I nod, acknowledging her thanks. “You’re welcome. Just remember, Christie—you’re stronger than you think.” And I mean it quite literally for her. But Angie needs to know sterner stuff lives within her. “You both are.”
Angie’s tears slow, and she manages a weak smile. “Maybe I’ll make that crab macaroni and cheese after all,” she says, her voice trembling but hopeful.
Christie laughs, the sound light and freeing. “I’d like that. We both would.”
As Angie moves to the kitchen, Christie stands and walks over to me. “Think he’ll come back?” she asks, her voice low.
I snort out a laugh. “The way he scurried off? Not even a little,” I reply. “If he knows what’s good for him, he won’t.” I pat her on the shoulder. “But you’ll be here tonight. I’m sure you ladies have some things to talk about.”
Christie nods, relief washing over her features. “Yeah. At least she has an idea that something funky is going on.” She sighs, but still gives me a toothy grin. “Thank you, Sloane. For helping out. I know you’re my Watcher until I figure out my powers, but this is above and beyond.”
I give her shoulder a final squeeze before letting her go. “Take care of your sister, Christie. She needs you now more than ever.”
She nods, her eyes filled with determination. “I will.”
“Don’t eat the mac and cheese.”
That queasy look spreads across her features again. “I’ll try not to.”
I turn to leave, the night air cool against my skin. As I step outside, I take a deep breath, the weight of what just happened settling over me. Being a vampire has its challenges, but moments like these remind me why I continue to walk this earth. For every life I can save, for every wrong I can right—I will endure.
And as I disappear into the shadows, I know that tonight, I have made a difference.
Read the further tales in Crimson here!
