A crease formed on her smooth forehead. “I did.” She regarded Sam. “How was he able to compel me?”
“You have a way to block a vampire from compelling you? No shit?” It was the first time I’d seen Sam shocked.
“So why were you able to compel Rianne?” I asked.
He studied me, debating whether to share his secret. Granted, he was powerful, which led me to believe the strength of his abilities was the reason.
“I don’t compel people like other vampires,” he said. “I use—”
Abbey ran in, her black ponytail swinging in the wind. “Uncle Sam, you made the building shake. Didn’t you?” She beamed up at him as though he’d hung the moon for her.
He picked her up. “I did. And maybe you will too, someday.”
“You know Grandpa doesn’t like when you do that on base,” she said sweetly.
“It will be our secret.” His tone had more sugar in it than hers, and I was flabbergasted that Sam had a sweet bone in his vampire body.
She wiggled her way out of Sam’s arms then ran over to Rianne. “You’re awake.”
Rianne gave her a sluggish smile. “Hi. Who are you?”
“I’m Abbey. I watched over you while you were asleep.”
“Thank you,” Rianne said. “I need to be protected from your uncle.” Rianne glared at Sam.
Inwardly, I smiled. I had my sister back. For a moment, I’d thought she would have some detrimental aftereffects from Sam’s powers.
“He’s just a big teddy bear,” Abbey said, as sure of that as the fact that snow was coming down outside the window.
I hadn’t really looked outside, but I would guess that Rianne and I weren’t leaving anytime soon. The roads were probably impassible.
Rianne swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Are you my protector?” she asked Abbey.
Abbey nestled in between Rianne’s legs. “I am.” She proceeded to flatten her small hands on Rianne’s face.
What an odd gesture.
Abbey stared into Rianne’s eyes.
“Please tell me she isn’t compelling my sister,” I mumbled to Sam, who stood beside me.
Sam didn’t respond but kept watch on Abbey.
Rianne frowned. “What’s wrong, Abbey?”
“What do you see?” Sam asked Abbey.
My gaze bounced from Abbey to Sam. “She can read minds too?” Horror careened through my veins. “She’s human?” I knew the answer but wanted to confirm just the same.
“She carries the vampire gene, but she’s still human until she becomes a teenager. And Abbey doesn’t exactly read minds. She sees the future.” Sam kept his focus on his niece.
So do I,I wanted to say, but that would sound like I’d lost a brain cell or five. Regardless, I could see why Roman wanted Abbey. She was a special little girl.
The room was deathly quiet until Abbey withdrew her hand and shuffled over to me.
I sucked in a sharp breath. No way did I want anyone to read my future. I preferred to live each day as best I could and not worry about the next year or the next decade. But I couldn’t move even if I wanted to because deep down, I was fascinated by Abbey.
She touched my face, her hand soft and warm.
