“I appreciate it, old friend,” Brady said, gratefully, before turning to Lucius. “Leelan, Mystia filled the freezer with meals that can be reheated, and cooking instructions taped to each of them. Do you want me to show you how to use the oven?”
“No, I can figure it out,” Lucius murmured. “Is there enough for myself and sir?”
Seeing Vasile about to reply, Brady shot him a warning glance before he replied to his mate. “Yes, so don’t worry.”
“What about the girls? Do they need to be watered?” asked Lucius.
Shaking his head, Brady grinned. “Not necessary but I know they would love a visit from you. Also, there’s a gazebo behind the house which is one of my favorite places to read.”
“That sounds perfect,” Lucius replied softly.
“Any other questions?”
“No…I don’t think so…oh wait, where are the books you told me about?” Lucius asked, almost whispering, trying to keep Vasile from learning about his lack of vampire knowledge.
Before answering his mate, Brady looked at Vasile. “Would you kindly go with Mystia so she can tell you what spells are on our home? I’ll be out shortly after I say good-bye to Lucius.”
“Certainly,” Vasile murmured, giving a short bow to Lucius before following Mystia. Once they were outside, he turned to her. “Something isn’t making any sense…actually several things aren’t, but first let’s start with why Brady would tell Lucius I would be eating food? And, for that matter, why is Lucius even doing that and not drinking Brady’s blood?”
“It’s a long story but do you remember the Blood Prophecy?”
Vasile frowned. “Yes but what does that have to…”
“Lucius is the prophecy come to life. Valerian used it when he turned him,” Mystia explained, then adding hastily, “Get rid of that look of horror before Brady sees it. Lucius isn’t the monster foretold in the prophecy…he only possesses a few minor traits of a witch and a demon. Eating food is one of them.”
“So why does he thinkIneed to eat? Doesn’t he drink blood?”
“Of course he does. The problem is that when he was turned, Valerian never taught him about vampires or, for that matter, anything about the paranormal world that he is now part of. After he became a vampire, Lucius was kept as a slave and only got his freedom when his master was killed.”
“Ahh…now it’s beginning to make sense. I wondered why he’s so submissive,” Vasile muttered.
“I’m not sure he truly is,” Mystia replied. “I believe he is acting that way because it’s all he knows…especially around other vampires.”
Fury crossed Vasile’s face. “It’s a damned good thing his master is dead or otherwise…”
“Yes, I know and that’s the reason Brady asked you to stay with Lucius. He knows you’ll protect him against anyone who intends to harm him.”
Snapping his gaze back to the cottage, Vasile stared at it as if he could see inside, growling, “Brady believes his mate is in danger.”
“Yes…there is a witch and a demon still out there who think Lucius belongs to them because he has their blood in him.”
“Over my dead body!”
Patting Vasile’s arm, Mystia murmured, “Brady knows that…and that’s why he entrusted Lucius to you.”
“I will not fail him…nor Lucius,” Vasile vowed.
“Brady knows that, too. Now the Ruler of the Mystic Realm has placed a number of protection spells on Lucius, but without knowing who the witch is, the spells might be pierced. You will know because Remy has included an alarm. If you hear it, you and Lucius must flee. Do not try to fight the witch or demon. Once you’re safely away, have Lucius translocate the both of you to the Blackwood Pack. There you will find Jackson, the Alpha, who will take over.”
“Lucius can translocate?”
“Yes, it’s one of the abilities he received from the witch’s blood,” Mystia said.
“If you really want him to be safe, I should take him back to my coven. He’d be safer against a witch with vampires instead of wolf shifters.”
“No…I can’t say more, but you’ll have to trust me that he’ll be better off with the Blackwood Pack. Please, Vasile,” Mystia pleaded.
Staring intently at her, Vasile tried to make sense of all Mystia told him. While he disagreed with some of it, he knew her well enough not to question her advice. Nodding briefly, he said, “I promise to follow your instructions. Is there anything else I should know?”
