Yes, I am so very lucky and blessed indeed.
Chapter 30
Romelia
The morning after our reception, I wake in Julian’s arms, and I stretch. I’m so blissfully happy. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss my mother. I do miss her, far more than I would have thought possible, but I’m certain she would want me to enjoy my life and the peace we fought so hard to achieve.
Julian stirs and kisses my temple before sitting up. “I suppose we should start thinking about the future, don’t you think, Mrs. Mooncoven?”
“Yes, I suppose we should, Mr. Mooncoven.” I giggle as I sit up. “What do you think?”
“Well, I talked to Doria at the reception. You remember her? She’s the werewolf who works at the infirmary at Moonstone Academy. We’ve talked a great bit about my future, and I think I want to attend medical school.”
“You want to be a healer of humans.”
“Yes. I actually, ah, went by one last week.”
“A med school?”
“You and Mom were out shopping at the time, and I strolled through a hospital. I swear, I can smell illnesses. Infections to be sure, and I think I can really help them. The humans, they don’t have anyone with magic in their corner, and I thought—”
“I think that’s a noble idea.” I cup his face and kiss his cheek.
His grin makes his light green eyes shine. “What about you, my love? What do you want to do?”
“Well, first of all, Professor Sheeba Serrano, my professor for Elemental Control owes me. I promised that I wouldn’t let her out of her promise. She has to teach me how to create a storm.”
“You’re going to end up one of the most powerful living vampires ever if you keep learning and mastering every power and ability in your arsenal,” he murmurs.
“Do I frighten you, Mr. Mooncoven?” I tease.
“I’m not intimidated by you at all.”
“Hmm.” I grin and can’t help giggling.
“Does that mean that you’re going to go back to Blood Haven for your third year?” he asks.
In all of the madness of getting married, Mercy and trying to heal her, my dying, the war, peace… The break between our second and third years is almost over but only because it’s been extended a few extra weeks because of trying to settle everything with a new slate to accommodate for the newfound peace.
“I want to, yes,” I say. I bite my lower lip. “I even got my class schedule list. I haven’t checked the email, though.”
“Why not?”
“I thought we would talk and decide if I’m attending or not first.”
“If that’s what you want, then you know I’m on board,” he says. “Let’s look over your schedule.”
I reach over to the night table and bring up the email. One look has me laughing hysterically.
“What’s so funny?” Julian asks. He inches closer to read over my shoulder.
“Transformation, Drain Life, Psychokinesis, Pyrokinesis… I’ve mastered all of these in Hell. Uncle Argon taught them all to me.”
“I guess you won’t have to worry about summer school after your third year,” he teases.
“No, not at all. I’ll be a model student.” I poke him in the ribs. “So long as you don’t distract me too much.”
“I make no promises.” He winks at me. “What about after you graduate? Do you think you’ll want to join HEX Unite?”
I just give him a look.
Julian grins and hugs me tight to his chest. “I figured not,” he protests.
“We want to spread peace, not killing. To that end… I was actually thinking about the humans too. While trying to find out information about different things, I’ve become a little adept at hacking. Maybe I can be a kind of paranormal private detective for the humans. They won’t know about the paranormal bit, of course, but I can use magic and my powers to help them solve crimes, to right wrongs. To do justice for them. They face as much hatred and prejudice and wrongs as we ever have, but they have a severe disadvantage because all they have is technology. They don’t have any magic.”
“I love how we are on the same page.” He kisses me again and again.
Finally, I place a hand on his chest. “When are you going to start medical school?”
“I can see about applying, but honestly, it’s probably too late for me to be accepted into any program this school year.”
“Hmm. You might not even have the prerequisites. I mean, it’s not as if you’ve done any schooling that the humans will count as credit.”
“Good point. I’ll check into all of that. Maybe I can take classes remotely to get the requirements all crossed off while you do your third year.”
“Yes, but do we live close enough to the humans to still stay here forever?” I ask.
“I think so. With your vampiric speed and my wolf, we can handle just about anything.”
I nuzzle against him. “There’s one thing we haven’t talked about yet.”
“What’s that?”
“Children. If we have any. How they’ll change our plans for the future.”
"No change. I'll still go to school, and you'll go to school. You can still have your private investigation business. You might want to talk to some of the alphas. They tend to own a lot of businesses that have the pack members as employees."
“Good idea, but—”
“We can work around pregnancies if you get pregnant. It might mean a delay in some things, sure, but we can work around it.”
“And…” I bite my lower lip. “And if I don’t become pregnant? If I can’t?”
“Do you want to be a mom?”
“Yes! Very much so!”
