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Story: The Vampire's Soul

AN HOUR LATER, Ella clicked the redendbutton on the video call and relaxed back in her chair as she let out a long sigh.

Melissa was a great client, but she definitely got her money’s worth out of Ella. They’d gone through every damn slide on all three videos and talked over and over them.

It was exhausting.

That kind of detail was overkill, but because Melissa was a perfectionist, it meant that together they created a highly effective campaign that got results.Akasales.

It also reflected on Ella’s skills, resulting in more business her way. Including recommendations. So, she had learned to be more patient.

Ella reached for her phone, her eyes bulging when she saw the missed calls from Mack. There were two more messages asking her to reply urgently.

Climbing to her feet, she called him.

He answered immediately.

“Jesus, Ella. Where have you been?” His rough voice sounded pained.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to see you. Now. Where are you?”

She frowned.

“Tell me what’s happened. Is it Michael? Your mom?”

Oh God, her mind went into overdrive. Was it her family? Had humans hurt them?

“No—I can’t say... I just need to see you.”

Why hadn’t he just teleported over?

Ella began to suspect this was typical Mack, demanding that she fall at his feet. Well, no. That wasn’t happening anymore.

“Well, I’m working right now. I’ll be fini—”

“Now Ella! I have ten minutes. Teleport to the front of the castle and I’ll meet you there.”

Rude.

“Mack. Listen. Last night was amazing, but it doesn’t give you the right to order me around. Clearly this isn’t serious for you, or you would have stay—”

“Ella!” Mack demanded, then his next words pulled all the oxygen from her body. “I love you, okay? I have always loved you. I need you here right fucking now.”

Her eyes flew open.

What did he say?

He...love...no.

What?

Snapping her mouth shut, Ella glanced around the room as if the walls would collapse and an audience start laughing any minute.

Or the obvious parallel universe she had arrived in accidentally would fade away.

Because this was not real.

Mack loved her?