Page 48 of Blood Bound

“Gran?” I say stupidly because I haven’t had enough sleep to be thinking clearly this morning. “What for? Is she alright?”

“Actually, it’s you she’s worried about,” he says firmly, glancing past me into the cottage. “We need to talk about your magic. I’m here to teach you how to use it.”

I hesitate, my hand on the door. “Right. Of course.” Of all the people in the world, why would it need to be Heath? But I smile and step aside, letting him pass. I’ll be no use to anyone if I can’t manage my power. It’s one thing frying a vampire, but the last thing I want is to harm anyone else.

I walk inside behind him, determined to get this thing under control.

My family needs me. Mia needs me. I can do this.

15

Chapter 15

Darick

I’m sitting on a wingback in my study, staring into the fire as I think back over the events of the past twenty-four hours. The taste of that witch’s blood still lingers on my tongue, a pale imitation of what I truly crave.

Rowan.

Her name rings in my mind, a constant, maddening echo. Even now, I can feel the ghost of her touch, the memory of her lips against mine. Damn her stubbornness. Damn her distrust. And damn this fucking bond that ties us together.

I rise from my seat and head to the fireplace, bracing my hands on the mantelpiece. The heat is searing, the flames raging, but I don’t feel them. I’m too preoccupied with that goddamned woman.

For fuck’s sake!

She’s out there somewhere, probably plotting her next reckless move. The thought of her in danger sends a chill through my undead heart. I think of how I’d panicked when Marcus had told me about the witches who’d gathered on vampire territory. I hadn’t expected to be so badly affected. I can’t stand the thought of feeling that way again. I should be by her side, watching over her. Instead, I’m here, useless, while she pushes me away at every turn.

A sudden sensation ripples through our bond, and I stiffen. It’s not the first time it’s happened since the twilight pulled me from sleep. And I wish it would stop. Rowan’s not alone. I close my eyes, focusing on the connection between us. There’s a warmth there, a flutter of…something. My jaw clenches as I realize what it means. That insufferable witch boy is with her.

What the fuck are they doing together?

Jealousy, hot and bitter, rises in my throat. I imagine his hands on her, his voice in her ear, and my vision blurs red. A growl escapes my lips, and I hear the crack of wood beneath my fingers. I’ve splintered the mantel without realizing it. I turn away, disgusted with myself.

What is going on with me?

I’m an ancient vampire, not some lovesick teenager. And yet, here I am, consumed by emotions I thought long dead. All because of one stubborn, infuriating, captivating witch.

A knock at the door pulls me from my brooding. “Enter,” I call out, not bothering to turn around.

Marcus steps in, his footfalls nearly silent on the thick carpet. “I thought I’d find you here,” he says, his voice tinged with concern. “How are you holding up?”

I turn to face him, forcing a wry smile. “Just peachy. Nothing like a night of drama and jealousy to lift one’s spirits.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow. “Did you manage to smooth things over with Rowan?”

“No,” I mutter, sinking back into my chair. “After she saw me with that witch, things took a turn.”

“Ah,” Marcus says, understanding dawning on his face. “And I’m guessing she didn’t take it well?”

I snort. “About as well as a stake to the heart.”

Marcus waves a hand. “She’ll come around.”

“I wish I shared your confidence.”

Marcus takes a seat across from me. “And then there’s the matter of your meeting with Arabella.”

I groan, rubbing my eyes. “Don’t remind me. Lucien showed up, all smiles and charm. I could practically see Arabella falling for his act.”

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