Page 43 of Blood Bound

“Indeed,” Gran nods. “The blood match works both ways. Just as Darick gains strength from Rowan’s blood, Rowan’s magical abilities are enhanced by their connection.”

I jump to my feet, unable to sit still any longer. “This is insane. I can’t be. I don’t want to be Darick’s blood match or whatever! He’s…he’s the enemy!”

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Gran says gently. “But denying it won’t make it any less true.”

“A lot to take in?” I laugh, but it comes out more like a strangled cry. “It’s insane! I hate him. I tried to kill him, for crying out loud!”

Gran shrugs and splays her hands. “It is what it is, darling.”

“But why me?” I demand, feeling tears prick at my eyes. “Why Darick?”

Gran shrugs. “The Bloodbane is tied into our heritage, Rowan. His, too, I suspect. It’s probably what binds you.”

Kara looks up at me. “Ro, it kind of makes sense, doesn’t it?”

I scowl at her. “Whose side are you on?”

“I’m not on any side,” Kara says, holding up her hands. “I’m just trying to understand. Gran, how does this blood match thing even work?”

Gran sets down her cup, folding her hands in her lap. “It’s an ancient magic, as old as our family line. The bond forms naturally between certain vampires and witches. It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s powerful.”

“But I don’t want it,” I insist, crossing my arms. “There has to be a way to break it.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Gran says gently. “This isn’t just some spell we can undo. It’s threaded into who you are. It’s the same for him.”

Kara’s eyes narrow. “So, what, Rowan and Darick are like…soulmates or something?”

“Oh, my God, Kara! Don’t use that word,” I groan, covering my face with my hands.

Gran chuckles softly. “Not exactly, dear. But there is a profound bond that can’t be denied. Some might say it goes deeper than mere ‘soulmates’.”

I drop my hands, glaring at her. “Watch me deny it. I don’t care what this…this curse says. I’m not Darick’s anything.”

“Rowan,” Gran says, her voice firm now. “I understand you’re upset, but sometimes we must face our reality. This is yours.”

I sink back onto the couch, my legs suddenly weak. As much as I want to deny it, I can’t ignore the truth that’s been staring me in the face. The connection I’ve felt with Darick, the way my magic strengthens when he’s near, the dreams… Kara’s right; it all makes a twisted kind of sense now.

As Gran’s words sink in, I feel like I’m being torn in two. Part of me is screaming, recoiling at the idea of being permanently bound to Darick. He’s a vampire, for God’s sake. The enemy. The monster who might have something to do with Mia’s disappearance.

But there’s another part of me, a tiny voice I don’t want to acknowledge, that whispers: What if?

What if this connection is why I felt that spark when we kissed? What if it explains the inexplicable emotions I’ve been feeling? What if…

No. I shake my head, trying to dislodge the traitorous thoughts. I can’t let myself go down that road.

“This is impossible,” I say, but my voice lacks conviction. “I don’t want this.”

Yet even as I speak, I feel that pull again. That awareness of Darick that’s been haunting me for weeks. It’s stronger now, more defined. Like a fine thread connecting us across the city.

I press a hand to my chest, feeling my heart race. Is it fear making it pound so hard? Or something else?

“I- I can feel him,” I admit quietly. “Even now, it’s like there’s this…pull. It’s always there.” I press a hand to my chest, feeling my heart race. “I hate it. I don’t want this.”

Gran reaches out, placing a comforting hand on my knee. “I know, sweetheart. But acknowledging it is the first step to understanding and controlling it.”

Kara looks from me to Gran, her expression earnest. “So, what does this mean exactly? For Rowan’s magic and for Darick?”

Gran sighs, settling back in her chair. “The bond between a witch and her blood match vampire is complex. Rowan, you’ve already noticed your magic growing stronger. This is a direct result of your connection to Darick. As for him, he needs your blood to cure his craving. Perhaps even cure his allergy.”

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