Page 50 of Blood Freed

Istep into thekitchen at my parent’s house, still feeling light-headed from my encounter with Soren. The familiar scent of Mom’s herb garden wafts through the window, grounding me in the present moment.

Rowan sits at the counter while Darick leans against the sink, staring down into a mug as if it holds the answers to all of life’s questions. I guess after a thousand years of blood-drinking, coffee will have that effect on a person.

Poppy, Rowan’s squirrel familiar, perches between them, her bushy tail twitching as she gestures with tiny paws.

“All I’m saying is vampires aren’t exactly known for their stellar decision-making skills,” Poppy chirps. “I mean, who chooses to drink blood when there are perfectly good nuts available?”

“Nice to see some things never change,” I say, heading for the coffee-maker.

Poppy’s head whips around, her bright eyes zeroing in on my neck. “Well, well, well. Good to see you up and about, Mimi.” Her ears flicker. “Speaking of vampires and their dietary preferences…” She scampers closer, whiskers twitching. “Those are some fancy new accessories you’re sporting there, sugar. Very…bitey.”

I touch my neck self-consciously. “It’s not what you think—”

“Oh honey, it’s exactly what I think.” Poppy’s tail flicks with amusement. “Unless you ran into a very enthusiastic mosquito with a perfect dental plan.”

“Poppy,” Rowan warns, but I catch her trying to hide a smile.

“What? I’m just admiring her new neck decor. Very fashionable. All the rage in vampire circles, I hear.” Poppy sits back on her haunches, preening. “Though usually, they try to be a bit more subtle about it. Your boy clearly hasn’t mastered the art of the discreet love bite.”

Heat rises to my cheeks. “Are you done?”

“Not even close, darling.” Poppy’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “I’ve got a whole repertoire of fang-tastic puns saved up for just such an occasion.”

“Poppy, behave. Mia’s still recovering,” Rowan tuts.

“Pfft!” Poppy looks remorseless. “She looks fine to me. Aside from her new neck jewelry.”

“Cut it out!” Rowan puts her hands on her hips. “Unless you want me to put you in the freezer again.”

Poppy chitters and bounds on top of the kitchen closet.

“You put her in the freezer?” I angle a look at Rowan as I pour myself a cup of coffee.

“Only for a minute.” My sister shrugs. “And she totally deserved it.”

“Did not!” the squirrel squeaks from her perch near the ceiling.

Rowan ignores her, moving across the kitchen to stand beside Darick, who’s blissing out over what looks like cappuccino. She brushes up against him as if soaking in his body heat before looking back at me.

“So, how was your first night back home?” she asks. “Pretty good, if your new ‘glow’ is anything to go by.”

My cheeks burn hotter. “It was um…great.”

“Sleep well?”

“Very.” I take a quick mouthful of coffee. I can feel her eyes on me. I know she wants some sort of explanation. “I saw Soren last night,” I say quickly.

“The Assembly released him?” Darick looks up at last.

“No. He came to me. You know…through the bond…” I leave the explanation unfinished.

“Through the bond…” Rowan’s eyes widen with understanding. “Like what happened with Darick and me? The dream-sharing?”

I nod, wrapping my hands around my coffee mug. “It was intense. Different than I expected.”

“Tell me about it,” Rowan says. “The first time it happened to me, I thought I was going crazy. One minute, I’m asleep, the next I’m making out with a vampire in a forest glade.”

“At least your vampire had an appreciation for nature,” Poppy chimes in from above. “Though honestly, you both need serious help with your dating choices. What’s wrong with a nice warlock? Or even a mundane accountant?”

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