24. Chapter 24

24

Chapter 24

Rowan

P ower. I'm buzzing with it. Tingling, humming, my skin on fire. It's mind-blowing.

Is that what you're going with, Ro? Your skin is tingling with power?

More likely afterglow.

My cheeks flame as I stand in my kitchen, trying to focus on the task of tidying up. The bite on my throat was still bright and visible when I woke up this morning. Two tidy puncture wounds still mar the creamy skin of my throat.

And that tingling is concentrated in a spot that is making it hard to focus as I work. Namely, between my legs.

Oh, my God. What am I getting into?

I'm startled from my thoughts by a familiar chatter. Poppy scampers onto the kitchen counter, her bushy tail twitching.

"Well, hello. Looks like someone's finally decided to grace us with her presence," she chirps, eyeing me suspiciously. "What's got you all hot and bothered, witchy woman?"

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady. "Nothing's got me hot and bothered, Poppy. I'm just…cleaning."

"Uh-huh. I've been watching you for five minutes, and all you've done is stare down the drain," Poppy retorts, her tiny paws crossing in a very human-like gesture of disbelief.

I move abruptly, embarrassed to realize that she's right. "I was checking the waste disposal," I lie.

Poppy snorts in disbelief. "Spill it, Ro. You're practically glowing."

I turn away, busying myself with wiping down the already spotless counter. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh please, I can smell the magic on you from a mile away. It's different… stronger. What have you been up to?"

I bite my lip, memories of last night flooding back. The sacred grove, Darick's intense gaze, the exhilarating rush of power as he… No. I can't think about that now.

"Just… I've been practicing, that's all," I mutter lamely.

Poppy snorts again, a sound that shouldn't be possible for a squirrel. "Practicing what? Being a terrible liar?"

I sigh, knowing I won't be able to shake her off easily. "Look, I've just found a way to boost my magic, okay? It's no big deal."

"No big deal? You, Rowan ‘I-can't-even-light-a-candle' Blackwood, suddenly boosting your magic? That's a pretty big deal if you ask me."

I can't help but smile at her sarcasm. "Maybe I'm finally getting the hang of things."

Poppy narrows her eyes, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. And does this ‘getting the hang of things' have anything to do with that bite mark on your neck?"

My hand flies to my throat, cheeks burning.

Shit!

I sigh, knowing I can't keep everything from Poppy. She's been with me through thick and thin, even if she's a pain in the ass sometimes.

"Look, Poppy, I am working on something. Something important. But I can't share the details yet, okay? It's…complicated."

Poppy's tail twitches, her beady eyes narrowing. "Complicated? That's code for ‘I'm doing something stupid,' isn't it?"

"No, it's not stupid," I insist, though a part of me suspects she may be right. "I just need you to trust me on this. Please, don't say anything to anyone. I promise I'll tell you more when the time is right."

Poppy lets out a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes. "Fine, fine. I'll keep your little secret. But if you end up turning yourself into a newt or something, don't say I didn't warn you."

I can't help but smile at her sarcasm. "Thanks, Poppy. I appreciate it."

"Yeah, yeah," she chatters, waving a paw dismissively. "Just…be careful, okay? Whatever this is, it's got you all worked up. And that bite on your neck? That's not nothing, Ro."

Her concern touches me, even if it's wrapped in her usual sass. "I will be. I promise."

Poppy nods, seemingly satisfied for now. "So, what's next in this mysterious plan of yours?"

"I'm going to see Kara," I say, grabbing my purse and scarf. "There's something important I need to talk to her about."

"Let me guess, more secrets?"

I pause at the door, looking back at her. "I'm going to tell her I want to try the Circle again. I'm feeling…more confident in my skills now."

Poppy's eyes widen slightly. "Well, well. Look who's finally growing a magical backbone. Just don't blow anything up this time, okay?"

I laugh. "I'll do my best. See you later, Poppy."

As I head out, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt for not telling Poppy everything. But I push it aside. This is for the best. For now, at least.

