Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
My eyes fill with tears and I dash them away. It’s almost impossible to believe that a being of such vitality and magnificence has so little time left. “I’m sorry, I’ve become such a crybaby. Ever since Sam was taken away from me I’ve become so emotional.”
“You cry because you have a soft heart. It is nothing to apologize for. But don’t pity me, Autumn. There are things worse than death.”
“But it is so unfair. You’ve tried so hard to be good,” I wail.
“It’s not unfair. I’ve lived for thousands of years, and I can tell you my sweetest and best victory was to conquer myself.”
“You know important people, right? Why can’t we ask them for help? This is big enough for the President of the United States to know.”
“Presidents can do nothing for us, Autumn. All political leaders are puppets who exist simply to absorb the anger and frustration of the populace for a given number of years. There are far more powerful hidden hands behind them directing the world. And those hands know about us, but they have no interest in our activities as they know we are not permitted to get involved in human evolution, and they are free to take humanity down any path they choose.”
I exhale loudly. “Holy hell, that’s one conspiracy theory I always thought was one of the craziest. What’s their big plan for humanity, then?”
His eyes turn bleak. “There is nothing you can do to change their plans. Telling you about them will only sadden you.”
“So that’s another dead end.” I pause and swallow hard. “Can you not sometimes come and see me in Martha’s Vineyard, or wherever it is I will be living?”
He turns on his side and faces me. “No, Autumn,” he murmurs gently. “Once you leave here we can never again meet. Even if by chance you see me somewhere you must pretend you do not know me.”
“I find it impossible that I will never see you again. You are a part of me.” I cry. “I feel so cheated. I would have done anything, gone anywhere, given up everything for you, but how can I give away the lives of other humans without living in guilt for eternity?”
“We have two whole days left, let’s make the most of it, no more talk about how sad and lonely life will be once we part. The decision is made and it is a good one. Now, what do you want to do tomorrow?” His conviction is firm, strong, and he seems utterly convinced of the rightness of my decision.
“I want to go to The Parallel,” I say slowly.
“Why?”
“I want to know what life is like for them. Will you take me?”
“I haven’t been to it since I met Polly, but I will take you there tomorrow night if that’s what you want.”
“Yes, that’s what I want.”
“What do you want to do in the morning?”
“Breakfast in bed, then we’re making love for hours, and after that I’m going to finish my painting of you. It’s my gift to you.”
“That sounds like a very good plan, but it’s not tomorrow yet and there is so much I want to do to you,” he murmurs, swooping down to take my nipple in his mouth.
Chapter 61
Autumn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_zHQ6kFuQ0
-The Power Of Love-
Out of habit I wake up at my usual time, but in foreign surroundings. However, there is no moment when I feel disorientated. I know exactly where I am. In Rocco’s bed. And I am not alone. I turn my head slowly and look at him. His face is turned towards me, but his beautiful eyes are closed in sleep. I stare at him in the gloom. His breathing is so slight it is almost undetectable. With his golden hair, flawless skin, and perfect features, he looks like an angel.
But he is a vampire. A living, breathing vampire. But one that doesn’t hurt humans.
I feel a great sadness descend on me. There is today and there is tomorrow, then I will never see him again. I bite my lip at the terrible pain the thought causes me. I tell myself, I will have my whole life to be sad about losing him, but today and tomorrow I will live more intensely than I have ever before. I will treasure every second, and hoard it away in my head. Never to forget.
As quietly as I can I start to move away. As soon as I do, his eyes open. There is no sleepiness in them. They are as clear and as blue as they always are.
“Good morning,” I greet, reaching out to touch his red lips.
“Where are you going?” he murmurs.
“I have to make some calls, then I’m getting us breakfast in bed,” I say with a soft smile.
“Breakfast in bed? I’ve never had that.”
“Well, that’s what you’re getting today.”