Chapter 5
Chapter Five
The next morning, as Meadow lay in her bed and stared at the ceiling, it really hit her what blooding two vampires meant.
She would have to sleep with them both. And judging from the looks she’d seen pass between Laurie and Joseph, they also wanted each other.
Between her powers and her love of romance novels, the idea didn’t really shock her.
After all, her favorite stories had almost always been the ones with multiple partners.
Not usually the five guys all fawning over one female, though.
She loved the intimacy of multiple people loving each other, making memories together, and having more than one person at their back. Always.
But those had been fictional stories, and none of the female characters had ever worried about their powers leaking out and making some male want her against their will.
Although wasn’t that what vampires experienced with fated ones, in a way? Wanting someone with no choice in the matter?
All because a fae witch had cursed the vampires long ago, after one of them had broken her heart.
Or, so the story went. Originally, she’d doomed them to an eternal frozen life, one without pleasure or the ability to procreate.
However, right before the fae witch had died, the vampire who’d broken her heart returned and won her love again.
And while the curse couldn’t be reversed—she’d been too sick and frail to gather enough magic to do so—the fae witch had softened it by having fated ones start their hearts again and give them a chance at love and a fuller life.
Meadow had always just assumed it was a made-up story, one to make the fae witches look amazing and powerful, and the vampires helpless against their magic. But maybe there was more truth to it than she’d thought.
Someone knocked, bringing her back to the present. And after sitting up in bed and tugging up the covers, she said, “Come in.”
River’s wife, Nora, entered, carrying a tray. She came over to the bed, settled it over Meadow’s lap, and said, “Good morning. Did you manage to sleep at all?”
Unlike her brother, Meadow wasn’t as outgoing or easy with new people. Although she was making an effort with Nora, since she seemed like a genuinely nice person. So after a second, she nodded. “A little.”
“Well, that’s a start. I know it’s going to be confusing, but your siblings and mine are here to help you.
” She hesitated and then added, “I thought maybe I could take you shopping today for some new things. My maid and I did our best to alter a skirt and shirt, but you’re shorter than me, and you should have some properly fitted clothing. ”
Ah, Nora was being polite about her size. “I’m sure we can sew two skirts together and maybe it’ll fit me then.”
Nora frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Never mind. Does River have enough money to help me out until I can figure out something for myself? Because I can work, if I have to. Yesenia temporarily lent me her training bracelet and promised to get me a permanent one soon.”
When a fae witch wore a magic training bracelet, it contained their powers. And even now, she lightly traced the engraved symbols on the outside, reminding her that she was safe temporarily.
Meadow hadn’t been able to afford one back in the US, and she struggled to accept it would keep her magic at bay. But it was worth a shot, for sure. Maybe going out would truly test it and convince her it worked.
Nora studied her for a few seconds before saying, “Forgive me for being impertinent, but shouldn’t you have finished your magic training by now? Or do I have that wrong?”
Meadow sighed. “No, you’re not wrong.” The vampire merely tilted her head, and something about her gaze told Meadow she could confide in this female.
Maybe Nora would tell River, but Meadow would have to talk to her brother about all of this, anyway.
So, she continued, “I had a magic mentor, kind of like a teacher, for nearly eight years, but she was never trained to teach others. Despite her best efforts, my powers still leak out, especially when I’m anxious.
And I’m always anxious when using magic, so it’s a struggle to control anything. ”
“But you’re fine right now. And last night, too.”
She pointed to the bracelet. “This will keep it in check. Even if I didn’t have it, my powers won’t work on anyone related to me.
Something about the DNA being too close to manipulate, which is a good thing because, ew, incest. But my magic might affect you if I’m not careful.
” Meadow tugged the covers tighter around herself.
“So if the bracelet ever comes off, you should probably stay far, far away from me.”
“I should be safe for the next little while.” Nora placed her hand over her lower belly. “I’m carrying River’s child, so that means it shouldn’t work on me, either, right?”
Meadow stared at her sister-in-law’s stomach. “What? You and River are having a baby?”
“Yes. He or she should be here in about four months’ time.”
Just when Meadow thought she’d heard all the bombshells, another one dropped into her lap. She was going to be an aunt. River, of all people, was going to be the first of them to have a child.
Of course she wanted her brother happy. And Yesenia, too. And yet…
Well, she was a little jealous. Meadow had never even had a real boyfriend, and now her siblings were happy and starting their new adventures, all within a few months of each other. Months that had been long and lonely years for her.
But you blooded two vampires. Maybe there’s a chance things will work out, right?
Who was she fooling? Of course it wouldn’t work out. What male, let alone two, would want a wife who could accidentally make a room lust after her in the blink of an eye?
Nora placed a hand on Meadow’s shoulder and waited until she met her gaze.
Then the female vampire said, “I can’t read minds, but I see the sadness and defeat in your eyes, Meadow.
However, you blooded Laurie and Joseph, and they’re not simply going to walk away because you have a few faults. We all have them, after all.”
“Maybe, but mine have basically turned me into a recluse with no friends.”
After searching her gaze, Nora stated, “I rarely left my brother Leo’s house for several decades. I was terrified to do so.”
She blinked. “What?”
