A few weeks later...
The clinking of silverware infiltrates my mind as I stare out the window. Sunlight pours in, highlighting the dust that's flying around. Across from me, Kieran ceases his eating and follows my gaze.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. What could possibly be wrong?"
"Then why don't you eat?"
I sigh and place my fork on the table. "I'm not very hungry."
He sighs as well and reaches across to take my hand in his own. "You're lying."
"Well... I feel like something is going to happen."
"Like what?"
Before I can say, a being approaches us and stops at our table. We both turn to face the oddly dressed male. He should be burning up in the desert heat in that suit jacket.
"...Like that," I murmur, my body tensing up.
The man waves his hands, a letter fluttering in his left one. "You both may relax, I'm a friend of Jared's."
As the man said, we both calm down at the mention of my old friend. "Why did he send you?"
He doesn't reply, instead he sticks the letter in front of my face. Startled, I move back before reaching out and taking the letter from him. As soon as I do, he turns around and walks away, out the door, and is gone like he was never here.
"What do you think it is?"
"I don't know, but we're about to find out. Excuse me, I'll go outside to read it."
Kieran nods his head as I rise from my seat and leave the small diner. Outside, I skip over to the our classic car to sit on it. As soon as I get myself situated, I pull out the letter and eye it before opening it. Inside, a crisp, folded paper sits inside. I pull it out and unfold it.
Dear Vick,
Pausing, I huff at the handwriting. Jared's writing was always horrid, practically impossible to read with his messy cursive.
I've received your wonderful letter and hopefully you'll get my own in return. From your letter, it has helped us deduct what really happened that night.
I'm sure you're dying to know what's happening, so I'll spill the beans. King Aeron was unfortunately found murdered by one of his servants one rather sunny morning. Along with him, a Marie Woods and a Hally Halls (a certain witch you met) were found brutally murdered. Through some investigating, the killer has been found, Marduk Paris. The man had murdered the king in cold blood and when two brave vampires found out and attempted to report his crime, he took them out as well. A horrible situation really.
With the king dead, the crown was to be passed down to the crown prince, prince Kieran, but he's randomly disappeared. Along with him, the future former queen was gone without a trace as well. Their disappearances have puzzled everyone. With so much going on, the council (who seemed like a spell had lifted off of them, but with pieces of their memories missing) enforced the stripping of the two royal's (well.... one to-be-royal) titles and have moved down the line to prince Nathaniel. If you ever want to thank anyone for the new found freedom, you can always come to my door (hint hint). Prince Nathaniel's coronation is to be held in a week and I hear it'll be huge.
On a different note, a little birdie told me that two supernaturals are to be wed in four months. If I remember correctly, their names were Jared Alcander and Aubrey Fay, or something along those lines. I've also heard that they've been hoping for a certain missing royal couple to attend the wedding, but it could just be random rumors.
The best part? You two are free, you lovebirds. It's all worked out perfectly, hasn't it?
~Sincerely, your one and only, Jared Alcander
P.S. I better see you at that wedding. Aubrey has been dying to see you again and wants to meet the one who caught your heart.
With a smile, I fold the letter back up and can't help the little hum of laughter that rises up from me. I lift myself from the car and turn to face the empty highway, the sunlight shining off the desert in the distance. We really are in the middle of nowhere, aren't we?
Strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back into a toned chest. I breathe out in content as he places a lingering kiss on the back of my neck.
"Did you hear about king Aeron's murder?"
He chuckles. "Aeron was killed? What a shame... who would do such a thing?"
"Apparently, a man by the name of Marduk Paris. Marie Woods and Hally Halls unfortunately got in his way and were wiped out. What a terrible situation, don't you think?"
He hums into my neck making me giggle. "And because of the disappearance of the crown prince and the future former queen, the title was passed down to the next in line. Prince Nathaniel is to be crowned as vampire king in a week."
"I've heard he's a wonderful vampire, so he shall be a great king."
"On a change of topic, Jared and Aubrey are getting married and Jared very discreetly mentioned that he wants us to attend the wedding. We should go."
Kieran murmurs his agreement into my skin causing a shiver to go down my spine. With nothing more to say, we stand and gaze out into the wide desert, Kieran attacking my neck every once in a while. Not able to stand it any longer, I spin around in his arms and capture his lips with my own. Kieran's breathy chuckle rumbles through his chest as he presses my figure against himself. Pulling back after a few moments, I smile and rub his cheek.
"Where do we go next?"
He blissfully sighs and tilts his head to the side. "Wherever the road takes us."
I laugh at that. Kieran wastes no time in pulling me into the passenger seat and getting in behind the wheel. Before he starts up the car, I clasp my hand in his, enjoying the warmth (not all vampires are cold). He quickly checks behind his shoulder before entering the light traffic and drives towards the rising sun.
*Author's Note: I can't believe this is over!! Dear lord!! When I started this story, I never imagined myself here. It feels nice, but at the same time, it's bittersweet. Good news though! There will be a second book (well, it is a series after all!). I'll post information on the second book, Chaser, when it comes out.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!: If you guys want to read Alex's and Edward's story, I will happily post their pasts as two extra chapters! Just comment!
Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me along this bumpy ride! It really means a lot to me to have readers who stick with me to the end! You all mean so much to me and I can't wait to start a new adventure with y'all! Thank you to anyone who voted or commented, it really kept me going and persuaded me to finish this book. Rock on, everyone!!! :D