Chapter 132: Date.

LYSANDER’S P.O.V.

The grey button-down shirt felt strange against my skin. For decades, I had worn nothing but black outfit. The color of our kind. But as I looked in the mirror, I hoped the lighter tone made me look less like a creature of the night and more like a man who deserved to take a girl like Quinn out to dinner.

I gave myself a little encouraging nod before walking downstairs, my heart doing a strange, fluttering rhythm that I hadn't felt in a century. My vampire hearing picked up her voice before I even reached the landing. She was talking to Kate, her words coming out at a mile a minute.

"I’m telling you, Kate, if he wears black to our date, I’m going to lose it. It’s a date, not a funeral!" I heard Kate laugh and I mentally heaved a sigh of relief. Thank God I chose to wear a lighter color.

I cleared my throat as I stepped into the living room. Quinn turned, and for a moment, the world simply stopped. She was wearing a sundress the color of a summer sky, perfectly matching her new blue hair. She looked bright, vibrant, and so full of life that it almost hurt to look at her.

"No black today," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Will this do, or do you prefer I wear pink? You told me once that its your favorite color."

Kate burst out laughing. "Lysander, Quinn likes pink, but not on men like you."

Quinn was speechless the entire time. Her eyes traveled up and down my frame, and for the first time since I’d met her, she was actually silent for a full three seconds. Then, she let out a low whistle. "Damn, Lysander. Who knew there was actual color under all that brooding? You look… perfect."

My heart melted. Thank goddess she likes it. "You look beautiful, Quinn," I replied, and I meant it with every fiber of my being.

Domenic gave me a supportive nod from the corner, while Kate gave Quinn a little shove toward me. "Go on, you two. Don't be late for your reservation."

I led Quinn out to the sleek black car Domenic had lent me. I tried to be a perfect human gentleman, opening the door for her and ensuring she was comfortable. As I got into the driver's seat, my senses were overwhelmed. The scent of her perfume—something sweet like vanilla and citrus—filled the small space. I could hear the steady, rapid thrum of her heart. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard.

"So," Quinn said, snapping her seatbelt into place. "A fancy restaurant, huh? Are you going to order raw steak or bite the waiter's neck and drink his blood instead?"

I chuckled, the tension in my shoulders finally beginning to melt. "Dont worry, I did my research. I’ll be sticking to something that looks convincingly human. And no, I won't be biting the waiter."

She laughed an elegant sound. "I was joking, but I'm happy to know you did your research."

The restaurant was a high-end place on the edge of the city, all white tablecloths and soft violin music. I had spent hours worrying if it was 'human' enough. As we sat down, I found myself hyper-aware of everything: the clink of silverware, the whispered conversations three tables over, and the way the candlelight danced in Quinn’s blue hair.

Quinn, however, didn't seem bothered by the stuffy atmosphere. She dove right into a story about a teacher she’d had in high school who she was convinced was a closeted werewolf. I watched her as she talked, her hands moving animatedly, her expressions changing every second.

"Lysander?" she asked suddenly, leaning across the table.

"Yes?"

"Are you sure youre listening to anything I'm saying?" She asked with a cute pout.

"Uh... I...?"

"You’ve been staring at me like I’m a puzzle you’re trying to solve," she teased, though her voice was softer than usual. "You’re so stiff. Loosen up a little okay. I don't bite. You're the vampire here."

I sighed, setting my menu down. "Is it that obvious? I wanted tonight to be perfect. I wanted to show you that I can be… normal. For you."

Quinn reached across the table and placed her hand over mine. Her skin was so warm. "Lysander, look at me. I like the guy who jumps when I say hello. I like

the guy who gets nervous whenever I come close to him. I like the guy with the red eyes and the fangs who has a heart of gold. I don't need 'normal.' Normal means dating someone like Kate's ex, and God forbid that I end up with a gorilla like him."

My heart literally melted in my chest. "Actually," I said, a devious thought crossing my mind. "If you don't care about 'normal,' I have a much better idea for the rest of this date."

"Oh?" Her eyes sparked with interest. "Does it involve scaring some of the customers with your red eyes and fangs?"

"Uh, no. It involves leaving this place." Her shoulder slumped in disappointment. I smiled and took her head helping her out of her seat.

I paid the bill quickly, and we walked out into the cool night air. Once we were away from the prying eyes, I turned to her. "How do you feel about heights?"

Her eyes sparkled. "I love them." She frowned in confusion. "Why though? Dont tell me vampires fly to!" She said with a gasp.

I didn't answer with words. I moved closer, wrapping an arm securely around her waist. "Hold on tight."

Before she could ask what I was doing, I took off. Using my vampire speed, we became a blur of motion. Quinn let out a startled gasp that quickly turned into a peal of pure, delighted laughter. We raced through the city park, the wind whipping her short blue hair around, until we reached the highest point of the old clock tower overlooking the city.

I leaped, landing gracefully on the stone ledge of the roof. I set her down, making sure she had her balance before letting go.

Below us, the city was a sea of twinkling lights, stretching out toward the horizon.

"Whoa, that was fun and exciting all at the same time." Quinn breathed, stepping toward the edge. "Now this is a nice view."

"I thought you’d like it better than a crowded dining room," I said, standing beside her.

She turned to me, her eyes bright with the reflection of the city. "You were right. I absolutely love it." She paused, her chatty nature finally giving way to a quiet moment. "Thanks for trying so hard tonight, Lysander. I know this whole 'dating a human' thing is new for you."

"It's worth it," I said, looking only at her. "Everything I've gone through—the war, the centuries of living in the dark—it was all worth it if it led me to you."

Quinn’s breath hitched. She didn't have a witty comeback this time. She stepped closer, closing the small gap between us. I reached out, my fingers tracing the line of her jaw. I was terrified of my own strength, of my own nature, but she didn't look afraid. She looked like she was coming home.

When I leaned down and finally kissed her. My heart seem to explode in my chest. She tasted like vanilla and starlight, and when she pulled me closer, her heart beating against my chest, I knew Domenic was right.

The Vampire Nation could have its crowns and its wars, and I have my own responsibilities. But, Right here, on a rooftop in the human world with the girl who kept me on my toes, I had everything I ever needed.

Quinn pulled back just an inch, a mischievous grin returning to her face. "So... does this mean I'm officially your girlfriend now? Because I’ve already started drafting my 'How I Tamed a Vampire' blog post."

I laughed, pulling her back into a hug. "Yes, Quinn. You're officially mine."

"Good," she whispered, leaning her head against my shoulder. "Now, tell me more about that continent thing. I’m still not convinced Africa isn't a country."

I shrugged, "wrong person to ask. I know nothing about Africa and continents."

She laughed against my chest. "Youre so dumb. But we match, don't we?"

"Yes we do."

Right there and then, I knew what I needed to find my own happiness, and I'm going to protect it with my life.