Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97229 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97229 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
I was trying to keep up with his words.
“So, what are fated mates, Hans? Sarah seems to think I’m one of yours.”
“The only one of mine, yes.”
“What about Mary? Who was she? Was she a fated mate of yours too?”
He paused, and I realised my legs were trembling, scared of the answer. I saw the trapdoor shaft and peered inside, just a little. There was a flash of movement down deep.
“We need to get home,” Hans said. “Conversations like these aren’t for a place like this.”
There was no sign of Sarah or the guys as we collected my dress and panties from the floor of the bedroom. I slipped them back on without a word, still well aware of Veronica’s screams sounding out from the room opposite. I was on mute autopilot as we descended the stairs. The atmosphere was different down here now, and the drawing room was a lot busier. I’d have loved to have met some more vampires.
If only I hadn’t been such an idiot for blurting out questions.
“Stop it now,” Hans said. “I’ve already told you, your questions deserve answers, they just can’t be delivered here in this place.”
“Why not in this place? Why can’t you just tell me? I’m a big girl, I can take it.”
“Trust me,” Hans said, “You’ll be glad you are at home when you learn the truth.”
Things went by in a blur as we prepared to make our exit. I was smiling, but it felt distant, as though I was standing back from myself. I saw Sarah standing next to Edwin, pressing against his side as he placed a hand on the small of her naked back.
I was happy for her enough that my smile was genuine.
“People love Sarah,” Hans whispered when he saw it. “You’ll be such good friends in here. People are going to love you, too.”
“Will she find a fated mate?” I asked.
“That’s for destiny to decide, not me.”
Hans was quick and warm with the farewells, and I said my goodbyes along with him, but Edwin was by far the main focus of Hans’ attention as we bid goodnight.
Lady Jane interrupted their goodbyes. “When will you be back next? Will you be joining us for Samhain?”
“No,” Hans’ replied. “Not this year.”
“Really? How come?”
Everyone around us looked puzzled.
“We have some prior engagements,” Hans told them.
“They must be important ones,” Lady Jane chuckled. “You’ll be sorely missed.”
“Indeed, they are,” my lover confirmed, and I got another fresh prickle up my spine. “Ladies, gentlemen, we’ll be seeing you soon.”
“Bye,” I said, dumbstruck like a fool.
Devon the butler provided a car for us, and we travelled back to Hans’ place in the back of a limo this time, rather than a cab from London. It would have been crazily exciting if my nerves weren’t interfering with the experience. My feet were tapping, my heart was thumping wild, as though I was about to attend a court of law hearing. The trapdoor shaft was calling me louder now we were away from the bustle of the blood house.
Hans placed a hand on my thigh, so steadily. I took strength and calm from the power in his touch, because I believed in him, even if my nerves were cut to pieces.
It was into the early hours when the limo arrived back at home. My eyes were fixed on Hans once we were inside the hallway as he took off his jacket and hung it on the rack.
I wished I could scream at him, beg him to tell me who the hell Mary was, but my voice would have been weak.
I should know her.
Prickles, so many prickles.
Hans led me into the kitchen, sat me at the breakfast bar and brought me a glass of water. I took a long drink and braced myself for what was coming.
Hans took the stool by my side, waiting until I looked him in the eyes before he spoke.
“Understand that it’s not just vampires who have fated mates. The phenomenon has been around since the beginning of human existence. Soulmates, true love at first sight, the love of someone’s life, and happily ever afters. They all exist, even though people have grown cynical of them over time.”
“Is that what fated mates are?” I asked him. “Soulmates?”
“Yes, but in the case of humans the waves of love can often come in and out over many lifetimes. In some of their lives people find it, in some they don’t. Fated mates are often like passing ships in the night, so near but so far.” He clicked his fingers. “One tiny movement can change the course of everything. One spilled cup of coffee delaying a meeting in a doorway can change the road for decades ahead.”
“You said over many lifetimes. People live many lives, then? Reincarnation? One life after another?”
“I think of it as a cycle rather than a series, but I’m still learning. I’m by no means a master.”