Page 109 of How to Stake a Vampire

“Ah, yes,” Daria said awkwardly. “About that.”

The room grew quieter, though Finnic continued humming what sounded like a drinking song under his breath. Detective Johnson fidgeted nervously in his chair.

“Your abilities,” Portia told me and Ellie carefully. “They’re rather…unprecedented.”

“So I’ve been told,” I replied.

Melody watched me closely. “The question is, what do they mean for the balance of power in Amberford?”

“Nothing,” I said levelly. “I’m not interested in changing any balance of power. To be honest, I just want to go home and pretend the last week didn’t happen.”

Ellie spoke up from beside Virgil. “Same goes for me.” She jutted out her chin. “I didn’t ask to be turned into a vampire. Especially one with freaky powers.”

“You have to understand that pretending none of it ever happened isn’t going to be possible,” Daria said steadily. “What you and Abby demonstrated in that mine”—she glanced around the room—“well, it changes things.”

“It might change people’s expectations of us,” I corrected with narrowed eyes. “It doesn’t change who we are.”

“No,” Cornelius said, “but you have those powers nonetheless.”

Finnic spoke up.

“The pair of them have proven remarkably effective at protecting this community,” the dwarf grunted, raising his tankard.

The moment was ruined by his burp.

Though Samuel’s face remained impassive, I could feel the tension humming through him across our bond.

“When push comes to shove, Amberford could use protectors like them.” He looked at me and Ellie. “Not that I’m suggesting you sign up to the supernatural police force or anything.” He grimaced at Detective Johnson. “No offense.”

“None taken,” the police officer muttered.

I studied the collection of faces watching me with varying degrees of hope, wariness, and calculation.

“If something threatens the people I care about, I’ll deal with it,” I said reluctantly.

“Fair enough,” Daria said. “Miss Martin?”

“I’m still figuring out what being a vampire means,” Ellie replied. “But Abby’s right—if someone threatens my friends or family, they’ll have problems.”

“Speaking of family.” Gregory brightened. “There’s something Virgil wanted to announce.”

Constantia gave her son an encouraging nod.

Virgil flushed slightly under everyone’s gaze. “Ellie and I are moving in together.”

Bo’s head shot up.

My mouth went dry. “Moving in where?” I said numbly.

Ellie gave me a guilty look. “Well, we did talk about me moving into his place at first, but our apartment is bigger.”

“Oh.”

An awkward silence followed.

Victoria fixed me with a stare that spelled trouble. “Now’s a good time to reconsider moving in with us.”

Pearl swished her tail. “Victoria’s right.”