Epilogue: Chloe
“Areyouabsolutelysure you’re ready to do this?” Maxwell asked, concern in his dark eyes. “Like, completely sure.”
“Maxwell,” Chloe said patiently. “I’ve taken annual leave for a week. My team are in place to keep the business running – they think I’m getting an experimental anti-aging treatment that will make me sensitive to the sun. And Jesse and Julia are delighted I’m joining the paranormal crew.”
“I know,” Maxwell said, smiling ruefully. “I wouldn’t expect anything less than you being very thoroughly prepared. I just wanted to be sure.”
“I’m very sure,” Chloe said, caressing his face. As she did, her ring caught the light. It was an Art Deco piece of interlocking diamonds, and she hadn’t taken it off since the moment Maxwell had slipped it on her finger. She held up her hand in front of him. “I’ve already said yes to forever. And now I want to make sure that forever with you lasts a very long time.”
“I certainly like that plan,” Maxwell said, taking her hand in his and kissing it, right over her ring. “And I’ve done my bit on the research. Even checked with Tilly to be sure. I’ve never turned anyone before. You know I thought my brother would want to, but…”
Chloe gripped his hand tightly. “I know how much losing him hurt you,” she said quietly. “But you’re not going to lose me. You can do this. I trust you. Completely.”
“I don’t like the part where I have to hurt you,” Maxwell said, grimacing. “I mean, I know there’s a very good reason, but I don’t like it.”
“It’s worth it,” Chloe said. “You know it is. Do you want me to slap you or something first, so we’re even?”
Maxwell laughed. “Let’s not be too hasty.”
They were sitting in the drawing-room on the plush sofa. The room where that first handshake had started all of this. It seemed like the right place to begin their journey to forever.
“I’m ready,” Chloe said, and she indicated her bare neck, her hair tied in a bun. “I want you to do it, Maxwell.”
Hesitantly, Maxwell caressed the bare skin of her neck, and Chloe could feel the blood pulsing in her veins. She took a breath. Which breath would be her last, she wondered?
When Maxwell’s lips met her neck, she let out a sigh of pleasure. “You’re meant to be biting me, not turning me on,” she chided, squeezing his hand.
“Sorry,” Maxwell murmured. “Can’t help myself with you.”
Chloe closed her eyes, squeezing Maxwell’s hand. She braced herself as she felt the very tips of pointed fangs on her skin, ready to bite.
And then it came. A sudden sharp pinch in four neat points, and Chloe let out a gasp of surprise. It didn’t hurt as much as she had feared; it was more like getting four injections than being bitten by an animal.
As Maxwell drank from her, she felt her life force steadily flowing out of her and into him. As her vision blurred and she knew she was about to lose consciousness, she could still feel his arms wrapped tight around her. She wasn’t afraid. She knew she was completely safe.
“You’re awake!” Maxwell’s voice was oddly amplified, and Chloe’s head was spinning. She opened her eyes, blinking rapidly.
“Awake,” she repeated, her voice a rasp. She felt horribly thirsty and hungry at the same time and completely disorientated.
“Drink this,” Maxwell thrust a bottle at her, full of something warm that smelled amazing.
Chloe downed it gratefully, barely noticing the taste. When she finished, he handed her another. And another. And one more for good measure. Halfway through the fourth bottle, she paused, sitting up.
“I’m awake,” she said, looking around the room and marvelling at how she could see every detail of the moulded ceiling, almost count the threads of the rug, even in the dim light. No chance she’d need reading glasses now.
“How do you feel?” Maxwell asked, climbing onto the bed beside her and wrapping her up in his arms.
“Fantastic,” Chloe said. “Full of energy. Oh my god, I bet I could run for ages!”
Maxwell laughed. “I bet you could,” he said. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I mean, I knew I did everything right, but waiting for you to wake up was fucking horrible. Sean’s been here. He’s a good friend.”
“How long was I out for?” Chloe frowned. “Feels like I only just…you know, passed out from blood loss.”
“Three days,” he admitted.
“Three days!” Chloe was aghast. “Where’s my phone? I need to check in on the office.”
Maxwell chuckled. “Some things haven’t changed, I see. And you can’t check in on the office. It’s two in the morning.”
“Oh,” Chloe said and stretched out her arms before snuggling back into him. “They’re probably fine, anyway. Very competent.”
“You chose your staff well,” Maxwell said, kissing the top of her head.
“So this is how it feels to be a vampire, huh?” Chloe asked. “You seriously undersold me on the benefits. I feel amazing. Strong. Powerful. Like I could do anything.”
“And what do you want to do?” Maxwell asked. “We can do anything you like.”
“Start planning our wedding, of course,” Chloe said promptly. “Where’s my laptop? I’ll show you my Pinterest board. Although you’ve probably already seen it.”
“Maybe,” Maxwell suppressed a smirk. “I do like your colour scheme. I look good in navy and silver.”
“You look good in everything,” Chloe said, brushing her lips against his. And maybe her lips were bloodless now but kissing him didn’t feel any less amazing. Not one bit.
“So do you,” Maxwell said. “Even dead.”