Page 7 of Savior Mate

Speaking of pain, my mind was still on its toes about what Frey would find out about what had been happening to me. I was really glad that Denzel took it upon himself to ensure my survival. That was enough to show how much he cared about me. “Do you think it's going to get worse? My episodes?” I inquired, breaking the silence between us. “I know this is ruining the moment, but I just…”

“Hey. I need you to understand that you can talk about anything with me, ok? I will always listen,” he leveled his gaze and leaned closer. He kissed me softly, and I leaned into the lip lock, letting myself revel in the raw sparks that flew between us. He pulled away and leaned on my head, exhaling a deep breath. “I always got you!” He put out his pinky finger, and I chuckled as I took it.

“And I got you too,” I said. “Does that mean you'll take the box to the basement?”

“No. That's not part of the agreement.”

“So it's now an agreement?” I crossed my arms with a frown.

“Of course, it's not, my little darkness.” His eyes darkened as he leaned closer, and his lips hovered over mine. Anytime he called me his little darkness, I felt this undeniable tug that made me believe I belonged to him. Because he had earned it. I was his, and he was mine. Heart, body, and soul. That feeling. That sensation was one of the best feeling in the world.

“Anyway. I, uh, have to get to witch combat training. Make sure you take the box to the basement.”

“Yes. I'll finish up here, and I will prepare a surprise for you before the end of the day.”

“Hmm. I can't wait.” I chuckled as I put on my jacket.

I left his house and headed straight to the training grounds where the wolf shifters and witches held their training. At twenty-four, I didn't need to be trained by another witch anymore. I could learn any spell and even write some of my own. But for physical combat, I didn't have any experience. I knew magical combat, but had to improve on the real deal. Not sure if that was the right word for it.

I arrived at the training grounds and met the wolf bloods and witches preparing to kick off the day's endeavor. Some witches walked toward me with a concerned look on their faces. “Are you alright, Marion?”

“You should really take a break from all this. Get some rest and recover quickly.”

“I’m doing better now. Thank you all for checking up on me.” The last thing I needed was to sit around and do nothing because I knew I needed this training if I would save my sister.

We joined the other witches, listening to Agatha, who was in charge today. She made us stand in rows, four witches per row, as she instructed us on the schedule we were going to take. Agatha said with a smile, “We’re going to try something different,” she circled us until she stopped right in front of me. “You’re staying on the sidelines, Marion. Luna’s request.”

“But you can't just take me out.” I tried to argue, knowing the reason they were doing this. Agatha might have not known the cause of my episodes, but she was like a mother to me when I lost hope, and she was the reason I pulled through. She wasn't just a leader to the coven. She was a mother to us all and took care of us like her own. In the past, when I was much younger, the coven gave me cuffs that prevented me from using my powers after an episode. But now I was handling it better, and I didn't need the cuffs anymore. That was progress.

“It was the Luna’s idea. Not mine. Here she comes.” Agatha added, tilted her head toward Frey, who was walking into the training grounds. I had no choice but to back away and listen to the older witch from the sidelines. Frey joined me there with a smile on her face as she said, “Marion. I didn't expect to see you here.”

“Well, I don't miss training, especially combat,” I shrugged my answer. “So, did you find anything?”

“Yes. I did, and I'd like to talk to you about it alone.” Frey smiled at me.

We took a walk down the tree line away from all the bustling noise and boisterous commands of the shifters in charge of the training. “Sure, of course.” To be frank, I hadn't been this nervous all my life. What if it got worse? What if I couldn't handle the truth? I had these questions running through my head and couldn't get my brain thinking straight as we eased through the short stroll.

“It is a curse, Marion. A powerful one. I cannot be able to break it. Only the witches who placed it can do that.”

“A curse.” I quizzed with a puzzled expression.

“Yes. A bloodline curse. A very complicated one. I mean, I could break that of the hounds, but if I try that with you, I would succeed, but it could kill you. That's why I'll recommend finding a witch from the coven that cursed you and would help you break this bane.” She explained with a hint of distress in her voice.

“How do I find a witch I don't even know?”

“These witches used dark magic to curse you. I also narrowed down witches nearest to us, and I found someone about three towns away,” she explained to me. I exhaled deeply, taking in all the information she had mentioned. “This might be overwhelming, but you don't have time, Marion. The next time it happens, you could die. I'll let you think about this with my dad. If you agree to take on this journey, I'll make sure you have everything you need.”

“Your dad? You're okay with all of this, even though you know it could get us both killed?”

“My father doesn't go down that easily. And yes, I'm okay with the relationship you have with him. He hasn't been able to love since my mother turned her back on him.”

“Thank you so much, Frey. I'll think about it.”

Since I wasn't part of the day's training, I went home immediately to give a thought to what I had learned about my magic. Yes, I had parents, but until they died. They never mentioned about a bloodline curse or something. Little me woke up to strange nightmares, and I told them about it. They just waved it over, saying it was my powers coming to light. But it wasn't. My parents had lied to me and when I discovered it was too late.

I slumped onto the couch in the living room with a sigh, pondering on what I was going to do next. Any decision I would take from now wouldn't be easy for me. If I stayed behind, I could lose my life the next time it happens. If I wanted to go, it could put everyone I cared about in danger because I didn't know the people I was up against. And I knew I couldn't convince Denzel to stay back home. He would do everything within his power to live up to his promises.

I looked outside through the window and saw the sliver of darkness encroaching on the earth. It was almost nighttime, and I had waited for Denzel’s surprise all day. I wouldn't miss it now. At least it would help redirect my mind from the doom awaiting me at the end of that dark tunnel.

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