Page 15 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part

“We can no longer assume that is true. I would ask you to consider waiting until you have found a partner and had children, if that is your wish.”

I pursed my lips, as the thought of grandchildren hadn’t really hit my radar. I wanted my daughter for eternity and hadn’t considered that aspect of her life. It just hadn’t been something we discussed. She was too young and hadn’t had a serious relationship yet.

Jana nodded. “I am not sure about that. I would consider taking the tests, though. Just so I know what my options are, but I want it understood that it is my decision.

“Of course,” Rene said.

She grabbed her scone and took a small bite. “You should get a small microwave. These are better warmed up.”

Rene nodded. “It will be here for your next visit.”

Jana was staring at her food, but I could tell her mind was not on the food. “I never really looked into the vampire thing. Is there an information packet? I would like to understand the process.”

Rene took out his phone and typed into it. “I have asked our admissions counselor to send you everything and have informed her that I will be sponsoring you if you choose to join our clan.”

“Would I be your daughter? I mean, in the clan sense.”

Rene’s head cocked to the side. “You already are Jana. I have chosen your mother. Whether she chooses me does not change that.”

Jane chewed her scone quickly and coughed when she swallowed. “Wow. You don’t pull any punches do you, Rene?”

“I have lived through enough heartache and deception for ten lifetimes. I prefer honesty and loyalty in such things.”

Jana stared at him. “Those things are important, but not as much as love. I would rather have one lifetime full of unconditional love than ten with mere honesty. And despite her predicament, so would my mom.”

My daughter hadn’t surprised me in a long time. I knew the straightforward woman I had raised, but her ability to cut to the heart of an issue without backing down was awe-inspiring. Especially when she was putting the most powerful creature in the world on the spot.

Rene arched an eyebrow and, while I expected him to be irritated, he looked intrigued. “I couldn’t agree with you more, Jana. And the fact that you have asked this question confirms I must double my efforts to persuade your mother and you of my intentions.”

Jana nodded. “You probably wanted to give her time to adjust, but if you give her too much, you won’t convince her you are serious.”

Rene’s eyes flickered red. “I assure you I have never been more... serious about anything in my life.”

Jana took another bite of her scone and leaned toward me. “You are in so much trouble.”

“Thanks to you,” I said, but my mind was racing. Rene had answered every question my daughter posed. Was it that simple? “Jana, how is your dad and the club?”

Jana finished her scone. “He is good. Getting blisters from the new boots, but that’s expected. He has a new couture gown on order and is training Max. That young man has the voice of an angel, but his act needs some work. He could be a headliner someday.”

“I am glad he took him in. He lost everyone he loved. He will thrive at Club Spice with the other ladies.”

“He will. Max is grateful for the opportunity and really puts the work in. Dad is looking to find him a small apartment, but his van is parked at the club for now.”

“Maybe you could rent him a room at the house. You barely stay there anymore,” I said absently as my mind was more focused on Rene’s words than Jana’s.

She pursed her lips. “I was thinking the same thing. But I wasn’t sure the house was mine to make that decision.”

I grabbed her hand. “Everything I have is yours. I just want to pick up a few personal items I left when Cass and I were there last, but I don’t need a room at the house. I would stay with Isra if needed.”

“That will not be necessary,” Rene said. His voice was neutral, but I detected his irritation.

Jana smiled. “Oh, yeah. You are in trouble. “

I shook my head. “Rent the house or part of it. Whatever you want. I will arrange to pick up my things.”

Rene typed into his phone. “They will be retrieved tomorrow.”

Jana stood. “I have to go. Max and I are going to yoga in an hour, and I want to grab a few things.”