“Yes, Principe. Of course I’ll treat her with respect, but just because I have these feelings doesn’t mean I’ll act on them, even if Katie would want me to. She won’t want to know me after I tell her what I did, Byron.”

Byron scoffed. “Tell her. I think Katie will surprise you.”

* * *

“You’re feeling stronger?” Amelia asked Katie.

Katie was sitting on the couch with Amelia, talking after dinner. “Stronger with every day. Just being here, so close to nature, is helping,” Katie said.

“And Alexis? Is she helping?” Amelia asked.

“She’s falling over herself to help me. I don’t know why.”

“She cares, Katie.”

Katie touched her bandaged neck and remembered the care Alexis had shown her. “Yes, I think she does, but I don’t know if she’s capable of admitting it.”

Katie didn’t mention that Alexis sat on her bedroom floor, holding her hand all night. Neither of them had mentioned it since.

“She will, I’m certain. You’ve known her longer than me. Is this taking care of you normal to her?”

“No, but she seems to blame herself for Josie attacking me. God knows why.”

The door to the cabin opened and Byron and Alexis walked in.

Amelia whispered, “Just give her a chance, no matter what she tells you.”

That was a strange thing for Amelia to say. What did she mean?

Chapter Twelve

Katie gazed at Alexis as she filled up the dishwasher in the kitchen. It was such a novelty to see this stoic vampire suddenly doing domestic tasks.

She chuckled, and Alexis turned around. “Why are you laughing?”

“Finish up what you’re doing, and come and sit with me,” Katie said.

Alexis started the dishwasher, washed her hands, and came into the room holding two ice-cold bottles of water for them. She put both of the bottles down on the coffee table and went to stoke up the fire.

“It’s nice having a real fireplace. So calming,” Katie said.

“Real fires were all we had for most of my life, but they do give a nice atmosphere.” Alexis joined her on the couch. “So, why were you laughing?”

“I hadn’t ever seen you being domestic before. It was sweet,” Katie said.

“No one has ever accused me of being sweet.”

Katie laughed again. “It’s not a bad thing. Besides, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. What did Byron want?”

“Amelia and Byron are going to visit Amelia’s family. It’s only a few villages away,” Alexis said.

Katie felt sadness envelop her. She didn’t want Alexis to go. “I see. When do you leave?”

Alexis raised a questioning eyebrow. “I’m not leaving. I need to be here to make sure you’re safe and to look after you.”