The Vampire's Cursed Kiss (Shadowvale Book 2)

by Kristen Painter

  “You’ve been out with a very high fever.”

  “The nettles, right?”

  “Right.”

  “It’s coming back now. The fever explains a lot.” Like all of her trippy dreams. She tried to sit up.

  “I don’t think you should move too much yet. Just rest. At least until the doctor can come in and check on you.”

  She settled down. As happy as she was to see him, she was sure he hated her. Or had. She might be awake, but things still weren’t making sense. “Why are you here?”

  He laughed softly and closed the book on his lap. “I was keeping you company. I really should get the doctor now that you’re awake.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

  “But why are you—where’s my sister? Is she okay? Is Chloe okay? Why are you here?”

  “It’s okay. Everyone’s fine. I’m here because I want to be. Because…” He looked away for a moment before continuing, “Because I have been a fool. And absolutely terrible to you. And I’ve let my past corrupt my present and possibly ruin my future. I’ve never been sorrier about anything in my life. And I’ve lived a long time.”

  She blinked a few times as she took it all in. He was here because he wanted to be. Then the book in his lap caught her eye. It looked like a romance novel. “What are you reading?”

  He let go of her hand to show her the cover. It featured a strong-jawed, shirtless man in breeches and a fiery-haired woman about to lose her very flowy off-the-shoulder dress to the same wind that was whipping her hair back. And they were on a ship. “The Pirate’s Pleasure. And I wasn’t really reading it so much as I was reading it aloud to you. The doctor thought it might be good for you, so…”

  He’d admitted he’d been a fool, and he’d been reading to her. She fell in love with him all over again, but the need to see exactly how repentant he was remained. “That’s a romance novel.”

  “It is.”

  Even in her current state, she knew how odd that was. “You don’t like romance novels.”

  “But you do.”

  “Do you like them now? Maybe a little?”

  “I…” He looked at the cover. “I can’t lie. I don’t love the covers. But I’m starting to see the appeal of the story.” He made eye contact with her again. “The whole happily-ever-after thing.”

  She wasn’t about to let him off that easily. “Does that mean you’re going to carry them in your shop?”

  He sighed without any real conviction behind it as a gleam that seemed almost happy shone in his eyes. “I already have Fletcher setting up a new section for them. You could help me pick out the authors I should stock. If you want. Not now. I mean, when you’re feeling better.”

  Remarkably, she suddenly felt vastly improved. “What’s brought all this on?”

  He shook his head. “You. I love you. Terribly.”

  The ache of unbelievable joy almost took her breath away. “All of a sudden you love me again?”

  “I never stopped. Not really. I just needed something to snap me out of my self-destructive, poor-me wallowing. And apparently, that was your willingness to sacrifice yourself for Chloe despite everything I did to you and how I acted.” He stared at the book in his lap. “You saved my cat. And then you saved me.”

  She stayed quiet, letting him speak.

  “I know you left because of the curse’s magic. And I understand why you didn’t tell me the whole truth about the curse.”

  “You do?”

  He nodded. “Completely. It could have ruined your chances of being freed of it.”

  “Go on.”

  “Well, there’s not much more to say except that I’m very sorry. And if you’re still willing to give us another try, I would like that very much. But if you’re not, I understand that, too. I don’t think I deserve a second chance after how awful I was.”

  Her entire being thrummed with happiness. “I think you deserve a second chance. Actually, I think we deserve a second chance.”

  He looked up, eyes bright. “Me, too. I will endeavor not to be such a fool in the future. And to do everything in my power to show you how good things can be.”

  She already had an idea about that, but she wasn’t going to stand in his way of spoiling her if he wanted to. “Good.”

  He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it. “Thank you.”

  She suddenly realized there was a riot of color behind him. Flowers. Enormous bunches of them covering every surface. “Who sent all the flowers?”

  “Some are from my family. One’s from Amelia. The rest are from me.”

