Next Generation Dhampirs

Not-So-Sweet Dreams

I walked there, accompanied by two professional looking dhampir guardians and Declan. The dhampirs let us in and closed the door behind us, leaving us alone with Lissa, Christian, and Rose.

"Jessica," Lissa crooned, "Come here. We have something we'd like to discuss with you."

I approached the table she had been sitting at, but Declan stayed by the door, not wanting to intrude.

"Your mother told us about how you helped her," she started, lowering her voice from before, "Now, I doubt I need to tell you the kind of mess you'd be in if anyone ever found out." I shook my head, but stayed silent, "Good. Let's just keep this between us then. I have no doubt Declan already knows about it. The two of you seem very close. James probably knows too, and Sydney. Then there's us and your father. No one else needs to know about this. You must promise me you'll keep your... abilities to yourself."

I nodded, my eyes wide with worry, and Lissa smiled faintly. Standing up, she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Oh, I do so hope things with you and James work out. I think you two would be very happy together."

I blushed. "What do you mean?"

"Well, aren't you two together?"

"No. I mean, not officially." It's true. We saw each other every day, but that was for training. Of course, he had helped me get better with my training, when I wasn't distracted by his- No!

Lissa bit her lip. "Well, I probably shouldn't tell you this, but your auras change when you're around each other. You two seem... happier together."

I blushed even more. Yeah, I kinda liked him, but he would never settle for a dhampir like me, so I had pushed the thought out of my head. Surely Lissa was mistaken.

"I don't think he feels that way-"

"Nonsense!" she cut me off, "He talks about you all the time! Wait. I know what you're worried about. But don't worry, he doesn't think of dhampirs the way most royals do. He wouldn't let that deter him. Go for it!"

She was trying to use compulsion on me. I could sense it. But because of all my practice with Declan, I knew how to block it. Still, could it hurt?

I decided to check out his aura the next time we saw each other and then decide. Luckily, that wasn't too long after.

Lissa dismissed us with a friendly hug and smile, and as soon as I opened the door, James's hand dropped. I guessed he was about to knock.

"Jessica," he said with a grin, "What a pleasant surprise!"

I smiled back, unable to stop myself, then remembered I was supposed to check his aura. Sure enough, his aura was bright yellow with a hint of red. Beside me, I saw Declan chuckle slightly, but ignored him.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, finally breaking the silence.

"I came to get my parents. We're going out for a bite," he laughed a little at this, "And then we're all going bowling. It's a family thing we do every once in a while. You should join us!"

This took me by surprise. I blinked back the shock and said, "That's really sweet, but I wouldn't want to intrude on a family thing. Plus, I should probably go back to work. I have some... things to finish."

He shrugged, "Ok, but we should hang out sometime. How about a movie?"

"Sure," I said, biting my lip to keep from smiling too much, "When."

"Tomorrow? I'll let you know when I'll pick you up."

"Ok," I said in a really high voice. He winked and then went inside.