Stanislas

It was Saturday night, and Elise would be, without a doubt, at The Pearl. But probably with the others. The others: who I was kidding? I meant Aidan. I winced.

But I had to face him again anyway if I wanted to be involved in the shelter's activities. And he would have to face me. Would Elise change her mind if Aidan put a veto on my presence? Had he not done that already?

I wanted to see Aidan again. There was something in him. I had always seen something in him. Since the first minute in this tavern, I had been drawn to him. I was a different man then. I could not even remember what I had felt at that moment, but I knew for sure it was not what I felt now when I was looking Aidan in the eyes. He had changed too. There was a vulnerability and an openness in his beauty that was endearing.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize I had already reached the entrance of The Pearl. The muffled music coming from the club when the bouncer opened the door brought me back to the moment. It was very late and there was no one waiting in front of the club any longer. The bouncer knew me and he let me in without a word.

When I walked into the main room, I spotted Elise easily. The club was not packed, and I didn't have to see her to know where she was. The energy of her presence was almost palpable.

She raised her head and smiled when she crossed my eyes. She was alone at her booth for now, and, relieved, I seized the opportunity to sit in front of her.

"You are smiling, Stanislas," she said, amused. "What is going on? Is it the apocalypse?"

I tilted my head, rolling my eyes and losing the smile immediately.

She laughed and continued, with an affectionate gaze that worsened my mood even more. "Sorry. I could not resist. Forget about it. How can I help you?"

I took a deep breath. "Nothing. I would like to help."

Her eyes widened imperceptibly, and a soft smile lightened her face. "Really? You want to help with the shelter?"

"Yes. Ibtissem was... convincing."

"She seems amazing. I am so glad, Stanislas. Your help will be very welcome."

"I have no idea what I could do, though," I said, searching her eyes, almost challenging her.

"Among other things," she said carefully, "we will need experienced vampires, from various backgrounds, who could mentor young ones."

I scoffed. "You must be kidding."

"No, I am not. What did you think I would ask you?"

"I don't know. Maybe training. Or, hell, carrying boxes for what I know. But not mentoring."

"Maybe not tomorrow but with time, I know you could do it. And yes, fight training as well. Or many other things. We will see who we will have to help and what they need."

I kept on holding her gaze, waiting for her to announce it was a joke. But she didn't.

"You're serious," I said.

"I am."

"And what does Aidan think about that?"

"He thinks it's a good idea," Aidan's voice said behind me.

I froze for a second before turning my head. He stared at me with his arms crossed. There were waves of different emotions in the blue of his eyes but he managed to keep his face expressionless. And something broke in me. Again.

"I'll do it," I said.