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“Of course, my dear,” she says. “You may not be of my blood, but you’ve been a part of my family since you and Steph met.”
With one last pleading stare at Steph, who shoots her an apologetic look before hugging her, Bernadette leaves the room. Steph’s chaotic energy returns, and she starts to bounce again.
“You really don’t mind me tagging along to help?” she asks, her gaze darting between me and Jesse.
“Eden can use all the support she can get,” Jesse says, then, pressing a kiss to my temple, adds, “I’ll go speak to Erik and Leif so they can prepare for the trip. Then I’ll book the plane. See you in our room later?”
“Yes. And Jesse? Thank you.”
“Of course, my love. See you soon.”
He doesn’t even get out of the room before Steph is grabbing my hands and pumping them up and down. “Erik is coming? Fuck, yeah. No way I’m missing this trip.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”
“No, I’m just horny. And that big Viking is hotter than sin. I never realized I like the strong, silent type, but damn.”
She releases my hands to fan herself. I start to laugh again, then grow serious. Steph’s humor fades, as well, and she tilts her head to study me.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know,” I breathe. “It’s just…you and Erik. Me and Jesse. Me and you. Witches and vampires historically don’t mix. They’re enemies. And here we are, breaking all the rules, with my new existence being the biggest crime of all. I grew up thinking I was human, then found out I was a witch after becoming a vampire’s mate. Then I became a vampire, myself. I don’t regret it. Not in the least. But I guess I just don’t know where I belong.”
“You belong with Jesse. And with me. And if any witches––or vampires, for that matter––don’t like it, they can fuck right off.”
“You’re right,” I say, pulling her in for a hug. “Thank you for being such a good friend.”
“Always,” she says, then pulls out of my arms. “I have to go pack!”
I laugh as she scurries away, then follow slowly after her. Before I reach the door, Bernadette walks back into the kitchen. I pause, giving her a questioning look, and she steps close to speak in low tones.
“I know I’ve already mentioned this, but I need to make sure you’re fully aware of the dangers. The witches in New Orleans aren’t as progressive as some in the rest of the country, and they may still view vampires as the enemy. There are three covens remaining in the area. The Windmere Coven probably won’t help you, but they won’t hinder your investigation, either. They tend to stick to their own. The Sabledown coven may aid you if Steph approaches them, but if they find out she’s asking for a vampire, much less someone in your unique position, they may rescind their offer of help. And stay away from any Brimmwise witches. Avoid them at all costs. They dabble in the dark arts, and they’re dangerous. If they find out what you are…”
“It would be bad,” I finish for her with a frown when her words trail off.
She nods. “They would try to use you for their own agenda.”
“Thanks, Bernadette,” I say, taking her hand between both of mine. “I appreciate your help and support.”
“I told you, dear, you’re family. All I ask is that you please keep my niece safe from harm. She’s everything to me.”
“I will. I promise. Jesse and I won’t let anything happen to her.”
She pauses for a moment, then pulls me into her arms for a long hug. Then, with a quiet sniffle, she releases me and leaves the kitchen once more. I follow behind her, wandering the lower level aimlessly as she ascends the stairs. My mind is racing with doubts and what ifs, but nothing strong enough to convince me this trip isn’t necessary.
My gut is telling me I need to do this, and I’m lucky to have so many people by my side to help. I have to find out where I came from and why I was abandoned as a baby.
The sound of Jesse’s voice breaks me out of my deep thoughts, and I follow it to one of the downstairs parlors. Erik and Leif walk out as I approach, each of them giving me a deferential nod as they pass by. Jesse waits inside for me, and I walk forward and right into his open arms.
“We’ll be ready to leave by early afternoon. Does that work for you?”
I lift my chin to meet his dark gaze. “So quickly? Who will you leave in charge while you’re gone?”
I know Jesse said he doesn’t need to be here to rule, but it seems like there should be someone here to handle any urgent matters that come up. Otherwise, why do the vampires even need a king?
“I have a cell phone and a tablet. If there are any issues, I won’t be out of touch. A vampire king doesn’t rule with an iron fist like a traditional human king. Vampires are free to do what they want, for the most part. Now that we’ve gone public, I’m only required to intervene if someone is killed or if vamps go rogue and present our kind in a negative light. My father had more to deal with when we were trying to stay hidden, but now?” He shrugs.
“And you’re sure about this?” I ask, giving him one last out.
