Chapter 18
Audrey
Over the next month or so, Arran and I settle into a very domestic rhythm. We get comfortable being in each other’s space, learn each other’s routines and habits, and sleep together every night.
When I’m not at the castle with Arran, I take Anita with me into town where we meet a different creature every day and listen to their Arran stories.
Sometimes we head to The Flowering Teapot for a meal, other days to The Singing Seahorse, but my favorite visits are when I’m invited into someone’s home.
I’m welcomed by every single resident, treated like I’ve been part of this community my whole life, and it heals something in me that I didn’t know was broken.
Through tiny little moments and thoughtful little gestures, I fall in love with Starry Hill and the creatures who call it home. And, with each day that passes, I’m finding it harder to remember why I wanted to return to the city.
I have days where I think about what it would be like to be one of them, to even become a vampire myself, and remain part of this community where they love and serve each other so freely.
Where I once thought this slower life was boring, I’m finding it more fulfilling than whatever I was keeping myself occupied with in Cape Easton.
At work, I could walk out and they’d find someone to replace me within a week.
In Starry Hill, I’m carving a space out for myself, finding a way to make a difference, to add value to the community, and that is more rewarding than anything else I’ve experienced in my life.
Not only am I falling for this town, I’m also falling for Arran.
To hear the effect he’s had on the creatures of Starry Hill, to see his fingerprints in their lives, the incredible legacy he’s built over the centuries, it’s opening my eyes to a whole new side of Arran.
But the best is getting to know him first-hand. We fool around—a lot—but there are a million other little things that make me realize walking away from Arran might not be an option anymore.
In the evenings, Arran likes to sit with me while I cook. I entertain him with stories while he chisels figurines for his Knights & Castles friends, and after, we go for walks with Anita while we watch the sun descend toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of yellows, oranges, and reds.
On the nights when we fuck until sunrise, Arran will carry me up to the turret, bending me over the crenel to scream his name as the rest of the world wakes.
We also now officially have our own jizz couch, much to Tilly’s and my own delight. And Maisie’s too, who I still haven’t shared said jizz’s flavor with, besides mentioning it’s somewhat savory—a quality Bodin also apparently shares with Arran.
Since I’ve been living with Arran, I’ve also learned how he likes to drink his blood—straight out of the fridge and directly from the bag—and I’m not as weirded out by the sight as I thought I’d be. He simply pierces the bag with his fangs and downs it until it’s empty.
I’d like to think that if I were a vampire that I’d enjoy drinking my blood like red wine—slightly cool, and in a fancy chalice while I sip leisurely from it in front of a roaring fire. Like a badass Gothic queen.
When our nightly activities turn particularly vigorous, Arran might replenish himself with not one bag, but two.
The latest challenge I’ve set myself is to see how I can get him to need three bags in a single night.
I still have one or two tricks up my sleeve to make this happen, if only I can find all of my toys that have disappeared.
Three have been discovered tucked into the back corner under Arran’s bed, totally chewed up by a certain four-legged lady. I guess I might have to thank Anita, because she inadvertently acted as wingman for us—wingdog?
After breakfast, I straddle Arran’s lap—a position I’ve gotten very well acquainted with in this kitchen—and drape my arms around his neck.
“What do you have on your schedule today?” I ask.
Arran’s hands find their way under my shirt, his thumbs stroking lazily across my ribs as he says, “I’m heading over to Shinsu’s dock to meet him and Bodin.
We’re going to help Shinsu replace some of the damaged boards and see if the dock needs any other work.
If it doesn’t take too long then we’ll walk along the northern coastline to inspect our borders and see if any spots require reinforcing. ”
“You’re lairding it up today.”
“I don’t think that’s an actual word.”
“I just made it one.”
“What are your plans?” Arran asks, and I try to act as natural as possible.
Last night I thought about how I’d answer this question if he asked me, and I decided to stick as close to the truth as I dare without ruining any of the surprise.
I graze my fingers over the nape of his neck. “A few of us are going to The Singing Seahorse to plan our next community event. We’re thinking it might be time for ladies’ night to expand into something bigger, something that might include more of the community.”
“That’s a great idea.”
