Page 106 of Shifting Hearts

Inside, the warmth wrapped around us instantly. A fire crackled in a large stone hearth, its glow bathing the room in amber hues. The scent of cedar-wood and old books filled the air.

The interior was cozy and elegant, soft rugs underfoot, thick curtains framing frosted windows, and a small kitchen tucked to one side.

Two bedrooms branched off a central living space, and the furnishings were simple but beautiful.

Woven blankets, hand-carved end tables, and a worn leather armchair facing the fire gave the space life and memory.

Paul dropped his bag with a sigh. “Okay. I can get used to this.”

Emily laughed as I looked around. Everything about this place was warm, inviting, safe.

And yet, I felt anything but.

“I’ll let you settle in. Welcome, guys. It’s nice meeting you.” Florence gave us a warm smile as she reached for the door. “The fridge is stocked, not that you need it. And tonight, some of us are going hunting. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join.”

“Thanks, love,” Em said, pulling her cousin in for another hug.

“I’ll call you if Ryan shows up.”

“You better. I haven’t seen him in ages.”

“None of us have.” Florence’s voice dropped, laced with something distant and heavy.

Em had told me how Jace kept sending Ryan off on errands, what kind of errands, she never said. And I never pressed. Just like I never told her about my own past. We both had secrets. Some too heavy to share.

Once Florence left, the silence lingered for a second too long. I couldn’t shake the resemblance. She looked so much like Annie. It was uncanny, painful even.

I claimed the first room. It was small, cozy, too elegant for a guesthouse cottage. Still, it was warm, with a plush bed, soft lighting, and curtains that was way too thick and matched everything in this room.

I let out a quiet chuckle. He was still a snob. All of them were. But they were my snobs once.

I missed this. The comfort. The warmth. The feeling of being protected, surrounded. Safe.

I missed them .

I shouldn’t have come.

The door burst open and Jesse barreled in like a hurricane, laughing before diving onto the bed and dragging me down with him.

“Jesse!” I squealed, startled, as his laugh echoed through the room. He was the closest I’d ever be to Jason again.

“I can’t believe you’re really here!”

“Yeah, well… I still don’t know what your uncle’s going to say.”

“C’mon. He’s going to love you.”

I doubt that.

Sudden shrieks echoed from outside. Curious, I hesitated, but didn’t move.

“I want you to meet my sister,” Jesse said, practically bouncing off the bed.

“I already have.”

“Not that one, my other sister,” he said with a grin, signing the words dramatically.

I froze. Other sister?

I followed him quickly, my strides long and purposeful. He never mentioned another sister.

I stopped in my tracks as my gaze landing on fiery red hair.

Abigail?

No, it couldn’t be.

She was a woman now. Fiery red hair, luminous skin, and sharp, familiar eyes. She was laughing, signing animatedly with Em. Jesse stood beside them, jittering with excitement like he couldn’t contain it.

She turned toward me, and stared. Her gaze locked with mine. For a breath, neither of us moved.

Who is that? she signed.

I signed back. Natasha. You’re gorgeous.

She smiled, hesitant, polite.

I wanted to hug her. Desperately. This girl had once been in my life, a bright flame who lit up every corner of our lives.

Now, she had no idea who I was.

Thanks for saying that. Nice having you both here. I have to run, see you later, she signed smoothly before turning and walking out.

Jesse chuckled while Em blinked after her. “What was that about? I was still talking.”

“You know Abby. Probably heard one of her pups cry.”

“Still. I haven’t seen her in over a year and she just rushes off.”

I retreated back to the room before I lost my composure. Abigail was alive. Thriving. She had grown up, and I hadn’t been there.

She was at least seven years older than Siskia and Hunter. I shouldn’t think about them.

But I did.

Jesse stayed in the lounge, chatting Paul's ear off like they hadn’t seen each other in decades. Then came more excited squeals from Em, and I silently prayed: Please, not her mom. And definitely not her dad.

Not that I truly believed Jason would come down here. But still.

“Oh, you’re back. Why’d you run off, Abs?”

Abby had returned.

Then I heard it.

“Hey, hello, young lady, and who’s this?”

I froze. That voice.

Annie.

The sound of it was like a knife wrapped in silk. Soft. Sharp. Familiar. Too familiar.

Tears welled up, threatening to spill. I bolted for the en-suite bathroom, turned on the cold water, and splashed my face. Not now. Do not cry.

I stared at myself in the mirror, holding onto the edge of the basin like it could keep me standing.

I couldn’t even fake being sick, vampires didn’t get sick.

From the other room, I heard Em laughing as she introduced Paul to Annie.

Annie’s laughter still sounded like wind chimes. Exactly the same.

“Natash?” Jesse’s voice came through the door.

“I’ll be there now,” I called, forcing calm in my voice.

He still knocked and I knew it was sound proof.

I rushed to the door, opened it. “Give me a sec?”

He nodded and I closed the door.

I stood up straighter and looked myself in the eye. You can do this. You have no choice. Pretend you don’t know her.

Then I stepped out of the bathroom, shoulders squared, mask in place.

Annie turned, her eyes finding mine. She smiled politely. “And who’s this?”

It almost shattered me, but I didn’t let it. I stepped forward and offered my hand.

“Natasha Seymore. Nice to meet you, Annie.”

“The feeling’s mutual,” she said, her smile soft, unreadable. “I need to see you back at the house.”

“Me?” Jesse asked.

“Oooh,” Em teased. “Your mom’s gonna read you Leviticus .”

I laughed along, though my heart was cracking beneath the sound.

Annie walked out with Jesse and Abby, and just before the door closed behind her, our eyes met one last time.

Then Abby rushed to the door. Em signed, You’re leaving?

Promise I’ll be back, she signed in return.

Then she was gone.

I stood there in the quiet, the memory of her gaze still burning in me. I never thought I’d see my sister-in-law look at me like I was something dragged in from the street, but she did.

Guess a vampire would never be enough.