Page 94 of Blood Match

I nod, my feelings conflicted. “I promise, Gran. I’ll come to you. It’s…it’s good to know I can talk to you without being judged.”

“Well, I’m judging you now.” It’s the damn squirrel again. “I’m still waiting for tea.”

I roll my eyes and fill the teapot, then splash some into a saucer for her.

“What? No cream? Sugar?” She glares at me.

“Oh my God.” I push the sugar bowl in her direction, then turn to Gran as something occurs to me. “What about Mom, Dad, and Kara?” I ask, suddenly worried. “Should I tell them about…all of this?”

Gran shakes her head. “Not yet. They’ll need to know when the time is right, but for now, it’s best not to burden them. Losing Mia is still too raw.”

At the mention of Mia, I feel a pang in my chest. “How can I let myself get more involved in the vampire world if they’re the ones who took Mia?”

Gran looks at me thoughtfully. “Do you believe Darick was involved in that?”

I pause, considering. “No,” I admit finally. “I don’t think he was. At least, I’m not so sure anymore.”

“Then trust your gut,” Gran says firmly. “And remember, if there’s any chance of finding Mia still alive, having contacts in the vampire world could be useful. They might be our best chance of finding her.”

I lean against the counter, my mind whirling with everything Gran has said. There’s so much to think about – my growing powers, the complicated history between witches and vampires, and the role I might play. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

Gran must sense my turmoil because she reaches out and squeezes my hand gently. “I can see you’re tired, darling. It’s been quite a day, hasn’t it?”

I nod, suddenly aware of the bone-deep exhaustion seeping through me. “Yeah, it really has.”

She smiles softly. “Why don’t we take a raincheck on that tea? You look like you could use some rest.”

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I don’t mind making it if you want to stay.”

Gran shakes her head. “No, no. You need time to process everything we’ve talked about. And I think I could use some time to reflect as well.”

She gathers her things and makes her way to the door. I follow her, relieved yet reluctant to see her go. As she steps outside, she turns back to me.

“Remember, Rowan. You’re stronger than you know. Trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to come to me if you need anything.”

I nod, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Gran. I will.”

With a final smile and a wave, she heads to her car, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a very demanding squirrel.

“Sweet dreams, you little troublemaker,” I murmur.

“Dreams? Who’s dreaming? I’ve got things to do, places to be.” She slurps her tea.

“And nuts to crack, I imagine.” I yawn.

“That too.”

“Try not to wake the whole neighborhood,” I tease, tickling the top of her head before turning away. My feet feel like lead as they carry me to my room. I climb into my pajamas on autopilot and slide into bed.

The darkness of the night envelopes me as I slip under the covers. The events of the day replay in my mind like a broken record.

Do I really have a part to play in all of this?

I close my eyes, trying to push away the doubts and uncertainties that cloud my mind. The urge to see Darick again tugs at me, despite his infuriating presence earlier.

It’s just for the magic, I tell myself, knowing deep down that there’s more to it than that.

As I lay there, lost in my thoughts, a voice breaks through the silence. My eyes snap open at the unexpected sound.

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