Page 239 of Shifting Hearts 1
“It’s a curse,” Lena said, her voice sharp with grief.
“It’s not.”
“You’re sick, aren’t you?”
She shook her head.
Then Lena stilled. “Is it… for love?”
Morgan’s throat worked as she swallowed. Her voice broke. “Yes.”
Lena’s eyes softened. “He’s a supernatural, isn’t he?”
A tear slipped down Morgan’s cheek.
“Morgan,” Lena whispered, “the only immortals are wolves. And wolves are vampires worst enemies.”
“He’s not a wolf,” Morgan said, barely audible. “He’s something else.”
Lena closed her eyes, then opened them wide. “Hybrid?”
Morgan nodded, resting her head in Lena’s lap. For the first time, she was telling someone about me.
“How do you know about them?” she asked.
“Stories,” Lena murmured. “Rumors. Cassandra once had a coven of mixed races, long ago.”
“She did?”
“Yes. Adrienne, Morgan.” I wished she could hear me, so badly.
Lena’s voice cracked. “She had a Varcolac at her side once. He ruled with her. But eventually, he left. Some say he grew a conscience, that he couldn’t stand her darkness. That’s why she became a vampire, to bind herself to him forever. But once she turned, he wanted nothing to do with her. Don’t ever tell her youseek this life for a hybrid. Her jealousy, her obsession with them, it’s as twisted as she is.”
Morgan nodded faintly, not realizing how close Lena’s story came to the truth. If she had, she might have left then and there.
“I hope he is vicious,” Lena whispered, her hand trembling in Morgan’s hair, “and that he knows how deeply you love him, child.”
Morgan’s voice was soft, but steady. “He does.”
“Does he know you’re here?”
She shook her head.
“Is he looking for you?”
Another shake of her head.
“Does he love you, Natasha?”
Morgan’s eyes closed. “Yes. Very much.”
“Then maybe he’ll come.”
“He’s not coming.”
Lena frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Don’t try to make sense of it,” Morgan whispered. “Just know it’s strong. It’s true. And if I die here, then maybe one day he’ll know how much I loved him. And that it was she who killed me. He’ll have his vengeance.”
