Chapter 69

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Doe's POV:

It felt like it had been forever since Xander and I ate in the dining hall.

And being here again made me realize that I didn't miss it at all.

If I had to guess, I'd say that Xander didn't either, but I was the one who insisted we go for dinner.

In hopes that Nico would also be here.

Just to at least try to get them talking again.

I knew the whole apology discussion between those two would happen in private, but Xander was so outwardly nervous about it that I felt like maybe it would be easier if he got eased into it.

But alas, he wasn't here.

I couldn't blame him. I think the only reason either of them dined down here was to have the company of the other.

And Xander kind of stopped showing up.

At least the dining room was relatively safe.

Layla rarely journeyed down here, and even if she did, it was too crowded for her to try anything.

Plus... Xander said he'd take care of it.

I let out a very dramatized sigh, leaning against him, and laying my head back against his shoulder to look at the roof.

I was already bored and the food wasn't even here yet.

Although I will admit, sitting on his lap like this did feel different than the previous times.

It was just...more comfortable.

Although the fact that we couldn't talk to each other like we usually did out in public did put a damper on things.

Well, I guess we could we just... didn't.

It was unspoken, but I'm sure we both knew how strange our relationship was compared to how others viewed their pets.

His arms snaked around my stomach, the view hidden from the other vampires here.

"Yeah, I don't think he's coming," He quietly reaffirmed my thoughts, as to not draw too much attention, "I'm ready to just dip and eat back at the room. You in?"

I thought for a moment with the hope that maybe Nico could just be late, but he was never the late-type.

And although Xander was nervous, I knew this wasn't just an attempt to try to run away from this.

I gave a subtle nod before lifting my head, just as he scooted back the seat.

I had just barely gotten to my feet before a voice boomed from the front of the room.

"Attention," The male voice boomed, effectively grabbing just that as the rest of the chattering fell quiet, "Can I have your attention, please! This announcement is for pet owners and those alike. Your pets are to be reported by you to the front of the castle tomorrow afternoon for the annual pet checkup. It is suggested that you get out of them what you need tonight, for they won't be returned to you till two days after. My associates and I will be stationed by the exit with your forms. Please bring them with your pet tomorrow. That will be all."

I nearly rolled my eyes as the conversations started back up.

This again.

I had only done it once before since my pet mistress had the authorization to take care of everything herself, but it seemed more like a hassle than anything.

I knew that it was coming up, but I would have thought it would be another week before I had to worry about it

"Tomorrow? Really? They couldn't have given us this a few days earlier?" Xander chastised as he finally rose to his feet beside me.

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