Page 68 of I Dated a Golden Vampire

“What will you do if he comes?”

“Pay someone for snacks.”

They both chuckled as they walked through the village, where folks called out to Ysell.

Khy was passed out and content to be held.

The baby was changed, clean, and down for a nap in a suspiciously handy crib in a guestroom.

“Were you planning for us?”

“Living where the wind and ocean can attack, having a lot of seers around is very handy.It is also making the references to theCaring Unseenand theFallen Starscapemake a lot more sense.”

Vesta could feel her near.Whoever she was, she was folding this island under her protection.

Pria and Riro arrived, clean and dressed and waiting to play with the baby now that she was known to be napping.

They caught up on the bits of her life she felt like sharing, and by the time they had had the food that some of the villagers brought to Ysell’s place, the baby needed to be fed again, and that was Vesta’s job.

She smiled as Cabree and Denog came in, talking about the villa in the hills, her sister holding Riro’s hand, and Riro hovering with an attentive and protective air.Their kids were going to be adorable.

Khy stopped eating, and Vesta covered up before burping her.“There you are.Growing like a weed.Now, off for a game of baby pass-around.”

The baby went to the friends and family, and Vesta sat back.Ysell brought her a cup of tea and said, “You have been running on nerves for a while.”

“Yeah, does it show?”

“No.You wear it well.I have to ask, what about your parents?”

“They gave in to my father’s mother.Grandmother thought it was not ladylike to have an activation, so she was looking for places to put us.She sold us to the highest bidder.I went to the lab, and Pria went to the program.”

Ysell nodded.“Good for Riro that she did.He grew up fast with her beside him.”

“Yeah.So, how are you at planning weddings?I am going to carry the flower girl.”She smiled.“Personally, I would like her to be married before she is pregnant.”

Ysell nodded again.“So, soon then.There isn’t a lot else to do in the islands.”

Vesta chuckled.“I think I might take up macramé.”

“Oh, I know just the teacher.”

“I figured you would.”Vesta smiled.

Ysell reached out and squeezed her hand.“Welcome home.”