Page 58 of Blood Match

Rowan

Isit on my patio, a mug of tea clasped in both hands, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky blazes with oranges and pinks, but I barely notice. My mind is too full of everything that’s happened.

That dream…it felt so real. And that bite on my throat – gone now, but I swear I felt it. Plus these new powers surging through me.

What’s happening to me?

Poppy scampers onto the railing, her tail twitching. “Well, you’re about as lively as a snail in a salt circle, Ro. What’s up?”

“It’s nothing,” I mutter, tipping back in my seat and setting my feet on the railing beside my sassy familiar.

“Yeah, and I’m Merlin’s long-lost cousin. Pull the other one; it’s got bells on.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t you have nuts to hide or something?”

Poppy huffs, her tiny paws waving. “Alright, keep your secrets. But when your head starts smoking like a cauldron gone wrong, don’t expect me to fetch the fire extinguisher.”

She scurries off, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I should be doing something useful, maybe updating a client accounting ledger or something, but there’s no way I can focus right now. The shadows lengthen, darkness creeping in. I shiver, pulling my sweater tighter.

Then I hear it. A voice, deep and familiar, sending a jolt through me.

“Tell me your name.”

I drop my mug, tea splashing over the cool tiles. My heart races. It’s him. The vampire from my dreams. Darick.

“What do you want?” I bark into the silence.

“Tell me your name.”

“I don’t see why that’s any of your business.” It feels strange speaking to someone who isn’t there, but I don’t know if he can simply hear my thoughts without me voicing them.

“I can.”

Fuck!

“Now, now, that’s not very ladylike.” There’s a dark chuckle that rolls over me like a touch.

“Who said I was a lady?” I snap.

“Oh, I’m pretty sure you are. So are you going to tell me?”

“Why?” I clench my jaw, resentful of this new intrusion. And yet, there’s a small part of me that’s humming with a strange exhilaration.

“Don’t you think I should know? After what happened between us.”

“Nothing happened between us!” I say it too loudly and quickly look around. Although if anyone were to overhear me, they’d probably think I’m just nuts…talking to myself.

Nothing happened between us, I repeat in my mind.

“Oh, something happened, little witch. You’re just afraid to admit it.” There’s amusement in his voice again.

“Don’t call me little witch,” I grumble.

“Why not? That’s what you are, aren’t you?”

I hesitate before answering, then look down at my hands. I’m sure it’s my imagination, but they seem to be glowing. “Yes. That’s what I am. I just don’t like the way you say the word.”

“I’ll stop saying it if you tell me your name.”

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