Unveiled: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Three by Betty Legend (recommended ebook reader txt) 📗

is a conversation for me and my partners. Don’t put all of this pressure on Phoenix.”

My mom steps back and drops onto the chair, wiping at a tear.

“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I just want what’s best for you and your happiness.”

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Having more children is a conversation I’ll have with my partners when we’re ready. None of them would try to guilt me into having children if I’m not ready.”

My mom gives a half-smile. “Of course, but are you aware of the toll it will take on your body if the child is his?” She points to Phoenix. “The risk you’ll be taking?”

I start to reply, but Phoenix gives my shoulder a squeeze.

“What I’m about to share with you is privileged information. It’s information we Artino vampires don’t share with anyone but our companion. However, I feel it’s important for you to know. You as well, Rachel.”

“Of course.” Rachel gives a reassuring smile. “Whatever you share will stay with me.”

“Same,” my mother agrees, staring at him inquisitively.

“Our bloodline must remain pure because our blood is used to help our companion survive a healthy pregnancy and conceive a healthy vampire child.”

“How?” My mom asks, her brows scrunched in confusion.

“Selene drinks my blood.”

Rachel gags, her hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I pat her shoulder. “It doesn’t taste like normal blood. His blood is almost sweet, and it’s revitalizing. It’s helped with my nausea and muscle aches.”

“Give me a moment to process all of this.” My mother rubs her forehead.

Rachel gives me a crooked smile and mouths, “It’s okay.”

“Mom?”

“I… I feel much better knowing you won’t suffer a painful and draining pregnancy. That your life won’t be at risk.”

Phoenix rubs my shoulder and down my back. I smile up at him, and he kisses me.

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to Selene. I love her. She’s my better half. She makes me want to be a better vampire.”

“My daughter might be having a vampire child,” she smiles as she laughs to herself, then rubs her face with both hands. “I might be a grandmother to a vampire.”

“You might be, but we don’t know if he is mine yet.”

“Right,” my mother remembers. “He could be a wolf shifter, Fae, warlock, or an angel-demon hybrid.” Her eyes widen. “An angel-demon hybrid,” she repeats, staring off. “My grandbaby could be part demon.”

“Mom! Stop thinking of all the worst scenarios.”

Looking at me, her fingertips still at her chin. “It’s what a mother does. Just wait and see.”

“But on the other side of things,” Rachel begins. “She’s having a supernatural baby, and that baby is going to be magical!” She takes my hand. “They can go to the supernatural university together! Oh, I hope my son is magical.”

“He will be,” my mom assures her. “He’ll still have magic in him from you.”

“That’s what Cataleya told me. Druid witches give some of their magic to their children.”

“What? When did you speak to Cataleya?” My mom’s eyes widen again.

“I had a dream or vision. Saw dad, too.”

“You did?” My mom sits up. “What did he say?”

“He was the one who told me I was having a boy. He’s excited to be a grandfather.”

My mom chuckles, her expression softening. “Of course, he would be. He’d be thrilled you’re loved by the men in your life and having a supernatural child.”

“That’s pretty much what he said.” My head lowers, an ache building in my chest. “I hated seeing him leave. I wanted more time with him.”

“Ask him to visit you in your dreams,” she says matter-of-factly. “He’ll come.”

“How?”

“You use your magic to pull his spirit to your dream world.”

“You have blood and air magic.” Phoenix looks at her with interest.

“Yes,” my mom confirms. “You need both to be able to talk with the dead.”

“So, that’s how I was able to see Cataleya and Dad?”

“Yes.”

“You’re practicing magic?”

My mom’s head falls into her hands. “I miss him so much.”

Phoenix steps forward and places a hand on her shoulder. “I understand your loss.”

Wiping at her tears, she looks up at him, surprised. “I’m sorry you lost someone you cared for.”

“It was difficult to accept, but now I have Selene in my life, and I’m grateful for her.” Squatting down in front of my mom, he takes her hands in his. “I love your daughter. I’m going to take great care of her and be the man she needs me to be.”

A smile pulls her lips back. “My late husband said something similar to my father.”

“Then your husband was a good man.”

Releasing her hands, they stare at one another, seemingly coming to an understanding.

“I’m glad you came to visit with her, Phoenix. It’s been good getting to know the vampire my daughter loves.”

“It has been great,” Rachel agrees. She gives Phoenix a pat on his shoulder. “It’s clear how much you love Selene, so you have my respect and friendship.”

Phoenix curls me into his arm and gives Rachel an appreciative nod. “Thank you. That’s what I hoped for.”

“Is it all right if we stay the night? We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow.”

“Of course. It will be nice to spend time with you and Phoenix.” Standing, my mom pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry for being so worried. You know how much I love you.”

“I do.” The warmth of her hug seeps into my body and settles in my heart.

“Congratulations, my sweet girl. I’m truly happy that you’re happy.”

“I am, Mom. I’m excited to have a son. I can’t wait to meet him.”

She glances at Phoenix and smiles. “He’s going to have five great fathers.”

Phoenix puts his arm around me. “He will.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

SELENE

Rachel and I curl under a quilt blanket on the patio couch while Phoenix and my mother talk in the living room. Touching my neck, she examines the fresh bite marks.

“Does it hurt?”

Putting my hand to my neck, I release earth magic. Removing my hand, I show her the healed skin, and her eyes brighten with fascination.

“A little, but