Rituals (Cainsville 5)

"You love games." A woman's voice pierced the darkness. "Just not when they're foisted on you. We could have avoided that if you'd spoken to me sooner. I presume you got my message."

"Matilda is returning," Patrick's voice answered. "Here. To this region."

The woman again. "Yes."

"Has she been born?"

"Not yet."

"When?"

"Eventually. That is all I know, bocan, so do not press me for more."

"But you know more about Gwynn, don't you? That's who I saw. What's my connection to him?"

"I'm sure you've figured it out."

"I have no idea."

"You lie so well, bocan. All right. Let me spell it out for you. Gwynn is returning, and you will be his sire."

The voiced faded. Then I saw light. I blinked hard and opened my eyes to find myself staring at an open window, sunlight streaming through.

I always close the curtains. Basic security. Particularly when borrowing a house not your own.

I lifted my head and--

"Cach!" Pain stabbed through my skull.

I'm hungover.

How was that possible? The last time I'd been hungover was nearly a century ago, after drinking four bottles of fae wine. Last night I'd only had half a glass.

No, wait. Seanna had brought more.

"Only for you," she'd said. "I know I've had enough."

Seanna had dosed the damned wine. And then what...?

I looked down to see I was fully dressed, and exhaled in relief. Then I glanced at the nightstand, where I'd left my wallet and watch. Watch gone. Wallet...I checked. Empty.

I shook my head. That was a fine thanks for rescuing her from a beating and giving her a place to spend the night, but I'd known what Seanna was, and theft, sadly, was exactly what I should have expected.

The scene faded. When it surged again, I was home in Cainsville. Veronica had summoned me, urgently, and I knew that meant trouble, but as I entered the hall, I slowed and pushed back my worry and then swung through into the living room, casually saying, "All right, where's the fire?"

Veronica pointed to the couch. There was Seanna Walsh.

"She was looking for you rather desperately," Veronica said. "I can't imagine why." She cast a pointed look at the girl's protruding stomach.

"No, that's-- It can't..." I trailed off as I flashed back to the night Seanna had drugged me. The night I couldn't remember. Waking up fully dressed suggested I hadn't done anything to Seanna. It did not mean she hadn't done anything to me.

The scene went dark again and...

I woke in Gabriel's lap. He was crouched, as if he'd caught me mid-fall. Patrick stood over us, his face colder than I'd ever seen it.

"Discovered a new power, Olivia?" Patrick said.

"You didn't seduce Seanna," I said. "You didn't even have a fling. You rescued her, and she repaid you by robbing you blind. But your watch and money wasn't all she took. She drugged you and had sex with you. Without your consent."