Page 75 of Blood Match
To my amazement, the packet rises smoothly into the air, hovering a few inches above the table. My heart leaps.
It worked. It actually worked!
I quickly end the spell as I hear Kara’s footsteps approaching. The sugar packet drops back to the table just as she slides into her seat.
“So,” she says, grinning, “when should we do this?”
“As soon as possible!” I say quickly because as much as I was afraid that the magic wasn’t there, I’m now just as afraid that it’s not going to last.
So what? You could just go to him for more.
More? Like he’s the source or something? I don’t know how this works, but for now, I’m going to go with what I have.
Kara reaches across the table and squeezes my hand, her expression warm. “I’m so glad you’re doing this, Rowan. Thank you.”
Again, I’m flooded with guilt, knowing that so much has rested on me being involved again. Maybe Kara is right. Maybe I have been wallowing in self-pity. And it’s affected the whole family – who stay patient and loving regardless of what I do. What did I ever do to deserve them?
“Because you’re deserving, little witch.” His voice comes from out of nowhere, making me jump.
“Are you okay?” Kara eyes me with concern.
I manage a smile. “Sure! Absolutely fine. Just…excited.” I nod too much.
Will you quit that? I think firmly, wondering if he’ll hear.
“Quit what? Thinking of you? Because I can’t help myself right now.”
I make a show of fussing with my coffee cup, certain that my cheeks are bright red. Thankfully, Kara’s looking down at her phone, scrolling for Gran’s number.
Look, if we’re going to do this thing, we need to set some ground rules, I tell him.
“I’m listening.” I can feel the amusement filtering into my thoughts.
“Firstly, no more popping into my head uninvited. I’ll call you when I need you. Are we clear?”
Kara gives me an odd look, then starts talking into the phone as Gran answers.
“Sure. You call me when you need me.” There’s a smirk in his tone.
Good. And second, no more digging around in my thoughts. You don’t need to know everything I’m thinking.
“I don’t,” he reassures me. “I only know what’s in your mind when we’re communicating directly. Everything else is a blur.”
You don’t?
“No. I wouldn’t invade your privacy that way, Rowan.”
Relief floods me. Maybe this means he didn’t know about our plans for the Vigil. But then, who planned the attack, how did they know? And what was his role in it? Was he really there to stop it? None of it makes sense.
“Ro?” Kara’s hand is on my arm, and I snap my focus back to her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Hmm-hmm!” I shake my head, willing Darick to go away; I feel a sudden rush of emptiness in my mind. “What did Gran say?” I notice that Kara’s ended the call.
“Well, if you’d been listening instead of staring into space, nodding and twitching, you’d know,” Kara says drily. I pull a face, and she goes on, “She’s as excited as I am. She’s calling Mom and Dad now. We’ll hold the Circle tonight.”
Tonight.
I swallow hard. It feels so soon. But I was the one who was eager to get this thing moving as quickly as possible. Still, I’m anxious. I’ve practically handed myself over to a powerful vampire in exchange for some magical powers. I’ve promised him my blood.