I blanched. I couldn't help it. But I tried to keep my expression from showing how clearly I remembered the feeling... the fire in my veins.
"That's my problem," I said.
"It's possible to take bravery to the point where it becomes insanity."
"It's not an issue. Three days. Big deal."
Fredward grimaced again as my words reminded him that I was more informed than he had ever intended me to be. I watched him repress the anger, watched as his eyes grew and grew.
"Charlie?" He asked curtly. "Reneé?"
Minutes passed in silence as I struggled to answer his question. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out of it.
I closed it again.
He waited, and his expression became triumphant because he knew I had no true answer.
"Look, that's not an issue either," I finally muttered; as usual, my voice was unconvincing. "Renée has always made choices for herself—she'd want me to do the same. And Charlie's resilient, he's used to cruising on his own. I can't take care of them forever. I have my own life to live—as a vampire."
"Exactly," he snapped. "Wait, what?"
"If you're waiting for me to be on my deathbed, I've got news for you—there's more where that came from! "No!" He gasped.
I took a deep breath to calm myself, ignoring the spasm of pain it triggered. I stared at him, and he stared at me. There was no compromise in his face,

476

Chapter 24

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