by M. K. ROZE
Mihnea came in slowly, looking deep into my soul.
Those three words made my body tremble. I grabbed Mihnea’s face, pulled him in and kissed him passionately and stopped abruptly. His saliva was like ice cubes, and it was weird because I was used to Constin.
His eyes widened.
“I’m sorry.”
He looked toward the closet. “I understand.”
I got up and paced the room. “I need to get out of here. I have to walk this off and think.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
“I mean alone.”
“You’re in danger. I can’t just let you leave and walk off alone with them out there. They want your soul.”
“Why? Who are they?”
He shook his head.
I stomped my foot down and walked out of the room.
Dragos and Sorin were standing guard at the front and back door.
“Viata,” Mihnea called out.
I turned to him. “Just stop!” I shouted. “You told me everything else, so why not tell me the rest and the most crucial part?”
Sorin came up to me. “I know that you’re overwhelmed, but you must stay calm.” His accent was also Romanian and a much deeper tone than both Mihnea and Dragos.
“How do you hide your accents so well?” I asked.
“We have many disguises,” Sorin replied and looked at Dragos.
My eyes widened.
“We must go now,” Dragos said. “It’s almost sunrise. You don’t want us to die, do you?”
“You’re already dead.”
They all scowled at me.
I shook my head and backed up into Mihnea. “Sorry.”
Mihnea placed his hands on my shoulders. “Viata, we must go for now. We’ll be back at sunset.”
“Where are you going?”
Mihnea turned me around. “We will be nearby. The sun is deadly to us.”
“How come Savina and Latore can go into the sun?”
“We’re not from where they came from.”
“And where is that, exactly?”
Mihnea ignored me.
“This is getting annoying. Don’t you guys have rings that protect you?”
Mihnea chuckled. “There is no such thing.”
“But in a vampire show I watched with Kaylee, they wore rings to protect them from the sun.”
Mihnea’s eyebrows came together. “Yes, we’re aware of their ludicrous, yet creative imaginations. I can assure you there is no such ring.”
“We don’t sparkle in the sun either,” Sorin added. “Most of us simply ignite and turn into ash.” He shook his head. “Foolish humans.”
Dragos raised his finger. “One last thing. Once you rip out an immortal’s heart, there’s no coming back.”
They all chuckled.
“Well, maybe there’s another breed of vampires out there you’re all unaware of,” I said and looked down.
“Perhaps,” Sorin said. “If they do exist, they need to join us and fight the others.”
Mihnea stepped forward and held my hands. “Viata, you will be safe here.”
“What? No way.” I paced the room. “Savina and Latore can come out in the day time. They will kill me.”
“Yes, they can, but they’re not allowed to enter our premises unless we invite them in. We never did, so you are safe here.”
“At least some of the humans got that one right,” Sorin said.
I scowled at him and looked back at Mihnea.
“Can I have Liam come over and stay with me until you get back?”
“No. You won’t know if it’s him.”
“Yes, I will. I know Liam.”
“Viata, the night you went to the psychic, and when you went out with Clay, did you know that it was Latore who shapeshifted into us?”
“I knew it. I knew that wasn’t you that night. I saw you there. Why didn’t you save me from Latore?”
“I didn’t think you could handle it at the time. If he were to hurt you, I would’ve had no choice but to intervene, like I did when he tried to kill you at the party.”
“Were you always around me?”
“Yes. Every time you heard those animals fighting. It was us protecting you from the others.”
“But you were with me when they were fighting that one night you slept over.”
“Father,” Mihnea said.
Sorin walked up to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Viata, when Mihnea was with you, myself and many others were the ones who protected you.”
“Oh. Thank you.”
Sorin nodded. “You’re much needed here. Please don’t do anything reckless.”
Dragos kissed my hand. “Sleep, for you will need much strength.”
“I love you, Viata. Please trust in me. I will see you later tonight.”
They all walked outside.
I darted after them.
In the driveway, they stood far apart, and their wings expanded.
I stepped back, looking at their clawed feet and wondered why Dragos and Sorin had all black wings, but Mihnea’s were gold at the tips.
“We’ll be close,” Mihnea said.
“How will I know it’s you when you get back?” I asked.
“You will,” he said, smiling and they all shot up into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.
Their departure created winds like a hurricane and made me lose my balance, causing me to fall backward onto the step. I looked off into the woods in a daze, wondering how it was all even possible.
Sitting there trying to figure it all out wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I ran back inside.
I went to call my mom and dad, but my phone had a cracked screen. “Dammit!” I put it in my jean pocket.
As I paced the cabin, noises came from Sorin’s room. “Who’s there?”
Silence filled the house, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I grabbed the key fob and took off out the front door, slamming it behind me.
In the car, a male voice shouted no, but it was all muffled. I didn’t know who it was, so I drove as fast as I could back to my parents’ house. As I pulled into the neighborhood, there was yellow caution tape surrounding it.
Dad was cleaning debris off the grass and stopped when he saw me.
I leapt from the car. “What happened?”
