Page 3 of Blood Bound

“Rowan? Are you alright?” Mom’s voice filters through the door. “We saw smoke coming from your cottage.”

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath. Gran gives me a pointed look.

“Just a minute!” I call out, trying to keep my voice steady. I turn to Gran, panic rising in my chest. “What do we do?”

“We can’t hide this from them,” Gran says firmly. “They’re going to find out, eventually. Better it comes from us.”

I nod, taking a deep breath as I head to the front entrance. I open the door to find Mom and Dad standing there, concern etched on their faces.

“What’s going on, sweetheart?” Dad asks, his eyes scanning the room behind me.

After a moment of hesitation, I step back, letting them in. The scent of smoke leads them straight to my bedroom, and I trail in their wake, trying not to wring my hands. Their eyes widen as they take in the scene – the hastily made-up bed, the pile of ash, and Gran’s grim expression.

“Oh, Rowan,” Mom breathes, her hand flying to her mouth. “What happened?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out. How do I even begin to explain this?

Gran steps forward, placing a steadying hand on my shoulder. “We’ve had an…incident,” she says carefully. “It seems Rowan’s powers have manifested in an unexpected way.”

Dad’s eyes narrow. “What kind of incident?”

I take a shaky breath. “I…I killed someone. A vampire.”

The silence that follows is deafening.

2

Chapter 2

Rowan

In the shock after my announcement, Gran comes to my rescue.

“I know this must come as a shock.” Her hand is still on my shoulder. “And clearly, there’s a lot to discuss.”

My eyes wander to where my father has just turned his attention. There’s a pair of men’s black briefs tossed haphazardly near the bedroom door. Understanding dawns on his face. Mom looks as if she’s been struck dumb.

Shit.

“A lot to discuss? A lot??” Dad blusters. “I’d say there’s more than a lot! What the hell did you—?”

“Lake!” Gran’s voice is sharp. “Now is not the time for browbeating. Rowan is in shock.” She squeezes my shoulder. “I’d like you to give her a moment to compose herself. Then we will meet you back at the house, where we will explain everything.”

“But, Mother, I think—” Dad looks like his head is about to explode.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, son.” Gran’s jaw tightens, and my father exhales a long breath. I can see him resigning himself to the fact that there’s no point in arguing with her.

“Fine,” he huffs. “Five minutes.” He turns on his heel with Mom in tow, still speechless. This isn’t like my mother, but then again, this whole mess is out of our wheelhouse. Thankfully, Poppy has the good grace not to poke fun at me for a change. When she discreetly hops on the ledge and disappears out the window, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Are you alright, darling?” Gran asks once we’re alone.

I shake my head. How could I be alright? “I don’t think I can do this, Gran.”

“Well, I suggest you dig deep, Rowan, because this is only the start of it. But I’ll be with you. Every step of the way.” She reaches for my hand. “Let’s start by getting you dressed.”

I glance down at my robe and pull a face. Then I look at the door to my bedroom. The last thing I want is to go back there.

It has to be done.

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