Page 93 of Blood Match

“I sent him away.”

“Good thinking.” She peers into an empty teacup. “Planning to put something in here, or are these just for display?”

“Interesting way to ask for tea, squirrel.” Gran laughs.

“She’s pushy,” I grumble. “If only she was as proactive about being my familiar.” As I reach for the kettle, a sudden warmth spreads through my fingertips. To my shock, the water inside begins to boil without me even touching it. Gran’s eyebrows raise.

“Well, that’s new,” she says mildly. “Your powers are growing, darling. We should discuss that…”

“We don’t need to,” I retort. “It’s probably because of the strengthening spell. That seemed pretty powerful, right?”

“It wouldn’t have worked so quickly. I think we should be looking at its connection to a certain vampire.”

I groan internally. “Gran, please. Do we have to go there?”

“At some point, yes.” She’s not letting up. “Would I be wrong in assuming that you’re softening toward him?”

“Very wrong!” My response is too vehement. Gran notices it, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Wrong in every way,” Poppy agrees. “Someone should put a stake in that creature’s heart.”

I blink at her in surprise. “That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”

Poppy sniffs. “Just looking out for you, witch. Can’t have you falling for the undead. Next thing you know, you’ll have a ring through your eyebrow and be acting all emo.”

I can’t help but chuckle, even as I feel a pang of guilt. Poppy’s right to be wary, but there’s a part of me that can’t deny the pull I feel toward Darick.

Gran sighs, her expression growing serious. “These growing tensions worry me, Rowan. I fear you may play a larger role in vampire-witch relations than any of us anticipated.”

I stare at Gran, my mind reeling. “What do you mean, I might play a larger role? I’m barely keeping up with everything as it is.”

Gran’s eyes soften. “Rowan, you’ve got me thinking. And seeing how Lord Drake reacted to you tonight…” She pauses. “Your situation…it reminds me of stories from long ago. Our family, the Blackwoods… We have a history with vampires that goes back generations. Both good and bad.”

“What?” I blink, trying to process this new information. “Why haven’t I heard about this before?”

“It’s not something we often discuss,” Gran says, her expression contemplative. “But our lineage has shaped vampire-witch relations more than you know. And now, with your magic growing stronger after being weak for so long… I can’t help wondering if maybe you’re a bridge between our worlds.”

I shake my head, overwhelmed. “This is too much, Gran. I thought you were worried about what’s happening with Darick. Now you’re talking about me being some kind of…what? Vampire-witch ambassador?”

“Oh, hell no!” Poppy retorts. “No, no, no. Nope.”

Gran shakes her head. “I am still concerned, dear. But as I’ve said before, I trust your judgment.”

I bite my lip, not sharing that I don’t exactly trust my own judgment right now.

“Besides,” Gran continues, “I’ve learned over the years that sometimes the Universe has its own plans. Fighting against it rarely ends well.”

“So what? I’m just supposed to go along with whatever happens?” I ask, frustration creeping into my voice.

“Not blindly, no,” Gran replies. “But perhaps with an open mind. Your unique perspective could be valuable, Rowan. You’ve experienced both sides – the struggle of weak magic and now this sudden growth. You understand what it’s like to feel different, to not quite fit in. That understanding could be crucial in closing the gap between our kinds.”

I slump against the counter, feeling the gravity of Gran’s words. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this, Gran. It’s all happening so fast.”

Poppy hops onto the counter, her tail twitching. “You know, this whole vampire romance thing? It never ends well. Trust me, I’ve seen it all before. Pretty soon, you’ll be wearing all black and writing terrible poetry about eternal love and bloodlust.”

I smile. “I’m not writing any poetry, Poppy.”

Gran chuckles, shaking her head. “Oh, hush, you dramatic little furball. Rowan’s got a good head on her shoulders.” She turns to me, her expression softening. “I just want you to know that I’m here for you, sweetheart. Always. No matter what happens. I just hope that from now on, you’ll trust me enough to come to me when things get complicated. I was hurt that you kept this from me. That you’ve been feeding me details in small bites. You should have spoken to me immediately.”

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