"See your mom?" Jorick froze like a deer in headlights. The smile plastered across his motionless face looked painted and stretched. He held it for several seconds before it slowly melted into something that resembled a grimace. His voice sounded as enthusiastic as his new smile looked, "We?"
The reaction wasn't as bad as she'd anticipated, so she plunged on. "Why not? I want my mother to meet you."
His laughter was mirthless and sarcastic. "Oh yes, she'll love it when you introduce your vampire lover! That's not how things are done."
"Says who?" She raised her chin a notch. "I'm not going to tell her you're a vampire! Do you think I'm nuts?" She softened her voice and tried another tactic. "I want to see her, Jorick."
He took a step backwards, as though trying to distance himself from
