Chapter TWENTY-ONE

 

Eric

 

Caroline's shop in town looked like any other store that sold witchcraft items and healing potions should look. It also sold trinkets and dreamcatchers.

I relaxed in the chair that Caroline had told me to sit in. In front of me was the roundtable she used to tell the fortune and help the ones with afflictions. I’d gone there for advice and help. We used to be lovers, but all ended, without me needing to say a word the moment Beth came into my life. All our subjects were fully aware of that blessed event. My former witch lover wasn’t an exception.

Caroline brushed her long, dark hair behind her ear as she sighed deeply. “Eric, you need to find her professional help.”

“I was hoping you had something to help her,” I retorted.

“Your new mom is a witch. A lot stronger than me. Why not go to her?”

“She thinks that Beth only needs time to be cured,” I explained, folding my hands over his lap.

“And you don't?” the witch inquired with narrowed brown eyes.

“I wish it were that simple,” I confessed.

“Well, I don't have a magic spell to fix her. Unless you want a potion to make her forget. But then she might forget everything about herself and make it all worse when she tries to remember who she was.”

“Do you have something to ease her nightmares?”

Caroline sighed again. “How are you planning to pay me for my help? Because now that you’ve found your soulmate, you have nothing that I need from you. Unless.” She paused and smiled mischievously as her hips wriggled in her chair and she leaned forward. The bracelets on her arms chimed as her hand rested against her cheek. “Unless you want to blow off some steam since she isn't giving you any!”

I sneered at her.

She leaned back. “Geesh, you are so self-righteous that it hurts! Your dad taught you well.”

“I don't need anyone to teach me that betraying my soul-mate is wrong. I'm not some brainless kid who can't keep it in his pants. I came here to talk to a friend, not to be reminded of what we had before. You know it was over between us from the moment I met Beth.”

Caroline moved lazily in her chair, relaxing her back against the support and smiled. “Well, it didn't hurt to try. I'll stop being a bitch because you are right, we are friends. Good friends. So, I'm going to tell you what you need to do.” She paused dramatically. “Find her help. No matter how much you love her, she needs professional help. Rape and abuse are ... despicable. She needs therapy like the other girls you found there and are seeing Dr. Kent.”

“Couldn't you offer her spiritual help?”

“That would be the day!” Caroline let go an echoing laughter. “Your former mistress and your mate being friends.” She air-quoted the word friends. “First, she would be pissed if she found out. Second, I envy her too much to be nice to her.”

I leaned forward, sighing. “The Mating Festivals will be in two months.”

“Yes, like every year. I'm aware that I might find my betrothed this year. I just hope it isn't some possessive werewolf jerk.” Caroline covered her mouth with widened eyes. “Damn! I shouldn't say those things out loud, or I'll be signing my fate.”

I smirked.

Caroline's eyes lingered on mine. “I'm going to miss our one-night stands.”

“No, you will not,” I declared. “By tomorrow you will find a new lover.”

“Who said I don't have one already?”

I shrugged. “Not my problem, Caroline. We will remain friends.”

“Yes, sure. Probably only acquaintances from now on. Your pretty and damaged pureblooded vampire will make sure you just have time for her.”

I looked at my watch. “Speaking of which, I need to get back home.”

I got up and fixed my clothes.

Caroline moved from her seat and walked to a cabinet where she fetched a vial.

“This is valerian with a secret ingredient. It's extremely concentrated so three drops in any beverage will do. The best is to add them to her blood at night. It will help her sleep. But speak with her about this. Don't go using without her permission. The last thing you want is for her to lose her trust in you.”

“Thank you, Car,” I said, leaning down and kissing her cheek.

“You're welcome, gorgeous,” she whispered, brushing my cheek with her fingertips. “Go be happy. I'll be here if you need anything else.”

Smiling, I waved her goodbye before heading home.