  That was a lot of flowers. Gardens full. She couldn’t help but smile. “I like how you ask for forgiveness.”

  Relief seemed to sweep over him. “Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  He smiled. But his smile faded fast. “I have to get the doctor, but there’s something you should know first. I’m afraid it’s not great news.”

  “Oh?”

  “Your wings.” He grimaced. “They were badly damaged. No one knows if they’ll grow back.”

  She took a few breaths as the news registered. “Wings that sustain a lot of damage often wither and crumble to dust. I’m sure Cassi explained that regrowth is never guaranteed, since you seem to know that already.”

  “She did.”

  Andi sighed. “I survived the fever nettle. I have you back in my life. I can manage. But you realize that if my wings crumble away, I’ll basically be human. My magic will be gone. Can you handle that?”

  He frowned. “You’re worried about me? Andi, I’ll love you, no matter what. And if that’s how things work out, well, I can always turn you.”

  “Turn me? You mean make me into a vampire?” In a sudden rush of excitement, she sat up. A hard whirl of dizziness spun her head. She reached for it, groaning. “Bad move.”

  “Lie back. I’ll get the doctor.” But he bent and kissed her cheek before he left. “And yes, I mean make you into a vampire. But let’s not cross that bridge just yet, all right?”

  “All right.” She stared up at the ceiling, while he went off to find the doctor.

  She would miss her wings. But they didn’t seem as important to her as they once had. Not with so much else to look forward to in her life.

  Love, it seemed, was a great healer. No matter what the hurt.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Con rushed out to find Dr. Jekyll and ran into Cassi. “She’s awake. Your sister. Andi.”

  Cassi laughed. “That’s great. How is she?”

  “Good. She seems like she’s getting back to herself again.” It had been touch-and-go for the last four days. So much so that Constantin hadn’t been sure he’d ever get to talk to his love again.

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I guess I showed up at the right time. Has the doctor seen her yet?”

  “No, I was just coming to get him. Go in and see her. She asked about you. I’ll find Jekyll and bring him in.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Cassi headed toward her sister’s room.

  Constantin found Dr. Jekyll at the nurses’ station. Mercy Hospital wasn’t a large facility, given that most of the town’s citizens rarely had health issues, but it was a very competent and specialized one.

  How many facilities could boast a supernatural blood lab? Probably only this one.

  “Dr. Jekyll, Andromeda’s awake. I thought you might want to check in on her.”

  Jekyll turned. “Yes, absolutely. Glad to hear it. I was just considering a course of shifter antibiotics if there wasn’t a change today. Happy not to use them, though. Strong stuff.” He started for Andromeda’s room.

  Constantin fell into step beside him. “Have you tried those shifter antibiotics? I mean, personally.”

  Jekyll snorted. “I’ve tried everything under the sun.”

  “Of course.” Constantin felt for the man. At least as a vampire, he could control his feral side. Jekyll didn’t have that option. Yet. Constantin knew the
man would keep trying.

  They went into Andi’s room. Cassi was explaining how she’d only breathed in a little pollen and hadn’t had nearly the rough road to recovery that Andi had.

  Andi looked a little nervous as Jekyll approached. “Are you my doctor?”

  “I am.” He took her electronic chart from the end of the bed, then pulled a stylus from his pocket. “You’ve been very sick. I’m guessing your fever’s broken, but we’ll check that in a moment. We’ll still need to keep you for another day or two, but you’re out of the woods now.”

  “No pun intended, I presume?” Andi grinned.

  “Hmm?” Jekyll looked up. “Yes, right.” He scribbled something on the chart, then replaced it at the end of the bed. “How’s your appetite?”

  Andi put a hand to her stomach. “I’m…wow, I’m starving.”

  “Then let’s get you some food. That will go a long way toward getting your strength back and getting you home.”

  Constantin stepped in closer. “I’d be happy to get you whatever you like, Andi. Anything. Just name it.”

