Page 87 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

“But you’re still willing to be with me forever? What do you expect to do when you’re a vampire?”

“I was going to figure out another way. Live off of animals, maybe.”

“And what would you do with me?”

“I would support you, of course. I know, deep down, you don’t wish to be doing this. I understand it is probably a difficult compulsion to fight, but I’m willing to help you.”

Valeria laughed, and she hated how bitter it sounded. Her breast was still out, and it felt ridiculous that this was how they were having this important discussion.

“Do you think I went on a rampage through the village because I was so thirsty I couldn’t handle it?”

“It’s not your fault if you did.”

“Answer the question, Caroline.”

“Yes, I sent a letter to Dr. Murnau to ask about the patients at the hospital and to see if there were any new ones.”

Valeria barked another laugh before smoothing her hair. She put her breast back into her bodice before looking at Caroline again. “I did go hunting last night, but I happened upon a pack of wild boars. I didn’t even go near the village. Do you know why?”

Caroline shook her head. She couldn’t speak.

“Because I knew how much it would upset you. I knew you wouldn’t want me to kill, and I couldn’t guarantee I wouldn’t in my hunger. I didn’t mean to get as close as I did to feeding on Lucy. I’ve been sick over the idea of hurting her.”

Caroline was relieved her village was safe, but she didn’t understand Valeria’s anger. “I don’t understand what the problem is if you didn’t kill anyone last night. I’m not angry with you.”

“Because you thought I killed last night! You think I’m killing your people, but you are so much better because you’re willing to look past it. You are just so focused on how bad and wicked I am and how willing you are to look past all of my foul deeds.”

“You have killed, Valeria.”

“Yet you’ve excused it every time it’s happened. You think I’m evil, but you keep coming back. What does that say about you? You can’t condemn me in one breath and say you love me in another.”

Her shoulders slumped because Valeria was right, of course. She was just as wicked for keeping Valeria’s secrets and letting her continue to kill, but she judged her at every turn. Only now did she realize how unfair that was, and she was ashamed. Her eyes fell to the floor. She knew she should say something—anything—but it was as if her throat was closed.

“Valeria, I’m⁠—”

“Save it,” Valeria snapped. “I don’t want to hear it.”

She turned and left through the double doors of the study, leaving both doors open behind her. Caroline prayed she would turn back to her to see how sorry she was, but she didn’t spare her a single look as she left her behind.

LETTER SIX

Dearest Caroline,

Thank you for your hospitality. It takes a special person to take someone in due to illness for so long. I will always treasure your friendship and our time spent together.

I wish you and your husband-to-be a lifetime of happiness. I regret not being able to attend your wedding, but I am needed at home. I know you will make the loveliest bride.

Best regards,

V

CHAPTER 23

Caroline read Valeria’s letter over and over as if the words would change, but they never did. No declaration of love or promise to return ever appeared.

The final nail in her heart was that Valeria had signed the letter “best regards.” Caroline told her she wanted to be with her forever, and she signed her goodbye letter “best regards.”

It took nearly a week for her to feel well enough to get out of bed. Edgar had come to visit a few times, but she had Mrs. Thomas turn him away every time. Today, she knew she couldn’t avoid him any longer, so she accepted his invitation to join her for tea.