“It’s not, but not for the reasons you think,” Astra agreed, followed her mother down the short hall the living room.
Then, Astra stopped short. Standing in the living room, shaking her father’s hand, was Rune. His hair had been cut and brushed, looking neater than she’d ever seen it. He wore a dark grey button-down shirt that made his eyes seem lighter and more intense and a pair of black jeans.
He was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.
“Hella, come meet Rune,” her father said.
Astra’s breath caught in her chest when Rune’s eyes landed on her.
He looked at her as though she were the only person in the universe.
Whatever had happened between them, whatever hurt they’d caused each other, he wasn’t going to abandon her. He hadn’t given up on her.
Astra remained rooted to the floor as her mother moved forward, her hand out. “Rune, did you say, Arvid?”
Her father was looking between Rune and Astra, so it took him a moment to answer. “Yes. His name is Rune. He’s a client and friend of Claudia’s.”
“And my daughter, Astra, correct?” Hella asked, shaking Rune’s hand.
“Yes,” he answered. His voice was confident and warm. “She means a great deal to me.”
Hella cocked her head to study him, and Astra tensed. She knew that pose. Her mother was looking for weakness to exploit and probably plotting.
“How long have you known Astra?” her mother asked.
“A little over a month.”
“I see,” she murmured.
Devorah was smiling as she watched the exchange and Claudia left the group to come over to Astra.
“It will be fine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Rune heard her, but Astra knew that her parents hadn’t.
“Maybe,” Astra replied, her voice just as soft.
Rune’s gaze came to her again, promising her that it would work out.
“What do you do, Rune?” Hella asked.
“I’m an author,” he answered. “I write thrillers and mysteries.”
Hella inhaled sharply. “Wait, are you Rune Ferguson?”
Rune smiled, his grey eyes sparkling. “I am.”
Oh, my God. Astra’s eyes widened. Her mother was an avid reader. She loved all genres, but it never occurred to her that Hella might be a fan of Rune’s.
Some of the rigidness went out of Hella’s posture. “I loved your last book. I had no idea that you were a…” she trailed off.
“Local?” he asked, his eyes brightening even more. This time with a slightly dangerous gleam.
“That and a vampire,” her mother said.
Astra wanted to smack herself in the face. Instead, she lifted her hand and rubbed her suddenly throbbing forehead.
“Yes, I’m both of those things,” Rune answered, his reply smooth. “Is that a problem?” he arched a brow. He didn’t sound angry, just curious.
