The Coffin Club(44)

You`re right. It`s the best gift ever, I said, giving him a kiss.

When I was finally delivered the news I`d been waiting to hear since Alexander left Dullsville, I wasn`t as pleased as I`d imagined. Alexander couldn`t return to Dullsville now, when the Dungeon was on the brink of upheaval. I`d just begun hanging out with Aunt Libby, and I longed to dance and gossip until dawn with Scarlet and Onyx. And I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Jagger and Phoenix. I wasn`t ready for it to end.

Alexander was set on leaving. There wasn`t any way for me to stall the departure. Or perhaps there might be one way...I`d have to play the Coffin Club card. If I told Alexander about the Dungeon, he`d be forced to have me show him and delay our departure. I was assured of at least a few more days, or rather nights, of us inspecting the underground club. Maybe it was time I told him everything.

I`ve heard that Devon was right, I suddenly said. There is a vampire club here!

It`s just a rumor. You believe gossip? he challenged.

What if it is true? Don`t you think we should stay and check it out?

Alexander placed his hand on mine. Our trip here is over. We both got what we came for. Valentine is out of Dullsville and safely back in Romania. And you and I are together.

But--

Let`s enjoy our last evening here, he said. He made sure we did, too, by placing his pink lips on my black ones.

When Alexander playfully nibbled on my neck, it made me think of one more thing.

I pulled back.

What`s wrong?

I paused. The night, the view, and Alexander were all gorgeous. I was in the arms of a very real vampire--one whom I loved and who loved me back. I`d also spent several days surrounded by other vampires. I`d met new friends, like Onyx and Scarlet, and was given a glimpse of their world. It wasn`t ghastly or deadly after all. I wondered if several days were in fact enough for me when I could be living in it for eternity.

And if I were to be turned, what a romantic time and place to have it done. But really...was I ready?

Nothing`s wrong, I finally answered. I was just wondering.

About what?

About me...becoming like you.

He pulled back and appeared cross.

I`m just saying. You`re here, I`m here, the moon is full.

Really. It`s that easy for you? he pressed skeptically.

I think you think I won`t be able to handle it.

You have a romantic view of my world. Probably like I do of yours.

But I know more about your world than you think.

I`m not your typical vampire....

You`re not typical in any way. You are one of a kind. It`s just that...I want you to consider me as part of your world.

I do already. From the moment I met you.

Alexander was dreamy, his face framed against the sparkling moonlight.

He was right. I was so concerned with living in another world, I wasn`t appreciating the one we were in together.

I smiled and fell into his arms.

When you turn me, I began, will we have a covenant ceremony? Will we invite friends? Or will you just hold me, on a perfect night like this?