Page 48 of Vampire's Hearth

Aurora’s eyes widened, a flicker of fear running through them. “Is it safe for us to be here?”

I nodded firmly, my stomach knotting. It was rare I saw fear in her eyes. “Absolutely. She cannot enter this house unless Aine invites her. You’re safe here—and with me.” I brushed her arm with the backs of my fingers. It was the little comfort I could give her at the moment.

Aurora exhaled slowly, her eyes softening but clarity dawning at the same time. “Aine really isn’t a vampire?”

I shook my head, a slight smile playing on my lips as I thought of my mother. “She’s not.”

Just then, Conall’s voice interrupted the moment. “Mac, I need a moment downstairs. I’ll show you to your room, and then we can talk. Dani and Joshua will serve tea in the drawing room in a few hours.”

Aurora’s brow furrowed. “A few hours? What time is it?”

“It’s almost one in the afternoon,” Conall replied, a laugh playing in his words.

Her eyes widened as she looked at me. “How long did you let me sleep?”

I chuckled, the sound escaping before I could stop it. “As long as you needed. You lost five hours during the flight and had quite the adventure just before that.”

She nodded, taking in my words. “I guess that’s true.”

I reveled in her gaze, a tingle in my spine.

Conall nodded toward the hallway. “Dani and Joshua will help with anything you need. There is an intercom in most rooms.”

Aurora’s eyes flicked to mine. “The same Dani from the flight?”

“Yes, and Joshua is Conall’s steward.”

“But where are the pilots?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.

“Aine hasn’t invited any new vampires into the house in over a hundred years. Any vampire younger than that is not permitted.”

She nodded as though she understood. Conall and I made our way from the room, and we were halfway back to the stairs when I heard her soft voice. “Mac...”

My stomach fluttered as I heard my name, the concern rising. I turned toward her voice. “Yes, Rory? Are you alright?”

She nodded.

My brother’s hand touched my arm. “I’ll meet you in the receiving room when you’re done,” he said before he walked down the stairs.

Rory watched him walk away, then brought her gaze to mine, a smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. “It’s good to see you more relaxed here. You belong in this place.”

I paused, unsure how to respond, a mixture of joy and fear rising. Did she see through my facade? I smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder, feeling its warmth. “Thank you, Rory. It’s good to be back.”

“Will we have time for you to show me some of where you grew up?”

I dropped my hand and focused on the tips of my shoes. “I don’t think so.” I swallowed the lump in my throat brought on by the lie as I forced myself to look at her.

Rory’s shoulders slumped, her disappointment clear as she avoided my gaze, a calm warmth filling her words. “I just thought…” She drew in a quick breath and looked into my eyes.“We’re here, and I want to know more. I don’t have a family to share with you, and you’ve spoken about how much you miss yours.” Her jaw tightened.

I nodded, the memories of my brothers and parents walking away causing an ache in my chest. “But I’m sure you miss yours more.” I had to force the words out, speaking them hardly above a whisper.

Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “Why?”

I may have missed the question if I had been human because it was so quiet. My voice remained low, my muscles tensing, my breathing shallow. I wanted to reach out to her to feel less alone as I thought of the impossible task of subduing Aiden and finding the rest of my family. “At least I have a chance of putting mine back together.”

She looked at me, her eyes softening even further, a tenderness in her gaze that took me by surprise. “Maybe I’ll find a new one someday,” she said, her voice filled with quiet hope.

I looked at her, something shifting in my chest. “Maybe you will,” I replied, my voice soft, filled with a promise I wasn’t sure I could keep. “You should go rest.”

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