Chapter 140

Almara’s Pov

Later that same night I recount to Arthur the wild tale that Bess, Robert, Roman and I ventured on in order to secure the ingredients for Arthur’s remedy. We lay in bed with Grace between us looking between her mother and father as we speak completely enthralled by our voices.

To my surprise, Arthur listens to the story with a child-like interest. I tell him everything from running down the gate, to my unfortunate run-in with Claire. I half expected him to be concerned, enraged, or even embarrassment, but by the end of it all he cups my face and says to me,

“You are completely badass.” I laugh because in the moment, I definitely feel like I was. “I mean it.” He says. “No one would go through the lengths that you just did for me. Thank you.” I kiss the tip of nose.

“I guess I am pretty cool.” I agree and roll on my back. The rest of the night is the calm before the storm. We get to bed early so we can rise early and go inform Robert of our odd encounter with Christina.

The next day, I leave Grace with Elenor who’s happy to babysit and doesn’t ask too many questions. It’s Roman who raised his eyebrow at us when we told him we were going to check in on Robert. Luckily, he has some press conferences to make and clear his name so he let’s us go relatively easily.

We’re driven back to the hospital, but a different part than where Cathy was being treated. Toward the back of the property are lines of apartment housing. It was supposed to be a senior community living center for Bess when or if it ever came to that point in her life.

Instead, Robert waits here while his surgery is being scheduled. It’s secure and all guests must check in- so even if he is being tracked there would be no way of anyone getting to him. Not to mention it’s far enough away from all other Hurricane Pack members.

The apartment-style housing is quaint. It reminds me of Bess’s cottage but a bit more modern. The houses are all made of white brick with black shuttered windows lined with flower boxes. The property itself is well kept with manicured bushes and water fountains, birth baths and wind chimes.

It really seems like Bess was the designer of the place. The limo pulls up to a house positioned in the middle of two others and we step out onto the fresh black pavement leading up to the front door. Robert opens the door before we have the chance to knock.

“This is a really boring place, you know?” Robert says leaving the door open and turning his back to us and heads back inside. Arthur and I rolls our eyes on behalf of Robert’s attitude.

“I think you mean, thank you for giving me a safe place to stay.” Aurthur says crossing his arms and shutting the door once we’re tucked inside. Robert lets out a annoyed sigh and I’m beginning to recognize him more and more.

“Yeah, yeah. Do you have any idea when my surgery is?” He asks.

“A couple more days at most, they have to fly in a specialist.” Arthur says taking a seat on the lilac plush love seat.

“Why do they need a specialist? Couldn’t they just take an ax and cut my arm off, what difference is it, really?” Arthur says. I consider the possibility that is short temper is a mask to cover his fear of losing his arm.

“So, it really doesn’t bother you?” I say, testing the waters. Robert scrunches his nose and makes a face that tells me my question was the stupidest thing he’s ever heard.

“It’s my left arm at least. I barely use it any ways and besides, I can’t be living my life with a tracking device.” Robert speaks as though he’s already come to terms with the situation and I’m not going to make him question or doubt it any further.

“We actually came for another reason also.” Arthur says with a bit hesitance.

“Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news.” I chime in.

“Give me the bad news first.” Arthur says tersely.

I explain the conversation we have with Christina. Robert recognized her name immediately and twisted his face as if the sound of her name left a bad taste in his mouth. When I finish the part of the offer where it may result in him losing both his dual natures, Robert’s face goes pale.

I thought he was naturally pale as is, but this new shade or rather lack thereof shade in his skin tone really emphasized his vampire side.

“What do you think?” I ask, unable to read the shock on his face. He answers my question with two more question.

“How do you know we can trust this woman? Didn’t Roman say she was a traitor?” This time it’s Arthur who speaks.

“I think my father is looking at this through a narrow lens. You know how he feels about vampires, no offense. Which is why if you take this potion, he may be more accepting of you.”

Robert snorts. “Except he isn’t accepting of me. He’ll be accepting this version of me that is neither part of who I am.”

I take a deep sign to recenter myself and try another appeal. “Isn’t it exhausting being an outcast?” You would finally have a life of better status and respect. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” Robert doesn’t say anything, but I can tell my words hit him where it counts.

He slowly sinks to the far end of the couch and stares off into the distance. “What’s the good news?” He finally asks.

“Cathy wants to go on a date with you.” I tell him. His eyes shoot up to meet mine and I laugh, letting him know I’m just as surprised as he is.

“Will she still want to date me if I have no arm and I’m just a regular human being.” He asks bitterly.

I move to sit on the arm of the couch, next to Arthur who puts his arm lazily around my hip. “She might even like you more.” I say, half joking, half not. “The no arm makes you interesting and the humanness will make you well, normal.”

“So, are you going to take Chistina’s offer then?” Arthur asks, picking up on the admission that Robert was considering it.

“Maybe.” He drops his ear to his shoulder in contemplation. “I don’t know.”

I do have to wonder what kind of man this will turn Robert into. Perhaps without this dual nature constantly at a tug of war inside of him he may not be such a jerk. That would be great for Cathy. Lily says and I nod in agreement.

In some kind of odd way, I think Robert had all this coming to him. He spent years chipping away at my spirit and confidence, and now part of his physical body and his nature are going to be stripped away. Funny how karma works.