She chuckles, and pulls away. “There will be time for that,” she says cheekily. “But first, I have another surprise…”
I hear footsteps behind me, and Crimson’s eyes look over my shoulder, toward the mansion. I turn, and immediately, my face lights up in a beaming smile.
“Miles!” I shout, quickly getting up from my seat.
“Happy almost birthday, Paige!” he says, his voice a little nervous. He’s smiling, but I can see him eying Crimson a little warily.
It was a bit tense between us, after I got back from Silverlake City. I had to explain that I had lied about working as a donor for a vampire clan. He was upset at first, of course, mostly about the fact that I had done it to pay for his treatment. He didn’t quite believe the relationship that Crimson and I have, which was understandable. Butthe more I spoke with him about it, the more he softened up to the idea.
But I’m totally shocked to see himhere, at the mansion. I hesitate, but then he pulls me into a tight hug, nestling his head against my shoulder.
“It’s so good to see you, Mi,” I whisper, feeling suddenly emotional.
“I’m sorry I haven’t come out to visit you yet,” he answers, putting his hands on my shoulders and looking me in the eye earnestly. “I wasn’t sure how it would be, but then…” he glances over at Crimson, who’s now standing behind us, giving him a steady look. “Crimson reached out to me and invited me to come stay here for your birthday weekend.”
“You’re staying the whole weekend?” I ask, delighted.
He nods, my smile echoed in his eyes. He drops his voice a little. “It seems like she…she really cares about you, Paige.”
“She does,” I answer, holding my hand out. Crimson comes and takes it, standing beside me.
“Welcome to the Midnight Mansion, Miles,” she tells him. “You may stay here as long as you wish.” Then she raises her eyebrow at me. “Have you told him your news yet?”
“Oh,” I say, feeling a blush across my cheeks. I’m still not used to getting so much attention. “I was waiting to tell you in person.”
Miles frowns. “What is it?”
“I got into nursing school,” I tell him, unable to hide my excitement. “I’m starting in September.”
His face lights up. “Paige, that’s amazing! You’ll be a wonderful nurse.”
“Thanks, Mi!”
Crimson squeezes my hand. “Come, let’s give Miles a tour of the mansion.”
I enjoy showing my brother all around the mansion. I still sleep in my bedroom on the second floor sometimes, although I’ve mostly moved into Crimson’s crypt. I show him the restaurant, and take him to Murad’s library. Finally, we go down to the lounge.
I’m totally shocked to discover that it’s decorated with hundreds of silky, blood-red roses and metallic red balloons. Chelsie and Sean rushover the moment they see me, wearing party hats and sparkling ruby outfits.
“Happy birthday!” they shout, tossing glittery confetti into the air.
I look to Crimson in amazement. “You didn’t have to do all of this!”
“Of course I did,” she replies with a smirk, her eyes twinkling. “We’re celebrating the whole weekend, no expense spared.”
Sean gives Miles a party hat as the DJ puts on an upbeat, lively song. It’s one of my favourites.
“Come with me,” Crimson says, taking my hand and pulling me toward the dance floor.
My heart skips at the commanding tone of her voice. I hope I never get used to the way she makes me feel.
The crowd parts for us as we move into the lounge. The mood is exuberant, lively for so early in the evening. Vampires and living humans are dancing, drinking, and celebrating. I can’t believe it’s for me, for my birthday. My stomach feels all gooey.
Across the lounge, I see Sabina, leaning against a standing table. She catches my eye, a provocative expression on her face. She gives me a quick wink, then disappears back into the night.
“Crimson!” says an excited voice. Kai appears out of the crowd. They’re covered in red glitter and accompanied by their husband. “We just spoke with the council of the Crystal Cove…”
Crimson scowls at them. “I told you, Kai, no business tonight…”
