How to Fake-Date a Vampire (Charming Cove, #2)

by Linsey Hall

“You should have.” I smiled, and it felt a bit wobbly. “I was talking about your family. They were standing on the steps of the house. I love them.” I love you. The words blasted into my mind, but I kept them to myself. I needed to see how the rest of this would go before I confessed to something like that. “I realized that later. It just took me time. And a bit of a walloping from my grandmother.” “She knows about us?” “She does. She always did. Or at least, she knew something was up, but she liked you enough to want to see where it went.”

I pressed my hands to his cheeks and looked into his eyes. “Of course I forgive you. I love you.” Joy lit his eyes, and he pressed his lips to mine in the most perfect kiss of all time. No matter what happened at the ball or with my coven, life was already perfect.

She’d forgiven me. I’d never been more grateful for anything in my life.

Emma flagged down a passing server and took two glasses of champagne, then handed one to me. “To our future,” she said. “To you, my love.” She smiled and pressed a kiss to my lips, then clinked her glass to mine and took a sip. “Oh, it’s divine.” “Straight from the Blackthorn cellars.” She rolled her eyes. “What a life you live.” “You live it, too, now.”

but I want you to know now that you’re going to be made an official witch. Congratulations, Emma. You deserve it.”

“I want you to meet her. If you’re present, I won’t need one of the sticks, will I?” She shook her head. “I can do it without one—I should just be touching you. Are you ready?” “As I’ll ever be.”

Moments later, my mother stood before me. A wide smile grew on her face. “Alaric? Is that you?” I nodded, awe and happiness filling me. “Mother.” Emma released my hands but pressed her hand to my back so that I maintained the ability to see my mother.

“I will. And it was wonderful to meet you, Your Grace.” “Oh, call me Maggie. Or Mum, if you want to. Eventually.” She smiled and laughed. “I know it’s only been five minutes, but I have a good feeling about this.” “Me, too,” Emma said. My mother turned to me. “I love you, Alaric, and I’ll see you soon.” With that, she disappeared.

“I love you, Alaric. With all my heart.” “And I love you.” With the fireworks exploding overhead, I kissed her, knowing that the future would be brighter than anything I could have ever imagined.