Chapter 3 #2
She herded him out of the room, to the adjoining office, shut the door, and quirked an eyebrow in question.
He let out a slow breath. “Yes, it’s a shock, but not as big of one as River was for you.”
“Maybe, maybe not. You’ve known Joseph a long time, and I know how much you care about him. But is there room for Meadow as well? Because if not, don’t try to woo her, Laurie. She’s had a difficult time and deserves better. Plus, I’d rather not have River murder you and toss you into the Thames.”
“As if he could.” She tilted her head, wanting an honest answer, and he replied, “I feel drawn to her, Nora. Yes, I’ve always been drawn to Joseph.
But as much as I care for him, it’s never quite felt complete with just him, like something was missing.
I’ve been the happiest when Joseph and I were also involved with a female as well.
Maybe it doesn’t make sense to some, but it does to me. ”
Laurie rarely talked about relationships with his sister, mainly because until River, she’d been traumatized to the point of being a recluse.
Now, however, she was better. It was still strange discussing these sorts of things with her, especially since many paranormals even had trouble understanding those in a relationship with more than one other person.
Although he drew the line at telling his sister that the closest he’d felt to being whole and content had been an intense sexual relationship between him, Joseph, and a female vampire.
But even then, something had been missing. And after seeing his siblings find their fated ones, he now knew that he’d never loved their year-long partner. He’d been fond of her, yes. But he hadn’t loved her.
Would he be able to love Meadow? And would his feelings for Joseph rekindle as well, despite how long they’d been only friends? Attraction was one thing, but love was something else entirely.
Nora patted his shoulder, bringing him out of his head as she said, “Yes, I think I understand what you’re saying.
When I was still a girl, before all the awful stuff Father made me do, my best friend had two fathers and a mother.
Drusilla, if you remember? The three of them loved each other equally, no less for one or the other, so I know it’s possible.
But only you can decide if that’s the life for you.
Fated ones are supposed to be a good bet, but not a guarantee.
It’ll take work, and sometimes you’re not the most patient of people. ”
“I’m well aware of my faults, Nora. But whilst I’m not 100 percent certain of anything, I know I want to try. Because if I don’t, I know I’ll regret it forever.”
His sister smiled. “Good. Then I’ll help you in any way that I can when Meadow stays with me and River.
Because you know that whenever the female stays with Leo and Yesenia, our brother will be overly protective.
And whilst River might try the same, I can distract him if you and Joseph want some time alone with her. ”
He hugged Nora. “Thank you.” He released her.
“But before any of that can happen, she’ll not only need to accept she’s in this time but also get some kind of magical object from the fae witches that will contain her powers when she wears it.
She’s afraid of her magic and gets anxious.
And if any male besides me or Joseph touches her with lust in his eyes, I’ll have to punch him.
Females I’ll have to settle for shoving away, as I won’t hit them. ”
Their father had beaten them and their mother, and Laurie had vowed to never do that to any female.
Nora shook her head. “You’re sounding growly already. But try not to kill anyone, Laurie. Not only will that scare her, Leo will have to punish you or he’ll be seen as weak. And right now, he can’t afford that.”
Mainly because some French vampires—who held a long-term grudge against all British vampires and shifters—were out to get Leo and possibly kill him.
“I won’t kill anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary, Nora. But the need to claim Meadow already pulses inside me, and it’ll probably only get worse.”
She patted his cheek. “You’re stronger than you think, Laurie. Draw on that and be patient. Maybe release some tension with Joseph first, and, er, that will help clear your mind.”
The fact that his sister could even suggest such a thing to him was a miracle in and of itself, given her past. “River’s corrupted you.”
She smiled. “A little. But speaking of which, we should probably head back inside and make sure River and Leo aren’t butting heads over what’s best for Meadow.”
And as they entered the room, Laurie’s eyes found Joseph’s. At the flare of heat there, he knew he might just have to take up his sister’s suggestion of releasing tension with Joseph. Maybe then they could both focus enough to figure out the best way to woo Meadow Vale.
Well, provided Joseph wanted the same future as him. If he didn’t, Laurie wasn’t quite sure what he’d do.
But he’d worry about that when the time came. For now, he needed to tackle one task at a time and try to be patient. It wasn’t his strong suit, but he was going to try his best not to bollocks up this chance with his fated ones.