A Shade of Vampire 41: A Tide of War(67)

I grimaced. Hazel had done her best to build the bond between my brother and me, but it was difficult. We were both so unused to one another, strangers almost, in a way. Our father had spent so long preparing all his sons for our ultimate competition, that we no longer seemed to have any common ground, or a way to make that different. But perhaps time would change that—and a very persuasive wife.

“I know he is.” I sighed. “I hope he stays here for a while. It would give us a chance, at least.”

“You should tell him.”

“Perhaps I will,” I replied, silencing her with a kiss. Those soft lips melted into mine, her body becoming pliant and willing. I let out a throaty chuckle—I was pushing my luck. Caleb and I were slowly making inroads with one another, but mauling his daughter on the dance-floor at our wedding might have been pushing the vampire too far.

To distract my willing wife, I spun her around and found us dancing next to Julian and Jenney—their inexperienced steps and Julian’s slightly-too-large suit rendered them endearing. I was glad that Jenney had returned to The Shade with Ash, and would be returning to Nevertide with new skills, perhaps replacing Abelle’s version of healing with a more honest practice.

“Excuse me,” a soft voice came from behind me. I stopped dancing, and, to my surprise, turned to see the Oracle. She was looking at us both expectantly – in her strange way of looking at something, and past something at the same time.

“I haven’t given you your gift yet,” she continued before either of us could say a word. “It is a mixed gift, but a gift nevertheless.”

“Honestly, you don’t need—”

The Oracle cut Hazel off. “But you see, I do. It is imperative that I do.” She placed both her hands over Hazel’s flat stomach—it was a brief touch, lasting no more than a split second, but it enraged me.

“What are you doing?” I snapped at her.

“As I said. A wedding gift. Your tribe is strong and powerful. As your child will be.”

Before we could react, she turned away, her white hair glowing brilliantly under the lights for a few moments before she vanished into the crowd.

“Don’t worry,” Hazel said, though she looked quite unnerved herself as she touched her stomach. “I-I’m sure it’s nothing. I think she means well.”

“I am worried.”

“I think she’s just a bit odd. That was probably her way of congratulating us… maybe blessing our future children?” Hazel wet her lips and then shrugged, apparently dismissing the matter.

Hm. Perhaps I was overreacting. There were lots of things I didn’t understand about the supernatural world—especially when it came to witches and jinn. Even in the short time I’d been in The Shade, their abilities had frequently astounded me and I was starting to realize how little I knew about the dimensions and the creatures they were home to.

“All right,” I muttered, glancing around to see if the Oracle would reappear. I saw nothing, and turned my full attention back to my wife.

“Tejus.” She leaned up, whispering in my ear. “When do you think it’s okay for us to leave?”

I laughed. “You’re the bride, it’s anytime you wish.”

“Soon, please.”

“Now soon?” I asked.

“Now soon,” she confirmed with a grin.

“Let’s say our goodbyes.”

We hastily made our way around the guests, thanking them for coming, and accepting their heartfelt congratulations. I stood back as Hazel embraced one of her friends, and caught sight of the Oracle again…

This time, she was standing next to both Grace Conway and Victoria Blackhall, placing her hands intermittently on both their stomachs. I was about to march over and demand to know what she was doing, but before I could move she had fled once again. Grace and Victoria gave one another puzzled glances and then shrugged, like Hazel had done. Clearly they didn’t think it was a big deal either.

I was about to re-join my wife, when Rose appeared at my side.

“Tejus,” she said, her green eyes warm and welcoming. “I’m thrilled that you’re joining our family. You’ve made my daughter so happy, and her father and me.”

“Thank you,” I replied, clearing my throat awkwardly. Without warning, she rose upward on her tiptoes, and embraced me tightly. I felt a lump forming in my throat. There was something about her – perhaps the hair, her perfume or her slender frame, that reminded me of my own mother.

“I’m glad to be joining your family too,” I muttered, breaking away from the embrace. She smiled broadly up at me.