Longing for You, стр. 58

“We are not tuning in to listen, Amelia. We are tuning in to ourancestors to harness their collective power. That’s why this basic level ofunderstanding is key. Once your mind becomes more disciplined, you can use itto dangerous effect, I think you’ll agree.”

Amelia rubbed her forehead. “You’re right. I’m sorry for myoutburst. It’s been really difficult. I shouldn’t have come.”

Magda put the knife down on the table again and came back to giveAmelia a hug.

“I understand, and I promise you, I will teach you so you are wellequipped for what lies ahead. I promise you.”

“Thank you, Magda. I’ll be more patient.” Amelia clasped her handto her mouth and took deep breaths. “I’m sorry, I haven’t felt well today.”

Magda smiled. “No, you wouldn’t, but it’ll soon pass.”

“Why? Is it a magic thing?” Amelia asked.

Magda chuckled and stood up. “No, it’s a baby thing.”

Amelia’s stomach dropped, and she stood up quickly. So quicklythat she felt a wave of dizziness and grabbed onto Magda. “What—what aretalking about?”

“Can you not feel it? I did as soon as I touched you,” Magda said.

Amelia’s mouth went dry. The Debreks were the only vampire clanwho could reproduce and the others coveted that skill, as every new generationbecame stronger than the last.

“I knew that the Debreks could have children but…I mean, we neverdiscussed or planned when it would happen.”

Magda took her hand and rubbed the back of it. “Lucia was theDebrek life force until she died, and now it is you. Byron’s blood alreadyflows within you from your blood bond, and from what I understand Debrekconceptions happen when you are the closest to each other’s love and touch thebeyond. I would suggest you think back to your visit to the New Forest.”

When she and Byron had made love that night in the cabin, Ameliaopened up her very soul to the beyond, the other side. It had been unlikeanything she’d ever experienced, past or since. It must have been then if whatMagda said was true, but deep down she knew it was.

“After all, it was a deal that the Grand Duchess made with hercoven, with the ancestors, to allow her and her husband Cosimo to conceive allthose long years ago. That night you were in direct contact with theancestors.”

Amelia put her hand on her stomach protectively. “Magda, I’msupposed to be fighting a great evil. How can I—”

Magda must have seen the trepidation in her face. She gave her ahug and said, “Don’t worry, everyone on the side of good—werewolf, witch, fae,and vampire—will stand behind you.”

“But it won’t be safe.”

“When is the paranormal world ever safe?”

Amelia went over to her bag and got out her phone. She dialled anumber and said, “Doctor? It’s Amelia Debrek. Could you see me at shortnotice?”

* * *

Katie felt cold and had the sensation of ants crawling under herskin. The worst thing was the deep hunger, worse than any need she’d ever hadfor food or water, but she felt safe in Alexis’s arms. She’d carried her like ababy all the way back to the Debrek house.

When they walked into the hallway, there was a crowd of vampires,warriors, and human staff waiting to see how she was. Byron rushed to theirside and stroked her hair.

“Are you all right, Katie?”

Katie could only answer truthfully. “I don’t know. I’m so hungry.”

Byron looked at Alexis pointedly.

“She’s in transition, Principe. It wasn’t my doing, but it was myblood. I’ll take her upstairs and help her with what comes next.”

“Very well. Let me know if you or Katie need anything,” Byronsaid.

“I will.”

Alexis carried her up to her room and opened the door with onehand. Once they got into the bedroom, Alexis let her down onto her feet.

“How do you feel?” Alexis asked her.

“Empty, like I have no energy, like there is nothing holding meup, and it hurts in here.” Katie pointed to just under her breasts. “It’spainful, and I’m so hungry.”

Alexis cupped her face and leaned her forehead on Katie’s. “I’mgoing to make you feel better, I promise.” Alexis pulled back and Katie sawtears rolling down her face. “Thank God you didn’t listen to me. If you hadn’tdrunk my blood, you’d be dead now, and I would want to die.”

Katie wiped Alexis’s tears away with her thumb. “I’m here and Ilove you.”

Alexis composed herself. “I have to ask you if you’re certain youwant to complete the transition. You do have a choice, remember?”

Katie took a breath and said, “I’m never leaving you, Alex.”

Alexis smiled and led her over to the bed. Alexis sat down on theend and pulled off her T-shirt, leaving herself naked from the waist up. Shethen patted her lap.

“Sit here.”

Katie walked closer and touched the wound on her neck.

“Don’t worry—it’ll get better once you feed.”

Alexis held out her hand. Katie took it but didn’t move. “I’mscared, Alex.”

Alexis looked at her with eyes full of love and devotion. “I’mhere, and I’ll always keep you safe. Do you trust me?”

Katie had no hesitation in saying, “Yes.”

She walked forward and sat on Alexis’s lap. Alexis put her arm aroundher and pulled her into a deep kiss. When they broke apart, Alexis said, “Ilove you.”

“I love you too, but I’m frightened of hurting you,” Katie said.

“You can’t hurt me—I promise you.”

“You were my first,” Katie said. “I’d never fed a vampire before.And now you’re going to be the first one I feed on.”

“And the only one, I hope. You’re my first as well.”

“What do you mean?”

Alexis tenderly stroked the hair from Katie’s face. “I’ve neverlet another vampire feed from me.”

“Really?” Katie was shocked. “In all the years you’ve been alive,you’ve never—”

Alexis shook her head. “No, it all seemed too personal. It was apart of me I didn’t want to give anyone, until you.”

Katie felt tears come to her eyes. Alexis furrowed her eyebrowsand smiled.

“Don’t cry, darling.”

“But that’s so sweet,” Katie said.

“It’s just the way I felt.”

Katie kissed Alexis. “Then thank you for sharing it with me.”

Alexis lifted and kissed each of Katie’s hands, then guidedKatie’s head to her neck.

“I can’t do it, I can’t,” Katie cried.

“You’ll be fine.