“Then you’ll be a mom,” he says simply.
“That’s not necessarily how it works,” I protest.
“Except that’s exactly how it works,” he counters, and he flicks my nose playfully.
He turns to his night table and tosses me his phone. On the screen is a page from supes.com about adoption.
I stare up at him with tears in my eyes.
“You want to be a mom. You’ll be a mom one way or the other.”
“Oh, Julian!”
“Are you happy, my love?” he asks.
“Yes!”
So far, my third year goes by in a breeze. I’m acing all of my classes, of course, and I even take a few extras. I do learn how to generate a storm on my own, but they’re all teeny tiny storms that last no more than two minutes at the most. As much as I would love to be able to make and control a massive thunderstorm, I’m also afraid to attempt to continue down this course. What if a storm cloud I generate should become sentient? What if that sentient storm should decide to take revenge against its creator and try to destroy the vampires? The werewolves? The entire world?
No thank you. I love all of my powers and abilities, but I'm not power-hungry. I don't need to test the limits to that extent.
About halfway through the year, I call around at the different academies that have courses geared toward demons. All of the demonic academies are in Hell, and I am not going back there. Full-blooded demons can go back and forth from Hell and Earth until they're killed. I'm a living vampire, so that means traveling like that just isn't in the cards for me. Unfortunately, that means I can't see my uncle again. As for my mother, I so wish she could teleport, but she can't. She's stuck in Hell, most likely. Or maybe not. Maybe her last act can serve as a penance so that she can be in Heaven. I don't know, but I like to think that's the case.
The only academy on Earth that has courses specifically designed for demons is Magical Hunters Academy. I do not opt to go there, but a few of the professors do agree to teach me remotely.
That goes well enough until one day, I just can’t get out of bed. My body feels… different. I can’t explain it, but it feels off.
Julian nuzzles me awake. “If you don’t get out of bed,” he teases.
“I just want to sleep longer. Maybe then I’ll feel better.”
He jerks away and sits upright. “You don’t feel well?”
“I don’t feel sick,” I say slowly. “Just… something isn’t right.”
Slowly, the look of concern on Julian's features melts away. "Listen," he urges.
“Listen to what?” I ask, not understanding why he appears to be ecstatically happy.
“Just listen,” he says.
More than a little skeptical, I do what he says, and I listen. I even shut my eyes so I can concentrate on hearing.
I hear his heartbeat. Mine.
And a third.
A faster one. So very fast. Like a little hummingbird’s wings fluttering fast.
A baby's heartbeat.
I gape at Julian, and he lets out a whoop and crushes me against him before jerking me back.
“Was that too tight of a hug? Are you all right? I didn’t mean to do anything to hurt you,” he says in a rush.
“You might want to stop before you give me whiplash,” I say dryly before grinning. Abruptly, tears sting my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Julian asks. “Are you hurting? Do you need to vomit? Do you need something else? A doctor? I don’t know what to do. I’ve been studying about humans, not vampires, and it’s not like vampires get pregnant all that often. I mean, yes, of course, your mother did…”
“I need my mother,” I say simply. “I love yours. Your mom is wonderful, and I love her to death, and she is a second mom to me. I have no reservations calling her Mom from the start, but…”
“I am so sorry, Romelia.”
I smile despite my tears. “Her death ensured peace. We needed something to forge the bond between werewolves and vampires, and what better way to right past wrongs than to punish one who harmed the other side so grievously? None of the werewolves did anything like what my mother did to the werewolves, and I’m just glad that they didn’t demand that Tyra’s mom, my aunt, die too. Tyra would’ve been left an orphan.”
“Still, you want your mother. There’s no shame in that.” Julian rubs his chin. “I wonder…”
“Julian, no. I’m not going to do anything to risk going back to Hell. What if I can’t get back there.”
“Can you take the day off?” he asks.
I think a moment. “I don’t have any projects due today, no reports, no tests. Today’s Friday, though. Can it wait until tomorrow?”
“You just found out your pregnant. I think you can take one day off, can’t you?”
I shake my head and roll my eyes. “You are such a bad influence on me.”
Julian just grins.
Throughout the day, he pampers me, making me breakfast, giving me massages, lavishing me with love. Honestly, it’s not that different from any other day except we’re going through Professor Marius Cross’ texts and tomes.
Abruptly, Julian lets out a whoop. He rushes over to me and hands me a tome.
“Read this,” he says.
I skim it and then reread it slower. “Does this mean…”
“You should be able to bring back your mother’s soul for one night. The lunar eclipse. Which is a week away.”
“Eight days,” I correct.
