Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions Chapter 84

The world outside the SUV windows blurs into a streaked canvas of cityscape as Mike drives with his usual unbothered air. Harley sits beside me in the back, her posture relaxed, leaning against the plush leather seats like the events of last night didn’t happen. Her presence is so unassuming, so natural, it almost makes me question everything I’ve ever known about myself.

The pull between us is stronger than ever, that invisible thread that tugs at my chest, my mind, and every part of me that’s still ‘human’. But it’s not just the bond. It’s *her*.

Every word that leaves her lips is like a spark, igniting something deep inside of me. But when she speaks to Mike, the chemistry between them, the ease with which she laughs? It makes me feel like an outsider in my own life. Like I’m *waiting* to belong, and I’m not sure I even know how to get there.

I glance at her for the umpteenth time, watching her chat with Mike in the front seat. Her voice rings with that signature sarcasm of hers, teasing Mike in that way she does, so effortlessly. And I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy, not just for the closeness they share, but because I know *that* isn’t something I can force. She can’t just flip a switch and feel the same way about me—not yet, at least.

I shift in my seat again, trying to keep my composure. If I’m being honest, I’m feeling a little ridiculous. We’re driving to a farmer’s market. A bloody farmer’s market. *Who even am I right now?* Thane Draeven, a centuries-old vampire who’s seen more of the world than I care to remember, and yet here I am, squirming in the back of an SUV, about to step into some quaint little market where I’ll probably stick out like a sore thumb.

“What do you think, Thane? Have you ever been to one of these? You seem like the type who’d be all about fresh tomatoes.” Harley’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. Her tone is teasing, but her eyes are on the road, distant and nonchalant, as if she doesn’t even realize the effect her words have on me.

I glance at her, struggling to maintain a neutral expression as I answer, “Tomatoes, huh? Maybe. But I am more of an ‘imported exotic fruit’ kind of guy.”

She lets out a little snort of laughter, her lips curling up into that mischievous smile that makes it impossible for me to look away. “Yeah, you definitely seem like the type who’d turn his nose up at locally grown produce,” she teases, her voice playful. “Go ahead, throw on your fancy pants, make sure no dirt touches you.”

The comment makes my lips twitch. Dammit. She’s not wrong, and yet I can’t help but feel an irrational urge to *prove* her wrong. But I’m not about to make this any more difficult than it already is. Not when the real battle is happening inside of me.

I shift my gaze to Mike. He’s calm, focused on the road ahead, but I can see the knowing smirk that’s tugging at the corner of his lips. He’s been around me long enough to know how this dynamic plays out. But I’m not the type to give in easily. Especially not to *her*. Not yet, anyway.

“You know, Thane,” Harley’s voice breaks through again, this time with an edge of curiosity. “I’ve always heard vampires can’t cross running water. Should I be worried if I take you near a fountain anytime soon?”

I blink, caught off guard. I can feel a laugh creeping up, but I push it down, forcing my face into something resembling a stoic expression. “Well, you can certainly try,” I say flatly. “But I’ve never found a fountain that could stop me yet. You’d have to try something a lot more creative to get rid of me.”

Mike chuckles under his breath from the front seat. It’s a low sound, and I’m sure he’s enjoying watching me squirm. But Harley? She’s *relentless*.

“Oh really?” She raises an eyebrow, clearly enjoying herself. “Also, do you have to avoid mirrors, or are you just particularly good at selfies when you have to make sure your outfit is on point?”

The question catches me off guard, but I keep my expression neutral, despite the humor bubbling up inside me, as I deadpan, “I can’t say I’m the greatest fan of mirrors, but I manage. Selfies, on the other hand, are a bit of a struggle.”

I can feel her gaze on me, her curiosity piqued, but there’s no amusement in her eyes now. Instead, I catch that spark of something—something deeper. It’s almost like she’s trying to figure me out, to piece me together like a puzzle that doesn’t quite fit.

After a few seconds, though, she gives a slight shrug and looks out the window. “I’m just curious. I always thought vampires were all ‘thirsty for blood’ and scary. But you’re...well, you’re not exactly what I expected.”

I lean back, loosely folding my arms across my chest, struggling with the weight of her words. What did she expect? What *does* she want from me?

We ride in silence for a few moments, but Harley’s chatter has a subtle way of disarming me. I want to hold on to my mystery, my secrets, but with every question she asks, it feels like I’m unraveling in front of her. And part of me *wants* her to see me. Every ugly, powerful, ruthless piece of me.

When Mike turns a final corner, and Harley’s attention shifts to something else beyond the windshield, the tension in the car eases slightly. I glance at her again, and this time, her smile has a genuine warmth to it. It’s a moment of normalcy, of connection, even if it’s fleeting. And in that moment, I’m reminded of just how much I need this—need her.

I don’t know how much longer I can keep up the distance between us. I’m not sure what I’m doing anymore, but I’m starting to understand that it might not even matter. Because no matter what, I’m already in far too deep with her to pull away now.