  She was quiet a moment. Then her eyes lit up. “I want pizza. Extra cheese. And a big box of sweets from Black Horse.”

  He laughed. “What kind of sweets do you want in that box?”

  “One of everything.” She held a hand up. “No. Make that two. Of everything.”

  “I’m on it.” He kissed her cheek, then pulled out his phone and dialed as he left. “Nasha, it’s Constantin. I need you to start packing an order for me…”

  * * *

  Andi’s head still hurt, and parts of her were aching like she was getting over the flu, but her spirit was light and her heart was happy. She smiled at her sister, then looked back at the doctor. “What else do I need to do before I can be discharged?”

  “Some exercise would be good. We want to make sure you’re fully ambulatory before you leave. A couple laps through the halls would do just fine. I’ll have a nurse come in and set you up with a mobile IV stand after she takes your temp.”

  “I’ll walk with her,” Cassi offered.

  Dr. Jekyll nodded. “Perfect. I’ll head to the nurses station now, then. If all goes well, we might have you out of here as early as tomorrow. Take care.”

  “Thank you, Doctor.” Andi waited until he left to speak to Cassi. “I don’t know if I can walk. I tried to sit up earlier, and that little movement almost made me pass out.”

  “We’ll take it slow. No point in doing anything until the nurse comes in anyway.”

  They didn’t have to wait long. In ten minutes, Andi was ready to roll. Or at least her IV was.

  Cassi gave her an expectant look when they were alone again. “You want to try standing? I’m right here, so you’re not going to fall. And I’ll power the bed up higher, so it’ll be easier for you to get upright.”

  “Okay.” Andi enjoyed the ride while the bed moved into a better position, then she carefully twisted, bringing her legs off the side.

  “How do you feel so far?”

  “A little woozy. But if I sit like this for a minute, I think it’ll pass.”

  “Take your time.” Cassi grinned. “Looks like things are going to work out for you and Constantin, huh?”

  Andi smiled. “It looks that way. We’re still really new to this, but after what we’ve been through, I feel like we already have some extra credit in the bank.” Her eyes widened as a new thought occurred to her. “Cassi, speaking of banks, you can’t keep paying for that room at the B&B.”

  “It’s all taken care of. Val’s going to let us use that apartment over the club until we find a more permanent place. And I’m going to start helping him with booking talent.”

  Andi’s mouth dropped open. “Does that mean you want to be roommates with me? Wait. Does that also mean you’re staying in Shadowvale?”

  Cassi nodded. “Yes, I’m willing to be roommates with you. At least for a little bit. I’m not committing to forever in Shadowvale, but I like it here.” She laughed. “And I like Val. Although that Dr. Jekyll is pretty cute, too.”

  “Wow, you really are turning into me.”

  Cassi snorted. “I might be sowing a few wild oats, but I’m never going to get that crazy.”

  “Good.” Andi sighed. “I need to get moving. I want to be done with this when Con gets back with the food.” She pushed off the side of the bed and got to her feet. Cassi held her hands out. Andi grabbed them, wobbling a little bit. “Don’t move.”

  Cassi shook her head. “I won’t. What do you think you’ll do for work?”

  “I honestly don’t know. I don’t have much in the way of skills, like you do. But Con did ask me to help him get the romance section going in his bookstore. Of course, that won’t take long. But it’s something.” Andi let go of her sister’s hands, grabbed the IV stand, and took a few steps.

  “How does it feel?”

  “Weird. But okay if I’m holding on to this thing.” She got to the end of the bed and turned slightly, bringing the IV stand around. “Is this gown completely open in the back, and do I have any underwear on?”

  “No, and I hope so.”

  “Okay, good. I don’t need the whole hospital seeing my backside.”

  “I’m not that excited about it either.” Cassi laughed. “Ready to walk, then?”

  “I am. One more question.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Honestly now, how bad are my wings?”

  Cassi hesitated. “Not good.”