“You can tell her all about your studies, the baby… ask her any questions you have…”
I blink back tears. “Julian, I don’t know which makes me happier, the baby or having my mother back for one night.”
“I’m sorry it’s just for one night,” he says.
“One night is better than never. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, my love. Anything at all.”
I settle against him, resting my head on his lap. Mother will be so surprised by everything, and I wonder what she will think of my chosen profession, but I mean it. I want to spread peace, not war, not killing, but if there ever is a threat, we will be ready to fight. Until then, love will always win the day, love of family, love of friendship, just simply love pure and simple.
What did you think of Romelia’s and Julian’s love story? I so enjoyed writing this trilogy! Next up will be Bellanore’s story in the upcoming Moonstone Academy trilogy!
The Blood Haven trilogy is part of my A Mayhem of Magic World Story universe which starts with my Bedlam in Bethlehem series. It’s so much fun to keep expanding this world!
Please consider leaving a review if you enjoyed Year Three! I love to read my reviews. Thank you!
Until next book,
~Nicole
Other Books By Nicole Zoltack
Bedlam in Bethlehem series
Cops plus supernatural creatures
The Vampire Hunter Tribulations
Magical Hunters Academy trilogy
A school for paranormal teens to train to fight evil creatures
Blood Haven Academy trilogy
A paranormal retelling of Romeo and Juliet
Moonstone Academy trilogy
A half-werewolf, half demon and a cursed werewolf… What can go wrong?
Year One - available for preorder
Year Two - available for preorder
Year Three - available for preorder
Magical Prison trilogy
A fairy tries to free her twin from prison and save the world
Rebel, Supernatural Bounty Hunter trilogy
A human hunts supernaturals
Magic Incarnate Series
Magic + Faith + Teens
Heroes of Falledge trilogy
A superhero struggles to find love and save his town
Age of Dragons Series
A tale of lost magic and dragon riders
Once Upon a Darkened Night Series
Twisted Fairy Tales
The Queenmaker Series
YA Female King Arthur Retelling
The Winged Beast Chronicles
Dragons enslave humans.
Magical Awakening written as Nicole Beyer
Friends attempt to save a friend from a magical sickness
A Magical Sickness
A Magical Adventure
A Magical Misadventure
A Magical Awareness
A Magical Journey
A Magical Odyssey
A Magical Disaster
A Magical Crisis
Beyond Boundaries
Can love cross class boundaries?
Masked Love
Starry Love
Standalones
Moonstruck
Gender-bent Cinderella set in NOLA
Dark Hunt
Vampires vs witches vs humans
Bloodlust
Epic fantasy with forbidden love
Not on Her Watch
A military romance
The Test of Time
Unpredictable time travel
Love Before Honor
Medieval knight. Regency lady. Magical Christmas.
Joy to the World
One lady. Two dukes, one an imposter
Christmas Kisses
Two gentlemen, only one Lady Anna’s mother approves of
Starving for Love
The Little Mermaid with a zombie twist
Guns and Fangs
A vampire huntress turns into that which she hates
About the Author
Nicole Zoltack is a USA Today bestselling author who loves to write romances. Of course. She did marry her first kiss, after all!
When she’s not writing about knights, superheroes, or witches, she enjoys spending time with her loving husband, three energetic young boys, and precious little girls. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire dressed in garb. She’ll also read anything she can get her hands on. Her current favorite TV shows are The Witcher and Stranger Things.
Sign up for her newsletter to learn when her next book is released as well as excerpts, cover reveals, and giveaways!
For more information
www.NicoleZoltack.com
[email protected]
Acknowledgments
Firs
t and always, I have to thank my husband. I’m sure it can’t be easy being married to a writer, and I am so appreciative of all the support over the years. I love you, Todd! Thank you to my wonderful children for understanding that Mommy has work she has to do, but she still does and always will love you!
To some of the best writer friends a girl could ever have. You know who you are and I can’t wait until we can retreat again!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my wonderful street team. You keep me going, and I’m writing for you and for all of my fans. Thank you for all you do for me!
And finally, I want to acknowledge my readers. You are why I write. As long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing. So please keep reading, all right?
Author’s Note
Hi, readers! I absolutely hate proofreading errors. My editor, proofreaders, and I try to find them all, but sometimes, a few will slip through. If you find any, please feel free to email at [email protected] or message me on FB with the errors. I’ll correct the file as soon as I can get to it!
Oh, and if you’d like, feel free to tell me anything else you like—something about the stories, the characters, if there’s any story you would want me to tell?
Finally, if you would like to join my beta reader team or my ARC team, be sure to mention that too!
Blood Haven: Year Three: A Mayhem of Magic World Story Page 19
