Page 20 of Valentine's With A Vampire

She sighs, gesturing with both hands in an are-you-really-that-surprised way. “All right, maybe I had a role in that part. The festival’s final scavenger clue often leads to forced quality time for pairs who are too stubborn to see what’s in front of them.” She picks up a napkin, dabs the spilled tea. “But the emotions? The attraction? That’s all you.”

I grit my teeth. “I barely know her. Everything happened so fast.”

She sets the napkin aside. “Fast or slow, real connections form as they will. Magic only helps nudge what’s already possible.”

My pulse thunders. My mind replays the rush of Vandria’s lips, the surge of devotion that soared in my chest, and the sheer panic that followed when the lantern flared. I rub my temples. “I never asked for this. I can’t handle being told I’m part of some cosmic pairing. My life was supposed to be my choice, not fate’s.”

Grizelda’s gaze softens. “Even if you disclaim fate, can you disclaim what you feel?”

A hiss of air escapes me. “I don’t know.”

She turns her attention to a swirling orb on a nearby shelf. Soft candlelight highlights the worry lines around her eyes. “I recall your grandmother telling me a story. You always sought meaning beyond the battlefield. Then you tried to find meaning as a florist but still felt adrift. She’s certain Evershift Haven is your real chance.”

I recoil. “My grandmother told you that?”

“She wrote me months ago, asking if I had a subtle guiding spell for a lost grandson. She suspected your heart needed a place like this.” She shrugs. “I offered the spell. That’s all. The lantern was just a tool.”

My mind reels. “Gran arranged this?”

Grizelda nods. “She never wanted to force anything. She only lit your path, trusting you’d find your own reason to stay. She’s on her way here, by the way.”

The floor seems to drop from under my feet. “That can’t be real. She’s back home. Or was.” A wave of betrayal collides with confusion.

Grizelda stands, rummaging through a shelf of potions in neat rows. “Bethany missed Evershift Haven for decades. She left for her own reasons but always thought you might fit here. She helped your road trip along with one small enchantment to glitch your GPS, just enough to drive you into the barrier.” She drops a bag of dried herbs onto the table. “No malicious hex, Declan. Just a chance to find your place. The rest is up to you.”

My limbs feel disconnected. Silence stretches as I stare at the scattered potion bottles. My throat works, but no words come. The swirl of betrayal at my grandmother is overshadowed by the bigger truth. The lantern didn’t create my bond with Vandria. It only revealed it. My chest tightens all over again.

“Was any of it real?” My voice cracks on the last word.

She steps closer, resting a cool palm on my shoulder. “Ask yourself that question, not me.” She tilts her head at the door. “Because someone’s waiting out there to find out your answer.”

My pulse jolts. I pivot, glimpsing motion through the window. Vandria stands on the porch. She’s wearing the same jacket from earlier, arms folded around her middle. Even from here, she exudes a tension that matches mine.

“Hello? Grizelda?” She sounds uncertain. My entire body tenses as I swallow hard. I’m definitely not ready, but she’s here.

Grizelda meets my gaze then gestures for me to decide. My feet refuse to move. She steps into the foyer, pausing when she sees me. That flash of hurt returns to her face, replaced quickly by a guarded mask. “Declan.” She says my name quietly, gazeflicking between me and Grizelda. “I heard voices. Figured you’d be here.”

My mouth opens, but words evade me. She lifts her chin, clearly bracing for more rejection. That subtle shift in her posture twists my stomach in knots.

Grizelda breaks the tension by clearing her throat. “Vandria, dear, I suspect you two have things to discuss.” She raises an eyebrow at me. “You might want to wait until after your grandmother arrives.”

I snap to attention, startled. “She’s here already?”

A new voice drifts in through the open door. “I made good time.”

I spin around. My grandmother, Bethany, stands at the threshold, looking far spryer than I remember. Her silver hair is pulled into a neat bun, and her cheeks are flushed with excitement. She clutches a carpetbag that probably holds half her life’s belongings. My shock morphs into an odd wave of relief and betrayal, all tangled together. She sets down the bag, scanning the room.

“Hello, dear boy.” She clucks her tongue at me. “You look like you haven’t slept.”

I sputter. “Gran.” My throat constricts, and I’m uncertain whether to hug her or demand an explanation.

She takes away the choice by stepping forward and wrapping me in a firm hug. My arms fall around her shoulders automatically. Vandria stands behind us, silent.

Gran draws back, hands on my shoulders. “Let me see your face. Mercy me, you do look awful.” She turns a bright smile on Grizelda and Vandria.

Vandria’s expression is carefully neutral. Her gaze remain trained on me, though.

I step away from my grandmother. “Gran, please tell me this is some misunderstanding. You didn’t really plan all this behind my back.”

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