Page 69 of Bound By Blood

“It means we are destined to be together. My blood is rare, so rare that we had to seek out another vampire to tell us what it means.” She decided to omit the truth about Kata being dead. About all the death that had occurred. Lily didn’t need to know that, didn’t need to fear the lifestyle that Carly was choosing. She’d never let her leave if she told her.

Lily scrubbed her face, smearing some of her makeup. “This is so fucked up.”

Carly plunged on, hopeful now. “I’m moving in with him, Lily.”

Lily dropped her hands down to her sides. “You’re moving in with a vampire? Do you hear yourself?”

“He’s not much different than me. The only difference is I don’t need blood to survive.”

Squinting her eyes, Lily asked, “What the hell are you talking about?”

“I’m immortal,” Carly murmured, worried that if she said it too loud that it would only irate Lily again.

Lily pointed at her. More like jabbed her finger in Carly’s direction. “Are you telling me that you’ll live forever?”

“Yes.”

She was silent for a moment as she took in that new bit of information. So silent that Carly worried she’d lose her shit in a few seconds. But instead of blowing up, Lily calmly asked, “Have you always been immortal?”

“No. It happened when . . .” Carly shifted her weight. “When I drank some of his blood.”

Lily’s face took on a shocked look. “You drank a vampire’s blood?”

“Yes, but that’s not important. What’s important is that I now belong to their world, and their world belongs to me. I can’t stay here with you, Lily. I belong with them. With Landon.”

Bringing her fingers up to her lips, Lily asked in a shaky voice, “Does that mean I’ll never see you again? Is this you telling me goodbye?”

Carly rushed to Lily and wrapped her arms around Lily’s middle. “You can see me whenever you want. I’m still your best friend, and I will remain so even when you’re old and wrinkly.”

“Jesus, Carly,” Lily said into her ear, embracing her back. “This is all . . . it’s just so much.”

Carly squeezed her tightly. “I know, but can you accept it?” She pulled apart from her so that she could see Lily’s face and the truth or lie that she might choose to say next.

Lily looked at her long and hard. “I trust what you say. It’s going to be an adjustment, but I trust what you say and accept it. Just give me some time to wrap my head around it though, okay?”

Carly nodded. “I can do that. Do you want me to give you space while you mull it all over?”

Hair fell into Lily’s face when she shook her head. “I may not be part of your new world now, but I still want to be part of your life. Just . . . don’t leave me behind. Don’t forget about me.”

“I could never forget about you, Lily. You are one of two people who actually understand me. You’ve been there for me when no one else has. Just because I’m different now, doesn’t mean I would ever leave you behind.”

Lily blew out a pent-up breath and nodded slowly. “Okay. Okay. So, immortal best friend, a bond with a vampire . . .” She blinked and blinked hard. “Does this mean you’re getting married?”

The room filled with Carly’s laughter. “I don’t know how vampires work, but maybe after the baby or something-“

“What baby?” Lily interrupted.

Carly grinned broadly and touched her lower abdomen where their sweet baby was growing. “I’m pregnant.”

“Holy shit,” Lily whispered. “A vampire baby?”

Carly scratched her cheek uncertainly. “We actually don’t know who the baby will take after. This has never happened before. At least, to our knowledge.”

“You’re just changing all over the place,” Lily continued in a whisper.

“Are you happy for me, or are you changing your mind about being my best friend?” She couldn’t tell. Lily was shocked – that was clear – but which way did she swing?

Lily reached and gripped Carly’s shoulders with both hands. She looked her seriously in the eye. “I am happy for you, Carly. Truly. There are no ‘buts’ here. I’m just a little shaken is all. Don’t mistake it for wanting to be otherwise.”