Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions novel Chapter 134

I sit at my kitchen counter, staring at the plate of sesame–grilled salmon and asparagus in front of me. The food smells incredible, and yet, I’m not sure how to feel about any of it. There’s a pleasant weight to the day, like the air has settled just a little. Thane made me dinner. Thane, the vampire with a reputation for controlling every aspect of his life, just made me a simple yet delicious meal.

I take a bite, and the flavor is rich and fresh. As I chew, my mind drifts, slowly unraveling the pieces of today. First, there were the flowers, and the way my heart had fluttered when I saw them sitting on the bookstore’s counter. Blue irises, of all things. It wasn’t just the gesture that had taken me by surprise, but the fact that it was Thane who’d done it. I never would have expected him to send flowers. To anyone. But there they were, and they’d made my day brighter than I ever thought possible.

Then there was Griffin’s surprise lunch. I hadn’t expected him to just show up at the bookstore with takeout, let alone tease me. But, oddly enough, it wasn’t unwelcome. There was something about his humor, his presence, and the advice he gave me that helped take the edge off the weight of everything.

And now, Thane. Showing up at my door unexpectedly, cooking me dinner. This–whatever this is—feels like something I’ve never had before. Like I’m somehow a part of his world, even when it’s the last place I thought I’d

1. in.

I catch a glimpse of Thane out of the corner of my eye, where he’s sitting to my right, watching me, but he’s also I know what’s running through his head–he’s waiting for me to break the silence. And I will. I always do.

silent as he slowly eats his food.

But right now, I’m still thinking through all the weirdness of the day. The flowers, the lunch with Griffin, the dinner with Thane, the way he opened up to me while he was cooking, his vulnerability so raw and unexpected. He’s never been that way with me before. But it felt…different. In a good way.

I’m aware that I’ve been unusually quiet, especially while he poured his heart out. But for once, I don’t want to make light of something so meaningful by spoiling it with sass or sarcasm. Shocker, I know. It feels like the right thing to do is just…listen.

But my silence is starting to feel like too much, like I’m holding back when I should say something, anything.

I hear him shift slightly next to me, and then he speaks, his voice low and sincere. “Talk to me, Harley. Tell me what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”

1 glance at him, the soft light from the pendant above casting shadows on his sharp features. There’s a slight curve to his lips, but I can see the tension that’s lingering in his posture.

I take a deep breath and finally set my knife and fork down, my eyes locking with his. “You really want to know?” I ask, my voice quieter than

usual.

He tilt: his head slightly, the ever–present stoicism on his face shifting just enough to show me he’s genuinely interested in my answer. “Of course,” he answers simply.

I fiddle with the stem of my wine glass for a moment, rolling it between my fingers gently. Why the hell am I doing this? My inner voice is louder now, but I ignore it. I’ve made up my mind.

“I’ve never really had a…healthy relationship with a guy,” I start, my voice a little hesitant at first. “I mean, I’ve had relationships, but they’ve never been real, not really. It’s always been about…keeping control. Not letting anyone get too close. And every time someone tried, I would push them away. Not that they stayed around long enough to really try, though,” I laugh bitterly, meeting Thane’s eyes. “They couldn’t handle it. The wadh i put up, that is

His gase buttress, but he says nothing, so I continue.

“1 guns I always thought that if I didn’t let anyone in, I wouldn’t get hurt. But it’s harder than it sounds. And eventually, people get tired of trying to tacak down the wells. And then they leave, understandably.

I pays, that muse khu to continue, but somehow, telling him feels like the only thing I can do right now. The weight of everything that’s been happening briwers as ferts like it’s posting against my chest, and I don’t know how to explain it.

“i guess that’s why 1, too, don’t know how to do this, I finish, my voice softer now, but still fam. I don’t know how to let someone in And, kuwatly, I don’t know if I want to because if I do, I’m opening myself op to everything that might hurt. And I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

That doesn’t say anything at first. He’s watching me closely, his face unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes that wasn’t there before- southing soft, but unwavering. He leans towar

ce as he respond don’t have to be ready,” he says “Not all at once

With that, the tension between us breaks, and I chuckle softly, shaking my head. He might be cocky, but something about his words makes me feel…better. Less afraid. Worthy of being fought for.

After that, we settle into a comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound in the kitchen the soft clinking of silverware against plates as we finish our meal. The evening’s light grows dimmer outside, and the warmth of the kitchen wraps around us, keeping everything cozy and grounded.

But then, out of nowhere, Thane speaks again. And even though his voice is quiet, I catch the hint of something else in it. “I heard you had lunch with Griffin today,” he says casually as he keeps his attention on his near–empty plate before him, though there’s something sharp laced through his words.

I look up at him, and my eyebrows raise in mild amusement. “Are you jealous, Mr. 1–Don’t–Do–Feelings?”

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