Chapter Eight

J enny wiped her hands on a rag, stepping back to admire her handiwork. The Camry gleamed in the moonlight, its engine purring like a contented cat. She'd done it. After a week of blood, sweat, and more than a few colorful curses, the car was ready to hit the road.

A sense of accomplishment washed over her, quickly followed by a wave of dread. The week was up tomorrow. She had a decision to make, and the weight of it pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

"You've done a remarkable job," a familiar voice said from behind her.

Jenny turned to see Rook approaching, his eyes fixed on the car. She searched his face for any sign of the turmoil she felt, but his expression was carefully neutral.

"Thanks," Jenny replied, her voice sounding strained even to her own ears. "It's ready to go whenever I decide to leave."

"About that," Rook said, his tone light in a way that felt forced. "I was hoping we could spend this evening together. One last adventure before you head out to chase your dreams or decide to stay with me forever."

Jenny's heart clenched at the words 'one last adventure.' She wanted to protest, to tell him she hadn't made up her mind yet. But the look on Rook's face stopped her. There was something in his eyes, a resigned determination that made her pause.

"What did you have in mind?" she asked instead.

A small smile played at Rook's lips. "It's a surprise. Meet me at the edge of town at in an hour?"

Jenny nodded, curiosity piqued despite the melancholy hanging over them. "I'll be there."

As Rook walked away, Jenny's eyes drifted back to the Camry. It represented everything she'd ever wanted—a ticket to a better life, a chance to prove herself. So why did the thought of driving it out of Beastly Falls feel like tearing out a piece of her heart?

When Jenny arrived at their meeting spot, Rook was already there, a picnic basket in one hand and a blanket draped over his arm. He smiled when he saw her, and for a moment, it was easy to forget the bittersweet nature of their outing.

"Ready for an evening under the stars?" Rook asked, offering his free arm.

Jenny took it, letting him guide her down a path she hadn't noticed before. "Lead the way, vampire boy."

They walked in comfortable silence, the sounds of the forest surrounding them. Jenny breathed in the crisp night air, marveling at how quickly Beastly Falls had come to feel like home.

After about fifteen minutes, the trees opened up to reveal a small clearing. Jenny gasped at the sight. Hundreds of fireflies danced in the air, their gentle light creating a magical atmosphere. In the center of the clearing was a small pond, its surface like glass, reflecting the starry sky above.

They settled on the blanket, and Rook began unpacking the picnic basket. Jenny's eyes widened as she saw the spread—all her favorites from the past week, including pastries from the pixie bakery and that amazing selkie seafood dish she'd loved.

"You remembered everything," she said, touched by the thoughtfulness.

Rook's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Of course. I remember everything about you."

Jenny leaned back on her hands, gazing up at the stars. She felt Rook's eyes on her and turned to meet his gaze.

"What?" she asked, suddenly self-conscious.

Rook reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just committing this moment to memory," he said, his voice low and intense.

Jenny's breath caught in her throat. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. When Rook's lips met hers, it felt like coming home.

The kiss started soft and tender, but quickly grew more passionate. Jenny wrapped her arms around Rook's neck, pulling him closer. His cool hands slipped under the hem of her shirt, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

They made love under the stars, their bodies moving together with a desperation born of impending separation. Jenny clung to Rook, trying to memorize every touch, every sensation. When they finally lay spent in each other's arms, Jenny felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

"Hey," Rook said gently, wiping away a tear that had escaped. "What's wrong?"

Jenny shook her head, unable to put her tumultuous emotions into words. "I just wish I had more time," she finally managed. "More time to know if this is the right choice."

Rook's arms tightened around her. "I know, my love. I know."

They lay in silence for a while, watching the stars wheel overhead. As the first hints of dawn began to lighten the eastern sky, Rook sat up, his expression serious.

"Jenny," he said, taking her hands in his. "I need you to listen to me, okay?"

Jenny nodded, her stomach clenching with anxiety.

"You are the most remarkable woman I've ever met," Rook began, his voice thick with emotion. "You're brilliant, and kind, and so incredibly strong. You deserve every happiness this world has to offer."

