The Vampire’s Servant novel Chapter 131

After Sean left, Cam turned to Rosario.

“What the hell happened to Sean? He smells really upset, but he didn’t smell like that this morning. Just since lunch.” He asked.

“Jumped him?” I asked.

“She climbed on him and started trying to get him to have sex with her.” Rosario grumbled.

“Ew, that’s so gross.” Dillon said with a scrunched nose.

“You want me to kick her ass?” Harmony asked.

“Why would she do that?” I questioned.

“Melissa wants what she can’t have. She saw a healthy, happy relationship and wanted it for herself. She decided Sean had to be hers for her to have that relationship. It’s how she is. She doesn’t believe in working hard to get what she wants, just taking it.” Harmony said.

“I managed to stop her and she tried to make it look like Sean had come on to her. If it had been anyone else, he might have gotten in trouble.” Rosario stated with a really angry look on his face. “He was shaking so bad. I wanted him to go home, but he insisted on finishing school. Nothing like that has ever happened to him before. I don’t even know what to do about it.”

“I can talk to him.” I said softly. “Something like that used to happen to me practically once a week. If I can help, I would really like to.”

I pretended not to notice the pitying looks from the people around us. Sean needed help so he could be happy. It wasn’t fair that both of us had our happiness taken away just as we were growing accustomed to it.

“Could you? He likes you a lot and you were the only one he wasn’t wary of today.” Rosario requested.

“Sure. I finished everything on my plate. I can have more later.” I told him and got up from the table.

When I got to Sean’s door, I knocked. I hoped he would see me.

“Who is it?” A muffled voice called out.

“It’s Echo, can I come in?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He replied.

The room was dim. He had a lamp on the bedside table turned on. I approached the bed. Sean was turned away from the door.

“Can I sit with you?” I asked.

“I guess.” Sean mumbled.

I perched on the edge of the bed. I folded my hands in my lap. I didn’t want to touch him and upset him.

“Rosario told us what happened. I wanted to come check on you.” I told him.

“I figured he might. He really doesn’t like keeping secrets.” He sighed.

“This shouldn’t be a secret. We’re more than just the curse team, Sean. We’re friends.” I said.

“Are you here to tell me I’m safe and I don’t have to be like this?” He scoffed.

“Do you feel unsafe? There are only five women in the house and you know none of us would ever do that to you. You can be how ever you want to be. I’m not here to police your behavior.” I replied.

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m here so you know you can talk to me. Once a week, I used to feed vampires. They would touch me and tell me things they wanted to do to me. I felt so dirty and disgusting. I can imagine that’s how you feel.” I told him.

“How did you get over it? I don’t want to feel like this.” Sean sighed and turned to me.

“I fell in love with someone who could protect me. The first week I was here, I locked my bedroom door. I trusted Victor in a lot of things, but I was still afraid. I was afraid he would try to do something to me. But, I found myself falling in love with him little by little. I felt safe with him, and I knew he would protect me.” I explained.

“It’s different for me. I’m a guy. I’m not supposed to be like this.” He said softly.

“Says who? She treated you in a way you had never been treated before. It was a violation. You were shaken in every sense. No one can blame you for that. Rosario doesn’t. He wants you to be okay because he loves you, not because you should be. Don’t let this stop you from enjoying your life with us. Don’t let Melissa win.” I pled.

He reached out his hand to me. I accepted it and squeezed it tightly. Sean smiled a little.

“She does win if I let this affect me. I don’t know what to do, though.”

“Just let Rosario take care of you and know that you are safe here. Heal at your own pace and train to get stronger. I feel safer because I know I can take care of myself if I have to.” I told him.

“I’ll do that. Thanks, Echo. I’m glad I have you.”

“You can talk to me any time, Sean. I’m your friend. I’m your family.” I winked.

“My favorite cousin by far.” He chuckled.

“I’ll let you rest. We have training in the morning.” I said, standing and releasing his hand.

I left the room with a wave. Rosario was standing in the hall, looking worried. I smiled at him.

“How is he?” Rosario asked.

“I think he needs a little time and a lot of cuddles. He’ll be fine. I’m sure of it.” I promised.

“Thanks for talking to him, Echo.”

“No problem, Rosario. How are you doing? This can’t be easy for you.” I said, putting my hand on his shoulder.

“I just can’t believe she would do something like that to him. Sean is so good and so sweet. I wanted to kill her.” He growled a little.

“I think I would feel the same if I caught a woman doing that to Gray or Victor. Are you going to be okay?” I asked.

“Kind of have to be. Sean needs me.” Rosario said.

