Dawn let out a sigh, nodding in agreement. "Yes. I'll need help setting up a network of allies worldwide." She paused to gesture with her hands. "People to oversee and make sure the treaty is followed in different regions, then report directly to me."
"You mean ambassadors?" I asked.
"Yes," she said, her eyes brightening. "Both humans and vampires who are willing to work together, who believe in this cause. They will make sure the treaty is followed, and if they face any issues they cannot handle, they'll report directly to me."
I smiled, impressed by her leadership. "So, you'll be like their queen."
She shrugged, tilting her head subconsciously. "Yeah, something like that. But like you once said to me, we'll be using one region first, and that's Blue Cove as a test ground for larger ambitions. It doesn't mean it has to stay confined here."
"I see" Dacianus murmured. "So, basically, you're setting an example in this small town. If Dragos can show that peace between humans and vampires works on a smaller scale with you keeping them in check, it could inspire vampires and humans elsewhere."
"Even if it doesn't inspire them, they'll still expand the cause," Rafael replied.
"Yes, but I'll need you." She walked towards me. "Before any of this can be achieved, the humans need to know about the existence of vampires."
Geta cut in. "How do you even intend on finding such people? These allies? And more importantly, how will you convince them to risk their lives for this cause? Because I certainly won't want to be burdened with such a responsibility."
Dawn ran a hand through her hair. "We'll have to start with those we know, those who have already shown they want peace." She looked at me, her eyes locking into mine.
She turned to my mother, "I'm sure your family should have relationships with certain vampires like yourself that'll agree with our cause, as well as those who would resist. Along the way, we'll find more willing people."
Rafael stretched. "Sounds about right."
"Before any of this can happen, it's going to take time," Dacianus said. "And in the meantime, the vampires still outnumber the humans."
"Do you plan on taking away the siring ability of some vampires before you even announce this treaty of yours?" He asked thoughtfully. "I'm assuming the dark magic you take from them is meant to balance things out, almost like it's equivalent to taking their lives, right?"
"Yes, and yes," Dawn replied. "If I encounter a few difficult ones, what's stopping me?"
She smiled. "A vampire's ability to sire is what defines them… the power to transfer their immortality. So, yes, taking that power is enough." Dawn paused, then continued, "You see, it's more than just about reducing their numbers… It's about taking away the power that makes them a primary threat."
"What's the secondary threat then?" Rafael asked quizzically.
"Feeding on humans, dumbass" I answered.
"I know for sure it's not going to be easy, neither would it be quick, but it's better than genocide."
"Great." Dacianus chipped in, satisfied. "How soon do we get started?"
The question was directed to me because I was the one to make the first move.
I stood up quickly. "When we get back from our vacation"
"Vacation?"
"Yes," I grasped Dawn's hand. "We're going to Fiji to take some time off. It's too soon to start rushing headlong into all of this."
"The sooner we start, the better. We have a lot to…"
"Twelve days ago she was dead," I growled, glaring at Geta. "I'm not taking this second chance for granted."
"I agree," my mother responded, giving a faint smile. "A vacation sounds like a wonderful idea, Dragos. You both deserve some rest."
Geta still grumbled. "Just make sure you come back ready. We have a long way to go"
"I'm well aware of that," I replied. "We'll be ready. But for now, a bit of normalcy will do us both good."
†††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††
DAWN
Coming back to life after twelve days was accompanied by a strange sensation. Everything felt both familiar and yet different.
When I saw Dragos again, I'd been reminded of how I'd lost him.
How scared I'd been on that cliff, knowing I was going to die, knowing he was going to watch it happen, knowing I never got to tell him how much I loved him in return.
But now, I had him back. And I was going to take advantage of the opportunity to show him how much I loved him.
As I left the room to get my things ready for the trip, Rafael came after me.
"Good to have you back once again, Dawn," he said, giving me a small hug.
"Yeah, thanks," I responded happily.
