Page 54 of The Vampire's Seduction

“Can you send room service up here for cleaning?” Andrea asked.

“Yes. At what time?”

At Andrea’s questioning look, Olivia said, “As soon as possible?”

A heartbeat’s pause, then Tristan answered, “Room service will be up in fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you,” Olivia said automatically.

“You’re welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Nope.”

“Have a good day.”

“I guess it’s time for me to go,” Andrea said and stood. “Since you plan on being a good girl and resting, just like your mate ordered.”

Olivia gave Andrea a long, suspicious look. “Well, not when you say it like that. What’re you up to?”

“How would you like to learn to use magic? Even if we find the life transfer spell, it’s useless if you can’t cast it.”

“I…” Olivia floundered for words. “I hadn’t considered that. You can’t cast it?”

“Maybe? But what if it’s somehow tuned to your blood again? You might have to cast it.”

Dread coiled through her as the possibility of failure loomed. “I don’t know if I can.”

Andrea’s face softened with sympathy. “Of course you can. You’re descended from a long line of witches. Trust me, you’ll be a natural. We just have to get you started.”

“I don’t know…” Olivia muttered, uncertain. Part of her wished to explore this new discovery about herself. It was the one connection she had to her real parents, her real family. Yet, she’d dedicated her entire life to science, to uncovering the secrets behind VB. Learning magic made her feel like she was losing another part of her.

“We don’t have to do it today.” Andrea patted her on the shoulder. “Take the day off. You’ve earned it. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

Magic. Did she dare learn it? It had always been such an ephemeral concept. Her fingers played with her bracelet, remembering the fire and pain, when it felt like claws had been digging at her insides.

She shuddered at the memory. Yet, she couldn’t deny the gentle familiarity, the sense of belonging she’d experienced. She would be lying if she said she never wished to experience it again.

Even now, she sensed the energy pulsing from the bracelet like an old friend. It had always soothed and comforted her in the worst times. Perhaps magic had always been there for her? After all, the bracelet had been with her when she’d been found on the church’s doorstep.

It had protected her when she’d needed it the most, from the car accident and from Marek. It had unconsciously responded to her needs and wants.

Wouldn’t it be better if she learned magic, learned to harness the bracelet’s power?

“No, I want to learn it.” She had to, if not for herself, then for Betsy. There was no telling when they would find the life transfer spell in the grimoire, but she had to be ready when they did.

Andrea’s warm smile helped settle Olivia’s nerves. “We’ll start with something small today since this’ll be your first time consciously using magic, I assume?

Olivia nodded.

“Since the cleaning crew will be here any minute, let’s go to Betsy’s room.”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

Andrea thought about it for a second. “Nope.”

Once in Betsy’s living room, Olivia dismissed Kate so she and Andrea could be alone. Andrea set two cushions on the floor and sat down in one with her legs crossed. Olivia joined her, mimicking her posture.

“Give me your hands,” Andrea said with her palms facing upward on her knee.

---