Under A Spell

Their eyes go wide. I must have triggered a memory or something. They talk amongst themselves. Eric says, “Surely, not.”

But Vincent adds, “However, it would make sense.”

Sam responds, “Something like that would have to be forbidden and is well protected.”

Eric thinks, “Maybe it's linked to one of the prophecies.” Vincent agrees with Eric.

I scratch my head, “Okay, backup, since it looks like someone is trying to become the supreme ruler of the world, how can we keep humans like Katie safe?”

Vincent offers, “She can stay at my place. You both can. There's plenty of room, too.”

Sam suggests, “Or the pack house.”

He's still trying to get me to meet his family. It's sweet, but, “Wouldn't that put your family at risk?” Eric and Vincent both agree. Sam looks dejected, and my heart feels for him. But why? I don't know these guys. Why do I feel for them? I have to ask, “How do I explain my moving to Katie?” They all just look at me. I roll my eyes. “Fine, I will think of something.” I think to myself, 'Just fucking great, why can't I be normal?'

To my surprise, Vincent responds, “Because normal is boring.”

My eyes widen, “What the fuck? You can hear me think?”

He says, “Only just now.”

Eric smirks, “Now this is interesting.”

I glare at him, “Spill!”

 Eric chuckles, “I don't take orders from anyone.”

But I have a surprise for him, “Well, it's time you start, or I could just tell everyone what you thought when your wife died because I heard every word.” Which I did, and now I remember it, since I am no longer caught up in that moment. Eric looks down. “Thought so. We all have our secrets. Just some of us wear them differently. That one you didn't hold close enough to your vest, so to speak.”

Now Vincent is thinking, “So you can see vampires' thoughts and secrets. You can compel. What else can you do?”

I shrug. Sam asks, “Can you do the same with witches?”

I say, “I don't know. I just figured I was good at reading people and trusted my feelings. I thought I was human. I just thought I could do some odd stuff, but I was only human.”

Eric lightly touches my hand, “Everything is fine, Eva. We will figure it out.” His words just calm me. I know that we don't have the answers yet, but I know that he will help me. I can feel it!

We exchanged phone numbers and exited the office without our masks on. We went back to our table and sat down for a nice dinner. Katie tosses her mask and jokes about how full she is.

I say, “It was pretty good. But I'd have preferred a good steak that you could cut with your fork.”

She replies, “No, thank you. You can enjoy all the bloody meat you want. I'll stick to chicken and fish.”

Sam chuckles, so I point my fork at him, “Don't even crack a joke!”

Vincent laughs, “I'm just glad it's not directed at me.”

I shake my head, “It would be more appropriate if it had been.” We all laugh. If Katie only knew that we weren't fully joking. Which reminds me, “Oh, before I forget, Katie, we are going on a little vacation.”

She perks up, “Oh, to Mexico or something?”

I say, “Not yet, but we will travel. This is more local. I was told there's a library, pool, laundry

service, and movie theater.” I wasn't told, but I did read Vincent’s mind. Vincent looks at me, and I smirk. He shakes his head.

Katie says, “Oh? Cool. I'm down!”

I think her quick acceptance amazed Vincent, “What the hell, Eva!”

Sam whispers sarcastically into my ear, “Have fun.”

I think he knows that Katie’s zest for life will drive Vincent insane, and he's loving every minute of it. I tell Katie, “Okay, then we will swing by our apartment, pack real quick, and then go.”

She exclaims, “This is going to be fun, like staying at a hotel!” I love how ride-or-die Katie is. I always admired her spirit and zest for life. I just hope that I can keep her safe, and I'm not making a huge mistake.

Vincent’s POV

I must admit that I didn’t foresee Katie being so eager to this adventure. It also adds to the mystery of what Eva is. She can read us and we haven’t even mated. How? How is this possible? Yes, I felt drawn to her, but this…this…she can’t be my mate, can she? It’s not plausible because I see how Sam and Eric look at her. Sam already wants to take her to his pack. Wolves are possessive, but they are only that possessive over their mates. Fate can’t have designed her for all of us, could it have?