Page 39 of Blood Witch

“You abandoned me,” I growled.

“I had no choice. Your father begged me to hide you. Madeleine was gone. Our father would not lift a finger to help. Mabe, you must understand both the vampire and the witch world fears that which they cannot control. You are the embodiment of that very thing.”

“Why? Why is everyone scared of me? You said I am not a blood witch!”

“That’s right. Blood witches use dark magic to perform rituals that are outlawed. You are a witch and a vampire. People fear you because no one knows what you can do, you magnificent girl,” she said with feeling.

Armstrong reached for me, but I pulled back and Fin held me tighter. He didn’t judge me for not wanting the woman who was my aunt to touch me. I just wasn’t there yet, and she nodded her acceptance, backing away and granting me space.

“I know we have a lot to catch up on, Mabel Grace. It will take time to earn your trust, but I am willing to put in the effort,” Armstrong murmured.

“What, um, what can you tell me about them? About me? When did you decide to bring me here? Why didn’t you tell me you were my mother’s sister?” I raged.

My heart was breaking. That was the only way I could describe it. For years, I did not know who I was or where I came from.

“Let me explain—” the older witch tried, but I was too enraged to listen.

My blood was boiling. I felt a burning, gnawing rush of hunger that begged me to take from everything in the room. My vision was hazy and red, but so much worse than before. Even my teeth were angry, and those ever present fangs seemed heavy in my mouth.

Take their blood.

Take their magic.

Monster.

You are a monster.

“Always an outcast, aren’t I? The loner. The freak! When I first came to Westwood, I thought I would finally fit in, but I didn’t. I don’t! This is your fault!” I screamed.

“Mabe, please, calm down,” Jade whimpered, and the fear in her voice was like a slap in the face.

“Easy, Mabel. You’re not alone. You got me. Always. And I got you,” Fin murmured, and I was so grateful for him.

Truly, I was. His voice in my ear was probably the only thing that stopped me from attacking. Nevertheless, I was really fucking pissed.

“When you ran from the orphanage, I admit I lost you for a few years. But when I tracked you down, I saw your powers budding. I thought maybe you were simply inheriting Madeleine’s stores of magic. But then the blood lust started, and I knew you were more your father than I had expected. So yes, I sent Stolbright,” she said. “I set you up with the work-study program so you could access blood, and I have been covering your tracks.”

“I hurt Jade. I hurt another earth witch. I siphoned magic from them! I fucking ate their powers. I am a monster! How do I stop this?”

“Shhh, it’s okay,” Fin whispered.

“No, Mabe,” the earth witch whispered.

“You’re fine, Mabe. We love you, girl,” Rio added.

I heard my roommates’ whimpers and sniffling. Their mates reassuring replies.

Fuck.

This was all embarrassing, but I was glad they were there.

“Have you done any of that since you claimed Fin? Hmm? Why did you pick him?” Armstrong suddenly asked.

“What?” I reared back as if she’d struck me.

Had I siphoned magic since Fin?

No. I didn’t think so. I was drawn to him, yes. I wanted him more than anything. Not only that, but Fin seemed to really see me. He did not judge my quirks or oddities, or the fact I needed blood to survive, rather he rose to the occasion, wanting to be the one to provide nourishment.

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