"I guess..."
"But I know I will be happy. In fact, getting to know you has really convinced me how much I'd like it."
"You mean that?"
"Yes. You are the most fabulous girl ever," I said, using her favorite compliment.
"Not as fabulous as you."
"Really?"
"Yes. If I were a mortal, I'd want to be like you."
We smiled at each other, and Stormy blushed a little bit.
"And if I were a vampire - "
"But you can be!" Stormy interrupted.
"I'm not so sure he's ready." I sighed.
"You must tell him. Now. You must make sure he knows how important it is to you. Then we can be one big happy family." Just then Alexander entered the room. Stormy and I rose, and I headed over to him. "What's going on?" he asked, kissing me on the cheek.
"Girl talk," Stormy said.
"Aren't you supposed to be with Jameson getting tutored?" he asked.
"Yes," she said. "Remember what I said," she whispered to me, and winked before she hopped down the stairs.
"I see you two are getting along."
"Yes, we really see eye to eye," I said, beaming.
A few minutes later, Alexander and I were talking in the gazebo in the backyard of the Mansion.
"I still can't believe Jagger had you up on the covenant altar," he said, shaking his head. "After all he and I have been through. To do that to you - and me."
"I know."
"I'm just glad we came in when we did - but it seems you were able to handle yourself."
"It was more of an offer - " I said. "But still it was wrong. I had to get out the garlic powder for him to know I was serious, too." The offer was attractive, and though I didn't want to become a vampire with Jagger, I was flattered that someone wanted to change me. I knew Alexander did, but Jagger was offering it to me only last night. It was something I couldn't shake. If Jagger wanted it, thought about it, and tried to make it happen, did that mean Alexander would, too?
"But why would he think that you would do that with him?" he asked.
"He just thinks of himself," I said. "But I also think that somehow he understands me."
"What do you mean by that?" Alexander was taken aback.
"He can see that it's really what I want. What I've always wanted."
"You don't think I understand you?"
"Of course I do. But I guess he's more impulsive. Like Sebastian. That's what makes you so special - your thoughtfulness," I said.
"Well, when it's time for you to turn," he said reassuringly, "it will be by me." The stars twinkled through the broken boards in the roof. The night was perfect, and Alexander was giving me the dreamiest kiss I could have imagined receiving.
He slid his fangs down the side of my neck. As usual I was dying for him to take the plunge. When he pulled away, I followed him.