Page 30 of Slayer

Her mom didn’t answer. “I’ll have an official from the DNA records department as a witness, but legally I’ll need Stella to file the request as a potential heir to get emergency approval.”

Harper softened. “Mom, you’re good at this. You should have become a lawyer like you wanted.”

Celia looked sad for a moment and then booped her daughter’s nose with her finger. “Too many vampires to kill to chase that dream, my love.”

Whoa. There was a story there that I wanted to hear one day.

“I’ll sign the papers, but I don’t want to be there when…” I stopped talking, and Celia nodded.

“Of course. I would never expect that,” she answered.

“Hey, can Stella come to the first-year welcome party with me and Luna?” Harper asked.

Her mom nodded. “I’ll make some calls. And I’ll have that paperwork ready in a half hour okay, Stella?”

I was back to feeling overwhelmed but nodded as well.

When she left the room, I peered at Harper. “First-year welcome party?”

“Newbie hunters. Basically a welcoming party for those of us who got into Nightguard Academy. Asher will be there.” She wagged her eyebrows.

I picked up one of her pink flower pillows and chucked it at her. She easily dodged it, and then we both burst into laughter.

I suddenly felt lighter, like maybe staying here and living this life wouldn’t be the train wreck I envisioned.

“Will I be allowed to go? I haven’t proven my lineage or whatever,” I told her.

“My mom will call Professor Walters and let him know to let you in at the door since he is the one hosting the party. And Professor Walters is my dad, so if he says no, he’s in big trouble and sleeping on the couch.”

I grinned at that, instantly liking this family. They seemed normal but quirky enough to be fun.

“Wanna borrow clothes or makeup or anything?” she asked me.

I peered down at my jeans and leather jacket and then looked at her denim skirt and heels.

“I actually thought this look was cute.” I hesitated.

“Oh, it is! You look great but wanted you to know the offer is there. We look about the same size, so feel free to just borrow whatever until you get situated.” She gestured to her closet.

That was really nice of her.

“Thanks,” I told her honestly. “I passed out when I went through the…portal?” The word still felt weird. “And I guess I was out for a while because it’s, like, dinnertime?” My stomach grumbled, and the sun was setting outside. I must have slept all night and most of the day. Wild.

Harper nodded. “I’ll make you a PBJ sandwich? Portaling raw like that with no training is epic. Everyone is talking about you.” She grinned. “Passing out is expected. I threw up my first time.”

I recoiled at the mention of people talking about me. “They are?” That was pretty much my worst nightmare. I was an extroverted introvert. I wanted to be invited to parties and have friends, but then I just had to sleep for ten hours afterward to replenish the social battery. Thinking of everyone talking about me made me sweat.

Harper slipped out of the room for a few minutes and returned with a PBJ and a sliced apple with chips.

“Thank you.” I began to chow down on the food.

Harper took two steps forward. “Tell me, what did it feel like to take a Celestis wafer? I’ve literally dreamed about it since I was five.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She looked like she was talking to a celebrity.

“It was intense. Burning hot. I breathed fire on a vamp, and he turned to ash, and then I was scared to speak to your mom for fear of breathing fire on her too.”

“Epic!” Harper spun on her booted heels. “You have no idea how badass that is. Some hunters train their entire lives and still can’t handle that kind of power. You could have gotten really sick or even died.”