TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: The First Twist
Chapter 20

One Year later - Sammie

Life with Jareth has been fantastic!

He’s worked with me every day to help me control my bloodlust. He was trying to make things a lot more comfortable between Shay, Astrid, and even Maleyna and myself.

Thank God ...

In the beginning, things were so awkward between my unpredictable hunger spurts and the fact that my two BFFs were carrying a severe grudge against Jareth for changing me into one of his kind. Thankfully, they accepted his decision and were willing to put aside the resentment, and a truce was formed between my boyfriend and my best friends.

Because of my newly found adjustment to life as a vampire, Jareth has been able to afford himself more time away. He was finally retaking his responsibilities amongst the Vampire Council, on which he maintains a high-ranking position. According to Jareth, he was summoned by the council to discuss the recent development of werewolves encroaching upon the vampire’s territory.

Yep, werewolves are real, too, apparently.

Being quite the insightful man, Jareth was tasked with the job of discreetly surveying the outlying lands. He was charged with verifying whether the werewolves posed any imminent threats to the vampire populous currently residing in the vicinity and then reporting to the council his replaceings.

He’d been away for a few days without a word. Of course, I was on edge as I eagerly awaited his return.

My BFFs were currently visiting me at my and Jareth’s home.

Yep, I took up permanent residence in Jareth’s stately mansion ever since I was turned by him last year.

Living with Jareth was only natural, considering my newly acquired condition. Despite that my former condo could easily fit into our bedroom suite, it was home. The mansion’s décor was entirely representative of Jareth. Old world elegance and charm. All the furniture was either an original or exact replication of the era of Jareth’s origin. He had a fondness for that period, which never truly left him, despite his inclusion of a few modern-day amenities that embellished the palatial dwelling. Because the furnishings were so akin to Jareth, I was completely enamored of it all. Although, that did not mean I wasn’t glad that Jareth conceded to allow me the modern-day conveniences that I was accustomed to, such as the newly remodeled state-of-the-art kitchen and, of course, electricity.

It seems the 300 plus-year-old vampire hadn’t seen the necessity for light bulbs, which was a needless frivolity as he once put it.

In the end, though, I managed to persuade him with my own wiles.

Yes, my friends, even vampires, are easily convinced to compromise when sex is on ... or shall I say off the table.

“Earth to Sammie...” Shay joked, snapping her fingers. “You still didn’t tell us what your sexy vampire gave you for your birthday this year. Knowing him, it had to be something obscenely decadent, so spill, girl.”

I was brought back to my senses and took a sip of wine. I giggled as I leaned back into the elegant Louis XIV sofa I was seated on.

“Oh my God, you guys!” I beamed. “Pretty sure he gave me the bestest day ever!”

“Well, considering no one tried to kill you this time, pretty sure that’s a winner.” Shay joked.

That’s right, folks, we were finally at a place where my last birthday was no longer the black cloud that loomed over our conversations.

“Whateves, smartass.” I teased back. “Anyways ... since I still can’t be out in the sun too long, baby vamp and all, he took me to New York to go see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. We also got to enjoy Ichimura’s in Tribeca for dinner. Can I just say - Best Sushi Ever girls! I’ve already decided that next trip to NYC, you need to come with.”

“Oh, I’m down for that.” Shay chimed in cheerfully.

“Whoop Whoop! Girls’ night in New York! Me likey lots!” Astrid shouted, clapping her hands excitedly.

The three of us fell into a fit of laughter. Astrid was such a goofball. These women really were my best friends. I had wholly feared that after the whole vampire thing, they’d end up abandoning me. Understandably so. Being a vampire is a lifestyle not most would feel comfortable with. But not these two. They proved their allegiance to our friendship, and our bond only strengthened more during this past year.

Tonight, the three of us went out to the club celebrating my recent birthday in true girl’s night out style. We danced and drank till we dropped. It was the first night that I truly felt comfortable going somewhere and being around a large number of people in an enclosed area without experiencing my blood lust.

Pat on the shoulder for me, BTW.

I totally rocked it.

