The Vampire and Her Human Mate

16| Lunch

Freya completed plating up the meal, a Caprese Salad and a steak. She thought the red of the tomatoes might make it easier for her daughter to eat. She had cooked Bianca's steak blue.

When Bianca had been a baby she would cry after drinking her milk, not sated. It was only in desperation that she had fed her blood. Carlos' eyes had shown how pleased he was. Even full blooded vampire babies didn't start to drink blood until they had finished breastfeeding. Bianca had taken to that world so easily. A cold child, not much for cuddles. Freya hadn't known how to connect with her. She had taught her as much as she could without Bianca possessing magic. Freya had always hoped something would have passed down but Bianca's father's genetic influence was all consuming.

When she left she really thought it wouldn't bother her daughter. And she hadn't thought it had at all until Vigo spoke with her about his meetings with Bianca, relaying the woman she was becoming. He said she was brilliant but she was damaged. He had tried to repair their relationship, forcing occasions for them to interact. But being with Bianca then had been hard. She was so vicious to her mother. The snide remarks she made stung.

Vigo had been a wonderful mate. Yes, a vampire and therefore not a good person per se- theirs was a cut throat world- their position in the food chain was too high. Humans especially weren't well regarded and the brutality that was inflicted was severe. Witches weren't all peace and love- although not vicious, Freya didn't think much about the humans' plight. Freya herself came from a long line of warrior shamans and she had spent most of her life in vampire society. Even still, Vigo had changed when they bonded. Becoming gentle and more considerate. It made him powerful as it shaped his decisions for the better but also put a target on him. Certain members of the council had not been happy that he spared Bianca. Everyone was shocked by his acceptance of her.

Freya hadn't asked him to do that, just to ensure she wouldn't be killed because of her father.

Freya had had the vision of her daughter coming, only days before this visit, a sense of Bianca finding her mate and that she would be torn between two worlds. She'd seen glimpses of the two of them, her and her daughter- even embracing. That hadn't happened, so Freya realised the vision hadn't all been about this one moment. But this was a start.

Freya guessed her daughter's mate wasn't a vampire- she would have guessed a witch but if Bianca was willing to come here for help then he wouldn't be a spell caster. A demon was out as much as another vampire- she didn't think that would be the case having spent the time with her now. Mated vampires could be a vicious combo- if they were both so inclined and they usually were. Bianca was quiet, thoughtful- guarded as always but perhaps even more so. But underlying all that, she was happy. She was softer. No. Neither a vampire or demon would have that effect on her.

Any kind of shifter was possible, though a werewolf didn't sit well- they weren't very friendly with vampires. Dragons were more on par strength wise… fae? Maybe. She would have to wait until Bianca was willing to talk.

She placed Bianca's meal down first before setting her own, then pouring them both some red wine.

Bianca picked up the glass and took a smell first. Her mouth turned to a small frown as she took a sip.

Freya couldn't help her own smile. Bianca had been the same as a child. Carlos had forbidden it but Freya would sneak her things. Chocolate and cakes mainly. All children should enjoy that.

"Where are you off to after this?"

Bianca took a larger mouthful before answering. "The Americas. Cordon has been expanding there more lately- the Committee is still honouring the alliance Vigo established and Cordon is taking full advantage of that."

Freya was quiet. Cordon had not killed Vigo but he had not stopped it. The call was made by Vigos' enemies on the council- they had felt threatened that he was making them irrelevant. And he was. He didn't think the mantle of control should be tied to a bloodline, wanting to have a more modern democratic system. Even after being given the title he still wanted to make the change. Freya had seen her mate's death. The vision hitting her the second before she felt the matebond be torn from her.

The loss of her mate had almost killed her, her magic churning inside her, ready to burst. She knew there would be no one left to protect her daughter if she let it take her so she had locked the broken feeling inside so it wouldn't destroy her. It left an ache though. Not even a memory of a memory remained as she lost all of her feelings for him in the spell.

She had quickly run to Cordon to protect her and her daughter, knowing the council would have no qualms killing Bianca next. Cordon had demanded a great oath in payment- Freya couldn't do much against him and had to do any request asked of her. Bianca was unaware of the extent of this- that an oath was struck was expected, but she had no knowledge it included Cordon's own oath not to do anything to kill Bianca. Thankfully, Bianca's oath she made to Vigo still stood so Cordon wasn't threatened by Bianca.

"Is that where you met your mate?" She couldn't help but ask.

Bianca had just put a piece of meat in her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully and then responded. Freya noticed she tucked her food so she could talk with her mouth full. It seemed a learned thing to Freya. Interesting.

"If I tell you that much will you stop asking about him?"

Freya laughed. "Probably not."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Yes, and he's everything I never knew I always wanted. Happy?"

Freya just smiled at that. "I hope to meet him one day."

Bianca put her utensils down and picked her glass back up. "I do have a question on, um, intent based spells. I know I don't have magic but I did do something that feels like it has come to pass."

Freya looked interested. "It wouldn't be so far removed that you have some innate abilities. Also, we haven't tested you since you were a child. We could try again." Bianca just nodded. "You know the old stories said intent spells were granted by the gods. If you asked for your mate, you may have helped it along."

As Bianca tried to remember the words she had said as she took a forkful of the salad. Bianca's eyes opened wider as she chewed.

"You like it?"

"It's strange but interesting."

Freya chuckled, happy for this time with her daughter. Feeling for the first time ever that they may one day have a relationship.