Dad looked at me like I was a ghost.
I held my breath, thinking he knew the truth.
“We called you. Didn’t you get our calls? And whose car is this?” he said as he walked around it.
I exhaled. “I dropped my phone and broke it. As for the car, it’s my friend’s.”
Dad circled it. “A friend’s car? What kind of friend has an Aston Martin? How old is he?”
“Dad, it’s not important right now. What happened? Are you and Mom okay?”
“I’ll tell you inside, but this discussion isn’t over by any means.”
I folded my arms and continued to the house, wishing that I had the power to compel him, so I didn’t have to answer his questions later.
When we entered, Mom was inside watching the news.
Mom looked just like I felt. She raced over to me.
“Honey, I’m so glad you weren’t here last night.
I hugged her while patting her back. “Me too,” I mumbled. “What happened?”
Mom grabbed my hand and walked me to the couch.
As Mom and Dad told me the same story, Mihnea had. Their voices faded, and I gazed off staring at the TV, thinking about what took place. The images of Savina and Latore had me grinding my teeth and balling my fist.
Mom shook me. “Viata, are you okay?”
Her voice came back clear, and I snapped out of it. “Yes, I’m fine. Just tired.”
Mom removed my hair from my face. “You look like a mess. Did you sleep at all last night?”
“No, I stayed up watching movies.”
Dad cleared his throat.
I looked away.
Mom got up. “Are the cops still out there?” She
walked over to look out the window. “Whose car is that?”
“Here we go,” I muttered. “It’s my friend’s car, Mom.”
Dad folded his arms and tilted his head, giving me a dirty look.
“Don’t you guys have to go to work or something?”
“Watch your sarcasm, Viata,” Dad said. “We had a rough night, and now you pull up in a car that someone paid over two hundred thousand dollars for. I demand to know who the hell it belongs to.”
“It’s my boyfriend’s, okay?”
“Boyfriend? Mom repeated. “This is the first I’ve heard about this.”
I threw myself back into the couch. “I’m an adult now. I don’t have to tell you everything.”
Mom’s eyebrows arched.
“How old is this man?” Dad asked.
“Twenty-two.”
Dad’s face turned red. “Why the hell are you hanging out with a twenty-two-year-old?”
“Because I’m an adult, and I can date whoever I want.”
They both looked away.
“I’m sorry for being so mean. I’m just tired and need rest.”
Mom hugged me. “We’re sorry too.”
Dad wouldn’t look at me.
“I’m going to take a nap. Please don’t let anyone in the house. I fear the killer may have had an accomplice.”
“We have no plans on allowing anyone over,” Mom said.
“This includes your friends or anyone I know.”
“Why? What are you not telling us?” Dad said.
“Nothing. I just don’t think we should have anyone here, especially after what happened last night.”
Dad sighed and looked away.
“We won’t,” Mom said. “Get some rest, honey.”
I walked to my room, locked the door behind me and slid to the floor, utterly wiped out. I tried to cry, but no tears came out.
Eventually, I got up and took a long hot shower. When I got out, I lay on my bed thinking about Mihnea. At first, I was upset that he used Constin’s body just to get close to me. But the more I thought about it—I knew that Mihnea did it because he loved me and had no other choice. I’m glad they were the same person because I loved them equally.
My eyes felt heavy, so I turned on my side and looked out the window.
* * *
A soft knock on the door woke me. I rushed out of bed and opened it.
“I made dinner. Come eat,” Mom said.
I leaned my head on the door and yawned. “What time is it?”
“It’s 6:30, why?”
My heart sped up, knowing Mihnea would be at his house soon. “Okay, be right out.”
I closed the door and ran to the mirror. My hair looked like a bird’s nest, so I put it in a ponytail and walked out to the kitchen.
“I have to go,” I said.
“Why? Mom asked.
The doorbell rang.
Adrenaline rushed through my body, making me weak.
“I’ll get it,” Dad said.
“No! Don’t answer that.”
Mom flinched. “What’s wrong, Viata?”
I ran toward the door with Mom and Dad following me.
“Who is it?” I said in a shaky voice.
“It’s Mihnea.”
I looked through the peephole to make sure.
“Viata, who the heck is it?” Dad said.
I ignored him, opened the door, and stood there staring into Mihnea’s eyes.
Dad pushed me to the side. “May I help you?”
Mihnea shook his head as he kept his eyes on me. “I’m here for your daughter.”
I walked up to him and whispered in his ear. “What did you say to me this morning?”
He leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I told you not to leave my house.”
“That’s not good enough. What did you say in Romanian?”
“I love you, Viata.”
I stepped back and smiled.
“Are you going to introduce us?” Dad asked me.
“Oh, sorry. This is Mihnea. Mihnea, these are my parents, Bret and Julia.”
Mihnea shook Dad’s hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Dad shook off his hand. “Your hand is freezing. Do you need a pair of gloves?” Dad joked.
Mihnea chuckled. “My father’s car has good AC.”
Mom eyed him up and down with a huge smile.
