One Last Hope

Chapter 25

PART 4

⭐"Remember to treat yourself kindly when your emotions are beating up your brain."⭐
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The silence in my room feels so heavy.  Nicolae hasn't moved. He's still sitting next to me... waiting for me to crack maybe?

I lie back on the bed a little and start fidgeting with one of my sweaters as I stare into space. My muscles relax but my heart is pounding hard in my chest.

Nora: "You know I need to leave this house."

Nicolae: "You have nothing to fear, Nora. I promise you..."

How can I make him understand?

Nora: "Put yourself in my shoes for two seconds... Until a few days ago, I didn't even know you. And just a few hours ago, I thought vampires were just monsters in storybooks."

Nicolae: "I'm not too keen on the term "monster"."

I'm staring at him and shrug. I'm not in the mood to play word games.

Nora: "Monsters, supernatural creatures, demons... Seriously, though? Don't you realize what a shock this is to me? I had a perfectly normal life before I met you guys!"

Nicolae: "We're not "monsters". Not as you understand it anyway."

I look at Nicolae. I feel so tired and weary.

Nicolae: "We're not wild animals. We're nothing like what you read about in those books. We're just different from your average human. We can control our power."

Nora: "But Drogo assaulted me the very first night I arrived..."

Nicolae stares at the ground for a moment. I feel he's holding back.

Nicolae: "Drogo is the youngest brother. He still has an awful lot to learn about controlling his impulses. It's very hard for him to understand the darker side of being a vampire.“

Nora: "Is that what makes him so aggressive?"

Nicolae: "It's like he's put up a wall to protect himself. He's not what you think."

Nora: "I can only take your word for it though, can't I? I have no clue. It's not like I'm used to living with vampires... Maybe you could find a vampire nanny?"

A slow smile stretches across his face and his eyes sparkle. He obviously thinks what I suggested is funny.

Nicolae: "Well, they're pretty hard to come by! But thanks for the idea. I'll think about it."

What an idea, right?

Nicolae takes me by the hand. His touch surprises me, but it's surprisingly comforting.

Nicolae: "Listen, if it makes you feel any better, I'll answer any questions you have. But please don't go. I think Lorie's really gotten used to you!"

Ha! That kid will never get used to anyone... except those horrific stuffed toys of hers.

Nora: "Lorie's a vampire too..."

Nicolae: "That's right. So you can imagine how hard it is to find someone to take care of her... She's still pretty unstable. Her transformation happened too soon... But with you, I think we can work things out. Your magic will protect you from her reckless behavior."