Page 74 of Blood Match

By the time I reach the coffee shop I told Kara to meet me at, I’m wondering if I’m doing the right thing.

It’s for Mia. Of course it’s the right thing.

That’s if it works. If not, I’ll have gotten everyone’s hopes up for nothing.

No more thinking like that, Rowan!

I push open the door to The Jumping Bean, the cozy coffee shop where I’ve agreed to meet Kara. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and cinnamon wafts through the air, making my mouth water. Soft, ambient lighting casts a warm glow over the mismatched vintage furniture and bookshelves lining the walls.

I spot Kara at our usual corner table, her strawberry-blonde hair framing her face as she stares down at the table. She’s already nursing a steaming mug, likely her favorite chai tea latte.

Shit. Am I ready for this?

Only one way to find out. I pull in a breath and wind my way through the tables toward her. As I approach, she looks up and smiles, though I can see the worry lines etched around her eyes.

“Hey, sis,” she greets me, gesturing to the chair across from her, where the aroma of hazelnut is wafting from an oversized cappuccino cup. “I ordered your usual.”

I slide into the seat, grateful for the thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Kara.”

“So, how are you doing?” she asks, watching as I fuss with my bag and rearrange my cutlery unnecessarily.

“Good. Fine. I’m fine,” I fumble. “And you?” She looks tired. Guilt floods me.

“I’m great, sis.” She leans back, tracing a fingertip around the rim of her cup. I reach for my own and take a sip. “Ro,” she starts. “I’m sorry about—”

I stop her with a wave. “It’s okay, Kara. Don’t worry about it.”

She chews on her lip and then gives a nod. We sit in silence for a moment, sipping our drinks. I can feel Kara’s eyes on me, patient but expectant. Finally, I take a deep breath and meet her gaze.

“So what’s up?” she says. I rarely ask her to meet without a reason.

“I’ve been thinking,” I start, my fingers absently playing with the fringe of my scarf. “About the Spirit Circle… You’re right. I think we should try it again.”

Kara’s eyes widen in surprise. “Really? What brought on this change of heart?”

I fidget in my seat, suddenly unsure how to explain without revealing too much. “I’ve just…given it some more thought. I think it’s worth another shot.”

As the words leave my mouth, doubt creeps in. Am I right about this? The power I felt last night with Darick was intoxicating, but was it real? A nagging voice in the back of my mind wonders if it was all just a vampire’s glamor, a trick to get what he wanted. He seemed too easy to convince. And though I know that witch blood is special to vampires, he’s been particularly persistent. It’s not like I’ve made things easy for him. Surely there are easier ways to get a drink?

Maybe he likes a challenge.

“So, would you like to spend some time building up your strength before we try?” Concern flashes across Kara’s face. I don’t know if she’s worried about overfacing me or if it’s more about being afraid I’ll drop the ball again.

I shake my head. “I think I’ll be fine.” Do I? “I’m sure that if I focus a little harder, try to picture her more clearly…” I trail off because I’m sure she realizes these are things I would have done already. “Anyway, I want to do it.”

Kara’s face lights up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh, Rowan, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad you’ve changed your mind.”

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and for a moment, I feel a surge of confidence. Maybe this isn’t such a crazy idea after all.

“We should call Gran right away,” Kara says, already reaching for her phone. “She’ll be thrilled to hear about this.”

“Okay,” I say, despite a fresh surge of apprehension. “I’m sure she’ll want to know.”

“Wait a bit.” She puts her phone down and stands up, smoothing down her skirt. “You’ve got me so excited I need to ‘tinkle.’ I’m just going to powder my nose,” she says with a wink. “Be right back.”

I watch as she disappears toward the restroom, nibbling on my lip. Doubt creeps back in, gnawing at the edges of my newfound confidence. What if I can’t do it? What if he can’t actually give me any powers, and the other times have just been flukes?

I glance around the coffee shop, making sure no one’s watching. Then, focusing on the sugar packet in front of me, I whisper a small levitation spell. It’s a basic charm, one I’ve failed at countless times before.

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