The next morning, as Meadow lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling, it really hit her what blooding two vampires meant.
She would have to sleep with them both. And judging from the looks she’d seen pass between Laurie and Joseph, they also wanted each other.
Between her powers and her love of romance novels, the idea didn’t really shock her. After all, her favorite stories had almost always been the ones with multiple partners. Not usually the five guys all fawning over one female, though. She loved the intimacy of multiple people loving each other, making memories together, and having more than one person at their back. Always.
But those had been fictional stories, and none of the female characters had ever worried about their powers leaking out and making some male want her against their will.
Although wasn’t that what vampires experienced with fated ones, in a way? Wanting someone with no choice in the matter?
All because a fae witch had cursed the vampires long ago, after one of them had broken her heart. Or, so the story went. Originally, she’d doomed them to an eternal frozen life, onewithout pleasure or the ability to procreate. However, right before the fae witch had died, the vampire who’d broken her heart returned and won her love again. And while the curse couldn’t be reversed—she’d been too sick and frail to gather enough magic to do so—the fae witch had softened it by having fated ones start their hearts again and give them a chance at love and a fuller life.
Meadow had always just assumed it was a made-up story, one to make the fae witches look amazing and powerful, and the vampires helpless against their magic. But maybe there was more truth to it than she’d thought.
Someone knocked, bringing her back to the present. And after sitting up in bed and tugging up the covers, she said, “Come in.”
River’s wife, Nora, entered, carrying a tray. She came over to the bed, settled it over Meadow’s lap, and said, “Good morning. Did you manage to sleep at all?”
Unlike her brother, Meadow wasn’t as outgoing or easy with new people. Although she was making an effort with Nora, since she seemed like a genuinely nice person. So after a second, she nodded. “A little.”
“Well, that’s a start. I know it’s going to be confusing, but your siblings and mine are here to help you.” She hesitated and then added, “I thought maybe I could take you shopping today for some new things. My maid and I did our best to alter a skirt and shirt, but you’re shorter than me, and you should have some properly fitted clothing.”
Ah, Nora was being polite about her size. “I’m sure we can sew two skirts together and maybe it’ll fit me then.”
Nora frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Never mind. Does River have enough money to help me out until I can figure out something for myself? Because I can work,if I have to. Yesenia temporarily lent me her training bracelet and promised to get me a permanent one soon.”
When a fae witch wore a magic training bracelet, it contained their powers. And even now, she lightly traced the engraved symbols on the outside, reminding her that she was safe temporarily.
Meadow hadn’t been able to afford one back in the US, and she struggled to accept it would keep her magic at bay. But it was worth a shot, for sure. Maybe going out would truly test it and convince her it worked.
Nora studied her for a few seconds before saying, “Forgive me for being impertinent, but shouldn’t you have finished your magic training by now? Or do I have that wrong?”
Meadow sighed. “No, you’re not wrong.” The vampire merely tilted her head, and something about her gaze told Meadow she could confide in this female. Maybe Nora would tell River, but Meadow would have to talk to her brother about all of this, anyway. So, she continued, “I had a magic mentor, kind of like a teacher, for nearly eight years, but she was never trained to teach others. Despite her best efforts, my powers still leak out, especially when I’m anxious. And I’m always anxious when using magic, so it’s a struggle to control anything.”
“But you’re fine right now. And last night, too.”
She pointed to the bracelet. “This will keep it in check. Even if I didn’t have it, my powers won’t work on anyone related to me. Something about the DNA being too close to manipulate, which is a good thing because, ew, incest. But my magic might affect you if I’m not careful.” Meadow tugged the covers tighter around herself. “So if the bracelet ever comes off, you should probably stay far, far away from me.”
“I should be safe for the next little while.” Nora placed her hand over her lower belly. “I’m carrying River’s child, so that means it shouldn’t work on me, either, right?”
Meadow stared at her sister-in-law’s stomach. “What? You and River are having a baby?”
“Yes. He or she should be here in about four months’ time.”
Just when Meadow thought she’d heard all the bombshells, another one dropped into her lap. She was going to be an aunt. River, of all people, was going to be the first of them to have a child.
Of course she wanted her brother happy. And Yesenia, too. And yet…
Well, she was a little jealous. Meadow had never even had a real boyfriend, and now her siblings were happy and starting their new adventures, all within a few months of each other. Months that had been long and lonely years for her.
But you blooded two vampires. Maybe there’s a chance things will work out, right?
Who was she fooling? Of course it wouldn’t work out. What male, let alone two, would want a wife who could accidentally make a room lust after her in the blink of an eye?
Nora placed a hand on Meadow’s shoulder and waited until she met her gaze. Then the female vampire said, “I can’t read minds, but I see the sadness and defeat in your eyes, Meadow. However, you blooded Laurie and Joseph, and they’re not simply going to walk away because you have a few faults. We all have them, after all.”
“Maybe, but mine have basically turned me into a recluse with no friends.”
