An End of Night (A Shade of Vampire #16)(57)

My grandfather’s package was oddly shaped. Ripping it open, I found that I was holding a long silver dagger enclosed within a gold-encrusted sheath.

“Wow,” I muttered, sliding out the shiny blade. “This is badass, Grandpa.”

Everyone laughed.

“It took some time convincing your mother to allow me to give you that.” Aiden chuckled. “But I think you’ve shown us all you’re more than capable of wielding a weapon… Just be careful not to cut your finger as you slide it back in.”

I wasn’t ready to put the dagger away yet though. I used it to open the next present: Griffin’s gift. I sliced through the wrapping paper to reveal a massive bag of pig-shaped chocolates. I burst out laughing. “Back to the piggies this year, eh, Griff? You always know how to please a girl.”

Griffin threw me a wink.

Eli had gifted me… a clunky calculator. I looked up at him, smiling and wondering if it was a joke.

He grinned. “That’s no ordinary calculator. Trust me, it’ll make calculus homework more interesting.”

Okay…

Micah’s package contained a pair of pearl earrings while Anna’s family had gifted me an oil painting depicting a view of The Shade’s port.

“We all painted that together,” Ariana said. “Except my baby brother, of course.”

I was speechless. I wanted to run back to Caleb’s and my cabin and stick it on the wall right away. It was a painting I knew I’d treasure forever.

Within Kiev—who’d turned back into himself by now—and Mona’s box was a blue gemstone necklace and when I reached for the next parcel, Brett called from my right.

“Open this one next.”

I turned to see him milling through the crowd, holding a large object covered by white fabric—fabric I soon realized was the white shirt Brett had been wearing earlier.

“Oh, thanks Brett,” I said, as he dumped the object at my feet.

“It’s from Bella, too.” He nodded over his shoulder toward the ogress, who was still wearing the smock Corrine had fixed her up with—rather stained by now.

I stood up and unwrapped the object from Brett’s giant shirt. I found myself looking down at a dark wooden chair. It had pretty carvings around its base and, when I sat down on it, it was surprisingly comfortable.

“Thank you so much, Brett and Bella.”

Brett grinned from ear to ear before making his way back toward Bella.

Most of the other gifts consisted of beautiful handmade jewelry and clothes, gorgeous artwork and more chocolates. By the time I’d finished opening all of them, my right wrist felt sore.

I looked around at the crowd of family, friends and well-wishers surrounding me and said thank you for what felt like the hundredth time.

Wherever you are, Ben, I hope you’re having a good birthday too. Or, at least, a safe one.

Now that the gift-opening ceremony was over, many people retreated to the dance floor or seats further away.

Caleb leaned in toward me.

“It’s almost midnight. I still haven’t given you a birthday present.”

“You are my birthday present, Caleb,” I said, kissing his cheek.

“Maybe… but come.”

Intrigued, I slid my hand in his and he began leading me away from the clearing. I caught sight of Abby and Erik making out beneath a tree. They barely noticed us as we passed by.

My father, who was leading my mother in a slow dance, caught my eye.

“See you tomorrow,” he said, a knowing look on his face.

My mother looked toward us too and waved.

I nodded, feeling myself blush a little.

Anticipation was starting to light up my body as we moved further and further away from the crowds, becoming more and more alone. I couldn’t walk well in my dress, so once we had reached the main forest path, Caleb scooped me up in his arms and carried me.

We were about to leave the area completely when a figure stirred in the trees.

“Who is that?” I whispered.

Stepping out from the shadows was none other than Theon. Apparently, he had been witnessing the festivities from afar.

His brilliant amber eyes fixed on me. Caleb put me down on my feet. The dragon towered over me as I stepped toward him.

“Hello, Theon. How are you?”

He only nodded in response.

“We heard that you never picked a girl in the end.”

“You heard correctly,” he said, glancing briefly at Caleb before looking back to me.

“How come?” I asked. “Was no one here to your liking? We have plenty of ladies here on this island—”

“You have many fair and worthy maidens on this island,” he said. “But none are meant for me.” His smooth baritone voice only added to his calm demeanor.

“Oh,” I said, taken aback. “Then… what will you do?”

“I leave early tomorrow,” he said.

“Leave? Where will you go?”

“On a journey,” he replied.

“A journey to where?”

“To find a female capable of bearing my love.”

I paused. “Will you, uh, stay within this human realm?”

He nodded.

“You said before that you don’t go looking for partners yourself. That it’s your comrades’ job. Will they leave with you?”