“It’s true. I won’t tell you what my father made me do, but it was bad enough that nearly every vampire labeled me a dirty whore. So, I stayed inside where it was safe and predictable, and thought I always would. Until River.”
Meadow burned to ask more questions, but didn’t want to upset someone she’d only met the day before.
So she merely said, “I’m glad my brother could help.
River is a wonderful guy, no matter how tough he acts or looks on the outside.
He used to read bedtime stories to me when we were little, especially right after our mother died.
” She smiled. “He’ll make a good dad, I just know it. ”
“I think so, too. But you won’t distract me that easily, Meadow.
Back to me staying inside for so long, and well, I was probably even more of a recluse than you ever were.
And even though I’d given up hope for a different life, I still found love when I least expected it, all because of my fated lord.
I want to believe Laurie and Joseph will do the same for you. ”
Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “Were they together before?”
“I think so. Although back when their hearts were still beating, I wasn’t as close to Laurie as I am now, so I don’t know the details.
However, before you think you’ll be intruding, the only relationship that ever truly made my brother happy was with Joseph and another female.
” She paused, and then asked, “Would you be able to give both Laurie and Joseph a chance? Is that something you’d even want? ”
Nora was probably only asking because she didn’t want her brother going insane, if Meadow didn’t agree to the claiming.
However, she wasn’t going to get anyone’s hopes up. Because maybe Nora had conquered her problems and was now living her best life. However, Meadow’s worries involved magic. And unless she learned how to contain and control it, she would never truly overcome her fears.
But it wasn’t as if fae witches could just turn off their powers. Some magically infused objects could dampen it for a while, but never releasing magic had its own problems. Probably similar to a vampire never claiming their fated one or not drinking blood.
She sighed and rubbed her face with her hands. She’d made a tolerable life before, working to stir desire for married couples or at swinger parties, and then going home to her books and crochet and plants. But she had a feeling that her siblings wouldn’t leave her alone in this time period.
What was she going to do?
Nora’s voice brought her back to the present. “Does your magic work on animals, too?”
Lowering her hands, Meadow frowned at the non sequitur. “Um, no. Just humans and paranormals.”
She smiled. “Good. Because an outdoor cat I rescued recently just had kittens and maybe you should have a pair. That way, no matter what you decide, you can have something to cuddle and hold close. It’s something I wish I would’ve thought of during all those years of self-isolation.”
“Kittens? I’m surprised River doesn’t want to keep them all. He loved rescuing animals as a kid.”
Nora murmured, “My son did as well.” Before Meadow could ask what she meant, Nora stood and continued, “I’ll gather the clothes we’ve altered for you whilst you take a bath, and then we’ll go shopping. And don’t worry about the costs—it’s our gift to you.”
Meadow hated to be further indebted to her siblings and their spouses, but everything she owned was back in the 21st century. “Thank you.”
Nora waved a hand in dismissal. “We’re family now, and we take care of each other. Although we’ll have to take one of Leo’s guards with us, who has been posing as a footman, just in case. Unfortunately, my family has some enemies, and we have to be careful.”
“I’ve spent the last six years living in hiding, so I know how to be careful.”
Nora looked as if she wanted to reach out and hug Meadow, but hung back. For some reason, she wished her sister-in-law wouldn’t.
And yet, it was probably for the best, just in case Meadow’s powers got out of control after she had her baby.
“I’m sorry, Meadow. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for you, especially during the three years of silence from your siblings.”
Not wanting to cry—which she probably would do if she talked about it—she replied quickly, “Well, my motto has become to take things as they come. So, now I need to focus on learning about this time period. Although I’m surprised River isn’t here, demanding to take us with twenty guards or something. ”
“Oh, he probably would try, except for two reasons. One, he has a very special patient that he has to attend to today, and two, you’re under Dark Lord Khan’s protection until he meets with you this afternoon and decides your fate. Few want to betray him, given his powers and connections.”
“So I’ll meet with him today, then? Should I be worried?”
“Yes, he’s coming here to meet you. Whilst he’s a little intimidating, I’ve seen how he takes care of his people and treats them fairly.
I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but I can answer more of your questions whilst out shopping.
We really need to leave soon if we’re to go out at all, so let me get things ready and I’ll be back in half an hour. ”
After Meadow nodded, Nora left. She leaned her head back against the pillow, took a deep breath, and worked on her breathing exercises.
Because if she was going to be out among people, she needed to calm down as much as possible and be ready to flee if either she lost her bracelet or someone stole it.
Maybe she shouldn’t go.
And yet, she hadn’t been able to see much of anything in the dark last night. And as much as she trusted her siblings, it was almost as if she needed to walk around and prove to herself this was 1890.
Once she was as calm as she could be, Meadow went to the attached bathroom and ran a bath. Her brother had insisted on installing hot water, electric lights, and flushing toilets. Thank goodness, because Meadow didn’t want to squat over a pot.
As she soaked in the tub, she relaxed a little more and was nearly asleep when Nora and the maid returned. Before she knew it, she was dressed in a long skirt and a shirt with ruffles down the front and giant, puffy sleeves.
Which only made her look even bigger than she already was.
With a sigh, she pushed aside how ridiculous she must look and forced herself to follow Nora. It was time to go out into the world and take in her new reality.