Funny how life turned out, she thought as she placed a single white rose on his grave. They had met because she was a vampire hunter and now she was a vampire.
Kneeling, she placed her hand on the grave. "I'm sorry, Mike, so sorry." No matter what anyone said, she would always feel responsible for his death. Tears stung her eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't love you, but I promise I'll never forget you." She wiped the tears from her eyes. "Never."
She felt a subtle shift in the air as Santiago came up beside her.
"Regan? Are you all right?"
"Yes."
Taking her hand, he lifted her to her feet. "Is there anything I can do?"
She shook her head. "Remember when you asked me if I'd rather be a vampire or a werewolf?"
He nodded, his expression impassive as he waited for her to go on.
"Well," she said, looking up at him, "I've been mortal, werewolf, and vamp…"
She watched a muscle clench in his jaw, but he didn't say anything; he simply stood there, waiting, as if he wasn't sure he wanted to hear what else she had to say.
"This way is the best way." Standing on her tiptoes, she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. "Come on," she said, taking him by the hand, "let's go home."