Page 143 of The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends

“Everything’s been so high-stakes lately,” he said. “I thought we should have one calm night. Before everything tomorrow.”

And Cole was right, as always. Brennan could use a break.

With a little more prodding from Cole, Brennan put away his notes and the box of pamphlets and changed into comfier clothes, letting Cole borrow a pair of sweats. They curled up on the couch together and Cole queued up some music on his phone.

And like that, wrapped up in Cole like this, Brennan felt like things might be okay.

“You know what sucks?” Cole said. Brennan hummed for him to go on. “The vampire ball would actually be so fucking dope if not for everything else.”

Brennan laughed. “Oh god, you’d love it!”

“I mean, an excuse to dress up? Seeyoudressed up? Vampire-themed everything? I almost can’t wait.”

Cole played with Brennan’s fingers with both hands like Brennan was his personal fidget toy, and Brennan didn’t mind at all.

They stayed up late talking, laughing, kissing, until Cole fell asleep halfway through a sentence, head on Brennan’s chest.

Brennan’s peace didn’t last long, an undercurrent of urgency and fear surging through him as he snaked an arm around Cole. Because now he had something to lose, something worth protecting, something he needed and wanted to fight for. And it was terrifying. The idea of having this, then losing it when they’d barely gotten started. The idea of failing when Cole believed in him.

He couldn’t fail. He wouldn’t.

25THE PARTY OF THE CENTURY

BRENNAN’S PHONE

r/occultboston

u/micahlandau

Thank you for believing me: a note before the vampire ball

I wanted to say, as I’m getting dressed up for this vampire ball and preparing to meet up with so many of you, that I’m so grateful to have found a community of smart, creative, open-minded people.

I don’t want to get too much into history, but a tl;dr is that I spent most of my life going to therapists who told me I was crazy for believing in what I know is real after having a vampire encounter when I was really young. The vampire I met wasn’t evil, and he didn’t hurt me, and I have no hatred for vampires. I just need to know if they’re real… I needed to know I wasn’t crazy.

Regardless of what happens at the ball, you guys have given me that.

Thank you, and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you tonight. I’ll be the girl in the fabulous red velvet dress.

>> u/weepncreep: did anyone else think OP was a guy for like, the last 3 months

>>>> u/willfullyignorant: Yep

>>>> u/hardlyahater: lmao, same

“The New Squad” Group Chat with you and 4 others

Brennan

So I’ll see you guys at our place before the ball for last-minute cramming.

But everyone knows their part?

Cole

infiltrating the ball with you!

Mari