Apparently, she had unusually strong magic, the kind that could influence just about anyone.
And she hadn’t taken it well.
Given what they’d learned about Meadow’s father, and her fear of her powers, and all the rest, she probably expected to be shipped to the secret fae witch prison that everyone knew existed but had no idea where it was located.
Usually, only rogue fae witches who used magic for selfish or malicious reasons were imprisoned there. Yes, sometimes there was a fae witch with strong powers sent there, too, but only if they posed a major risk to society as a whole. And only if everything had been done to try and train them properly beforehand.
Meadow no doubt thought she was in the latter category. However, Nora had assured Laurie and Joseph that the femalemerely needed lessons and to stop being afraid of her own abilities. Her magic teacher had thought the same.
River had tried telling Meadow his thoughts, too, but she’d locked herself in her room, refusing to see anyone.
After receiving the letter from Nora, Laurie had wanted nothing more than to rush over and break down the door so he could comfort her. Joseph, on the other hand, had suggested they come up with a plan to help Meadow first.
Joseph’s levelheadedness had prevailed, which was why they now stood in front of her door later in the day, ready to put their idea into action. After one more glance at Joseph, Laurie knocked.
Right away Meadow answered, “Go away. Please.”
He cleared his throat before replying, “It’s Laurie and Joseph, Meadow. And we need your help.”
A pause and then she replied, “What kind of help?”
“Could we maybe talk face-to-face? I’d rather not shout our problem through a door and have it echo down the hallway.”
He heard Meadow blow her nose and then say, “I look like crap right now. Can’t you just tell me your problem this way?”
Joseph finally spoke up, but a little quieter. “It’s killing me to hear you upset, love. Please let us in.”
The fact that Joseph was being tender in public was a big deal, and Laurie resisted a smile.
However, he didn’t think anyone could resist Joseph’s tender tone—Laurie sure couldn’t—and soon the door unlocked. Meadow opened it a few inches, and the sight of her red-rimmed eyes made him want to hold her, spoil her, and make her feel better in each and every way possible.
Her gaze darted between him and Joseph before she stepped back and widened the door.
He entered, with Joseph at his heels.
Once Meadow shut the door and turned toward them, Joseph reached out to cup her cheek, and Laurie took one of her hands in his.
She didn’t try to tug or step away, which made hope flicker inside Laurie’s chest. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to trust them a little.
Well, and maybe like them, too. However, in the present, they needed to focus on Meadow and the fear of her magic.
Laurie squeezed her hand and asked, “What’s wrong, pet? Yes, we truly do need your help. But something’s upset you, and I don’t like it.”
Joseph grunted. “Me, either. Who made you cry?”
Meadow glanced to the side, but still didn’t move away from their touches. She whispered, “Myself. I-I’m a Wielder, apparently. And it’s only a matter of time before they toss me into prison.”
Laurie might be a vampire, but every paranormal knew that to be classified as a wielder of anything meant a fae witch’s magic was unusually strong. “Khan won’t do that.”
She frowned and met his gaze. “Why would you say that?”
“Well, first, your sister is married to the vampire Dark Lord, and Khan doesn’t want to risk that alliance.”
“But—”
Laurie cut her off. “And second, you’ve had what? One short magic lesson? It often takes a year or two for a fae witch to learn the intricacies of their powers. Next you’ll say you’re older and it’s more difficult to learn, but Yesenia was also older when she started her magic lessons. And it took her over six months before she could do anything complex, and she still has a lot to learn. You just need time, Meadow, and to realize just how useful your powers can be.”
She scoffed. “Useful if you don’t want to take blue pills, maybe. But that’s hardly changing the world.”
