Riley Hayes | A Vampire Novel | Book 2

Chapter 6 -

Rayna's POV

"Oh my... What have you done?" My mother's eyes widened as she circled around me, taking in every detail of my transformation. Her fingers gently brushed my new hair, and she cupped my face with tender concern. "Why?"

I felt a lump form in my throat, and my voice trembled as I admitted, "I wasn't happy. With my body, I mean. Damian's all grown up, and I was... Well, a child."

My mother's face softened, her eyes filling with sadness. She pulled me into a warm embrace. Even though I now stood a bit taller than her, the hug felt different—more protective. "Oh, silly girl. You were perfect as you were. Of course, you need to grow; that's just how nature works."

I pulled back slightly, searching her face for any signs of anger. "Are you mad at me?" I asked, feeling tears well up.

She shook her head vigorously. "Of course, I'm not mad! I'm just sad that I didn't notice you were unhappy with your body. Every teenager struggles with their body image, and I should have been more attuned to that."

She paused, her eyes reflecting a touch of regret. "I should have taken you shopping for your first bra. We missed that milestone together."

I couldn't help but laugh at her unexpected comment. "We can still do that, Mom. I don't have any bras right now," I teased.

She laughed with me and pulled me into another hug. "God, please, next time come to me first if you're upset. You can always talk to me about anything."

"I know," I said, letting the warmth of her reassurance sink in.

We chatted for a bit longer, making plans to go shopping for clothes later that day. We decided to hit the mall this afternoon to revamp my entire wardrobe. I mentioned wanting to try some wine, but she flicked my forehead and reminded me that, in her eyes, I was still fourteen and thus underage. I decided not to argue.

After our conversation, I headed out to find Damian. I wanted to let him know about the changes before showing up at dinner tonight looking so different.

Nervous energy coursed through me like shooting stars. Why did his opinion matter so much? I figured he'd be in his room around now, so I made my way there.

I knocked on his door and heard him call out, "Come on in, Ray!"

I took a deep breath and opened the door cautiously.

Damian's room had always fascinated me. It was a cozy space with a stylish grey couch, a TV, and multiple gaming consoles that promised endless entertainment. His bed was raised on a small platform, and there was a desk crammed with gaming gear. Today, he was engrossed in a game, rolling around in his office chair.

The hum of the game filled the room as I walked in. Damian glanced up and did a double-take, his eyes widening in surprise. "What the actual fuck?" He pulled off his headphones and stared at me, taking in my new look from head to toe.

"So, uh, I did a little spell," I said, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

"Little?" Damian chuckled as he stood up, his laughter echoing through the room. I couldn't help but laugh along with him. "You're nuts."

I shrugged, feeling slightly self-conscious. "I didn't want to fall behind."

His expression softened, and I saw a tenderness in his eyes. "Hey, you're good enough as you are," he said gently. I felt a pang of vulnerability, and I narrowed my eyes playfully. "Don't read my thoughts—that's private!"

Damian gave a mock grimace of pain, a habit he hadn't entirely outgrown despite Mom's attempts to curb his telepathy. His grin was a mix of innocence and familiarity. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. Just... you're good enough."

The silence that followed felt oddly comforting. I confessed, "I wanted to grow up a bit, but my magic ran out. I don't get how Mom manages to keep her appearance without getting drained."

Damian's curiosity was piqued. "Is it permanent?"

I shrugged, unsure. The spell didn't have any mystical anchors, so its permanence was a mystery to me.

Damian's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You did mess up a bit though..."

I looked at him, puzzled. What did he mean by that? I hadn't noticed anything wrong.

He placed his hand on top of his head and measured the height difference between us. "You're still short, Shorty."

A wave of warmth and embarrassment flushed over me, and I felt my cheeks turn red. Damian's playful teasing was both frustrating and endearing.

Thumb...

Thumb...

What was that feeling?

I ignored the fluttering and the beat of my heart. I stamped my foot in mock annoyance. "Seriously, I'm not that short!" I protested, not willing to let his teasing slide.

Damian laughed harder, and we continued bantering until he finally asked if I wanted to join him for a game. I told him I couldn't because I was going shopping with Mom. As I left his room, I felt a bit more at ease. Damian's reaction had been reassuring, and I was looking forward to our shopping spree.