Chapter 227

Stella My body felt like it was on fire. 100.4°F. That's not just warm. For a vampire, that's straight-up overheating. I stared at the thermometer, not sure I believed it. This week had been insane. First bite. First kiss. First sex dream. Now a fever ? Seriously ? Vampires don't get fevers. We run cold. Always have. Something was off. Way off. I glanced at my phone. 7:00 p.m. Had I really been asleep that long ? It felt like I'd slept through a whole weekend. My head was still foggy, but I needed answers. I grabbed my phone and called Sofie, relieved she picked up on the first ring. "Stella ?" Her voice was already tight with worry. "Where are you ? I need to talk to you. Now. It's urgent."My voice cracked. I never called her like this. I was panicking, and she knew it. There was a pause. Then, "Of course, sweetheart. I'm home. Come downstairs, I'm free." I hung up and hesitated at my bedroom door, hand resting on the cool metal knob. Was Mason still out there ? I really didn't want t