The Dark Rising by Lacey Weatherford Page B

a way to help Vance get some more memories,” he said looking curiously at us both.  “Of course after what I walked in on, maybe you don’t need this.  Are you starting to remember?”
    “Not actual memories,” Vance replied with a shake of his head.  “I’m having some very strong feelings for Portia though, ones that aren’t necessarily coming from her memories.”
    “That’s a good improvement, I’d say,” my dad answered.  “And in a short amount of time too.  Let’s go talk things over.”  We followed him, finding Grandma and Babs sitting together on the sofa.
    “Well, hello!” Grandma said, looking up in surprise at us when we entered the room with our arms around each other.  “How are things going?”
    “We’re good,” I replied, smiling at Vance.
    He gave my shoulders a little squeeze and winked at me.  The two of us went over to sit on the loveseat and my dad sat on the arm of the couch next to us.
    “Vance says he’s experiencing some feelings for Portia, but he hasn’t regained any of his memories,” Dad explained.
    “Well, we came up with an idea that might help you a bit,” Grandma said directly to Vance.
    “Let’s hear it,” he replied.
    “We thought if we, the members of our coven, could also give you all of the memories we have of you, then it might help to close in some of the gaps and holes you’ve got.  You know, things which Portia’s didn’t fill for you, like interactions with other people you’ve had and such.  How do you feel about that?” she asked him.
    “Sounds good to me,” he replied.  “I know Portia’s memories are helping me to sort things out much better.”
    “How would we do it though?” I asked.  “I gave Vance those memories through our mental link.  No one else here has anything like that.”
    “We came across a blood spell we think will work for us.  It’ll require each member to prick a finger and place a drop of their blood in a bowl,” she explained to him.  “We’ve already contacted the other coven members and they’ve agreed to it.  We can meet together this evening at my house if this is acceptable.”  Grandma glanced back and forth between us.
    I turned to Vance for approval.  This was his decision.
    “I guess that’d be fine,” he answered.  “Is there anything special I need to do to prepare for it?”
    “Just show up,” Grandma said with a smile.
    He nodded.  “I can do that,” he replied.  He stood to shake both of their hands.  “I appreciate your concern.”
    “We’re just happy you’re with us again,” Babs said with a warm affectionate smile.
    “Thank you.”  He smiled back at her.  “I’m glad to be here too,” he added before he glanced over at me.
    “Why don’t you kids go do whatever you were doing,” my dad remarked casually, dismissing us from the conversation.  I blushed a bit at the remark, but we both eagerly made our exit. 
    We ran up the stairs to my bedroom, hand in hand.  As soon as we went through the door Vance kicked it shut behind us while reaching out to grab me to him, molding me against his wonderful frame.
    “So where were we?” he asked, looking down and giving me a seductive smile.
    “On the kitchen floor I believe,” I answered in a tease. 
    “And a very nice floor it was,” he said, grinning before leaning in to kiss me.  I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling his lips connect with mine, and a knock sounded.
    He let out an exasperated sigh.
    “What now?” he grumbled, resting his forehead against mine for a second before dropping his arms away from me and turning to answer the door.  Krista was standing on the other side.
    “Hi,” she said with a smile.  “I’m not interrupting, am I?”
    “Not at all,” I lied and Vance stepped aside allowing her to enter.  “Come in.”
    She moved around the corner to lean up against the wall.  “I thought I heard you.  I was reading in my room.  Did you enjoy your ride?”
    “It was