Jared turns ashen, but nods. "I'm so sorry, honey. I wanted to tell you everything when it happened, but I didn't know how."
Shelly sinks into the couch, her face collapsing. "So it's true? You're having an affair?"
Jared gasps. "What? No! God, why does everyone assume the worst about me. They thought I was a serial killer. You think I'm an adulterer. No… I'm… a vampire."
She sits in stunned silence as he tells his story. When he's done, she shakes her head, disbelieving. I walk over to her and hold her hand. "He's telling you the truth. We recognized the signs when you told us about his change in behavior. Shelly, vampires are real. I know, because Sebastian turned me earlier this year to save my life. That's why I look different. That's why we couldn't go on a hike today. We can't be in Earth's sun." I show her my fangs, and she squeaks, then…
Then she laughs.
"Oh my god. That's all? You're vampires? All of you?" She's crying and laughing and looks so happy I worry she's gone mad. She turns to me. "I thought you were angry at me for something and that's why you didn't invite me to your wedding and didn't want to do stuff with me today." Then she turns to her husband. "And you! I thought for sure you were having an affair and didn't want to be with me and the kids anymore. Your late nights, your change in looks. But this? This is fine. This is no problem. I can work with vampirism."
Her response shocks us all, and Sebastian pulls out his bottle of cognac. "I think it's time for a drink." He turns to Jared. "You might have noticed alcohol doesn't give you a buzz anymore. This has a special kick you’ll enjoy." He pours a glass for each of us, assuring Shelly she won't suffer any negative side effects from what's in the drink.
We sip at the cognac in front of the fire as Shelly processes what she's learned.
"So no sun?" she asks.
We nod.
"Garlic?"
"Myth," I say.
"And you all went into the church, so that's fine?"
Jared flinches. "Why was that so unpleasant?"
Sebastian explains. "Holy places will be uncomfortable. Be sure to feed before going to them. Only a few rare artifacts can actually harm us."
Jared looks ashamed as he asks, "How do I feed? I've been living off rats, but they're… awful."
Sebastian pulls a card out of his pocket. "Call this number. They'll help you."
I raise an eyebrow and Sebastian grins. "I would have been an excellent Boy Scout. Always prepared."
"So wait," Shelly says, frowning. "You will all stay young and beautiful and I'll grow old and die?"
I knew this was coming. "Yes. That's true," I say. "You could be turned… eventually. But, I don't think you should do that right now."
"Why?" she asks. "I don't want to keep aging if none of you are."
"Because of the kids," Jared says before I can. "I can't go into the sun. If you turn, then they won't have a parent available during the day. They need one of us to be human. I'm so sorry Shelly."
She finally crosses the room and sits on her husband's lap, putting her arms around his neck. "You would be dead if not for this miracle. I can never be sorry about that. I'll wait until Mallory is an adult, then I can be turned?" She looks to us for the answer.
Sebastian nods. "Yes. Spouses have special dispensation from the Council, so you will not be violating any laws," he says.
Jared starts at that. "There are laws?"
"Call the number," Sebastian repeats. "It's an organization dedicated to helping newly turned vampires who don't have their sire's support. They will give you everything you need to sort this out. And when you two are ready, there is a world you can travel to that will allow you to walk in the sun. But it wouldn't be the safest place for human children. Best to wait until they're older."
"Is that where you two really live? Not a village in Istanbul?" Shelly asks.
I nod. "I'm sorry for lying to you. We're not supposed to tell people about us, but given your husband being turned… well, like Sebastian said, this was a special case."
"Damn," she says, shaking her head, and looking into her husband's eyes. "So… do vampires have more, uh, stamina, then humans?"
Jared grins. "You have no idea, sweetheart."
"Then I'm really looking forward to discovering your new powers."
We spend the day as planned, watching movies and enjoying the children playing with their gifts. Shelly is stunned at how quickly Mallory's hand healed, and I promise to send her more ointments when we return to Inferna. "I think I can even get you a skin care system that will keep you looking young and beautiful while you wait to be turned," I whisper to her.
Her eyes widen. "Really? My god, you could make a fortune here on earth with that stuff."
"It would be illegal to sell it. But giving it to family is okay, I think."
When mom and dad arrive that night, everyone is in high spirits. We sit around the table, drinking wine, telling stories, eating the bounty of food Shelly and the kids spent the week preparing, and enjoying family.
As Christmas day comes to an end, I lean into my husband's arms watching the fire dancing over the logs, and I sigh. "This didn't turn out so badly, did it?"
He kisses my head. "It's the best Christmas I've ever had in my very long life. And I look forward to hundreds of more holidays with you by my side."
Then he stands, grinning and holds out his hand. "Now, how about we try for a tiny human of our very own?"
I take his hand and follow him upstairs, visions of our future dancing in my head.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
The End
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About the Author
Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife writing duo of USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning authors Lux Karpov-Kinrade and Dmytry Karpov-Kinrade.
Together, they write fantasy and science fiction novels and screenplays, make music and direct movies.
Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in Vampire Girl, Of Dreams and Dragons, The Nightfall Chronicles and The Forbidden Trilogy. If you’re looking for their suspense and romance titles, you’ll now find those under Alex Lux.
They live with their three mostly teens who share a genius for all things creative, and six cats who think they rule the world (spoiler, they do.)
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