MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

As they stepped into the celebration, Blake couldn't help but smile, grateful for this chance to witness Rose's transformation and to celebrate their daughter's special day together.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a festive blur. Randal chugged a beer and told hilarious stories about the crazy customers he served at the club. Gunther bounced Celena on his knee and sang silly songs until she was breathless with giggles. Reggie and Nana doted on Celena, showering her with kisses and presents.

As Blake watched his family laughing and celebrating together, his heart felt full to bursting. These were the people who mattered most to him in the world, the ones who would always have his back no matter what. With their love and support, he knew he and Rose could face any challenge that lay ahead.

Eventually, the party started winding down. Celena's eyes were drooping as she snuggled on Rose's lap, worn out from all the excitement. One by one, their guests gathered their things and prepared to head home. Blake walked them out to their cars, Celena drowsily clinging to his neck.

At Randal's car, Blake shifted Celena to one hip so he could clap his brother on the shoulder. "Thanks for coming, man. It was great to see you. But I gotta ask - when are you gonna bring a lady friend to one of these shindigs?"

Randal snorted and rolled his eyes. "When I find a woman who can keep up with me, bro. Until then, I'm happy flying solo."

Blake just chuckled and shook his head. Some things never changed.

Next was Gunther, leaning against his motorcycle with a wry grin. "Precious cargo you got there," he said, nodding at the now-sleeping Celena. "Sure you don't need a babysitter tonight? You and Rosie could probably use some alone time."

Blake smirked. "Thanks, but I think we'll manage. Besides, don't you need to get back to the church? Make sure you didn't leave any incriminating whiskey bottles behind the altar?"

Gunther barked out a laugh. "Touché, my friend. I'll see you sinners later." He winked and roared off into the twilight.

Finally, Blake hugged Reggie and Nana goodbye, thanking them again for coming. "Drive safe," he said as they climbed into their car. "Let us know when you get home."

He stood watching until their taillights disappeared down the dirt road. Then he turned and carried Celena back inside the cozy cabin.

Rose was in the kitchen, starting to tidy up the remnants of the party. Blake laid Celena gently on the couch and went to help his wife, grabbing a trash bag. "Babe, why don't you let me finish this?" he offered. "You've been on your feet all day. I'll get Celena ready for bed."

But Rose waved him off with a smile. "It's okay, I don't mind. You go ahead and give our little girl her bath. I'll be up to kiss her goodnight in a few minutes."

Blake pressed a kiss to her temple. "Alright, if you're sure. Holler if you need anything." He scooped up Celena and headed towards the bathroom.

He had just reached the top of the stairs when he heard a crash from the kitchen, followed by a sharp gasp. Heart pounding, Blake hurried back down to see Rose slumped against the counter, shards of broken glass at her feet. He quickly set Celena aside and rushed to his wife.

"Rose! Are you okay? What happened?" Blake could smell the sharp scent of spilled whiskey and knew someone must have left a half-empty bottle on the table.

Rose shook her head and struggled upright, her face suddenly ashen. "I'm fine," she said through clenched teeth. "Just clumsy."

But her eyes were glassy and unfocused, her skin oddly gray. Blake felt icy fear grip his heart as he looked at his wife, the woman he loved more than life itself. He had seen her face immense pain and unspeakable grief without flinching.

For a horrifying second, Blake wondered if it could be someone at the party that brought in something harmful? He wouldn't put it past Gunther to carry some dangerous substance out of morbid curiosity.

Cursing, Blake half-carried Rose to the couch and lowered her gently onto the cushions. "Just lie still," he ordered. "I'm calling Randal." Rose had her hand on her forehead, groaning in pain. Seeing this, Blake looked around, confusing and fear coming together in a perfect mix.

With shaking fingers, Blake pulled out his phone and dialed Randal's number. He kept his eyes fixed on Rose's chest as he listened to it ring, silently begging her to keep breathing. In his head, a desperate prayer ran on a loop: Please, God, not again. Don't take her from me. From us. Stay with me, Rose.

Stay with me.

The seconds stretched out endlessly as Blake waited for Randal to answer. His gut churned with terror and the room seemed to spin around him. He barely registered the soft whimpers coming from Celena, still huddled on the stairs.

When the line finally clicked live, Blake nearly sobbed with relief. "Randal! I need you to get back here right away. Something's wrong with Rose..."

"Reggie," Blake's voice trembled as he punched in the number, "if it's safe with Nana and you haven't gone too far, please turn around now. There's an emergency at home." He hung up before waiting for a response, urgency gnawing at his insides.

Next, he dialed Gunther, trying to keep his tone steady despite the panic. "Gunther, I need you here immediately. Something's happened to Rose." The words rushed out, followed by a sharp click as he ended the call.

With frantic steps, he dashed towards the stairs, finding Celena still huddled in distress. "Celena," he said urgently, his voice strained, "come with me." He guided her upstairs to her room, ensuring she was settled on the bed before rushing back downstairs.

In the supply room, amidst the chaos of his thoughts, Blake spotted a dusty box tucked away. He grabbed it with a desperate hope, brushing off the years of dust and neglect. It was a first aid kit—an object he thought he'd never need again after becoming a vampire, relying on their extraordinary healing abilities.

As he hurried back to Rose, heart pounding, he murmured to himself, "Stay with me, Rose. Please, stay with me."