“So… You’re worried, not because you’ll be in a house full of vampires, but because you think they won’t approve of you?” I lean up against your truck as you dry the patch beside me, laughing at the ridiculousness off your worries. You roll your eyes.

You’ve been on edge for a week now, ever since I told you that my family invited you over for dinner. The first official meeting. It’s nerve wracking for anyone, but it’s even more when said family are all vampires.

I’ve reassured you many, many times that my whole family is just like me—vegetarian—but apparently, that hasn’t even been your main concern. You’re more worried about if they’ll like you. As if anyone couldn’t like you.

We’ve been together for a couple months now, after the initial shock of discovering my secret, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. I have this undying, internal need to protect you. It’s in my DNA at this point. But that’s not the only reason we’re going strong. You’re also, like, the best thing to happen to me during my 109 years on this earth.

That’s why I want you to meet my family, because you’re so important to me.

“Love,” I grab the towel from you hand to halt your cleaning. “The car is dry. It’s getting late, we should go soon.” I grab your shoulders and move you away from your work, pulling you closer to me. “It’s all going to be fine.” I press a gentle kiss upon your lips. “If you get uncomfortable, just tell me. They won’t be offended.”

My face instinctually drifts to curve of your neck. My senses get filled with the intoxicating, tantalizing scent of you. You know I won’t bite, but—God—is it an addictive smell.

I pull back from your neck to look you in the eyes again. “Ready to go?”