Page 72 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

Caroline sighed. It was far too much to hope the roof would have held strong just a few more weeks until Edgar returned. It had been a damp spring, but the snow melted early so she had hoped the damage wasn’t as bad as she feared.

Valeria’s eyebrows shot up. “The roof is under threat of collapse.”

Caroline’s face burned. It was bad enough she knew about the hearth and had fixed it. She didn’t want Valeria to think she was completely inept.

She also didn’t want Valeria to compel someone else to fix it.

“I promise it sounds worse than it is.”

Lucy opened her mouth, but Caroline shot her a harsh look to keep her silent. Unfortunately, Valeria caught the action.

“Don’t argue as the house falls around us.”

Caroline sighed. “It’s only east wing guest rooms so far. Obviously it’s a problem, but it should be easy to contain. We just weren’t able to clear out all of the affected rooms before now.”

“So, that’s why I’m in the family wing.”

Caroline nodded. “I didn’t want to take any chances because of your sun sickness.”

Valeria nodded, but kept silent. She braced herself for the wave of pity that was surely about to come. She hated pity more than anything. Their tale wasn’t unique, especially not in this corner of the country. They weren’t the only family bleeding money.

“Cara, stay here. I will handle the leak.”

Caroline froze. “Why?”

“You haven’t been resting much, and it’s nearly the middle of the night. All you do is take care of other people. Let me do this for you.”

“Are you a roofer?”

“No, but neither are you. I’m stronger and can easily get on the roof to complete any simple repairs. Sleep here, and I’ll come to you when I’m finished.”

Valeria stood and put on her scuffed leather boots before grabbing the cloak she had just put away.

“Are you sure?” She asked, her voice small. She was so, so tired, but it had been so long since she had any help.

“I’m positive, cara,” she said, leaning down to kiss the top of Caroline’s head before she leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I would rather know you are safe and warm waiting for me in my bed.”

Lucy was watching, but she couldn’t help it as she blushed and moved back on the bed. Valeria left, and Lucy trailed behind her, and for once, she wasn’t concerned with Lucy’s gossip as she fell asleep.

* * *

She’s tired. So, so tired, but she can’t remember why. She can’t remember much of anything beyond pain and pleasure. Just that she’s been there for too long.

“There you are.”

She looks up to see the man from the other dream staring down at her. He looks even more frightening close up, and she hates the way he’s looking at her. As if he’s looking through her. She goes to open her mouth to ask him what he wants, but she can’t. She can’t move. Can’t talk. Wherever she is, she’s trapped.

“You haven’t the faintest idea what’s happening right now, do you?” He flashed a dazzling smile she imagined stopped many dead in their tracks, but to her, it only drew more dread. “I thought maybe you were a worthy adversary, but you’re just a stupid girl with a power she can’t understand, let alone control.

Her eyes opened to a dark room and fingers petting her hair.

“Shh, I have you, cara.”

Caroline relaxed as she realized she was in Valeria’s arms. The nightmare she had was unsettling, but already slipping away as Valeria held her.

“How’s the roof?”

“Almost crumbling, but it won’t collapse for a bit longer. Enough time for me to find a roofer at least.”