Boris and the Vampire (Legends of Pinewood 2)

When Life Offers An Opportunity

The meeting reached its dramatic conclusion.

To their benefit, the other supernaturals were able to maintain their composure in front of us. But I was certain this would be talked about for months among all our communities. I expected many phone calls from 'family' members across the globe in the coming few months, wanting to hear the story from my mouth.

Clarence left the building without another word and without looking back, his horde of vampires hot on his tail.

For a man who was probably at least five times my age, he certainly acted like a toddler throwing a tantrum for being caught in a lie. He didn't need to tell Etienne he shouldn't try to go back home. I had a hunch neither I nor Etienne would ever see the guy again, and frankly, good riddance.

Most of the other supernaturals politely bid us a good night before leaving. Only the winter fey stayed seated. After a few moments it was just us werewolves, the winter fey, and Etienne in the building.

Etienne hadn't moved an inch since his confession. He looked stunned. Like he couldn't quite comprehend yet what he just did.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

Etienne shot me a sheepish smile. "I don't know."

"Do you have anywhere you can go for the night, Etienne?" Ivana, ever the practical one, asked. "If not, I can contact other vampire communities for you. I'm certain there must be one that's willing to take you in."

"Thank you, but don't count on it," Etienne replied weakly. "Clarence is a highly esteemed man among our kind. And whether or not they would say it out loud, many agree with him even if they don't agree with his methods. They don't want us to step out of the shadows and expose ourselves to humans. We're not like the rest."

"Until you contacted the other vampire communities, Etienne is welcome in my house," I told Ivana.

Ivana frowned. "I understand why you would suggest this Boris, but..."

"If it's too diplomatically sensitive to harbour an exiled vampire in your territory, Boris and Etienne are welcome in the fey woods," the winter fey said. "We have no history with the vampires, and our forest's word is law. The woods have already decided the vampire is welcome."

I stared at Ivana, pleading with her silently.

She glanced at me and sighed. "Alright, fine. You never asked for anything before Etienne arrived on our doorstep, and I know it hasn't been easy for you to live among the humans of Pinewood mostly on your own. I believe Aquila is ready to take over as its protector for the time being. Together with Xavier. Besides..." A small teasing smile appeared on Ivana's lips. "Who am I to stand in the way of true love?"

I coughed, scratching my elbow uncomfortably. "I didn't say it in those exact words."

Ivana chuckled. "You're right. I'm certain you'd risk everything for any random fling."

"You know me. I'm always rescuing damsels and dudes in distress. It comes with the protector of Pinewood's job."

Well, ex-job. For the time being.

It was strange. I thought I'd feel worse about it. But if I was completely honest, it was a relief not to go back to my little house in the woods for a while. I loved the people of Pinewood and they loved me, but Ivana had definitely been right when she said it'd weighed heavily on me to always be the person others looked at for protection or help.

I'd never regret my time in Pinewood, but it had been hard to deny my nature. Pretend that all the smells in the village like perfume and smoke weren't overwhelming, and that I didn't want to gag every time I smelled coffee on anyone's breath. Constantly being vigilant about the werewolf pups sneaking around town, and our secret being kept.