Page 73 of Sleeping With the Vampire

“It’s okay,” I said, smiling at Lucca. “There is much to be done. I am happy to help where I can.”

“Yes,” said my new husband and king of my heart. “But first you must help me cut the cake.”

I laughed and felt such happiness when he took my hand and led me to the big wedding cake for the mortals.

Then Lucca raised a glass of champagne and proposed a toast.

“I would like to propose a toast to my new wife and queen, Izzy. Things have changed. Our world has changed, and hopefully for the better. But more importantly, my world has changed. Castle Grey welcomes Queen Izzy and that is definitely for the better!”

There was loud cheering as all of the guests clapped hands and celebrated his words.

My eyes were drawn to the back of the crowd where I made out a group of people. Something about the way they were standing, together and yet apart from the others, drew my attention. The man was tall and broad-shouldered and the woman next to him, her hair reminded me of… Then I realized, it was them, my family. They were here on this happy day. I could feel my eyes fill with tears and blinked them away quickly because their outline was beginning to fade and I wanted to see them for as long as possible. I could feel their goodwill and their good wishes for me, and in a way it was a goodbye too. There could be no going forward without it, that much I knew. I wanted to look ahead and think of the future. The past was over. My younger brother waved and I could make out his sweet smile as his features slowly dissolved in the candlelight. I could let them go now, and be at peace too.

“Everything okay?” Lucca asked me softly, his voice filled with concern.

“I’ve never been better,” I said and kissed him, with all my heart, body and soul.

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