Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 68024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
But I know why. Damn it, I should have realized earlier today what it was.
“Jonas. It has to be the same entity that killed my mother. The one that’s killed them all.”
“In that case, we’ll do more than cast spells. And we won’t wait for morning.”
Chapter Nine
Jonas
“It’s almost dawn,” Lucy murmurs. Nera hasn’t left her side all night as we traveled as a coven from house to house, starting at Lucy’s and then going to Lorelei’s. Now, we’re at Breena’s.
I was impressed by how quickly the members of the coven came together. How they jumped into action, bringing their tools with them so we could work as a team to add layers of protection to each of the homes.
We’ve just finished a mirror spell, completing the night’s work. The rest of the coven members have taken their leave, looking weary and on edge as they head home to ward their own homes, just in case.
So far, only the three cousins have been under any kind of attack, but there are still several weeks to go until Samhain, and anything could happen.
After saying goodbye to the last members to leave, Xander joins me, the cousins, and Giles, who stayed back. Giles’s face is set in grim lines, and his hands are on his hips.
He looks good and royally mad.
“Why do I feel like we haven’t done enough?” he demands, looking at Xander.
“We cast the circles,” Xander reminds Giles, not defensive at all but sounding as though he completely understands where the other man is coming from.
We’re all frustrated.
“I’m not so sure salt—even black salt—eggshells, and a little tourmaline will put this…whatever it is, off. You know as well as I do that these women are talented, experienced witches. Their homes weren’t unguarded to begin with.”
“I understand,” Xander says with a nod. “And I feel the same.”
“We’re all worried,” I add. “And it’s not just eggshells and crystals. We’ve just built the power of more than twenty magical beings into the wards of each of the houses. They’ll hold.”
“I don’t like the ladies being alone,” Giles admits with a sigh. “And I don’t mean for that to sound chauvinistic.” He glances at the women. “Of course, you’re capable of protecting yourselves, but there’s strength in numbers.”
“He’s not wrong,” Lucy says. “There is strength in numbers, but I honestly think Jonas is right. What we all did tonight was powerful and will keep us safe.”
“Agreed,” Lorelei hurries to add. “My cottage is safe. I’m fine.”
Xander’s eyes narrow, and it looks like he wants to say something but just clenches his jaw and fists his hands at his sides.
The push and pull between the two is fascinating to watch.
“I can stay with you,” Giles offers to Breena, much to her apparent surprise. “It’s not a problem for me at all. I’m sure you have a guest room. You’ll hardly know I’m here.”
I notice how Lucy and Lorelei share a surprised look, and Lorelei winks.
“You don’t have to stay,” Breena tells him with kindness and goodness dripping from every word. “Thank you for coming to help tonight, we really appreciate it, but I’m fine. And if I need anything, I know I can ask for help.”
“I can’t leave yet,” Giles replies, shaking his head stubbornly. He removes his glasses and rubs at his eyes as if trying to get rid of a horrible headache before replacing them. “It’s almost as if it’s physically impossible for me to go. The right thing is for me to stay and protect you.”
“I honestly don’t need your protection,” Breena replies, her voice firmer now.
Lorelei rolls her eyes, and Lucy is already shaking her head.
Don’t say it. Do not say it. The thought comes fast, but before Lucy can say it out loud, Lorelei speaks.
“Oh, come on, Breena. You’ve had a crush on the man for your entire adult life. You know you want him to stay.”
“Shit,” Lucy whispers next to me.
Giles’s face sobers, and he frowns over at Breena. “What?”
Breena closes her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment, and Lorelei covers her face.
“I’m sorry. I have no damn filter, and I’m punchy from no sleep.”
“What?” Giles asks again, but Breena only shakes her head and forces a smile for the man.
“Thanks again for your help.” Her voice shakes. “Have a lovely day.”
And with that, she hurries inside and closes the door behind her, turning out all the lights. The five of us are left staring at each other.
“Lorelei,” Lucy says. “What in the actual fuck?”
“I’m sorry,” Lorelei whines.
“What?” Giles says once more. “Breena’s interested in me?”
“Come on,” I say gently and lay my hand on the other man’s shoulder. “I’m new here, and even I can see it.”
His mouth opens and then closes, and once more, he takes off his glasses to press his fingers into his eyes.
“I didn’t mean to do that.” Lorelei’s voice is full of misery. “Honest, I didn’t.”