Page 27 of Lila

“Of course. But I won’t. Everything will be fine.”

“Call me tomorrow regardless. I need to know you’re safe.” This time I know it’s a command. A shiver wracks my body and my pussy throbs at the delicious dominance, remembering the last time he used that voice on me.

“I will,” I finally agree and he gives me a knowing look.

“I’ll walk you,” Harkin offers as he stands.

I’m about to say something about not needing an escort when I catch the look in his eyes. It’s notmewho needs this. It’shim. So I just smile and nod my head. The three of us walk back to the door and Luca opens it as Gray comes running from the hallway.

“Don’t go,” he says.

“I have to, sweetie,” I tell him. “I’ll see you again soon. Don’t worry.”

His little arms wrap around my waist and his head presses into my stomach. I shift my hold on Mateo and run my hand over the back of his head.

“I’ll miss you too,” I say. “Be good for your dad.”

He backs away into Luca’s leg and Luca holds his son to him as Harkin and I leave.

I let Harkin walk me to my apartment, leading the way. When we get to my door, he stops and just stares at me. The absolute adoration in his eyes has my insides melting.

“You’re so beautiful. I can’t believe I found my mate,” he whispers in awe.

“You’re not mad that I may have three other mates?” I ask.

“I know Luca. He’s a great guy. And I trust the Fates not to match you with someone who’s not perfect for you. So I have faith it will work out with the other two,” he says and for some reason, his conviction eases my doubts.

“Thank you, Harkin.” I lean up on my tip toes and press a gentle kiss to his soft lips and a zap of desire shoots from my lips to my clit.Damn.I want this man.

His eyes flash with desire and I stumble back into my door.

“Don’t worry. When I kiss you for the first time, you’ll have no doubts about us. I’m a patient man. I can wait until you’re ready. Because once I have you, there’s no going back. We’ll be mated for life.”

I swear, I swoon right there. How can this man be so sweet and sexy at the same time? He strokes my cheek with a nearly imperceptible grin before turning and walking back to the elevator. Mateo chuffs, reminding me of his presence and I shake my head as I go inside.

There’s no sign of Lav, so she must still be at work. I enter my bedroom and close my door before setting Mateo down on my bed. It normally takes a while for me to figure out a curse so I settle in for a long night. He tries to climb back in my lap and I gently scold him.

“You have to stay here where I can see you.” I place him back on the bed in front of me. “If you don’t want to stay like this forever, I suggest you stay still and let me work.”

He huffs before laying down, not taking his eyes off of me.

“Thank you.”

I stare at his curse until I go cross-eyed and it finally unravels. Now instead of swirling blackness, I see the actual curse. The magic the witch used, the intention behind it. By the time I finish examining the untangled curse, I know exactly how to fix him. I need to go shopping though, I don’t have all the ingredients for the counter potion. Mateo is fast asleep so I leave him as I silently leave my room.

Once down the hall, I pull up Screech on my phone. There has to be a shop like Mom’s around here somewhere. I searchmagic storeand come up with way too many results but I don’t know how else to search for it, so I scroll through the list hoping to find something promising. I stop when I see Highway to Spells. That’s exactly what I need! I can make the potion myself, but maybe they sell ingredients too. It’s the most promising lead I have, so I open the Mystic Transit and order a ride.

Chapter 20

Lila

Thecardropsmeoff in front of a cute little store with a sign that says “Highway to Spells”. I sure hope they have what I need. The moment I step through the door, I’m enveloped by the fragrant scent of flowers and herbs. It reminds me of my mom’s shop so much a pang shoots through me. I can pick out some of my most used herbs by smell and look around at the shelves of glass bottles and jars in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Despite the sudden and painful reminder of home, a tranquility I haven’t felt in a long time flows over me as I take in the shop.

“Hello! Welcome to Highway to Spells! Can I help you find anything?” A girl around my age with perfect ringlet curls greets me with a smile.

“I could probably find it, but if you want to help, sure.” I shrug. “Love your shop by the way. It’s very welcoming.” I smile.

“Thanks. So what are you looking for?”

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