Thicker than Blood

Epilogue

Five years Later

Geordi

“… Given the research and successful clinical trials, you can see that phase two of the vaccine is effective and ready to roll out to the public. We have a plan by district, alphabetical by household, and will provide the information on how to receive the vaccine via mail, social media advertising, flyers, and traditional media outlets.”

The five members of the board of directors continue reviewing the handout I gave them showing the successful results of the latest vaccine I’ve developed. The original vaccine, while providing unexpected results, did do what it was intended to do in some people. Once I was able to isolate the gene that made those people different, I continued my research, and for the past year, I’ve been doing human studies on the latest product.

Turns out, people who are neurodivergent react best to the vaccine, and that discovery led to the success of the latest research.

Meredith watches proudly from the corner, giving me a thumbs-up and a rare smile. Once she found out what I’d done, not only was she not mad, she was relieved. She knew all along what I was. My status was recorded at my birth. It was no accident that she invited me to the research lab, always wondering when the right time would come to tell me what I was.

Since then, I’ve become my own research project, along with a few other known dhampirs. We are immune to the vaccine, but also able to resist compulsion on our own. Even after embracing my vampiric side, I’m not the same as a mortal who has been turned. I’m still discovering all the ways I differ from Elias.

Lucius glances up from his papers, and as he sets them down on the table, he offers me a curt nod. “It’s very thorough. I’m comfortable with the rollout plan.”

I nod too, holding back my smile. It was my idea to add vampires to the board. It only made sense since our decisions affect both mortals and vampires. Bernard is next to agree. He joined the board after finding out that Elias saved his nephew’s life. Ronald, for his part, had his memory wiped of the incident thanks to our witch friends at Paradiso.

Soon enough, the rest of the board agrees to begin the rollout, and I end the meeting by promising a finalized schedule in the next thirty days.

I was so afraid of losing everything I knew, but my life has only improved since meeting Elias. Enyo collects the binders from the tables, glancing up at me with a huge smile on his face.

“You killed it, Geordi. Well done.”

“Thanks, En. We did it though. It was a team effort.”

“Take the credit where it’s due.” With his arms full, he bumps me with his elbow. “Let’s wrap this up, huh? We have two hot vampires waiting for us at home.”

“I’ll hurry.”

I wait while Meredith finishes talking to the last of the board members. Tomorrow, she’ll hold a press conference announcing our plans, and then we’ll be inundated with people wanting to sign up. Pride swells in my chest. I pulled it off.

Meredith turns to me. “Go home.”

“Are you sure? Did you have any follow up tasks for me?”

Meredith grips my shoulder. “You still work too much. You did a great job today. You were so thorough they didn’t even have questions. You’ve been prepping for weeks and the last thing I need is Elias showing up and dragging you out of here again.” Her smile softens her words. “You deserve some rest, Geordi.”

“Come on, Mere. I don’t get tired anymore.”

“Then go and do whatever vampires do to relax.” She gently pushes me toward the door. “Go. The work will be here tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Meredith.”

I join Enyo in the lab where he’s stacking the binders.

“I’m ready to go.”

He glances up at me, his fangs on full display. “Good. I’m starved and horny.”

“As usual.”

“Yeah, like you’re any different.”

I hook my arm through his. “Elias said he has a special blend he’s been saving for a celebration.”

“Ooh. He has amazing taste.”

“I agree.”

Thanks to our super speed, not even ten minutes later, we enter the house I now call home, instructed by Benicio to head straight to Paradiso. The place is full and the music is thumping. We find Elias and Jagger holding court on the velvet sofa, and when he sees me, Elias’s face lights up. He pops up.

“Hello, darling. How did it go?”

“It got approved.”

He whoops, scooping me into his arms and swinging me around as I laugh. He kisses my neck before setting me back on my feet.

“I knew you’d do it. You’re brilliant.”

“Thank you for encouraging me through the process.”

“My pleasure.” With his arms wrapped around me, his eyes pulse and glow with love. “We’re going to have so much fun tonight. Whatever you desire, it’s yours.”

“I already have everything I desire.”

“We have that in common.”

Reaching up, I tangle my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. “I could use a kiss though.”

Elias smiles as he closes the space between us, pulling me close and consuming me with his kiss. His touch still lights me up as much as the first time, and I know I’ll never get tired of it. He was right about one thing—the way a vampire loves is beyond anything a mortal can understand.

It’s all-encompassing.

It’s everything.

And I get to have it for the rest of eternity.