“You don’t have to be. You can be vulnerable with Sean. He’s your true mate. You can hold each other and comfort each other. You can let him know how much you wished he hadn’t gone through it and how you intend to be there for him to make sure it never happens again. Just love him, Rosario. And let him love you. You’ve been hurt so much in your life that you’re missing the best parts of it.” I insisted.

He chuckled. “You’re going to be an awesome mom someday. That sounded just like something my mom would’ve said.”

“I can only hope my children are happy and healthy when they do come along. For now, I think I’ll stick to taking care of my friends.” I replied with a blush.

“It’s official, though. You’re the mom friend. The one who takes care of everyone. Even the plants know the goodness of your heart.” Rosario smiled.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“They sing when you’re near them. My vines itch to come out and embrace you. The plant side of me wants to be near you. I think that’s why people are drawn to you. They can feel the way you care.”

I hadn’t seen her come in. Damn. That was part of my training. I was supposed to pay attention to everything. At least I knew I was safe here and they wouldn’t attack me. I’d do better next time.

“Maybe I do.” I snarled.

“I’d be more than happy to kick your furry ass.” Val growled.

“The two of you need to calm down before I throw you both in the cells.” Victor stated firmly.

Moving so I could keep them both in sight, I prepared to have to fight Victor and Val. I’d show them that they couldn’t tell me what to do with my own mate. I could feel Rex starting to take over.

“I’m sure Echo will enjoy waking up to find the three men she loves fighting. That won’t make her feel terrible at all. Should I go wake her now so she can see how it starts, or did you three just want to wait so she can see the bloody mess it will become?” Talia asked.

Guilt washed over me. Echo would be heartbroken if the three of us were fighting. She never wanted anyone to fight or be unhappy. I pulled Rex back, properly chastised. Val had the same guilty look on his face.

“I just miss her.” I murmured. “I miss the way she sighs. I miss the sound of her breathing while she sleeps next to me. I miss the feeling of sleeping with her in my arms and waking up to her smile. It’s not fucking, Val. It’s all the little things that have nothing to do with sex. All the ways she makes me feel whole.”

“As your future brother, I’m asking you, please stop trying to seduce my sister. You can have the little things. If Victor and Echo are okay with it, you can sleep next to her while he’s in his right mind. Just don’t try to… you know… do it with her.” Val replied.

“There may not be a choice in the matter. Which you would’ve known if you were listening to me, Valor.” Victor said.

“What do you mean? You said Echo wasn’t going to have sex with either of you.” Val questioned.

“I think Echo’s experiencing heat. Where fertile female wolves crave their mates.” Victor told us.

“Harmony hasn’t had that.” Val countered.

“Harmony’s body is still becoming a werewolf. She’s still experiencing a lot of things like a human would. Missy said it could take another month before she’s fully wolf.” I told him. “Why do you think Echo’s in heat?”

“I noticed a rise in her temperature and the way she was kissing me this afternoon was more persistent than it has been in a while. She smelled aroused in a way that she never has before. It was clinging to her skin.” Victor explained.

Talia started laughing. We turned to look at her and she started laughing harder. This was serious. If Echo was going into heat and the other Victor came back, it could be bad.

“That’s what you’ve been worrying about?!?” She nearly fell over with laughter.

Victor looked confused for a moment, but regained his composure, crossing his arms and waiting for her to be finished. I looked at Val, who shrugged. Finn came into the entryway, probably drawn by the sound of Talia’s laughter. When she finally calmed down, Talia wiped her eyes and started to speak.

“Echo can’t go into heat. She’s an immature dhampyr. They aren’t fertile until they’re nearly nineteen. Harmony is probably the same. We should find out if she’s ever menstruated. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t.” Talia chuckled. “I can’t believe you thought Echo was wolf enough for heat. She’s just dealing with two attractive mates who want to be with her and aren’t shy about showing their interest.”

Val looked disturbed by that. I was glad Echo wasn’t going through heat. I wasn’t prepared for having to avoid her. She wanted her first baby to be Victor’s and I supported that decision. Then something struck me.

“So…. You mean, we didn’t have to wear condoms when we were with her?” I asked.

“Dear lord, Gray! I’m in the fucking room here! Don’t talk about that shit when I’m right, fucking, here!” Val shouted, covering his ears.

I blushed. Victor started chuckling. Of course he would find this funny. He probably already figured it out and was getting a kick from me having to ask.

“Teens, go to bed. Victor, back to your office. You have work to do. Finn, I want you to go hunt more leads. You’re spending entirely too much time here.” Talia directed.

With a heavy heart, and more questions than answers, I went to my room and closed the door. I needed a long shower. I was still keyed up from nearly fighting Val and Victor. At least one thing was resolved. I wouldn’t be pressuring Echo anymore. I didn’t want her to suffer.