"I was thinking this vacation is a really nice thing, you know? Dragos needs it."
"Yeah. I guess so"
"Did he tell you he started drinking human blood again?"
My face squeezed "No. We haven't exactly had the time to talk."
"Well, after your death, he, uh... picked up the old habit, and he was uncontrollable," Rafael spoke in a low tone. "Everyone was worried. But now that you're back, let's hope he'll get a grip on it."
Rafael looked worried, and my stomach churned with mixed feelings.
"Thank you for telling me," I said, swallowing a lump of saliva that had collected in my throat.
He gave me a pat on the shoulder before turning and walking away.
I watched him go, feeling very concerned, then headed to my room to prepare my belongings for our journey ahead.
A few hours later, Dragos and I were aboard his family's private jet on our way to Fiji.
I stared out the window at the wide Pacific Ocean below, lost in thought. My mind was elsewhere, worried about Dragos' bloodlust.
What troubled me more was that he hadn't spoken to me about it, instead, Rafael had been the one to tell me.
I knew he was keeping it from me so I wouldn't worry, but I'd already discovered the truth, and it was unnerving.
My death had damaged him. It had sent him over the edge.
"Hey," Dragos called softly, interrupting my train of thought. He was holding two champagne flutes.
"Hey," I replied with a smile.
As he lowered himself to the seat next to me, he handed me a flute. "Penny for your thoughts?"
I forced a smile, trying to sound casual. "Nothing much, I'm just glad to be here with you."
I didn't want to trouble him with my concerns just yet... didn't want to dim the joy in his eyes.
He didn't seem to notice my lie, his lips kissing my hand gently.
"Me too," he whispered happily.
I took a sip of my champagne, staring out of the window again.
"Oh, it's so beautiful," I said, turning to face him. "It almost sounds like a dream, Dragos—being here with you... doing this. Going on a vacation to Fiji"
He smiled, "We deserve it. You deserve it, especially after everything you've been through."
"Yes," I squeezed his hand gently. "Thank you for this. It's been so long since I've felt this free."
Knowing how to go about fulfilling my purpose brought this feeling of relief like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders. Before my death when I'd been clueless, I was neck-deep in worry... paranoia, and depression, but now, I was fine.
I could finally breathe again.
Dragos raised his glass. "To new beginnings," he said.
"To new beginnings," I replied, clinking my glass against his.
After a few sips, Dragos set his glass down and captured my lips in a kiss, his tongue plunging into my mouth.
I welcomed him, carefully setting my glass down on the customized holder and reaching for his hair.
My fingers threaded through them, the short strands sticking out.
Dragos groaned softly, framing my face with both hands as he shifted forward in his seat.
Our tongues tangled, our lips smashing against each other in desperate need to taste… to feel… to claim.
My feminine core moistened with every probe of his tongue in my mouth, and I could hear his breathing become strained, his breaths growing more harsh as our kiss intensified.
He loved it when I sucked his tongue, so I did. Passionately.
As he released another soft groan, one of his hands left my face and slid down my thigh, moving in between.
I spread them apart slightly, allowing him passage and desperate for his touch.
I had worn a short, strapless sundress with a silky little thong underneath. And within seconds, Dragos had slid it off me, his finger slipping into my moist heat.
I gasped into his mouth, wriggling slowly against him as goosebumps of pleasure flooded my body.
He pulled away to look me in the eyes as he slowly fingered me, and I couldn't look away from his heated gaze.
Carefully, he slipped in another, his dark gaze still not leaving mine, and I gently rocked my hips to match his movements, a hand fisting his T-shirt.
I stifled a moan, biting my lip, and he frowned.
"Let it out" he commanded.
"T-the pilots…" I managed to reply, my words nearly failing me.
"Let it out," he said again, his voice gruff, and I nodded obediently.
But before I could do as instructed, he withdrew his fingers from my dripping heat and took me across his legs that I straddled him, hastily undoing his zipper.