer wind on my face, are just the reminder I need that I’m finally home. I’ve traveled across the vampire’s domain all the way to the Dragonfly Court and still, nothing tastes as sweet as home.
Moth’s clawed hand interlaces with mine, and the rest of my tension leaves my shoulders.
“This is exactly what I needed.” I sigh, swinging our arms in time as we talk.
“You have taken the words from my mouth.” Wow, I’ve missed the way he takes the most casual of sayings and turns them into something dreamy. However, there’s a shake to his voice that’s unusual.
“When Magnus took me,” I begin, and feel the grip on his hand tighten, “he said you wouldn’t come for me. He said the way I left you at the ball made everyone think that I was fickle or something…” My exhaustion is getting the better of my words. I stop, turning so that our eyes meet. “Did you think I left you?” I finally ask.
He shakes his head, then nods, then shakes his head again. “It would be a lie to say I had no moments of uncertainty,” he says. “Then there was a picture of you on a …datewith him.”
“Ew gross! It wasn’t a real date.”
“I do not doubt it.” He hangs his head, the red of his eyes shining with a sad gleam. To think this beautiful, strong creature could care so much for me that he would worry I’d find someone else. “Your scheme with him was … interesting.”
That’s a word for it. He should know I’m not interested in an enemies to lovers romance, not when I have the perfect sweet brooding monster right here in front of me.
“He said he was going to let me go…” I trail off. “Then, when he changed his mind, I just snapped. I’m so sorry for the damage I caused, by the way. I’ve never lost control like that before.”
“It was beautiful,” he says, stroking up the length of my jaw and a shiver of pleasure swells in my heart, unlocking a feeling that’s hard to describe. At the compliment, my claws grow and feathers spring from the flesh on my arms. My first instinct is to hide it behind my back, but Moth holds my hand steady, placing my palm to his cheek.
“He told me you wouldn’t like me in thatotherform,” I whisper, “and I know I shouldn’t have let it get to me, but it’s all just so different.”
“The vampire’s heart does not know true love.”
“No, no it doesn’t.”
“Nor does he deserve it,” Moth huffs, his fingers cupping my chin. “Having you back seems to be the only thing that eases my suffering.”
“This is the only place I want to be,” I say, fluttering up to meet his lips. He holds me there, pressed against each other in the middle of our woods.
Would he still kiss me like this if I was a monster?
I know the answer—I felt it last night. So why do I want to hear him say the words so badly? Still, right now his lips are soft, quieting my worries. We fit so well together—just like this.
We return home, and it’s perfectly cozy. The house is filled with people, trading details and stories. We debate on how to sendGil a last-minute invite to the wedding and wonder what a good thank you gift to a swamp monster would be. Moth seems to be fond of him too, and after hearing more details of his interaction, I look forward to grilling Holly on what exactly happened during the season the Dragonfly Court hosted. Who knew my sister-in-law had so many admirers?
As if on cue, Holly races into the house with a letter in her hand. Evening has fallen and there’s a satisfied grin on her face.
“Well done,” she says to Moth and me, a proud smile gleaming on her face. God, I must have really fucked shit up for her to be complimenting me like this. She hands me the piece of parchment. “The vampire king seems to have written to you while having his wounds dressed.”
“Oooh, read it aloud!” Rosie says, grabbing a seat next to Moth and me on the couch, clearly dying of thirst for one single sip of tea.
Heather,
I will not insult you by calling you “darling” or “love”—but I hope one day to be able to earn the title” friend.” You are right: as far as romance is concerned, the two of us were not suited. I still search for the “everything” you urged me to find.
While we could never be that for each other, your companionship was more than I could ever deserve. With the apologies of both my horde and the Dragonfly Court, we gift a boon of your choice. Know that we have much in terms of magic and riches to offer.
It is from the bottom of my heart that I apologize for my actions. I should have known better—done better—but, like all who came before me, I was selfish. The scarscarved across my face by you and your lover will forever be a reminder that there is more to love than just the selfish wants of this vampire.