Mihnea took her hand and kissed it.
Dad looked away.
“Are you from Romania?” Mom asked.
“Yes.”
“What part? We were just there several months ago.”
“Brasov. And yes, I’m aware. Viata told me all about it.”
“How ironic. Would you like to come in?” Mom asked.
Mihnea looked at me.
I shrugged, thinking he was mad at me for leaving his house.
Mihnea looked back at Mom. “Yes, thank you.”
Mom and Dad walked inside.
Mihnea shook his head at me, and we followed them in.
Dad turned to Mihnea. “Is that your car out there?”
“Yes, it is.”
Mom pulled me into the kitchen. “I don’t know how else to say this, but he’s a handsome man. Where did you meet him?”
I forced a smile. “He is gorgeous. Isn’t he?” I glanced at Mihnea in the living room. When his eyes met mine, I turned to Mom and continued. “I met him at work.”
“Lucky you. His manners are superb. I’ve never had anyone kiss my hand before.”
“Doesn’t Dad?”
“I wish. She looked in the living room at Dad and Mihnea talking. “He looks like a keeper and that accent of—”
I cut her off. “Mom, this is getting weird.”
“I’m sorry. Just ignore me.”
We walked back out to the living room. “Are you done bragging?” I asked Mihnea.
“For now,” he replied with a smirk.
I’m sure he knew I was waiting to invade him with a million questions.
Mom sat next to Dad, staring at Mihnea.
I cleared my throat. “We’re going to go now.”
Mom frowned. “Already?”
“Yes.” I grabbed Mihnea’s hand to help him up.
Dad got up too and walked us to the door.
“It was a pleasure meeting you both,” Mihnea said.
“Likewise,” Dad replied, and shook his hand again.
“Damn, you’re still cold as ice.”
Mihnea smirked. “Most of the time I am.”
Mom waited for Mihnea to kiss her hand again, and he did.
“You’re making me look bad,” Dad said.
Mihnea grinned. “Try it sometime.”
I nudged him in the ribs. “Are you ready?”
Mihnea nodded, and we walked to the car. He opened the door for me.
As soon as he was in the driver’s seat, I looked over at him. “This is weird being with you in the car. I’m used to seeing Constin.”
“Would you rather see him than me?”
I shook my head. “Will you tell me everything now?”
“When we get to my place.”
I sighed.
He grinned, and a thump came from the top of the car.
I flinched. “What was that?”
“It’s Sorin and Dragos.”
“On the car?”
He smiled and gunned it down the road.
When we arrived, Mihnea got out and opened the door for me, holding out his hand for mine.
On the porch, he stood there, looking up at the moon, perhaps thinking of the best way to explain what was going on.
I walked up to him. “Are you going to enlighten me? Or do I have to guess?”
Mihnea gently took my hand and walked me over to the bench. We sat down facing each other.
“I’m going to explain this in great detail, and I don’t want you to interrupt me,” he said.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he placed his finger on my bottom lip to sil
ence me, shook his head, and continued. “As you’re aware, I already know all the questions you have built up in that beautiful mind of yours. Now, listen carefully to what I’m going to tell you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
FIVE CENTURIES AGO
I did as Mihnea asked and didn’t utter another word.
“I’ll start with my father,” he said in a low tone. “Five centuries ago, Father left a meeting late in the evening, and he was turned immortal by one of Latore’s creations. Father began to sleep all day and stayed up all night, ignoring my mother completely. Mother endured his peculiar behavior for a year until she found she could no longer handle it. She stayed in her room overcome with despair. I’m the one who found her dead one morning in a puddle of blood.” Mihnea sighed and continued. “Unfortunately, she had slit her wrists.”
I couldn’t hold back the tears as I imagined him finding his mother dead.
“Shall I continue?” he asked, as he wiped my tears away.
Not wanting to upset him, I didn’t speak and nodded.
“After Mother died,” Mihnea sighed, “Father turned my grandfather and me soon after. We became tyrants and punished those who opposed us by killing them and drinking their blood as many watched. You are free to speak now.”
I embraced him. “Mihnea, that’s horrible what happened to you and your family, especially your mother. I’m so sorry.”
I didn’t want him to become angry with me again, invading him with millions of questions I still had.
He ran his fingers through my hair. “Yes, it was, but I wouldn’t change anything, even if I could turn back time.”
“Why?”
He smiled and placed my head on his chest. “Because the love I have for you is irreplaceable, and I don’t want it to perish.”
His sweet words had me running my fingers across his jaw, but I pulled away, not knowing if I wanted to continue a relationship with a vampire.
He scowled and lowered his head.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He got up and held out his hand for mine. “Come, love. I want to show you something.”
I took his hand. “Show me what?”
Mihnea walked me out in front of the car, spun me around, facing him. “You trust me, right?”
I nodded.
“Please step back.”
I did as he asked, and his talons ripped through his feet.
“Doesn’t that hurt?”
Mihnea pulled me into him. “No, not at all.” His wings tore through his back, and he wrapped them snugly around me.