Blood and Kisses(45)
“At first I refused to believe it. Everything I knew told me, vampires and witches could not be together. But as Thalia grew up, I could see there was a connection between you both, and I knew the seer was correct.
“You may wonder how Gideon survived when he took Thalia’s blood.”
“As Champion, I recently discovered an ancient manuscript written by a witch who details her efforts to create a spell to prevent vampires from preying on witches, apparently quite a problem in her day. As any good witch would do, she left herself an escape clause. Witch blood is only poisonous if taken without consent.
“The high council has asked me to keep this information confidential. They believe that if it became common knowledge, and a practitioner of the black arts were turned, he or she might find a way to walk in the day. Such a creature, with all the strengths of a vampire and none of his weaknesses, would be extremely dangerous. If anyone asks how Gideon survived, just tell him it was part of the prophecy.
“Gideon, though we’ve never met, I know you’re a good man. The sacrifice you made proves that. I know you’ll take good care of my darling daughter.” Thalia’s voice became thick with tears, and she swallowed before going on.
“Thalia, I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you about the prophecy or the manuscript. It was my dearest wish that you find love, as I did, and I feared hearing the prophecy too soon might endanger that. I love you. Blessed be.”
Thalia folded the letter and wiped away the tears on her cheek with her arm. She put the letter on the nightstand and cuddled into her former position.
Gideon painted Thalia’s creamy shoulder idly with a silken, black piece of her hair. He didn’t think he’d ever been so warm. He savored the feeling for a moment, breathing deep as he enjoyed the proximity of his own personal sun. His thoughts wandered to Mina’s words at the award ceremony. “So what gave you the confidence to win the ritual of power?”
Thalia lifted her head from his chest and met his eyes. “You. You believed in me.”
“Spirit believed in you, your mother believed in you.”
“They’re family. They had to believe in me. You, however, were under no obligation.”
She nestled her head into his side. “Besides. When you’re in love, you think you can do anything.” She kissed his chest. “Speaking of that.” Gideon strained to follow the swift jump in topic. “You know it’s funny. I thought vampires were sterile.”
“We are.” Gideon’s hand stilled.
“That’s odd. I could swear I’m pregnant. I think that’s what Mina was hinting at, when we were at the party the other night.”
“What!” Gideon sat up, alarmed. She must be sick. Which was odd because vampires didn’t get sick. But they definitely didn’t get pregnant.
He placed his hand over Thalia’s womb and concentrated on freeing his mind from his body, so he could examine her. For a moment, he floated over the shell of his body. Then he drifted above her and let his consciousness enter her. He found the impossible tucked securely in her fertile womb. A tiny ball of rapidly dividing cells.
“Well?” Thalia gave him an expectant look.
“I’m going to be a father!”
Thalia smiled into Gideon’s broad chest. His unique scent filled her nose. She thought he’d taken the news very well. She cuddled her body against his and savored the prophetic vision she’d had only hours before, the vision that had made Mina’s mysterious words clear.
“Gabriel!” Gideon called out from the top of the curving staircase to a sturdy toddler with a tiny crescent-shaped birthmark on his neck. A small red and white dog hovered near the chandelier. “Put Spirit down!”