The Vampire's Second Chance novel Chapter 5

“There was trial and error,” Rowan lifted his hand, waving it about. “He had to learn how to take in her life that she created before him. The children she had, the husband she left, she basically had an affair on the poor bastard, but she knew the bond she felt. It was meant to be.” Rowan smiled, waving at Adaline who blew a kiss his way. Certainly, she was born from a different era, the way she dresses, how she carries herself, and the delicate ways she had placed the tea cups on a sterling silver tray.

Single human women, laid out on the lawn, tanning their skin. Not caring if the sun reeked damage on their bodies. Humans, vampires, and children sat on blankets and ate lunches being held by their biological parent. Everyone was happy, at least the younger ones were.

“That is why I created this place.” Rowan interrupted. “That poor soul put himself to all that trouble, worried because his mate was to be fragile, not feel a bond, but she was far from it. She was strong.” he hummed.

“The entire vampire race owes you then,” I mused. Rowan didn’t say anything, he continued to watch along the horizon of trees. Breathing deeply the deep scents of the forest. This place was certainly secluded, but the paved drive to the west made me realize, that there was civilization was close by.

Giggles filled the air. “What of the young children while their parents get used to their change? Do they go through a blood lust as many vampire adolescents do?” I looked at one child that pointed to his mother’s red eyes. Rowan sighed, leaning back on the bench.

“It takes at least a year for the parents to control their thirst. The night, the moon of Earth makes it worse. The children stay in the dormitory building over there,” Rowan pointed to a large home similar in size to the Plantation House. “Toy rooms, kitchens, nannies of both human and vampires stay there twenty-four seven to take care of them. Blood lust can be difficult for a newly changed parent, and it is our job to keep their children safe. So, they are separated and given supervised time each day with their children.”

Rowan grabbed my shoulder as I stayed slumped over in my seat. “I know your story,” Rowan gave a grim smile. My eyes diverted from him, now staring into the white gravel below us. “I know what happened." I ground my teeth together, feeling the scape of my fangs against my jaw.

“I prefer not to talk about it,” I snapped. Because I failed her, I didn’t get there in time. I didn’t do what a mate was supposed to do, claim her, take her, make her mine. I could have prevented it all instead of doing it some traditional way her coven wanted. They wanted me to take her the next day, prolonging the pull to make the bond supposedly stronger.

“Hey,” Rowan’s hand squeezed my shoulder. I flinched.

“Fate will lead you to her. Even the gods speak of fate and following their ways. With your hunk of junk broken down in the middle of my driveway and no way starting again I’m pretty sure that’s a good sign.” I scoffed, rubbing my hands down my face.

It had been five hundred some years since I lost her. I wasn’t about to get my hopes up now. As much as the lost princess told me that a mate was in my future, I found it hard to believe.