"Rook—" Jenny started, but he shook his head, silencing her.

"Please, let me finish. I know you came to Beastly Falls by accident, that you have dreams and plans that don't include being stuck in a small, supernatural town. And as much as it pains me to say this, I think... I think you should go."

Jenny felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "What? But I thought... what about us? The mate bond?"

Rook's smile was sad. "The mate bond is real, and what we have is beautiful. But I can't ask you to give up your dreams for me. You have so much potential, Jenny. The world needs your talent, your vision. I won't be the one to hold you back."

Tears were flowing freely down Jenny's cheeks now. "But I love you," she said, her voice breaking.

He closed his eyes, his smile tight. "Thank you. Thank you for that. I love you," Rook replied, pulling her close. "More than I ever thought possible. That's why I have to let you go."

They held each other until Rook's dawn alarm went off. He pulled away, pressing a gentle kiss to Jenny's forehead. "Come on," he said quietly. "We should get you back to town. You have a long drive ahead of you."

The walk back to town was silent, heavy with unspoken words and suppressed sobs. When they reached the parking lot where the Camry waited, Jenny felt like she was moving through a fog.

"I don't know if I want to do this," she admitted.

Rook cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with a mix of love and sorrow. "Trust your heart. It will never steer you wrong."

He kissed her then, pouring every ounce of love and encouragement he could into the gesture. When they parted, both were breathless.

"Goodbye, Jenny," Rook said, taking a step back. "Drive safe. And be happy."

Before Jenny could respond, Rook was gone, disappearing into the shadows before the first rays of sunlight touched the town.

Jenny stood there for a long moment, staring at the spot where Rook had been. Then, moving as if in a trance, she got into the Camry and started the engine. There was still a few more moments of night left. She wished Rook hadn't gone, but she understood why he didn't linger to prolong the agony.

As she was about to put the car in drive, a large stone hand landed on her window. Jenny jumped, her heart racing as she turned to see Xavier, Rook's gargoyle friend, peering into the car.

"Jenny, wait!" Xavier said, his usually stoic face creased with worry. "You can't leave. Not like this."

Jenny rolled down the window, confusion and a spark of hope warring in her chest. "What do you mean?"

Xavier glanced around furtively before leaning in close. "Look, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but if you leave now, you can never come back. The town won't let you in again. And Rook... Rook will die."

Jenny felt the blood drain from her face. "What? But... but he told me to go. He said—"

"Of course he did," Xavier interrupted, rolling his eyes. "He probably believes this is his penance for being a vampire. But the truth is, now that you've consummated the mate bond, Rook needs your blood to survive. That tea he drinks? Drinking from another creature? It won't work anymore. If you leave, he'll slowly starve to death."

"Oh god," Jenny breathed, her hands shaking on the steering wheel. "He was going to let himself die rather than ask me to stay."

Xavier nodded grimly. "That's Rook for you. Always putting others first, even if it kills him. Literally, in this case."

Jenny's mind whirled with the magnitude of the choice before her. On one hand, there was the life she'd always dreamed of—excitement, adventure, the chance to prove herself to the world. On the other, there was Rook, and Beastly Falls, and a love so deep it transcended the boundaries between human and supernatural.

"I need to think," Jenny said, her voice shaky. "Can you give me a minute?"

Xavier nodded, stepping back from the car. "Of course. But whatever you decide, make sure it's what you really want. Not just for Rook's sake, but for yours too."

As Xavier lumbered away, Jenny sat in the idling Camry, her hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. The choice before her seemed impossible. Stay, and give up the dreams she'd held onto for so long. Leave, and lose not only the man she loved, but the sense of belonging she'd found in this strange, magical town.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. In her mind, she saw two paths stretching out before her. One led to the bright lights of a big city, to fame and fortune and all the things she'd thought she wanted. The other led deeper into Beastly Falls, to a life filled with love, magic, and endless possibilities she'd never even imagined.

As the sunrise broke over the horizon, Jenny made her decision. With a trembling hand, she put the car into gear and pressed her foot to the accelerator.