Page 36 of Familiar of the Witch

‘I will return with you to the Coven,’ he said abruptly.

‘That’s not necessary. It will take a significant while to brew it.’

‘Nonetheless, I will attend.’

It occurred to me that once I’d brewed his potion, he’d have no reason not to fulfil his original contract and kill me – but he hadgiven me his word that he wouldn’t and I honestly believed him. Ogres are obsessed with their word and their honour. Besides, I had Bastion by my side; even Krieg would think twice before crossing him, even if he were willing to cross me.

I outlined my terms. ‘You can attend the Coven with one companion of your choice. Both of you must remain in the reception area.’

‘Five others,’ he objected.

‘Two.’

‘Three.’

‘Two, or I don’t make the potion today,’ I snarled. I was all out of patience and his bickering was getting under my skin.

He glared before nodding. He rose fluidly. ‘Hanlon, Maktel,’ he called. ‘You’re with me.’

Two ogres peeled out of the trees. Talk about being at one with nature; I hadn’t evenseenthe horned creatures until they’d wanted me to.

They were amongst the tallest ogres I’d ever seen and they gave me a moment’s pause. My mind flashed back to the ogre swinging his mace towards my face in the underground city. Benji had stopped him. Imissed my golem and that made my heart ache with an unfamiliar sensation. Having friends had some real downsides.

Krieg took a separate car to the Coven tower and I noted with interest that he drove himself. He seemed like a bit of a control freak – not that I could throw stones on that score.

I took a small amount of pleasure in leaving the ogres to cool their heels downstairs whilst I went up to my apartment. It was my favourite time: potion time. As we reached his floor, Oscar hesitated.

‘Go,’ I urged. ‘Have a break. I won’t be in any danger here.’ The memory of the wreck of my bedroom after a bomb had exploded in it shone before my eyes. Okay, Iprobablywouldn’t be in any danger here.

‘The ogres—’ Oscar started.

‘—are here to collect a potion. Nothing more.’

He was wrestling with his conscience. ‘Do you have an address for Luna?’ he asked Bastion. ‘I want to see her. I just need to know she’s okay.’

Bastion nodded, pulled out his phone, scrolled to a message then showed it to Oscar. Oscar typed the address into his own phone. ‘I won’t be long,’ he promised. ‘I’ll be back before the potion isfinished.’

‘It’s okay. Go, send her my love – if the time is right,’ I said.

He nodded.

‘And ask her—’

‘—about the code for the CD. I know. I will.’ We shared a small smile and he walked back down towards the garage.

Bastion looked after him with a faint frown. ‘And that’s why he shouldn’t be your bodyguard. He’s leaving you with the ogres to go and check on your mum.’

‘The ogres aren’t breathing over me. Besides, I have you.’

A warm feeling rolled over me as he met my eyes. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘You have me.’

Chapter 30

I stroked my finger down Grimmy’s spine and a small tingle ran through me as he awakened. His pages flipped, giving me the impression of someone stretching and yawning. ‘Why, good morning, Miss Amber – or should I say good afternoon?’

‘Good afternoon, Grimmy,’ I responded after a quick glance at my watch revealed it was gone midday. Time flies when you’re having fun and/or meeting with ogre kings.

‘What can I assist you with this fine day?’

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