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“So, there’s two things you’re not giving her. The truth of who you are and your trust.”

“I think it’s fair to say that in the history of humans finding out we exist, it never goes particularly well,” I scoff.

“Are you really lumping your mate in with the general human population?” Father asks.

“Amelia, you’re scared. You know Erin is the one. Instead of following your natural instincts and primal feelings, you’re letting that big brain of yours get in the way.” Aliah isn’t wrong. Once again, if this was a vampire I was mating with, I certainly wouldn’t be in my head about it.

“Tell me how to do this,” I practically plead.

“We do it as a family.” Mother places both hands firmly on the table as she rises. In full matriarch mode, Victoria Loch has all our attention. “The mating process is yours alone, Amelia. I understand that, but this part? This we can help you with. Breaking such news is going to be hard on you and Erin.”

“How do you think she will react?” I can’t help but ask. So far, all I have been able to conjure are worst-case scenarios.

“I think she will be naturally shocked and skeptical. However, she isn’t stupid. She clocked on to your so-called ulcer quickly. She knows something is going on. I would also wager she is finding her attraction to you confusing.”

“Thanks,” I joke. The table titters.

“You know what I mean. You are growing close at a remarkable speed, even for lesbians,” Mother says, returning the joke. “Erin might be more receptive to the truth if we can explain her feelings towards you.”

“Your mother is right, Amelia. Let us do this part together.”

“When?” Lucille asks. She’s still hovering by my side, her hand on my shoulder.

“Let’s set up dinner this weekend.”

“Agreed,” calls Laurence. The rest of the table joins in their agreements.

“Once she knows, you all need to go back to your lives, wives, husbands and children,” I say.

“We return to normal when you are out of danger,” Marcus pipes up. I roll my eyes playfully.

“Any idea how we open the conversation?” Jacob asks.

“Yeah, it’s not like we can just casually tell her there are vampires in the world,” Maria chuckles.

“We need to approach it factually. Dispel all the garbage spouted out by idiot humans,” I say.

“Maybe not calling her race idiots, might be the first thing we address.” Lucas laughs. “Remember, you are mating with one. You’re going to need to really overhaul your attitude towards them.”

“I’ll try,” I grin.

“Try hard. Remember, it’s things like that which will keep you from being with her fully. As much as Erin has to accept you entirely, you must do the same.”

“I’m sure we’ve had this discussion before,” Jacob sighs.

“Well, we’ll have it again and again until Amelia gets it through her abnormally thick skull,” Lucille states.

“Okay, so, Family Loch, we’re all set for Saturday as the day we come out,” Lucas laughs.

I laugh along with them all, but there is no amusement inside my head. Not when I could lose Erin forever, in just a few short days.

“How are you?” Claire asks. It’s T-Minus two days until I spill all my secrets to Erin. She and I have spent every night together, wrapped up in sweaty limbs. Erin’s appetite for sex rivals my own, or it’s just that we can’t get enough of each other. On the surface, I have been my usual self. Erin hasn’t seemed to catch on to the river of anxiety that flows through my veins as the time counts down.

I returned to Insomnia and the penthouse after the family meeting. Immediately, I filled Claire in on everything that occurred and what was to come. As usual, she is my rock, giving me space when needed, but never too far away in case I crumble.

“I’m okay today. Although ask me in a few hours and we’ll see.” My fear and anxiety levels seem to peak and trough through the day. One second I feel excited, almost hopeful about telling Erin; it will be a weight off all our shoulders. But then in an instant, I see doom and catastrophe. I’m just thankful the serum is still working.

“Only a few more days, sweetie, and either way, you’ll be moving forward.”