Page 15 of By The Moon

“I need some time. This is a lot to take in, like he said.”

“Louis.”

“Louis.” Shaun smiled, but it didn’t last long. “This mating thing.”

“It’s kinda like marriage, but no divorce, apparently. Mates rarely break up. Ever since he met me he hasn’t been with anyone else. Even though I was a kid he wanted to stay faithful to me. Said it wouldn’t be right, like he was cheating. He waited for me to grow up. Kept me safe. He came to me when Mom died. I remember him hugging me as I cried myself to sleep.”

“You said once that he was there but I didn’t believe you. Thought you were making it up.” Shaun sighed heavily. “I don’t know what to think. Vampires. Damn, they do exist.”

“They don’t want people to know about them. Can you imagine what would happen?”

“Oh yeah. Nothing good. His secret is safe with me and I can see how much you care for him. You’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you.”

“He makes me feel good. I’m not alone anymore. I can reach out and talk to him anytime I want. That’s how I was able to tell him to come over before. Imagine it, Dad. Being able to talk to the person you care about by simply thinking of them.”

“That does sound good.”

“I think it sounds great. Any single men vampires I could meet?”

Jerome closed his eyes. “What?”

“You know, try and hook me up with one. If you’re a mate then maybe I will be too, and the way he looks at you? I want a man to look at me like that as well.” Candice took a breath. “Is he good in bed? My last boyfriend couldn’t find my—” Shaun coughed. “You know what. Maybe vampires don’t have that disability.”

‘“I can’t believe this is happening.” Jerome opened his eyes. “You want me to ask Louis if there are any single men who want to date my sister.”

“Your hot as fuck sister. Sorry Dad, but you can’t blame me for asking. Look at Jerome! I’ve never seen him this relaxed. Louis knows what to do in bed.”

“Dad. Please save me,” Jerome begged.

“Only if you save me too. Candice. No father needs to know about his daughter’s sex life.”

Why did you leave? Candice wants me to find her a single vampire who could be her mate and knows what to do with her girl parts. Humans have a disability and can’t find it.

Can’t find it? Her clitoris?

Please don’t. This is my sister. I don’t need to talk about her and sex. I don’t even want to think about it. Now I know how my dad feels. Thank god I can’t have kids.

“I’m going to cook. And think. Candice, don’t ask Jerome to find you a vampire. He’s not some dating app.”

Who said we can’t have kids?

What? You want kids?Jerome almost spoke out loud, but somehow managed to keep his mouth shut.

One day. Maybe. Who knows?

I think I need to sit down but I am already sitting down.Jerome could almost hear Louis laughing at him.Stop it.

I have to go. I’ll speak to you later.

Be safe.

I will. I have you to come home to.

Jerome smiled then went into the kitchen to watch Shaun cook. “I’m sorry.” He wasn’t sure what he was apologizing for, but he felt the need to.

“It’s a lot to take in, but part of me is happy you have him and that you’ll be together for a long time. He seemed nice, too.”

“He is. I like being with him. It doesn’t feel like he’s a stranger. I feel like I’ve been waiting for him and Louis said we’re mates, so I guess that makes sense.”

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