A Shade of Novak (A Shade of Vampire #8)(53)

We entered the elevator and rose to the top. Crossing the veranda, she pushed the front door open and led me inside. She pulled me past a luxurious sitting room and along a number of glass-covered walkways until we reached a spacious oval bedroom.

“This,” she said proudly, “is my room.” She pushed the door wide open and gestured that I step inside.

I looked around the room from the outside, hesitating to step in. Somehow, it felt strange to be stepping into her private space.

Growing impatient, she tugged on my shirt and pulled me inside.

She walked to a corner of the room and pointed to a large stack of CDs.

“As you can see, they’re mostly classical,” she said, grinning. “Or at least that’s my excuse for not being able to dance to club music… Now let me show you the Sun Room.”

She led me back along one of the glass-covered walkways and we stopped outside another room. She pushed the door open to reveal a room lit so brightly with LEDs, it gave the illusion of sunshine. The walls were covered with a mural of a sandy beach.

“This room has some history for sure,” she said. “My dad destroyed it once. Ripped it to shreds with his bare hands. He used to have a real tough time controlling his temper. Then my mom decided to recreate it.”

Next, she led me into the music room. Calling it a room was rather an understatement. It was more like a small hall. Wind and string instruments lined the walls and at its center was a large grand piano.

I walked around the circumference of the room slowly, taking a closer look at all of the instruments. Only the best for the Novaks.

Rose took a seat at the piano. I walked over to her as she began to play. But as I approached, she stopped. She moved up along the seat, requesting that I sit next to her. I acquiesced.

“Now you’re a prisoner of my castle”—she grinned—“I’d like you to play for me, Mr. Caleb Achilles.”

I smiled down at her and bowed my head. “Very well, your highness.”

I sat down beside her and stretched out my fingers over the keys. Closing my eyes, I began to play. And as soon as I did, I felt glad that she’d made this request.

Losing myself to the music helped to ease the pain that had been eating away at me ever since the moment had arrived for Rose’s escape.

When she rested her head against my shoulder, I still didn’t open my eyes. I wanted to remain lost in that moment, with her warm body against me. I remained still, committing these few seconds into my memory. A memory I hoped I’d be able to draw on for the rest of time.

Her soft hand folded over my forearm.

“I wish you didn’t have to go,” she whispered, pain traced in her voice. Pain I recognized as constricting my own chest.

I opened my eyes to see her lovely face, the shadow of tears brimming in her emerald-green eyes.

I didn’t know what to answer her.

My throat felt dry.

Without considering my actions, I reached out and brushed her warm, flushed cheek with my fingers.

Then a bang from the living room broke through the silence.

Quickly composing myself, I stood up in time for Mr and Mrs Novak to enter the room.

Chapter 39: Rose

“Rose!”

My parents drew me into a tight embrace, kissing every part of my cheeks and forehead they could reach.

“What happened?” my mom asked, pointing to the bandage on my cheek.

“Oh, it’s really nothing. Just a scratch.”

Once we had finished hugging, I took a step back and reached for Caleb’s hand. “This is Caleb,” I said. “I’m here because of him.”

My dad looked Caleb over from head to foot, as though he was sizing him up. I wasn’t sure if he approved of Caleb at first, given the serious expression on his face, but then he smiled, reached out a hand and shook his warmly.

“Caleb,” he said. “Thank you.”

My mom drew him in for a hug. “If there’s ever anything we can do to repay you,” she said, gripping his shoulders and looking him in the eye, “please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Nothing will be required,” Caleb said, taking a step back.

“Rose!”

Vivienne and Xavier came racing into the room, followed by a group of other vampires. My aunt and uncle took it in turns to hug me. Then I faced the others. Everyone in the room—including my parents—looked utterly disheveled, their clothes bloody and torn, scars of recently healed wounds covering their body.

As I looked around the room at them, a crushing sense of guilt welled in the pit of my stomach.

Ben and I caused them all so much trouble.

“You,” Zinnia said, pointing an accusing finger at me, “have caused me more aggro in the last twenty-four hours than Griffin has managed in the past year.” Then she nuzzled me on the head. “I’m glad you’re safe, kid.”

Someone tugged on my hair. I turned around to see Ashley glaring at me.

“So, how was Scotland?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the sarcastic expression on her grimy face.

“Yeah, princess. How was Scotland?” Claudia had entered the room, her clothes looking particularly battle-worn, her thick blonde hair a matted mess. “Next time the two of you decide to go gallivanting about, a little warning would be appreciated.”

“I’m so sorry, guys,” I muttered.