Chapter 38 #3
She pulls out a cuff similar to the one I had on my arm after Aamon turned me. Part of me wants to pull back, distrusting of such technology since Tamiel's experiments. But even in this short time, I know I trust Laurel. That simple fact has me relaxing into her touch.
“How are you feeling today?”
“Okay,” I answer. It’s the truth. And I’m shocked it is.
It seems like I should be falling apart after everything that has happened.
But somehow I feel stronger than I ever have before, more stable.
“The Arcane is taking some getting used to. I feel a weird energy in my bones, almost like they're vibrating?” I shake my head, unsure. “But it doesn’t feel bad. If anything, I feel more like myself than I have in a long time.”
“That’s good." She smiles.
“Does this mean that I’m cured?” I ask, too hopeful to keep the excitement out of my voice.
Laurel pauses briefly, the smallest hint of pity passing over her features.
“It’s hard to say what this means, Evangeline.
As far as any of us know, you are the first of your kind.
The Arcane is at odds with your inherent nature as a Watcher.
Just because you’ve chosen to accept that magic over the other doesn’t mean it’s not going to continue causing issues for you in the future. ”
I let loose a breath, my shoulders slumping in disappointment.
I should have known better than to expect a miracle.
I’ve gone through periods before where my pain and discomfort has been minimal, falsely fooling myself into believing I had somehow been miraculously healed.
But every time the pain returned. And this would be no different.
“That’s alright,” I say at last, vowing to enjoy this reprieve while it lasts.
“But the more you feed yourself the longer your current state will likely last,” she reassures me quickly. “As a fresh vampire, your appetite will be nearly insatiable. Don’t fight it. Okay?”
I nod. It’s going to take some getting used to, this near constant hunger that has taken over me. I couldn’t imagine even trying to fight it.
Laurel’s gaze drifts over to the males still in the kitchen. I can’t make out their words from this distance, only one here and there. But it seems as though they are discussing plans for tonight. “I have something for you." She leans in, whispering to me as she keeps her eyes on them.
Her hand finds mine easily and she passes a small vial to me, wrapping my fingers securely around the glass. “What’s this?” I ask, risking a glance down. She seems to want to hide whatever it is, so I keep my voice low.
“I’m not sure what the arrangement is between you and the boys, but I figure it’s not going to get any less complicated tonight.
” She turns her head back to face me again.
Her hard eyes soften as she takes me in and a grin slips across her lips.
“I’m not one to judge, and you will never catch me telling you or anyone else how to live their lives.
” She pauses, cutting a sidelong glance to the kitchen.
“Well, maybe Quinn and Aamon. Those boys couldn’t find their asses with both hands. ”
Her grin cracks into a wide smile and we both laugh, pulling a curious look from the males.
She nods towards them, waving them away.
“My point is, you are a grown female and more than free to do whatever you want to do.
I just want to be sure you have the resources to do so safely.
" She tips her head down to the glass bottle in my lap. “If you so choose.”
I nod slowly, comprehending what she’s dancing around. “What’s the dosage?” I ask, making sure to keep my voice low.
“One dropperful on days you sleep with them. Specifically if they . . .” She trails off and I grin, noticing the small amount of color in her olive cheeks.
“I understand.” I'm grinning from ear to ear, sparing her the awkwardness.
She sighs with relief. “Good. When you run out, let me know and I’ll get you another vial.
” She pulls the cuff off my arm, wrapping the contraption up and stowing it away.
“You appear to be doing just fine now—seems a bit of Arcane magic was all you needed. Even if what led you here gave all of us the fright of our lives.” She eyes me for a moment.
“But if you ever need anything, you come find me. Okay? I know this world is still so new to you. And now you have the Arcane flowing through you to top it off. It would be a lot for anyone to process.”
“Thank you.” I reach out for her hand, squeezing softly. “For everything, Laurel. You’ve been such a good friend to me these past couple weeks, I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”
She squeezes my hand back, leaning in. “You repay me by going out there tonight and having the time of your life. Shake your ass, get laid. Drink till your heart’s content.” And I blush when I realize she’s not referring to alcohol. “Enjoy this Esbat.”
She pats the back of my hand and I see a wave of something pass through her dark eyes.
She turns her attention back towards Andras, keeping his large form in her vision as she leans in and lowers her voice.
“I fear more trying times are coming, Evangeline. So take this opportunity. Take tonight. And enjoy yourself.”