“I am not into birds, but I do not judge.”
“I—never mind. Just promise, okay?”
I groan. “Very well. If it will make you happy, I promise I will not ruin her life.” Ah…but a nibble, that is fair game.
Later that night, dressed in black, I go to Stella’s house. I stop briefly to “rabbit” her bloodhound into slumber before entering Stella’s room. Her sweet scent fills my lungs, and my body tenses instantly. I’m beginning to notice that my reactions to her are uncommonly strong. Tonight was no exception. Every time our gazes clashed, it felt like my heart might start beating again, almost like a strange tickle.
I gaze down and admire Stella’s ethereal beauty while she sleeps—the way her dark hair fans over the pillow, the way her full lips rest in a sensual pout, and the manner in which her hips curve like a seductive song that speaks to the male in me. So beautiful. My Stella…
Enjoying the gentle purr of her soft, rhythmic breaths, I lie down next to her, knowing that if she is roused, I can use my gifts to lull her back to sleep. For the moment, however, I want to feel her warm body close to mine. I want to infuse my mind with the sensations only she has managed to provoke over the course of a very long existence. But what if she does not have true feelings for me?
I do not like that idea one little bit.
I roll onto my back, stare at the ceiling, and rest my hands over my stomach. There is a soft whirr from a small machine in the corner that reminds me of a gentle breeze. It is most soothing. I will have Neli purchase one for my coffin. Perhaps it will make me feel closer to Stella while we are parted during the day.
I sigh. “Stella, Stella, Stella. What are you doing to me?” I should be out there in the new world, exploring all the riches it has to offer, and conquering its terrain. I should be seeking out the company of other vampires and learning their new tricks. Concealment is infinitely more difficult in this day and age, and we must adapt or perish. I am certain not much has changed in the way of vampire hunters, either. They were a pain in the ass when I was three hundred years old, and they are probably a pain in the ass now. But instead of worrying about that, or about acclimating to this new time, I am cutting my hair and going on shopping expeditions. All for a woman.
The most disturbing part is that Neli is right; Stella is a good girl. I can see how deeply she cares for her family—it is in her eyes when she talks about making Stellariva into something grand. She wants to honor her family name.
I sigh and turn my head toward my sleeping goddess. You are truly a remarkable woman. And this being my opinion after only a handful of interactions, I can only imagine how much more impressed I might become if we truly spent time together.
Suddenly, there’s a niggling stab of guilt in my gut. Despite my desire to drink her virgin blood again tonight and feel her warm, soft body beneath me, I fear my presence will only taint such loveliness.
It pains me to say it, but I do not want her if it means destroying her—such a sweet, perfect flower meant only to be admired. If she were mine, I would want to make her into a vampire, which would destroy her very nature. So beautiful, so kind, so human.
“I am sorry, Stella, but I must not see you again.” The realization shocks me. I have never walked away from anything I desired. Not once.
“Boz…” Still deep in slumber, Stella rolls to her side and flings an arm over my torso. “I like you…” she mumbles.
I smile and pat her soft hand. “And I you, Stella. And I you.” I let out a long sigh. “You are released from my powers henceforth. Your mind is your own. Your will is your own, now and forever.”
I will never again be able to use my powers on her. And she will forever be free of me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Stella
I took some time on my appearance today, carefully applying makeup and styling my dark brown hair to have some body with a nice wave to it. I’m wearing my blue and white maxi dress with spaghetti straps and a scoop neck that shows off my cleavage. I know, I know, my meeting with Boz and Neli is not a date. I just want to look my best so I feel more confident. Sure, that’s why.
The doorbell rings and my heart races. I stride to the front door, already smiling in anticipation of my visitors. “Hi!” My smile drops as I realize Neli is here alone for our meeting. Her red hair is down, contrasting with her light blue V-neck blouse. “Where’s Boz?”
Her brows shoot up over wide green eyes.
My cheeks heat. “He told me to call him that last night.” I run my finger along the gold bracelet he gave me, delighting in its darling charms. I peer behind her, hoping he’s just running late. “Is he coming?”
“No.”
My shoulders droop, and I turn, gesturing her in. I try to hide my disappointment. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him all day. He was kind enough to agree to help our winery, he gave me a gift, he was so attentive last night, and, let’s face it, he’s drop-dead gorgeous. From his dark hair to his unusual silvery eyes to his exquisitely muscular build. The total package.
Oh, man, I’m so easy. Give me a charm bracelet, and I’m charmed.
I refocus on Neli and put some enthusiasm into my voice. “Would you like a drink, or should we go straight to the storeroom?” I invited them over to taste our different vintages in an effort to narrow down the best choice to blend with one of their wines.
“Storeroom is fine by me,” she says.
I lead her through the house, heading for the back door, and say a quick hello to my twin sisters in the kitchen, where they’re baking red velvet cupcakes. Their futures are never far from my mind. Winning that baking competition would be a blessing, but not something we can count on. My family is counting on me to get this winery back on its feet.
After a short walk to the storeroom in an adjacent building, I remind Neli of our current inventory. She had the tour last night, but I don’t expect her to remember every detail.
In no time at all, Neli settles on a cabernet sauvignon she says has potential. “It’s bold.”
I study her expression, looking for signs of disgust like Boz showed the first time I offered him our wine. Though last night he seemed fine with it. You know, I hadn’t tasted that particular bottle the night we met, already being tipsy from tasting their wine. Maybe it was just a bad bottle. I relax, feeling so much better about the whole thing.
I smile. “I’m glad you think so. We could blend it with your award-winning merlot.”
She rocks her head side to side, and I can tell she’s not on board.
“I was being presumptuous. Tell me which wine you think it would blend well with.”
She lifts her glass. “How about I take a bottle of this with me, think it over, and try a few?”
“Absolutely.” I retrieve a bottle for her, and we head outside.
She tells me about the right flavors for a blend for immediate consumption versus long-term aging potential, but I’m finding it hard to focus. All I can think about is visiting Castle Sangria and seeing him again.
I walk her to the well-worn dirt path that leads to the main road. It’s a perfect summer day, and the view of Castle Sangria as we walk buoys my spirits even more. “Thanks for your help, Neli. I’d love to try some blends with you.” I smooth my hair back, trying not to look too eager. “We could make a night of it, invite Boz to join us too.”