Bride
by Ali Hazelwood
Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Misery learns from Owen that feeding from Lowe was not only socially dangerous but could also create deeper biological bonds, raising the stakes of their growing connection. Later, Misery and Lowe identify Ana's father as a possible link in Serena's disappearance, giving the search a sharper direction. Their mutual attraction finally becomes explicit, but just as they are about to act on it, Misery collapses, turning the emotional breakthrough into a crisis.
Summary
Misery gets permission from Ludwig to call Owen, then asks her twin about the possible effects of feeding from a live source. Owen immediately realizes that Misery fed from Lowe and reacts with alarm. He warns her not to tell their father, because a Vampyre feeding from a Were Alpha could be politically exploitable, and he explains that most Weres would see allowing a Vampyre to feed as a profound violation rather than a casual act.
When Misery presses him about Lowe's safety, Owen says Lowe will likely be fine as long as Misery did not take too much blood. However, Owen also explains that live feeding has hormonal and biological consequences beyond the immediate act, and repeated feedings can create long-term bonds and complicated dynamics. Because of that, he urges Misery not to feed from Lowe again, even if she remains close to him in other ways.
That night, after reading to Ana and still irritated by Owen's warning, Misery goes to the kitchen and finds Lowe there. Their recent near-intimacy still hangs between them, but they shift to the investigation. Misery explains that Ana's father may be the person who told Serena about Ana, because Serena was unlikely to have discovered the truth on her own. Lowe agrees that the idea makes sense and joins Misery in pursuing that lead.
The conversation turns playful and personal. Lowe notices peanut butter on Misery's nose, steps close to wipe it away, and Misery impulsively licks the peanut butter from his thumb. The gesture intensifies the tension between them, and even when they briefly talk about Ana's recovery, neither can ignore how strongly they are drawn to each other.
When Lowe starts to pull away, Misery stops him and asks what is happening between them. Lowe admits that he does know: the attraction is real, even though he has a mate and Misery is a Vampyre. He tells her that, for the moment, it can just be the two of them, and they move toward what would be their first kiss. Before it happens, Misery suddenly feels light-headed, then is hit by searing pain and blacks out.
Who Appears
- Misery LarkProtagonist; seeks answers about feeding on Lowe, advances Serena's investigation, and collapses during an intimate moment.
- Lowe MorelandWere Alpha; discusses Ana's father as a lead, openly reciprocates Misery's feelings, and witnesses her collapse.
- Owen LarkMisery's twin brother; warns that live feeding on Lowe could be dangerous, bonding, and politically exploitable.
- AnaRecovering child; her existence and parentage provide Misery and Lowe with a new investigative lead.
- LudwigAllows Misery to call Owen and briefly checks on her during the conversation.
- SerenaMisery's missing foster sister; may have learned about Ana through Ana's father.
- AlexMisery's contact in the search; helping track down the man believed to be Ana's father.