Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I finally saw a full fledged smile from him, and it was so gorgeous it took my breath away. The worry lines on his skin transformed into happy creases, and his dark eyes sparkled. I wanted to give him that look every second of every day.
"Thank you," he said before grabbing another fry with his free hand, thrilling me by keeping hold of mine. I wasn't about to let him go. "So, where all have you lived?"
"All over the country. When I was young, humans were terrified of vampires, and I suppose they had a reason to be. We had to drink their blood to live." I paused to see his reaction, but he seemed unbothered; most people knew our history already.
"But while there were vampires who took pleasure in it, the majority of us meant no harm to people; we were just trying to survive through a gentle bite and a few sips. But rumors spread quickly, from things like a vampire's bite would transform humans, to us possessing their minds." Granted, our Coven Master had mind control powers, but that was specific to him, and he didn't use the power lightly.
"So, every time a town learned of my family's identity, it was typically followed by an uproar. We were attacked several times, but we never fought back, as we were much stronger and more resilient than humans. We fled, moving on to the next city until history repeated itself. It wasn't until we settled here and my coven made medical advancements that we were finally accepted, and found a home."
It was Dalton's turn to squeeze my hand. "I'm sorry you went through that. It's amazing that you still want to help people after all they've done to you." I thanked him by brushing my thumb across his knuckles. "How long ago did that happen?"
"Many years ago; centuries, actually." I could guess his next question before he asked, so I added, "I'm nine hundred sixteen years old."
"Damn."
I chuckled again and playfully flicked my eyebrows. "Not too bad for someone who's been around for almost a millennium, huh?"
"I'll say." I chuckled again as Dalton's cheeks darkened once more. "So, um, does your family live around here, too?" he stuttered, changing the subject. He was still figuring out how to deal with his attraction, and I understood. I actually found it quite charming.
"I've got a dozen brothers and sisters spread out across the country, and we talk every now and then on the phone. My parents bounce around, visiting all of us, along with traveling for pleasure. They are exploring the world again now that they are accepted and not feared."
"That's really nice."
"You know, Tage, Andy's-" I caught myself, and used the term that Dalton was familiar with, "Boyfriend - is a huge reason why humans and vampires get along so well nowadays. He was the mastermind behind the blood substitute, along with many other medical advancements for humankind."
"Andrew never mentioned that," Dalton replied, shaking his head. "That's amazing. Wait, so does that mean Tage is a vampire as well?"
"He is. And he's even older than I am, if you can believe it."
"Wow." Dalton rubbed his hand across his bristly chin. "Were the men from the toy store vampires, too?"
"One of them," I nodded.
“I thought so. When he hit the ground, he was severely injured, but then he just…” Dalton shook his head as if he was still in disbelief. “Repaired himself.”
“We vampires have quick regeneration,” I explained. “Even though we are able to get hurt, we heal very quickly. We are nearly impossible to kill.”
“But the other man…he was human?” I nodded, and Dalton scrubbed at his face again. “I could have killed someone. I never meant to do that. I shouldn’t have done it at all. I just…”
When his words failed him, I squeezed his hand again. “I know.” While I didn’t condone what he did, I understood the reasoning behind his actions. He had his own demons, but he no longer had to fight them alone.
I didn’t want Dalton to get upset; I wanted him to enjoy our time together and keep his mind off of his troubles, so I changed the subject with, “Tell me about your hobbies. What do you like to do?”
My heart squeezed when Dalton’s eyes narrowed and focused as he thought. Was it that difficult to think of something that brought him joy? Did his life revolve around responsibility and strife? “I like movies,” he finally answered.
“That’s nice; what kind?”
“Comedies, mostly.” I was glad that he enjoyed something that could help him relax and make him laugh. “How about you?”
“I enjoy watching comedies as well,” I agreed, once again unsurprised that our preferences aligned. “But my favorite pastime is axe throwing. Have you ever been?”
“Never, but it sounds awesome.”
“Let’s do it,” I suggested, and his eyes widened with what I hoped was interest and excitement. “I’d love to share it with you. Finish eating and I’ll take you. What do you say?”