The Vampire’s Servant novel Chapter 110

[Echo]

I stepped out of the shower feeling at least ninety percent better. Half an hour ago, I got a text from Sean saying that he was sorry for overreacting and our friendship was fine. It was a huge relief. I’d been upset all night.

Gray and Victor tried everything they could think of to soothe me. They cuddled me and kissed me and told me everything would be alright. It was almost enough to pull me out of it, but, when I remembered the look on Sean’s face, I would start crying again. It was emotionally draining.

We had been so eager we didn’t even think of what Sean would feel if he thought we were only using him for the curse. I knew I had to find a different way to get in to see his great uncle. I wasn’t going to risk my friendship with Sean. I knew we could find another way to save Victor.

Pushing would only make him less likely to help and would hurt our relationship. I needed all the friends I could get if I lost Victor. The thought of losing him terrified me, but I had to have hope that we would break the curse.

I dressed in a nice, light blue sundress with a pale pink sweater and put my hair up in a ponytail. I thought it was perfect for lunch with Maeve. We were on a bit of a schedule.

Opal would be at the house around three to start getting me ready for the ball. I was told that only single women wore their hair up at vampire events. I would need to wear my hair down so no one would take it as an invitation to try and bite me.

Heading downstairs, I found my sister and brother already waiting for me. Val and Harmony were dressed in nice, but not fancy, outfits. They looked great.

After getting hugs from my sister and brother, I kissed Gray goodbye and we went out to the car. Val had his phone giving him directions to Maeve’s house. We rode quietly, but we didn’t need to talk, being together made us happy and I could feel it in the car.

“Are you nervous at all?” I asked.

“Rosario is the only fae I know and I’ve only ever seen her in her glamour. This is so cool. I can’t wait to meet her mom!” Harmony said.

I realized they didn’t know Rosario was a boy. That made me a little nervous. I didn’t know if I should say something or if I should just be quiet. I opted to be quiet and see what Rosario wanted to reveal.

When I saw him with Sean, I couldn’t oppose them any longer. I know, Gray said their relationship was not healthy because Rosario was fae, but they seemed really in love. I couldn’t break that kind of relationship up. That wasn’t my place. I would just be there for Sean when it happened.

We pulled up in front of the house and Val turned off his car. They looked at the place and commented on the yard and how nice the forest seemed. We headed up to the front door. My sister and brother were careful not to step on any of the flowers that hung over the path.

Once we were at the door, we knocked and waited. I held Val and Harmony’s hands. I was ready for whatever happened.

–

The door opened and Rosario stood there without his glamour. He was taller than Val and looked so much like his mother without her glamour that I could absolutely tell they were related. I smiled at him.

“Hey, Echo, good to see you again.” He grinned.

“Did you work everything out with Sean? He’s not still mad at you, right?” I asked.

“Everything’s perfect again. He came out to his parents and introduced me properly. I’m having dinner with them tonight before game night.” Rosario grinned.

“Are you related to Rosario?” Harmony asked.

“This is Rosario.” I told her.

“Shit. I asked out a dude.” Val groaned.

“I was very flattered. You were the only guy who didn’t tell me you wanted to date me because of how beautiful I was. If not for the fact that I don’t date straight guys, I would have accepted.” Rosario winked.

“So, Sean’s gay?” Harmony gasped. “I was almost certain he had a crush on Echo.”

I laughed. “Gray thought that, too. Like I was telling everyone, Sean is just my friend.”

“Come in! I just realized we’re just standing around chit-chatting. You’re on a timeline. The vampire ball is tonight, isn’t it?” Rosario smiled.

“Yes. I’m a little nervous about it.” I sighed.

“Don’t be. Victor, Finn, Marius, and Talia will be there to protect you and no one would risk Victor’s anger by touching you.” He replied and led us into the house.

We followed him to the dining room. It was elegant and had a beautiful table that seated at least six. Maeve came in with a tray and was settling plates in each spot. All six places were set.

“You should go before your father gets here, Rio.” Maeve smiled at him.

“Right. I have to go to the game shop and buy dice. I’ll think of something else to keep me out of the house until he’s gone.” Rosario replied and kissed his mother on her cheek before putting on his glamour and leaving the house.

“Sorry about that. I try to keep them separated as much as possible.” She said.

“I understand. Rosario told me that his father disapproves of him.” I told her.

“Hollis is a very traditional man. Our other children were very much like him. Rosario is more like me. He likes being out in the world and experiencing other things. Hollis and our eldest daughter, Ivy, will be joining us for this meal. Ivy will take over as the leader of the forest fae one day, just as Rosario will take over as the leader of the human world fae.” Maeve explained. “Since you are already familiar with Rosario, I figured I would just fill him in later.”

“Of course.” I smiled. “I don’t want Rosario to be uncomfortable. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Just try to keep that smile on your face. Things may get a little tense. Hollis is just a bit overprotective of me and didn’t want me meeting with a dhampyr alone. He didn’t trust Rio to keep me safe.” She shrugged.

Right as she finished putting the last plate on the table, the back doors opened and two people entered. I thought Rosario looked like his mom, but I was wrong. He was almost identical to his father.

Hollis was tall with broad shoulders and was well muscled. His skin was a richer brown than Maeve’s and his hair a slightly lighter green. He looked stern and cold. It reminded me of Victor when I first met him.

Next to him was a pretty woman who looked like Maeve, but slimmer and with fewer curves. She looked almost fragile, but the expression on her face was just as cold as her father’s. She was tall and fierce looking.

“Echo, Valor, Harmony, this is my mate, Hollis Adair and my daughter Ivy Adair. This is Echo Nightshade and her siblings, Valor and Harmony Gale.” Maeve said.

“It is a pleasure to meet the vampiric triad. We were quite eager to see the three of you. Where is Rosario, Maeve? Won’t he be joining us?” Hollis questioned.

“He has errands to run and things to do. He is our liaison with the triad and the Master of the territory. Rio has enough contact, this was just so we could get to know them.” She explained.

“Mother, I don’t know why you insist on coddling him. He needs to learn to put aside his own desires for the sake of his people.” Ivy huffed.

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