My dear Arran, you have no idea how great it’s going to be.
After a relatively chaste farewell—by our standards—we’re out of the door and heading our separate ways for the day.
My first stop is Tilly’s place to help her with Rio and Lio since she doesn’t want to miss the meeting and it might be hard trekking up the hill with both of them and the bag of baby supplies.
“Knock, knock,” I call brightly, and push their yellow door open.
Without turning around from her spot on the baby play mat, Tilly says, “I can tell by the sound of your voice that you just got lucky before coming here.”
I grin. “Technically, Arran got lucky too.”
“I’m so happy for the both of you,” Tilly says flatly, but looks over her shoulder to show me she actually means it.
“Thank you. An orgasm—or ten—a day keeps the Audrey sane.” My new motto might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s turning out to be exactly what I need to put this smile on my face.
I swear my cheeks have been in a perpetual state of pain from all the grins I’ve been sporting. Yes, the orgasms help, but the companionship is unlike anything I thought it could be. Even with the amount of time we’re in each other’s space, Arran still doesn’t annoy me, quite the opposite in fact.
Most evenings I can’t wait to get home and see him again, to hear all about his day, the creatures he met, and what work he has done around the island.
I keep the descriptions of my own days vague, not wanting to reveal what I’m actually working on until it’s close to being done, then I’ll surprise him.
Tilly finishes dressing Rio and I head over to hold him while she gets Calliope ready.
“How’s the whole service vampire thing going?” Tilly asks.
“It’s so convenient. I almost can’t remember how difficult life was before I had my own personal sensor and attendant. It helps that he’s really nice to look at too.”
Arran has proved himself to be an invaluable asset to have around as a diabetic. Once he learned all my habits, how I test my levels and when I inject, he’s kind of become a service vampire to me.
He’s able to detect if my blood sugar is even a little too high or too low before I feel the onset of any symptoms. Knowing what I need, he’ll present me with the appropriate solution—either a snack or insulin.
Sharing the mental load that my illness brings with it has been kind of liberating, and it also makes me like Arran more than I planned on. A lot more.
Tilly comforts a fussing Lio, her voice strained as she says, “I’m glad your eye candy is helpful too.”
I furrow my brows as I move into her line of sight. “Girl, you’re grumpy. When was the last time you got laid?”
“I’m sorry,” Tilly sighs out, rubbing at her eyes.
“I’m just so tired. And to answer your question, it’s been way too long.
Every time Bodin and I think something can happen, one of the twins wakes up.
And I’m just not feeling good in my body either.
Usually I love my curves, but they’re different now and sit in new places.
Don’t get me wrong though, I’m grateful for each one of them, especially because they helped bring Calliope and Orion safely into this world.
Maybe I need to get used to my body again?
Or maybe I need a night of some proper love and attention from Bodin?
Not that I think I’m ready for rough sex, I just need some good loving and a good night’s sleep. ”
“You should do that,” I state.
“How?”
I point at my chest with my free hand. “Hello? Arran and I can babysit.”
“You would?” Tilly asks, hope and relief already blooming in her face.
I sit down in front of her on the mat. “Of course. There’s two of us and two of them, and neither Arran nor I need a lot of sleep to function.
Besides, it’s only for a night.” An even better idea blinks into my brain.
“You and Bodin can make it a proper getaway. You can stay in one of the spare bedrooms in the castle and get some proper sleep while Arran and I come over here. And if you’re nervous about leaving the twins for an entire night, you know you can simply pop back next door at any point to check in on them. ”
Tilly’s eyes brim with tears, one managing to sneak out and track down her face. “Are you serious? Don’t you want to talk it through with Arran first?”
Shaking my head, I wipe the stray tear away. “No need. I know Arran would love to help. Plus, the castle is huge and my old wing is totally unused now. And if Arran’s not feeling particularly keen on the idea of babysitting, then I have my ways of persuading him.”
Tilly leans forward carefully and wraps me in a single-arm hug. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”
“Right back at you, neighbor,” I say, wiping at one more of her tears. “Now, let’s get going. I can’t wait to start the meeting and hear what everyone’s thoughts are.”