Page 12 of Son of a Witch

An older woman I’d never seen before stepped up to the plate. Wise, honey-colored eyes, dark brown hair, and thick lips. Pretty for her age. Wore adon’t mess with mestare. Average build, about five six in height, very fit, and decked out with a few tattoos.

“Team.” She greeted us with a voice carrying the weight of someone who’d seen her fair share of the supernatural world.

I bristled at her presence. This woman was my replacement, and I immediately disliked her. I didn’t care if she was a strong and reasonable leader. She took my job and for that, I’d not give her a damn inch.

Loco clapped and chuckled.

Worst possible team. Ever. I didn’t know who I’d rather work with, Loco or fucking Devon … if my enemy was still here.

Loco attempted some father-daughter bonding, snagging Astra by the neck, dragging her to him. “Working with your old man, huh?”

She hit him in the chest. “Don’t touch me, freak.”

“Is that any way to talk to your father?” he scolded her.

“Is this pair-up going to be a problem?” Serena asked at the same time as I said it, just in other words. She turned to address me with a sharper glare. “Do we have a problem, Knoxe?” Right. Already knew my name. Had probably been briefed.

“Nope.” My temper burned hot and unforgiving in my veins. Every muscle in my body locked up, wanting to punch the wall, and bust another hole in it. Hell, tear off a goddamn vamp head. Do a little Loco and spray some blood.

“Good.” Serena emphasized the word, then went back to father and daughter. “What about you two?”

Astra glared at Loco with the wrath of a woman with nothing left to lose. Personally, I wouldn’t piss off the crazy prick. “I want a DNA test.”

She grabbed the hand offered by Tor and he stroked it, bringing her back down. They worked well together as a team. As lovers.

Fuck, it took us a while to gel as a unit. For me to like Astra. At first, I didn’t want her on the team, replacing Jaz. The fiery, determined little woman proved me wrong. Every. Single. Time. Took every hit. Every sore muscle. Never complained once.

I fucking loved this woman with every part of my being. For a while there, I didn’t think we’d make it when she lied and hurt me, prioritizing Raze over the rest of us. We were estranged for a month. Long enough for her to learn her lesson. I missed her so fucking much and couldn’t take another day without her, and we both apologized and agree to forget it.

Raze must be going though fucking hell without her.

I shook off my dark thoughts and came back to the scene.

Loco huffed and shoved his hands in his armpits. “Your favorite storybook wasThe VeryHungry Caterpillar. You declared yourself the first female Wiggle. Preferred playing withG.I. Joetoys and BMX bikes toBratzorBarbieslike your sister.” Each revelation eased the severity of Astra’s brow.

Serena respected the father-daughter exchange, remaining quiet, watching keenly, taking note, probably creating ways to deal with potential conflict.

What I would have done.

“Tomboy, Supergal,” Tor muttered, tease-grinning at her, and she hit his hand with her spare one, warning him to shut it.

“Until she hit six.” Loco puffed out his chest with pride. “Astra had an unhealthy obsession with Zac Efron andHigh School Musical.”

Pink dotted Astra’s cheeks. Cute. “Did not.” It tumbled out too fast. Hmmm.

“Yes, you did.” Loco’s hands fell from his armpits and crossed his chest. “You wanted to marry him.” He twirled on the spot, pretending to dance like a princess. “Begged me to take you toDisneylandto meet him.”

Zac fucking Efron? Really? Glad her taste in men changed from prancing, singing pussies to real men.

Tor’s eyes lit with his cheeky fire after being dead for the last three days. “Tell us more, Dad.”

Even Pascal glanced up at that, curiously watching the exchange.

Funny. Tor put on a brave act in front of strangers. Behind the scenes, he acted like a dick to Pascal and my girl. Once we had a free moment, I’d set that straight.

Astra burned hotter and redder than a fireball. “Shut up, Tor. I never liked pop music. Period.”

Loco spun on Tor, too. “What did I say about calling me that?”

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