Chapter 47:

Sorry it's short. Limited internet availability, but that should change soon. Working on the next two chapters now to make up for lost time :)

"Listen, I know you've lived far longer than I have and loved and lost. And I respect that. But everyone has loved and lost. It's part of the human condition. Vampires included. If you want to keep pursuing our relationship, wherever it may go, then I'm willing to, too. I have grown to love you. I can't lie about it. I love you."

Larten ran a hand over his face. "I cannot lie, either." He said softly. "But surely you know that it can end in nothing but pain."

Erin looked at him like he was the densest person she had ever met.

"Of course, there will be pain in some shape or form, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it. If you waste your time worrying about future pain, then what's the point of doing anything in life? All I can do, Larten, is be brutally honest with you. Brigid and I could be killed by Murlough or vampire hunters."

"Do not say such things." Larten snapped.

"You could be killed, too! We don't know. There must be absolute honesty between us and that will keep everything in perspective."

Larten looked forward, thinking hard. It was rationally sound. What else could they do? He gently grabbed Erin's hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. Looking into her eyes, he nodded. Erin smiled, placing a quick kiss to his forehead.

When she pulled away, he kept their faces close and kissed her.

"Wonderful. But I do have a very serious question to ask you and you must be completely honest with me." Erin said, looking at him intensely.

Larten's brow furrowed, preparing himself.

"How was last night?"

Larten's eyes widened, completely taken aback. He broke eye contact with her and blushed furiously. He wasn't embarrassed, per se, but her being so forward had thrown him off balance. He cleared his throat, looking back at her, he couldn't stop a subtle, sly grin pull at the edges of his mouth.

"I believe I said I would be willing to replenish your wardrobe if necessary."

Erin burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at?" Brigid asked, skipping into the kitchen. As was her habit, she grabbed a cereal box, shaking it. "Sis, we're almost out of cereal."

"Brigid, really? Already?"

"What? You know the routine."

Erin stood from the couch going into the kitchen. She refilled her mug of coffee and slid a piece of paper towards Brigid. "Write down what you want."

"Want to know how I get away with eating whatever I want?"

Erin sighed. "How?"

"I'm not middle-aged yet."

"I am not middle-aged! I'm thirty. And now you're grounded."

Brigid put the paper in front of Erin. "Yep. Grounded. Absolutely. The older you get the crankier you're becoming. No wonder you and Larten get along so well."

Erin grabbed an apple and chucked it at Brigid, missing her as she turned the corner and pounded up the stairs. "See? Losing your coordination already!" Brigid yelled.

"Keep going and I'll ground you until school starts again!" Erin yelled back.

"Whatever you say, sis!" Christmas music started blaring from Brigid's room.

Erin took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Larten came next to her handing over her coffee. Erin took a sip, lips pursed.

"You are not old. You are actually a child in comparison to— "

"Not helping, Larten, not helping."

Erin grabbed the list. "I'm going to throw on some clothes and run to the grocery store."

"I will accompany you."

"Fine. Your cloak is still in the laundry room. I'll be right down." Erin huffed, muttering to herself as she left the kitchen, "So grounded."

Larten's lips twitched upwards, amused. He thought about what Erin had said. They would be completely transparent with the other. Maybe that would be the saving grace of their relationship and love for one another. Vampires were proud of their code of honesty. Erin had been blunt and set their boundaries. It had to be done and Larten felt a weight off his shoulders having finally spoken about it. Now they could go as they pleased, wherever and whatever that may end up meaning.

"Okay, let's go." Erin mumbled, still not happy about the jab at her age.

"You know-" Larten began again before getting cut off by Erin.

"Not helping, Larten!"