Page 13 of Fighting for Her Heart

Axe frowns, but then kisses the back of my hand. “Let’s just say I don’t completely trust her yet either. Sorry babe.”

“That’s fair.” I look into his eyes. “I understand.” It will take some time for Mom to earn their trust.

The four of us cross the field, arriving in front of Nora in what must feel to her like the blink of an eye.

Startled, she backs up a step, and I reach for her hand.

“Mom. Are you absolutelycertainthat these light keeper witches can’t find the farm?”

She nods, a smile bathing her face. “My spell is holding strong. You’re safe here, Ember.” She looks past me to the men. “All of you are safe here.”

“Speaking of spells…can you teach me about magic?” I ask.

“Absolutely.”

“Ember raises an excellent point I had not yet fully considered.” Zuben steps forward. “If we are protected behind this spell, remaining here for a short time could prove highly advantageous. Before we venture out into the world, Ember should better understand, not only her magical powers, but also her newfound strength as a vampire and how to safely exist amongst humans.”

Nora smiles at Zuben. “I agree. And of course, she should also explore her powers as the Illuminant.”

“We already know howthatworks.” Ryker frowns, and my fingers rub the side of my throat.

Nora shakes her head. “We only know the very basics.”

“Itisbasic.” Ryker glares at Nora. “Drink her blood, walk in the light. Rinse and repeat. What the fuck more is there to know?”

Mom glances around the group as if searching for allies. “Ember is special. You all know that, right?”

Ryker folds his arms over his chest, and widens his stance. Axe grunts and squeezes my hand. Mom turns to Zuben, who’s leaning forward, his interest in the topic clear.

“Since we have this safe space,” she says, “I propose we explore thelimitsof Ember’s powers as the Illuminant.”

“What limits?” I shift.

“This is a most excellent idea,” Zuben says. “There is much to explore and I will devise the parameters of these experiments.” Excitement radiates around him. “For example, now that Ember is a vampire, do her powers of Illumination still exist? Assuming yes, how long do the effects of her blood last after a single feeding? Can more than one of us take light at the same time? There are myriad questions to explore.”

“Yes.” Nora beams. “All of those things. Plus, I wonder whether the effects of her blood might build up over time?”

“Build how?” Ryker folds his arms over his chest. “Either we can take sun or we can’t.”

“Just tossing out ideas.” Nora shrugs. “But…say, what if it’s possible that the moreoftenyou drink from her, thelongeryou can walk in the light.”

Chapter Five

Zuben

Evanora’s suggestion is fascinating,and I cannot believe I had not yet considered it myself. But before I can verbalize any questions, Axel interrupts.

“It’s decided then,” he declares. “We stay here, at least for the time being.”

I nod. While I was very determined to leave, I admit that I am excited about conducting these experiments in a controlled environment. And Ember does need more training and strength as a vampire, before facing the dangers of the outside world.

“Ryker.” Ember takes his hand. “Axe and I have some news to share…”

“Speaking of sharing…” Ryker adjusts the obvious erection under his leather trousers while looking into her eyes with obvious lust. “I’ve got something I’d like to share with you too.”

Ember blushes, and the tip of her tongue teases her lips, as I sense her arousal growing to match that of the pirate’s.

“Can you excuse us?” Ember looks shyly at her mother. “Axe and I need to talk to Ryker.”