Page 22 of Wanted 3

“Is it over?” I asked.

“Yes.” He nodded and then looked over his shoulder as Leonard limped into view, injured but upright.

Jeremy pulled himself from my arms, and though I was reluctant to let go, I eased my grip so he could turn to look at Leonard. "They fixed me," he blurted.

Leonard responded with a solemn nod. "They are yours and you are theirs."

Doubtless, the shadows explained why Leonard was also still alive right now. His shadows had healed him, too, just like Jeremy.

I glanced at Vlad, bending over the body of the creature. When he straightened again, I saw that he’d cut off its head and removed its heart. Black blood stained his clothing and skin, and as he moved, currents of air brought the foul stench of putrid demon blood to my nostrils.

"Breathing is optional," Vlad told me, catching the look on my face. "If you wish to avoid the stench."

Testing his claim, I held my breath. It felt awkward and unnatural, but he was right. I didn't actually need air. Interesting.

Curious, I joined him to study what remained of the body. There was little left and nothing of it resembled the father I knew. For as much relief as I’d felt at his death, I wished for both our sakes he could have been a better person. A better parent.

"Do you need time to say goodbye?" Vlad murmured at my side.

I turned to Jeremy, who shook his head.

We were both more than ready to let go. "No," I said simply.

Then, Leonard gave the command, and the shadows arrived to swarm over the creature’s remains, devouring him.

Jeremy and I watched our father’s body pass before us for the last time. He’d caused us both a wealth of pain, but as evil as he’d been our entire lives, he’d given us the gift of each other. And for that, I would always be grateful.

With all traces of the monster gone, the four of us walked slowly back to the house, exhausted. Even with my super strength, I was emotionally and mentally spent.

I took care of Jeremy first and walked with him to his room. I was going to insist on a shower, but he collapsed into his bed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow. I settled for tucking him in as his shadows curled around his head and shoulders.

Content that he was in good care, I went to grab a change of clothes, but all my things were gone. Confused, I went to Vlad's room next only to find him hanging my clothes in the closet next to his.

"I hope you do not mind," he said. "I can put them back if you'd like. But you’re no longer my housekeeper. You are my mate, and I want you with me.” He paused, and then added softly, “If that's acceptable.”

It was touching to see the Count, so strong and powerful, suddenly unsure and a little shy.

I smiled. "Being with you is all I want."

Slowly, he approached me and helped me undress. I did the same for him, and we tossed the soiled clothes into the trash bin to be burned. Then Vlad started the shower and drew me under the water with him. We just stood there, arms entwined, letting the hot water cleanse the stain of death.

It was hard to believe it was over. Finally, actually over.

The Count reached for the soap and ran his hands over my body, gently washing me, caressing me. With closed eyes, I leaned into him, savoring the moment, the feeling of being loved, cared for.

Once we were both as clean as we could get, we dried, and I slipped into one of his softest t-shirts as Vlad donned a pair of sweatpants and we both crawled into bed.

I felt the sun break over the horizon, sensing it deep in my soul. My eyes grew heavy and began to close of their own accord.

"Rest now, my love,” Vlad whispered into my hair, wrapping his arms around me. “Tomorrow we will start our new life."

I smiled, knowing I was safe in his embrace and with a sigh, let sleep steal me away.

7

Iwoke to the scent of roses. Their perfume reminded me of a summer day, something that would forever be a memory to me now.

Soft lips brushed my collarbone.