By the time I reach the coffee shop I told Kara to meet me at, I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing.

It's for Mia. Of course it's the right thing.

That's if it works. If not, I'll have gotten everyone's hopes up for nothing.

No more thinking like that, Rowan!

I push open the door to The Jumping Bean, the cozy coffee shop where I've agreed to meet Kara. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and cinnamon wafts through the air, making my mouth water. Soft, ambient lighting casts a warm glow over the mismatched vintage furniture and bookshelves lining the walls.

I spot Kara at our usual corner table, her strawberry-blonde hair framing her face as she stares down at the table. She's already nursing a steaming mug, likely her favorite chai tea latte.

Shit. Am I ready for this?

Only one way to find out. I pull in a breath and wind my way through the tables toward her. As I approach, she looks up and smiles, though I can see the worry lines etched around her eyes.

"Hey, sis," she greets me, gesturing to the chair across from her, where the aroma of hazelnut is wafting from an oversized cappuccino cup. "I ordered your usual."

I slide into the seat, grateful for the thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Kara."

"So, how are you doing?" she asks, watching as I fuss with my bag and rearrange my cutlery unnecessarily.

"Good. Fine. I'm fine," I fumble. "And you?" She looks tired. Guilt floods me.

"I'm great, sis." She leans back, tracing a fingertip around the rim of her cup. I reach for my own and take a sip. "Ro," she starts. "I'm sorry about—"

I stop her with a wave. "It's okay, Kara. Don't worry about it."

She chews on her lip and then gives a nod. We sit in silence for a moment, sipping our drinks. I can feel Kara's eyes on me, patient but expectant. Finally, I take a deep breath and meet her gaze.

"So what's up?" she says. I rarely ask her to meet without a reason.

"I've been thinking," I start, my fingers absently playing with the fringe of my scarf. "About the Spirit Circle… You're right. I think we should try it again."

Kara's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? What brought on this change of heart?"

I fidget in my seat, suddenly unsure how to explain without revealing too much. "I've just…given it some more thought. I think it's worth another shot."

As the words leave my mouth, doubt creeps in. Am I right about this? The power I felt last night with Darick was intoxicating, but was it real? A nagging voice in the back of my mind wonders if it was all just a vampire's glamor, a trick to get what he wanted. He seemed too easy to convince. And though I know that witch blood is special to vampires, he's been particularly persistent. It's not like I've made things easy for him. Surely there are easier ways to get a drink?

Maybe he likes a challenge.

"So, would you like to spend some time building up your strength before we try?" Concern flashes across Kara's face. I don't know if she's worried about overfacing me or if it's more about being afraid I'll drop the ball again.

I shake my head. "I think I'll be fine." Do I? "I'm sure that if I focus a little harder, try to picture her more clearly…" I trail off because I'm sure she realizes these are things I would have done already. "Anyway, I want to do it."

Kara's face lights up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, Rowan, that's wonderful! I'm so glad you've changed your mind."

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and for a moment, I feel a surge of confidence. Maybe this isn't such a crazy idea after all.

"We should call Gran right away," Kara says, already reaching for her phone. "She'll be thrilled to hear about this."

"Okay," I say, despite a fresh surge of apprehension. "I'm sure she'll want to know."

"Wait a bit." She puts her phone down and stands up, smoothing down her skirt. "You've got me so excited I need to ‘tinkle.' I'm just going to powder my nose," she says with a wink. "Be right back."

I watch as she disappears toward the restroom, nibbling on my lip. Doubt creeps back in, gnawing at the edges of my newfound confidence. What if I can't do it? What if he can't actually give me any powers, and the other times have just been flukes?

I glance around the coffee shop, making sure no one's watching. Then, focusing on the sugar packet in front of me, I whisper a small levitation spell. It's a basic charm, one I've failed at countless times before.

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.

What if I made a mistake?

I guess it's too late to be worrying about that now.

In a few hours, I'll find out.