His Second Chance

By Marie Medina

When Petyr had to choose between the fated mate he hardly knew and his pregnant former lover, he told himself rejecting Rollo was his only option. Even when life brought him more heartache, he felt it was all worth it when he looked into his children’s eyes.

Rollo never forgot about his fated mate. When Petyr shows up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, there’s no time for joy as Rollo finds out all his mate has been through since they parted. Petyr is dying, and though Rollo’s blood could save him, he asks for nothing more than Rollo’s promise to care for his children.

But this time, Rollo isn’t going to give up. The gods have given them both a second chance, and he’s going to prove that to his mate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Mar 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9780369501400

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Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2020 Marie Medina

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0140-0

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Melissa Hosack

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To DV

HIS SECOND CHANCE

The Year of Blood, 1

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2020

Chapter One

Valladora

3156, The Year of Blood

Petyr looked to the darkening sky and then into the back of the cart where his son and daughter slept in their baskets. If he went faster, he might not get caught in the downpour, but he would certainly wake them up. He had crates and boxes shoved well enough around them that they’d be safe and secure, but they were already so exhausted from the journey. The horses needed a break as well, their pace slowing a bit as the road wound up the hillside and became steeper. He reached back to fold the canopy flaps over the opening. At least the children would be dry even if he wound up drenched.

The house sitting atop the hill came into view, and it was smaller than he’d imagined. Most vampires lived in castles, but Lord Rollo lived in the former home of one of the mine owners. The mine had closed down ten years ago, and the lord had moved in a year later. Many eyebrows had risen when he’d built a second, larger house on the plateau and opened an inn, but Petyr had always liked the idea of a vampire living closer to ordinary people and working alongside them.

He’d taken even greater interest in it eighteen months earlier when an accident had led to discovering that he and Rollo were fated mates.

Petyr sighed as the wind picked up. The sky had been overcast all day, and the air held more of a chill than it usually did at this time of year. But at least the rain seemed to be delaying. Five more minutes and he’d be safe inside with Adam and Ellie.

Even if he isn’t happy to see me, he’ll have compassion for the children. Everyone in the village said he’s kind and generous. He was certainly kind to me when I rejected him to marry Nora.

Memories of that whirlwind of days swirled in his head—Nora breaking off their engagement, Petyr meeting Rollo and discovering they were mates, and then the news of Nora being with child. As Petyr came to a halt in front of the inn, The Stargazer, the disappointed yet resigned look on Rollo’s face came back to him for the hundredth time. He had no right to ask anything of this man, but his pride and everything else had to be put aside for the sake of his children.

A man in his fifties came out of the inn. You’ll be needing a room? he asked as a stable boy came over to steady the horses.

Yes, please. And I have two infants with me. Petyr lifted the flap to check on them.

Oh, best get them in before the rain, then. I’m Edward. He went back to the door of the inn. Helen, can you come help? Two babes fast asleep. Should get them in before the sky opens up.

A woman of about the same age came out, all smiles. Oh, how nice to have little ones about. She came over and began helping as Petyr freed and lifted the baskets.

As they worked, he turned to Edward and said, And when he’s free, I need to speak with Lord Rollo, if possible.

Oh, Edward said. Is it urgent? Does he know you?

It’s urgent in a way. It can wait until tomorrow morning, though. And yes, he knows me.

Edward nodded. I’ll give him your name, he said, tilting his head expectantly.

It’s Petyr, he said as he drew his satchel out. I’m from the next village. It’s been about a year and half since he last saw me. He looked up and saw that both Helen and Edward had stopped dead in their tracks, the children’s baskets balanced in their arms. Even the stable boy had paused to look back a moment, though he soon resumed his work when Edward glanced over at him.

Petyr? Helen said. "The Petyr?"

Uh… Petyr knew what they meant but didn’t know what to say. Odd to think of myself that way, but I suppose so.

His mate? Edward said.

Petyr nodded, wondering if these two friendly people would now turn on him and tell him to leave.

The gods do play games with us, don’t they? Helen said, before turning on her heels and going into the inn with Adam.

Edward nodded to the inn and carried Ellie inside, his gaze angling toward Petyr. Begging your pardon, but I don’t see a wife. Or a wedding ring.

They know all about me. Why didn’t I consider that? I don’t have either anymore. My wife has passed, and the ring was sold to help fund my journey.

I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t mean to be so blunt, but I’m just a bit surprised. He paused as he angled the basket to get it inside. Perhaps you should see Rollo tonight. He won’t be happy if we don’t tell him you’re here right away.

I promise I’m not here to cause him pain, he said, feeling compelled to reassure them for some reason. When you know all, you’ll understand.

Edward nodded and led him down a hallway. Helen was in a bedroom at the end of it, already fussing with a large crib in the corner. She turned when they came in. Edward said we’d never need this. That people with more than one infant would never trudge up that hill to stay here when there’s the other inn in town. But now I’m glad I insisted. They’ll sleep better close, I’m guessing.

Oh yes. Can’t bear to be parted, Petyr said. He cleared his throat and asked, What did you mean about the gods playing games with us?

Helen pressed her lips together, casting a quick glance over at Edward. Nothing, really. Just your timing. It’s interesting.

What’s interesting about it? Petyr asked.

They both looked everywhere but at him, and he sighed.

If I tell my secret, will you tell yours?

That got them both to look at him. Secret? Helen said.

Petyr walked over to the bed, where the children’s baskets now sat. I’m here for them, not for myself. I have a blood disease, one that cannot be cured. With their mother dead, they’ll have no one. I’ve come to beg Rollo to help them. I only knew him a few days, but he was so kind. Compassionate. The people in the village confirmed my vague memories. They couldn’t stop talking about what a good man he is.

Helen came over and looked at Ellie and Adam. Poor babes, she said, clutching his arm. Then her face clouded. But wait. She frowned as she looked up at him. Rollo is your mate. He wouldn’t need special permission to save your life.

The doctors say there’s less than a fifty percent chance vampire blood would save me. He shook his head adamantly. It’s not fair to Rollo.

What’s not fair to Rollo? a voice asked.

Petyr looked into Helen’s eyes as a shiver went down his spine. There could be no mistaking that deep voice. He turned around to look into the eyes of his fated mate for the first time in a year and a half.

****

Rollo stared as the blond man turned around, and his breath caught in his throat as those blue eyes met his and he realized who it was. He moved forward and saw movement from one of the baskets on the bed. An infant beat against the side of the basket and then cried out. Rollo stopped as Petyr turned to the child and lifted it into his arms.

Helen and Edward both hurriedly left the room without a word, Edward shutting the door behind them.

Your children? Rollo said.

Yes. Adam and Ellie. Petyr stroked the back of the one in his arms. This one is Adam.

Rollo took