The crowd remains absolutely still as Calla walks forward carrying a very heavy tome. I bend down and take it from her, gliding a hand over the soft leather and the words stamped into it.
The Story of Starry Hill and the Legacy of Arran Stewart
Audrey holds up a finger. “You’ll find that there are still a lot of blank pages toward the end because your story is far from done, my laird. I’ll keep collecting them as the decades go on. Plus, I have plans for a second volume, and a third, a—”
I drag Audrey into my arms and kiss her. I kiss Audrey with every fiber of my being, pouring my heart and soul back into her.
I’m vaguely aware of the sound of wild applause, but nothing outside of Audrey exists for me right now.
Unashamed of the tears tracking down my cheeks, I hold her to me. Gratefulness for feeling seen, for feeling appreciated, valued, courses through me, wrapping around my heart and squeezing tightly.
Before Audrey, I felt alone in this world and I often questioned my worth. It astounds me that there’s now an entire book filled with stories of how I’ve impacted other creatures’ lives, and not just one or two, but so many.
“Audrey, my darling,” I start, but fail to find words that can adequately describe everything I’m feeling.
“I know,” Audrey whispers back. “Let’s enjoy the rest of the party tonight. We have all the time in the world to say everything we want starting tomorrow.”
So, we do just that.
The rest of our night is filled with music and laughter, joy and wonder, and a big sense of belonging as we spend it with our chosen family.
When the fireworks go off, Bodin and Tilly, Ren and Maisie, and Shinsu and Nori, come with me and Audrey as we head toward the helter-skelter.
Each couple grabs a mat, then, screaming and giggling, we slide down the spiraling chute. We do it a few more times until we’re dizzy, our cheeks hurting from all the smiling.
After, the girls make their way to the dance floor, the lads following all too happily, and we dance and dance and dance until our feet ache.
Quietly, Audrey drags me away and back to the castle, where we climb up to the top of our favorite turret.
With the stars smiling down on us, I hold my darling in my arms while we happily watch the rest of our family reveling below.
Chapter 22
Audrey
“Are you still sure you want to do this?” Arran asks me for the umpteenth time, his forearms resting on his thick thighs.
From across the bedroom, I spin around and fist my hands on my waist. “Listen, stud. I know you mean well when you ask me that, but it’s a little insulting after all these months. Thought you knew me by now.”
Arran winces. “I’m sorry. I think the question has more to do with me, than it does you.”
“Explain.” I park my butt on the edge of the bed and fold my arms over my chest.
Everything is set for tonight. I picked the date because it’s my birthday tomorrow and I stood by what I said, never wanting tobe thirty-three. I also decided on where I want Arran to bite me, wanting everyone to see the claiming mark on my neck.
More than enough blood has been prepared to replace what Arran will drain from me. And after sunset, Tilly will come over to keep an eye on me in case things go awry.
Fidgeting with the hem of his kilt, Arran can’t quite meet my eyes as he says softly, “This decision, becoming a vampire, wanting to spend eternity with me… it’s a really big commitment. And, I guess, I still feel unworthy of your love.”
“Ah,” I say, instantly dropping my guard as I understand where he’s coming from. I pad over the cool stone floor and sit in his lap. “If it helps, I’m not doing it solely for you. Don’t get me wrong, you’re pretty great. But, so is Starry Hill. And I really like living and the idea of taking care of my nieces and nephews and their kids too. Plus, I’ll get all the advantages of super sight, scent, hearing, taste…”
“Strength,” Arran adds, easily maneuvering my body until I’m straddling him.
I fling my arms around his neck and wiggle my eyebrows. “I have some ideas for what I want to do with that new power.”
“You have my full consent to do whatever you want. But don’t tell me now, surprise me with it later,” Arran says, his hands gliding up and down my sides.
“Okay, Mr. Adventurous,” I purr. In a more serious tone, I add, “I’m excited for everything that’s yet to come, and doing it all with you.”
