“When did you plan the birthday party?” I ask, basking in the last rays of sunshine my human body will ever feel.
“When I knew you were certain about becoming a vampire and not wanting a thirty-third birthday.”
I whirl around in Arran’s arms. “So you’ve been fake asking me if I’m sure this whole time? Every day, twice a day, for months?”
Arran winks at me, sending a swarm of butterflies off in my stomach and dispelling my shock. “You set the standards really high with the festival and my legacy book. If I want to surprise you in turn then I have to think really big.”
I pull on the laces of his shirt. “You can definitely consider me surprised.”
“I have a nonbirthday gift for you also,” Arran says, clicking the door shut behind us and leading me into the kitchen.
“More surprises? If I hadn’t promised you eternity already, then this is one sure way to get me to do so,” I say as he directs me into a chair.
Arran opens one of the cupboards I never use and takes out a box with a big red bow and places it on my lap.
I don’t even try to be cool about it, instantly reaching for the bow and undoing it.
My jaw practically hits the floor as I lift the silver chalice up and inspect the tiny details.
It’s heavy in my hand, but comfortably so. Elaborate filigree decorates the wide base and moves up the hexagonal stem. The knop in the center is heavily embellished with engraved leaves which shift into tiny little roses around the base of the cup.
It’s unique and special and better than anything I would’ve picked myself.
Arran explains, “You mentioned once that if you were a vampire that you would sip blood from a chalice like a Gothic queen. I don’t know if you’d be up to it on your first day, but I wanted to be prepared for whenever you felt ready to assume your role. Because you, Audrey, you’re the queen of this castle, and me.”
“You’re crazy,” I say through tears and laughter. “And I fucking love you, Arran.”
“I love you too, more than I’ll ever be able to express.”
Tilly, now dressed in her scrubs, comes down from the guest wing and joins us in the kitchen. “I know we’ve talked about this before, but I just want to remind you of how everything’s going to work tonight.”
My heart starts pounding a little faster, but as I look at two of my favorite people in the entire world, I know this is the right decision, and everything that’s about to happen is going to be okay.
Tilly, keeping things very professional, uses her nurse voice as she explains, “Arran will drain every single drop of blood from you. The venom from his fangs will keep you alive, but only for so long. In order to speed the process up and lessenany discomfort, I’ll give you a blood transfusion through an intravenous line. If you’re awake at any point, you’re welcome to also drink blood. Don’t try to fight your new instincts. I have enough units here to replace everything in your body and then some. The hopes are that you’ll be raring to go by dawn.”
I reach over and take her hand. “Thank you, Tilly.” I’m unable to voice the full extent of my gratitude for her being with us tonight, but when Tilly’s eyes soften and she gives me a small nod, I know she understands.
Tilly squares her shoulders and goes back into nurse mode. “As an extra precaution, I want you to completely cover yourself with sunscreen, and keep all the curtains closed just in case you missed a spot. In the morning, the sun will also seem much brighter than you’re used to right now, so don’t feel alarmed at first.”
“Yes, nurse,” I answer, Arran echoing me when Tilly turns her stern gaze on him.
Tilly stands. “I’ll give you both some privacy for the biting portion of tonight’s events, and will wait in the guest wing until Arran gives me the signal. If you need me at any point before that, please shout.”
I stand too and hug my cousin before she heads back up the stairs.
Turning to Arran, I say, “I’m ready.”
Hands clasped together, we slowly make our way to our room, each step leading us toward our future.
Tonight, almost a hundred candles are placed around the room, bathing the usually cool gray stones in a romantic honey glow.
Arran takes his time removing my clothes, placing the gentlest of kisses on every inch of skin he uncovers.
Before he lays me on the bed, Arran grabs the bottle of sunscreen and meticulously covers my entire body, from my eyelids, my ears, down to the tiny little crevices between my toes.
My eyes stay locked on Arran’s body as he coats himself too, then he’s climbing onto the bed, lowering himself between my waiting thighs.
“You are the most beautiful, most magnificent, most selfless creature I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Arran says as he glides his cock between my pussy lips and coats himself in my arousal.
