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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Aura Hayes
Read between
October 6 - October 7, 2025
The sound of grown men begging for mercy always brings a smile to my face.
same
“You have”—I look at my bare wrist— “a minute left, Peter. Do be serious. You’re wasting both our time.”
I suppose my third century of life, or whatever one can call this, has made me a teensy-bit unhinged. But it’s not like I can rely on the cops to actually do their job. I’m bored. I might as well help clean up the streets and wreak a little havoc of my own while I’m at it.
And frankly, men are like plants, if you don’t water them, they’ll die, and I don’t have a green thumb.
"Fight back. Run away. Give me a show. Do something. You’re all so fucking boring.”
Whether she is or isn’t, I’m into what she’s into. Whatever she wants I’ll give her.
Pulling my trusty notebook and pen out of my pocket I lick my finger and flip it open to a new page. Quickly scribbling, Breed Celine, under a new list titled Goals in my long life with Celine.
I tuck my large frame in and buckle up. Indestructible or not I am nothing if not an outstanding citizen.
Make sure Celine always wears a seatbelt. Safety is hot.
Double date? Oh fuck no. “Midnight, how could you let this happen!” If my hair could catch fire like the color it resembles, it surely would with the rage I feel in this moment. The cat, of course, ignores me curled up on the couch, not sharing the same disgust I do. He gives me a long look and then proceeds to lick his paws.
“I think you’re afraid, baby.” The sputter that leaves my mouth is immediate. “Baby? Afraid of what? Who do you think you are?” This little bastard.
“Lockwood. Zavier Lockwood. L-O-C-K-W-O-O-D. Why aren’t you writing this down? It’s going to be your last name one day, too.”
Zavier’s Date Ideas for Whooing His Mate: Bowling - Asher’s bitch ass ruined this one Karaoke - Show off my golden pipes Navy Pier, Ferris Wheel - Basic and done before Skip everything and go straight to fucking her senseless - My favorite
“Meow.” “Exactly, my friend. You and I know she and I are meant to be together, but she has to admit it to herself.” Bending down and stroking Midnight’s fur I smile. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. This is precisely what I need.” “Meow.”
Did I sneak into her apartment to get a pep talk from my hype kitty? Absolutely. Midnight is my best friend.
Her tiny body fits perfectly, dwarfed by mine, and the urge to protect her from everything bad in the world rides me hard.
“Those are jobs. Usually, I’m just at home by myself.” You know, if I’m not out killing people who deserve it.
“Come on, I made crème brûlée.” “Is there anything you can’t do?” “I’m shit at patience.” The irony isn’t lost on me what with how long I’ve been alive.
“Meow.” The disgruntled sound behind me shows Midnight making himself at home on my makeshift bed. The bakery has opened, and he is working overtime to produce biscuits.
“What trouble did he get himself into? If he sent you here, it must’ve been bad. Gosh, he better pull through or we’ll have to deal with him haunting us, I’m sure.”
Here I am a living, breathing vampire and her first question is a vampire joke.
I am indeed crusty, but hey, at least I’m the sexiest crusty vampire she’ll ever meet.
“Tom, this is Celine, my friend who I want to be my girlfriend, but she won’t admit it, so I just say friend.”
“Please don’t think you’re a burden. You’re a light in my life.” A small stroke on the top of my hand. “Well, Midnight comes first and then you.”
“I haven’t been completely honest with you,” I stall. “You’re not a vampire you actually shift into a hamster?”
“No, you sassy thing. I am indeed a very sexy, very humble vampire.” I stroke her butt over the spot I slapped. “It’s something other than that,”
“Our souls call to each other. It’s one of the purest loves you can have.”
at my praise so I continue. “Pretty girl, you’re my everything. We haven’t known each other long considering the length of my life thus far, but up until now its paled in comparison to being with you.
“I know you like to stalk me, but exactly how long have you been watching?” I inquire, poking his chest as his hands drift down my body, settling low on my waist. “I can’t hear you over the music!” Zavier points to his ears. “You liar! Of course you can hear me!”
“Pretty sure you’re getting seconds, are you?” I tease. He growls, biting the crook of my neck. His fangs have receded for now. “I’m getting forever, love.”
Time passes and I lose track of how long I’ve been down here. Has it been hours, days, a week?
me at work for five minutes
need to focus on the most important thing and that’s the fact that she’s no longer freaking out. Apparently thinking I’m a murderer is a deal breaker, but a vampire is fine. “That’s it?” My voice raises a few octaves. “You and Celine have something wrong with you that you both accepted that so easily.” I’m baffled by this pair.
