Boris and the Vampire (Legends of Pinewood 2)

You Never Have To Do it Alone

Ivana raised a brow at Etienne and my entwined hands when we returned to the community center a few moments later. She didn't speak, however, waiting for us to explain ourselves instead.

I knew my sister as a woman who appreciated people who didn't beat around the bush, as she never did. So, I didn't either.

"Etienne and I are leaving Pinewood together," I said.

"I'm not going to Melissa's community if it means I can't live with Boris," Etienne added, chin tilted up.

Ivana hummed. Her expression didn't change as she turned her back on us and walked to the window, looking in the direction of Pinewood's human village.

"You're both serious," she said.

"Yes," I replied.

Ivana let out a small sigh. "I know you've been unhappy, Boris. And I know Etienne utterly charmed you in a way nobody here has. But you're ready to leave behind your family for his vampire you met not even a month ago?"

"I hope it wouldn't mean I could never come back to Pinewood," I said. "But, yes, for now. I'm not leaving Etienne alone after everything that happened. If Etienne isn't welcome, I unfortunately can't stay either. Duty no longer calls because I'm not Pinewood's protector anymore."

"I see." Ivana turned around to face me. She breathed in and out deeply, letting her eyes fall closed for a moment. "One incident and he is out of here, Boris. Even if it's a little nibble. Even if one of the humans finds a beast with bite marks. Even it's an almost-exposure."

I blinked and stared blankly at Ivana. Then, the dots connected. "Wait, are you saying?"

"You know exactly what I'm saying," Ivana cut me off. She narrowed her eyes at me. "Look, I don't want to be the cause of your unhappiness. But keep the vampire strictly under control. He's your responsibility as long as he's on werewolf turf. And you are off duty as Pinewood's protector the moment Aquila is informed he's taking over. You're not ever getting that job back either if you do this. I can't justify that to the others."

My heart skipped a beat, but I kept myself calm rather than cheering and hugging my sister like I wanted to. I knew Ivana would have her hands full explaining and defending this choice to both the vampires and our community. Despite the way she glared at me and was short with us, she was doing us a huge favour.

"I understand," I said. "And I accept those terms. From now on I'm only a humble carpenter living in the woods."

"Good," Ivana replied curtly. "Go home then."

"Thank you," I said. I'd never meant the two simple words more than I did right now.

Ivana finally cracked a smile as I closed the door behind us as Etienne and I went outside.

Etienne had stayed very quiet so far. Uncharacteristically so, so I gently prodded him with my elbow. "You alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just... Are you sure it's okay I am here? I'd rather not get killed in my sleep by another werewolf."

"Ivana acts rough, but if she really didn't want you in werewolf territory, you'd know," I said. "And she can control the others."

"Are you sure-sure?" Etienne asked. "I mean, of course I know I'm a delightful addition to anyone's village. But I accused a few people of crimes they didn't commit. And not all of them are going to be as forgiving as you, considering they don't have me in their bed to make up for it."

"If Ivana says she will handle it, she will. We're both kind of dedicated to go through trouble for you now, you see." I gave Etienne's shoulder an encouraging squeeze.