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“And mates.”

The word slammed into me, removing the wind from my lungs. “Val, that can’t—”

“Why can’t it?”

I shrugged, my voice gone.

“Your grandmother tried so hard to figure out what caused her curse. It tore her apart when she became pregnant with Amara, knowing it meant her end. She entrusted your mother and her to me and the other mothers of the coven, as well as her sister. We would take her place, and we all knew it, helping to prepare her to move on.

“Shortly before she died, she sat with me one night, holding my hand, watching Amara kick her insides. ‘Val,’ she said. ‘What are the chances that this is its own form of a vampiric curse? If the one to break it will be sustained by blood, why not just bring me a vampire to feed me?’

“I smiled at her. ‘Would you really betray Marty that way?’

“She shook her head, and a tear rolled down her cheek. ‘But I don’t want to leave him either. Tell my girls not to fear the monsters. Evil is part of us all.’

“I simply nodded at her and squeezed her hand a little tighter as your mama ran into the room and climbed into bed with her.”

I bit my lip. “Where was my grandfather?”

“There had been word of a few vampires hunting humans to their deaths, and he had gone out for the night to make sure they didn’t see the light of day.”

“Did he succeed?”

Valentina nodded. “He did. He never missed. He begged to be allowed to find the unkillable vampire, convinced he would be successful.”

I smiled. “Did Grandma allow it?”

Valentina chuckled. “Of course not. She wanted him to be here for your mother and aunt. But the pain of losing her was too much, and he died not long after.”

I smirked. “Better than my father.”

“Yes, well, being lost to the drink is its own kind of death.” She pushed herself up off the tree, leaning into the cane again. “Just remember, even though the grimoire ended up here, so did Mac. There’s a reason for that. One your heart will tell you about if you ask.” With the grace of time, she smiled and turned her back on me, the conversation over.

“Thank you, Val,” I said after she had walked a few steps.

She halted and notched her head to the side. “You’re welcome, Rory.”

I looked at the ground again and heard another rustle from the path. I looked up to see Mac’s eyes on me.

“Hi,” he said, his voice tentative as though I would turn him away.

I smiled as he walked toward the swing. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better. Dani assisted me. And she gave me these—human blood.” He pulled two silver flasks from his pocket. A chill went through my spine as I saw that damn crest again. Why was it on everything associated with Mac? I bit my tongue, refusing to entertain an answer. Ignorance could be bliss in this instance.

“I’m glad she could help,” I said, pushing to keep my voice steady.

He took a step toward me. “You know, my brother had once set up a swing like this, but it was hidden away in the woods. He told me it was quite the sensation to have his cock buried in a woman while the forces of gravity pulled them back and forth.” He put his hands above mine on the ropes and bent down to kiss me. “I’m sorry about this morning,” he whispered, his forehead on mine.

“So am I—”

“Wonderful to find you both here.”

I jumped at the words as Mac backed away from me and turned, one hand remaining above mine on the rope. Aunt Amara walked toward us.

“Why is that?” asked Mac, stiffening.

“There will be an event tonight. Not quite a ritual, but we will cast a spell. I’ll need you both there.”