The Vampire’s Servant novel Chapter 159

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Val and I were pacing. It had to have been hours since Dillon and Jean-Claude went home. I understood that it could take a while to put together a plan and a team. That didn’t mean I had the patience to wait.

Harmony and Cam were sitting on some blankets in the corner watching us. Rosario was leaning against a wall. Sean was sitting on the cot with Emmalyn, talking about witches and where science intersects magic. Preston was still trying to get his magic to work and Amelia was still talking to Finn.

Finn was asking her about what places she’d always wanted to see in the world. He was promising to take her traveling if she would stay until the curse was over. Amelia seemed pretty excited.

The door at the top of the stairs opened quietly and I heard quick, soft footsteps coming down. I could smell more wolves.

“Amelia, get up. I think the cavalry is here.” I whispered.

She jumped up and moved away from the door. No sooner had she gotten a few steps away, did the door swing in and my brother stood there with a smile on his face.

“It seems they were telling the truth. My little brother got himself locked up by his mate.” He chuckled.

I snorted, then rushed over and gave him a brief hug.

“You’re just jealous. Lily would never think to lock you up for your own safety.”

“I’m an Alpha, she knows the safest place for me is by her side and leading our pack. Seems to me that you need to teach your mate where you belong.” Trent smirked.

“As touching as this reunion is, we need to get Echo in her right mind. Would someone be so kind as to open our door as well?” Talia called out.

Trent went to their door and opened it as well. Victor came out and shook his hand. Val and Harmony were by my side. We had to go find Echo, but it didn’t take long.

From upstairs I heard scuffling and fighting. Echo must have come out from wherever she was and seen Trent’s warriors. Victor and I rushed up the stairs followed by Val and Harmony.

When we got into the entryway, Echo was trying to fight three guys I knew to be some of the pack’s top warriors. She was managing to hold her own until she saw us. She screamed ‘NO’ before rushing at us.

One of the warriors grabbed her around the waist and held her while she kicked and flailed. It seemed Echo couldn’t focus on her fighting in the state the curse had left her in. We hurried over.

“No. Run away. It’s not safe.” She pled.

I took her from the warrior and she stopped squirming. Victor stood in front of Echo and wrapped his arms around both of us, sandwiching her between us. I nodded to Val, who nodded to Harmony, and they took Echo’s hands.

“Shh, princess. Everything is going to be alright now. We have you now. You’re not alone anymore.” Victor murmured.

“That’s right, angel. We’re stronger and safer together. Let us stay by your side.” I whispered.

“Echo Nightshade.” Marius stated firmly. “You are not fit to be Master of this territory any longer. I strip you of your title.”

“No! Don’t give it back to Victor. It’s not safe!” Echo cried.

“Don’t worry, Echo. We’re taking it to a Master who deserves everything that goes with this title. Come on, Marius. We’ll return soon.” Talia said.

Looking over, I saw Marius take Talia’s hand and they disappeared. I focused on Echo. We needed to push back the effects of the curse.

“Think of Echo how she was. Think of her being herself again. Think of her before the curse got her.” Val instructed.

I did. I thought of her sweet smiles, the way she worked so hard when we’d cleaned together, the innocent expression on her face while she slept, and the way she always looked so serene in her garden. Most of all, I thought of her wrapped around me in that little red dress.

All of the times we were together, stolen kisses, the way she felt in my arms in every instance that I could have her there. The playful glint in her eyes when she did something naughty. The way she loved me, and Victor.

A wind rushed around us. It mingled the scents of me, Victor, and Echo until they became one. The way we all smelled together was amazing. It was rich and textured. It smelled like home, like my true home.

I looked into Victor’s eyes and he smiled. He was my friend, the only one I would share my most precious treasure with. Really, more than a friend. He was almost like another brother to me.

He squeezed us tighter, as if telling me I was just as important to him. I nuzzled Echo’s hair. She whimpered and squirmed. Victor kissed the top of her head.

The wind died down. Now was the moment of truth. We’d soon find out if it worked.

Victor released us and stepped back. I released my grip around Echo’s waist and she started to slip down. I swept her into my arms. Victor stepped in to examine her.

Echo was laying in my arms. Her eyes were open and moving quickly back and forth. Tears started forming.

“No one will ever forgive me for locking them up.” She whispered.

“Everyone understands. It wasn’t you. It was the curse, Echo. Trust me, we all had a lot of time to talk about it today.” I chuckled.

She covered her face with her hands and groaned. Victor smiled and pulled her hands from her face, wrapping her arms around his neck and hauling her into his arms where he hugged her tightly and kissed her passionately. Val scowled. If he was already mad, I might as well get mine too.

When they pulled away, I stepped in next to them and drew Echo into my arms the same way Victor had and kissed her as well. Echo moaned gently as I kissed her. The real Echo had missed me. Missed us.

“Sorry to interrupt your mauling of my daughter, but I need the spell for Lila.” Marius said behind me.

I hadn’t realized he’d returned. Setting Echo down, I turned to him and smiled a little. He quirked his eyebrow. I guess being locked in the same basement hadn’t been as much of a bonding experience as I’d thought.

“Papa. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me for locking you up like that.” Echo murmured.

“Never apologize for that. You were doing what you thought was right and you taught me an important lesson about letting my guard down. Could you get me the spell?” Marius asked.

“Oh! Yes. And the things I’ve collected for it.” Echo smiled and turned to the office.

She came back a few moments later with a little bin and handed it over. Marius looked through it. He held up a zipper bag with some fur in it.

“I convinced him to let me brush him. It was the best way to get his hair. We had some of the ingredients in the garden and woods out back. There’s some stuff I couldn’t find and I figured Lila might have them in her magic room or she could tell me where to go to collect them and I could get them.” She said.

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