Page 118 of You’re So Vein

She’s Dhampir.

This changes everything.

I’ve made a terrible mistake.

45Komal

Argleton Weather Watch: Rain and wind increasing overnight, which is great if you’re a duck, but less great if you’re literally any other species. There’s a risk that a second storm front could collide with this one, and if it does, it will create one of the biggest hurricanes Argleton has ever seen – it’s going to be loud and wet enough to wake the dead, and they won’t be pleased.

If you must leave the house (not recommended), pack an umbrella and a protective amulet.

I WAKE UP AT MIDDAY, still floating from my night with Augustin and the promises we made to each other. It’s the fete tonight, our final chance to sway votes before the polls open, but I no longer care about the mayoral race. Whichever one of us wins, we’ll work together to make this village the best place for everyone. We’ll find a way for Hannah to live the life she deserves.

One orgasm and you’re completely smitten. What happened to being careful and protecting yourself from heartbreak?

To be fair, that was the best orgasm of my life.

And Augustin is the sweetest, most protective father with fangs, who grows vines and can make the forest bloom with his blood, and I’m a romance reader with a penchant for monster smut.

How can I not be smitten?

My parents throw a lunch for all their friends. It’s standing room only. I wish Augustin could be there, but after tomorrow, we won’t have to be against each other. We can go to these things together (well, as long as they’re at night). I shake so many hands that my wrist aches, flash so many smiles for the press that my eyes have permanent red dots. Papa’s weak from the infection, but his smile could light the whole world.

I text Augustin several times, joking about all the naughty things I’m going to write about him in my speech. Even after sunset, he doesn’t respond. I wonder if I’m reading too much into it. He’s probably nervous about the results, worrying that if he wins, I’ll go back to hating him.

Maybe a little. But I’ll have fun punishing him.

At 7 pm, I send Augustin a quick video message of me twirling in my crimson “victory dress”. He doesn’t reply. I call him. He doesn’t pick up, but texts back.

Augustin: I’ve just said goodbye to Hannah. Reginald has taken her to Black Crag for the fete. Good luck tonight. Whatever happens, know that you are strong enough to survive it.

I don’t get what he means, but he doesn’t respond to my text asking him to explain. And it’s too late. Mamma is knocking on my door. It’s time to head to the community hall.

Despite the caution tape, open drainage and the relentless rain, the village has a real party atmosphere. Several local shops have set up stalls outside the hall. Celeste is nearly sold out of treats, and I notice her discreetly offering vampires samples of jellies from a tray under her table. Beth is doing a roaring trade in her health elixirs, while two vampires stroll past, enjoying Lilac’s famous blood cocktails.

When I enter, the Nevermore Coven rushes over and surrounds me.

The rush of joy I feel at their support evaporates as they start talking.

“You’re going to be amazing,” Beth declares as she undoes my hair and redoes it in a “more professional way”. I bite my lip about the hair, because she’s trying to help. “In your speech, definitely talk about how you’re going to streamline building consents so that much needed local businesses like pole and yoga studios aren’t drowned in red tape.”

“And about how you’re allocating additional funding to the Argleton Gazette, so we can keep everyone informed about the Historically Inaccurate Heritage Festival and the new village app.” Maisie beams.

“I bet Quoth could create a wonderful sculpture to unveil at the festival.” Mina holds my note cards. As she dreams about Quoth’s sculpture, she accidentally shuffles my cards, putting them all out of order.

Everyone talks a mile a minute about all the exciting things I’m going to do for them once I’m mayor. All the things I’ve agreed to do because I want them to be happy.

I take my cards back from Mina and try to place them in order, when Mamma sees me from across the room. She parks Papa’s wheelchair near Preeti, who has been charged with setting out the plastic chairs, and hurries over.

“Beta, I’ve had the best idea.” Mamma beams as she reaches up to fuss with my “professional” hair. “Why don’t you rename Main Street to Curry Avenue? That way, everyone in the village will know where to find your papa’s shop. And I’ve decided that my sash will be purple to match my favourite salwar kameez—”

“Oh, and I meant to tell you,” Arabella drawls. “Once the garlic festival is off the cards, the vampires want to suggest some of our holidays for the village calendar. And Eleanor wants to expand her vampire support group to include humans and Thralls who’ve had—”

“Komal, I don’t know how to get the chairs apart,” Preeti calls. “Can’t you do this? It’s your campaign.”

All I can think about how little any of this matters compared to Hannah’s life, her future. All the things Augustin said to me echo in my ears. That love shouldn’t be transactional. That I don’t need to please everyone. That anyone who cares about me because they get something out of it isn’t a friend worth having. That I’m enough, just by being me.

“Komal, if you could just—”