Now here we were, just chilling together like three normal women, drinking super expensive wine from Jareth’s cellar and binge-watching The Witcher on Netflix. I wiped a runaway tear that escaped my lashes as I regarded Shay and Astrid. To be able just to forget what we were and spend the night like three ordinary human best friends.

It was perfect.

Don’t get me wrong, being a vampire has plenty of perks, but sometimes, just being normal with your friends is a treasure.

A concerned look donned Shay’s face as she saw me wipe my tear-ridden cheek. “What’s wrong, hon?”

I let out a small laugh and smiled. “Nothing Shay. I swear. I was just thinking about how grateful I was to be here with you guys. I won’t lie; your friendship is so important to me. Sometimes, I just get a little emotional because you guys didn’t ditch me like you had every right to do.”

“Awe.” Shay and Astrid declared in unison. “Sammie, we told you, we love you, girl, and we meant it.” Shay began, “Astrid and I would never turn our backs on you -”

“Unlike some skanks *cough* Dasha *cough*” Astrid interjected vehemently.

“That’s right. Dasha may have been a fake bitch, but not us, Sammie. We will always be here for you.” Shay said as she held my hand in her own.

Astrid quickly came over and wrapped her arms around my neck, and kissed my cheek. “Sisters for life, Sammie, don’t forget it!”

The three of us then gathered together for a heartfelt three-way hug, which resulted in tears and laughter erupting between us.

“Well!” Shay exclaimed as she emptied the last of the Merlot into our three wine glasses. “I don’t know about you, but I think we could sure use another bottle of this delish wine. We gotta show to watch, and that sexy ass Henry Cavil is calling my name girls.”

“Here, here!” the three of us cheered in unison.

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Dasha

Dammit, Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!!

I can’t believe, after all this time, I had to see that bitch Sammie again. What are the fucking odds that she and her repulsive vampire would be in attendance of the same Broadway play, on the same night in New York City, that my man and I happened to be at?

I was already pissed off about her miraculous survival from my attack last year. Now, seeing Sammie was a reminder of my failure to end her life as I had initially orchestrated. I was particularly suspicious about how well-timed it was that a certain vampire had made sure to interject himself into her life. Even more so, considering he had never been one to dabble with humans prior to Sammie. I didn’t deem his attachment to her to be a fluke whatsoever. Someone had to have sent him to protect Sammie, and I would replace out who that individual was. Though I did have my suspicions, this little traitor was immensely creative.

I wanted undeniable proof for when I decided to handle them.

As for Sammie, she wasn’t just thriving; she was doing so as a fucking vampire. This only made her presence an even more significant fucking nuisance. One which I would eventually deal with soon.

Luckily, I feigned illness as a sudden excuse to get the hell out of there before he caught her scent. Even if it were muddled with vampire stink, his wolf would still be able to smell her, and I was in no position to fend off two vampires and an Alpha werewolf. Retreat was my only option. So, before anyone was the wiser, I pretended to be nauseous and woozy. My illness made it, so we had to return to our hotel room for me to lay down. Of course, someone took that as a sign that maybe I could be pregnant and got all protective and shit. I didn’t bother correcting his false notion, just to ensure I got him out of the building without drawing any unnecessary attention.

What an idiot.

As if I’d want to have his mangy pups.

The man was one hell of a sexual aficionado, but I’d be damned if I bore his uncivilized spawn in reality.

Goddess no!

The entire time we’ve been together, he has never worn a condom. Quite sure he was expecting that I’d get knocked up. Too bad, so sad, I took extra precautions to ensure that little misstep would not happen. I was utterly infertile using a particular batch of herbs and birth control pills that I kept well hidden. Thank Goddess!

Of course, I’d let him dangle from the hook for a few days before I let him down. I’d make sure to express just how stunned I am about not carrying his child; then I’d comfort him by assuring him that we’d just have to keep trying harder in the future. He gets to hold on to the hope that he’s going to have a potential heir with me, and I, of course, get to enjoy lots and lots of sex.

A win-win situation, actually.

The man is a master in the sack; what can I say?

Hopefully, we can keep up our little relationship for a while. I do have a fondness for this one, especially considering how many seeds I had to plant in order to ensure that he was mine for the taking.

I would hate to have to disperse of him sooner than later.

But then again ... nothing lasts forever.