back. They’d shared a lot since meeting each other, but he hadn’t revealed this horrible secret to her. She doubted it was something he wanted to revisit, and she didn’t blame him.
Her heart ached for him as her chest constricted. He’d endured so much in his lifetime, and though she understood Maya’s terror over what happened, she glowered at the woman. Most of the unnecessary suffering he endured was because of her.
Cassidy tore her gaze away from Maya. Being angry at her was pointless, especially when Dante was mad enough for both of them. Cassidy almost rose to comfort him but stopped herself. This was between him and sister; if she could slip out of the room without them noticing, she would, but that was impossible.
“Oh, Dante,” Maya breathed. “I’m so sorry.”
Dante rested his hands on the mantle as he stared at the pictures. The smiles and joy in these pictures were real. Maya loved Lewis, and he loved her. Their children were adorable; she’d built a new life, and he didn’t fit into it.
“I’m glad you found happiness here, Maya,” he said, and he meant it.
Despite his shock and fury, he was thrilled she was alive and happy. He turned back to focus on Cassidy. She was paler than normal as she looked between him and his sister and back again. When he smiled at her, she smiled tremulously back.
“We should go,” he said.
Cassidy started to speak as Maya launched to her feet. “Please, don’t go!” Maya blurted. “I’ve missed you so much over the years. I’ve thought about you every day and wondered what became of you. Before you disappeared, I picked up my phone every day to call you, but then I always chickened out. I never suspected you had become a vampire too. If I’d known—”
“But you didn’t call. I understand you were frightened, and what happened to you was horrific and brutal. I wish it never happened, or that I’d been there to protect you, but I’ve wished that every day for years. However, you could have done so many things differently, and you didn’t. I’m not saying we’ll never see each other again; I’d love to get to know my niece and nephew if you’ll let me, but I have to get out of this house.”
“Of course, I want you to know them!” she blurted. “Take a walk with me. We’ll get out of the house together. The children will be okay on their own for a bit, and Lewis will be home soon.”
“Where is Lewis?” Dante asked.
“He went to pick up more blood for us,” Maya said.
Dante ran a hand through his hair and tugged at the ends.
“A walk sounds nice,” Cassidy said. “I’ll stay here to make sure the kids don’t burn down the house.”
“They already tried once,” Maya said with a small smile that succeeded in coaxing one from Dante too.
“Oh, I’m sure,” Cassidy said. “If they’re anything like my siblings and me, they’ll try again.”
“Please, take a walk with me,” Maya said. “The gardens are lovely right now.”
My sister has gardens, Dante thought. My dead, and then not dead, sister has gardens.
He wanted to get out of this perfect little home and away from all this so he could think, but he found himself nodding in agreement. Cassidy smiled at him as he strode over to pull her close and kiss her temple.
“Are you okay?” she whispered in his mind.
“Yes.” He clasped her against him before releasing her. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Take your time,” she said. “I’ll let the others know we’ll be here for a little longer.”
“The others?” Maya asked.
“Some of my family came with us,” Cassidy explained.
“Oh,” Maya said and glanced nervously toward the window.
“They’re harmless,” Cassidy assured her. Or at least they’re mostly harmless. But she kept that to herself. “Go on; enjoy your walk. I’ll see you soon.”
“The kids will probably sneak back down soon.”
“I have nine siblings and an assortment of nieces and nephews; I know how to keep kids entertained.”
Maya’s eyebrows shot into her hairline. “I bet you do.”
“Go on; we’ll be fine.”
Maya hesitated before replying. “Thank you.”
Cassidy watched as they walked out of the room. She listened as a door opened and closed before sitting on the edge of the couch again. Dropping her head into her hand, she rubbed her forehead as she tried to understand this turn of events.
She lifted her head to gaze around the cozy room. She could still feel Dante’s sense of betrayal reverberating within her. It would