A Shade of Vampire 77 A Fate of Time - Bella Forrest Page 0,92

his face and kissed him on the forehead, laughing maniacally as he realized he’d just gotten a third chance at life. Derek hugged his brother, laughing and crying at the same time.

“You lucky son of a…” Derek managed. “You lucky… lucky bastard!”

“Good to be back… again.” Lucas chuckled hoarsely. He reached an arm out for Vivienne to join them, and she did not hesitate. The Novak siblings were together again, and all the torment they’d endured until now had completely evaporated. I did not wish to use the word lightly, but I couldn’t help it.

“It’s a miracle,” I whispered.

“Zeriel,” Vesta said, prompting me to look down. I realized then that my entire body was shaking, and I didn’t know how to cope with this—the very thing I’d prayed for but hadn’t thought I’d ever see. “Are you okay?”

I must’ve looked like crap. Losing her had damaged me in so many ways. “I’m okay. I’m better now, actually.”

“Might it have something to do with me being alive again?” she asked, slightly amused and remarkably calm. Her eyes were glassy with tears, but she held them back, and I loved her all the more for it.

“Probably.”

I shuddered, and she brought her arms up, locked them around my neck, and pulled herself closer, her lips now inches from mine. “I’ve watched you cry for the better part of an hour, baby. But there’s no need for tears anymore. I hoped they’d bring us back. I’m here. Please, don’t cry.”

“I… I can’t help myself.”

Her face crinkled. “If you cry, I’ll cry. And I’m not sure I can stop once I get started.”

I kissed her deeply and lost myself in her embrace. Our bodies melted and came together, like strings of clay tangled on a wet pottery wheel. Spinning, we were reunited, our souls tighter than ever, our hearts forever bound.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you,” Seeley said. For a moment, I’d forgotten all about him, though I had good reason. My love had come back to me…

Vesta tried to get up, but her legs were still weak, so I put her arms around my neck and helped her into a standing position. She took a moment or two to gain some footing, as Seeley moved in closer, smiling gently. “At least you didn’t leave without saying goodbye!” she replied, beaming at him. Her eyes were glazed with tears of pure happiness. “Thank you… Thank you so much…”

“I did promise I’d do everything in my power to help you.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more… or sooner, for that matter.”

“It’s better than nothing,” I said, giving him a thankful nod.

“I can’t stay anymore,” he replied, his gaze shifting between us. “But I didn’t want to leave without thanking you…”

“Thanking me? For what?” Vesta asked. “You brought me back, dude!”

“For being yourself,” he answered. “For your relentlessness and determination. I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to rebel against the rules, at least once in a while. It makes everything more fun.”

Vesta giggled, her body glued to mine. I was still wrapping my head around this new reality of ours. My heart ached from the trauma of losing her, in the first place. I doubted the sensation would go away soon.

“I got lucky,” she said. “I got the cool and rebellious Reaper.”

“Stay safe, Vesta,” he replied, preparing to bid us farewell. Too many people around us were looking at him, eager to come up and hug him, to thank him. I had a feeling he wasn’t that much into this part of the process. “Don’t change who you are. Always question everything, and you might just live a very long life, before we meet again.”

“Let me guess. You plan on being the one who reaps me?” she chuckled, and he nodded in return. The thought sent shivers down my spine. I hoped that wouldn’t happen for a long, long time. “It’ll be an honor when that day comes,” she added. “Just make sure you don’t rush back over here, okay? I’ve got plans.”

“I promise,” he said, then looked at me. “And you… You’d better cherish her until your last breath, or you’ll answer to me.”

“I’m inclined to take you seriously,” I shot back, slightly amused but also quite chilled, down to the bone. I knew he’d meant it.

The crowd gasped, disappointed when Seeley disappeared, likely joining the other Reapers in their otherworldly plane. No one could even see beyond the sanctuary at this point. Derek and Sofia were brought