  “Okay.” Andi smiled at her. “It’s okay.”

  Together, they made two slow laps around the hospital.

  Con was waiting in Andi’s room when she returned from the second go-around. “How are you feeling?”

  “Better.” She smiled at him. “Really and truly better.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that.” He gestured toward the pizza box and Black Horse bag. “Ready to eat?”

  “Definitely.”

  Cassi gestured toward the door. “I should catch up with Val. He wanted to go over a few things at the club with me.”

  Andi sat on the end of the bed and gave Con a look. “Your brother’s hiring her.”

  His brows lifted as he faced Cassi. “You’re staying? That’s great.”

  Cassi smiled. “Thanks. Paris was getting a little boring.”

  He laughed. “I doubt that, but Shadowvale can be a very interesting place, too.”

  “Oh,” Cassi said, “it already is.” She winked at Andi. “Call me if you get a checkout time. Otherwise, I’ll be back to visit in the morning.”

  “Thanks, sis.”

  With a nod, she was gone.

  Con looked at Andi. “What did she mean by that interesting comment?”

  Andi opened the pizza box and inhaled the cheesy goodness. “She’s got a little thing for your brother.”

  He grimaced. “I hope that doesn’t end badly, but I feel like that’s a book that’s already been written.”

  “I don’t know.” Andi picked up a slice. “Cassi is the kind of woman that men go all domestic for. You might be surprised.”

  “I’d love to be, actually.” He pulled the visitor’s chair closer and sat, pulling her feet up to rest in his lap. “But the woman that tames Valentino might have to be some kind of a saint.”

  “Time will tell.” She took a big bite and let out a little moan of happiness. Pizza had never tasted so good.

  “Yes, it will. With us, too, I suppose.”

  She looked at him as she finished chewing. “What’s that mean? Are you having second thoughts?”

  “No, I…” His expression went deeply earnest. “I was thinking about our future. I need you in my life, Andromeda. It’s probably too early to talk about marriage, but that is where this is headed, isn’t it? Because if it’s not—”

  “Yes.” She felt breathless and lightheaded for reasons that had nothing to do with why she was in the hospital. “Are you…is this a proposal?”

  He jerked back. “No.”
/>
  Her heart sank for a moment.

  His brows bent. “When I propose, there will be no question what’s happening. It’s going to be a grand gesture. With a grand ring. And all the things that go into a question like that. It’s not going to be while you’re half dressed in a hospital gown and still focused on recovering.”

  “I am wearing underwear.”

  He stared at her for a second, then chuckled. “Okay, so you’re a little more than half dressed. But still. I want it to be right.”

  She put the slice of pizza down and wiped her hands on one of the paper napkins he’d brought in. “I think any situation can be right if those involved are ready.”

  A moment of silence passed. “Are you saying you don’t care about all the pomp and circumstance?”

  “I’m saying…” What was she saying? That she was ready to be engaged to this man? She bit her bottom lip, thinking hard. Apparently, that was what she was saying. “Yes. Or no. Whichever answer means I don’t care about all that pomp and circumstance. I care about how you feel and what your heart is telling you and what my heart wants and us. That’s it. Does that make sense?”

  He nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. “It does.”

  He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. He cracked it open, revealing a breathtaking diamond ring. “Andromeda Merriweather, will you marry me?”

  She didn’t know how he already had a ring, but the fact that he did told her how very committed to their future he was. She put a hand to her mouth as happy tears slipped down her cheeks. “I will.”

  He took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. “Good. Because from now on, I want everything we do to be about us working on the rest of our lives together. No more questions about will we or won’t we, just what comes next.”

  “Me, too.” She glanced at her hand. “I have to know. How did you already have the ring? I mean, this is some ring. It doesn’t look like the kind of thing you can just walk into any jewelry store and pick up.”

  He smiled a little sheepishly. “It’s not. I had it made the day after you ended up in here. I was hoping to dazzle you into forgiving me as a last resort.”