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Now I have become one.

As the car rolls to a stop in front of the estate, the front doors open, even though there is no one standing there. I eye the dark corridor, waiting for someone to step out. He must have a lot of staff, and they probably make themselves discreet.

Kian takes Cora’s hand and stalks toward the front door, not looking back at any of us. Theo and I are moving into Theo’s house, but we all felt that it would be nice to stay in the same place, at least for a little while. There’s plenty of space here, and I think we can all agree we like the safety in numbers.

Theo joins me on one side. Hunter and Raya come up on the other. Cora exits the second vehicle last, her coat fluttering around her like a shadow, her hair falling in perfect waves down her shoulders. The pink of dusk glints somehow under the sky, even though it is dark and gloomy, as always.

We head up the steps together, and as the door swings shut behind us, the weight of Red Thorne lands on my shoulders, like a physical hand pressing down on me. There’s an eerie feeling being back here.

It seems strange that I feel as though I fit better here now than I did before.

Kian gestures down the corridor. ‘Your rooms are down the hall, to the left.’

‘Thank you,’ I mumble, feeling Theo’s steady presence behind me as we head down to our room.

When I step inside, my eyes widen. It’s like an apartment. My old room could fit into this five times easily. I grin, spinning to face Theo, who looks unfazed. He would be used to this kind of lifestyle.

The room is massive. High ceilings with carved beams, walls lined with bookcases and stunning paintings, some taking up half a wall. A fire smoulders quietly in the corner, embers glowing. I can’t say I’ve ever wanted a fireplace in my room, but I have to admit, it’s pretty awesome. Deep red velvet curtains drown the windows in darkness, and the bed – if you can even call it that – is more like a throne, draped in black silk sheets.

‘This is the most dramatic thing I have ever seen,’ I comment, shaking my head.

‘I love it,’ Theo admits, a gleeful grin stretching across his face.

I blow out a breath and drop my bag onto the bed. ‘So … Red Thorne. We’re really back.’

Theo moves past me, brushing his fingers across the back of an antique armchair. He looks relaxed as he drops into the chair, flinging his feet up in front of him. ‘Yup.’

The silence that follows is loud, as if we both don’t know how we feel about this place, or where we want to go from here. Ever since we’ve known each other we have been on the move, always planning what the next day will look like for us, and now we are here. It feels odd to not be looking over my shoulder or wondering when the next threat will come. It feels peaceful, but in an unnerving kind of way.

The war might be over, but I don’t feel like it ever truly will be. I think there will always be tension between the supernaturals, and it will only be a matter of time before something starts up again. I just hope we can stay out of it.

I sink down onto the edge of the bed, my hands flattening across my thighs as I scan the room, unsure of what to do.

‘This is weird,’ I say quietly. ‘Being here, as a vampire, with a bonded boyfriend, plus two sisters and a mother I never knew about.’

Theo’s lips twitch. ‘Boyfriend?’

My eyes snap to him. ‘Er—I mean … that’s what this is, right?’ I fling a hand between us. ‘We’re dating, or whatever.’

His smirk widens. ‘Or whatever.’

I roll my eyes. ‘You know what I mean.’

He crawls across the bed, pulling me onto him. His fingers skate across my skin and he tips my head back, capturing my mouth against his.

‘Yes, Cupcake,’ he murmurs, lips ghosting mine. ‘You are my hot vampire girlfriend.’

I snort. ‘Very romantic, thank you.’

‘That’s me. Forever the romantic.’

Chewing my lip, I cast my eyes down, threading my fingers through his. ‘It feels like I’m in an alternate universe. I don’t know how to act around all of these people. I’ve never really had a family before.’

Nodding, Theo tightens his hand in mine. ‘Yeah. It’s a lot to have in your life. I can personally account for Raya and Cora. They’re awesome. You will love them.’

I smile, eyes burning with the sensation of hot tears. ‘They seem pretty awesome. I don’t want to rush into anything but despite all the craziness, it’s exciting to find my family. I’ve felt so lost and disconnected for so long. It’s incredible to be reunited with them.’

Theo’s smile is warm and gentle, showing off handsome smile lines that must have been present from when he was human. His dark eyes dance under the lights, making him seem younger than he is. His smile is infectious, drawing out my own.