Page 109 of Witch Unexpected
Gone was the sweet woman I’d come to know, and in her place sat a sulky bitch who needed a smack in the mouth.
I took a step toward her, happy to deliver it.
Bramble beat me to it, daggers aimed at Pen’s throat. “I always knew you were a bitch, but now you’re a traitorous bitch. I should slit your throat for what you’ve done.”
“Bramble, stand down,” Elijah snapped.
I’d been doing my best to ignore him since I’d stepped into the room to find him standing in the shadows, shoulder braced against the bookcase. He looked chic and groomed in black slacks and a black rollneck top. His dark hair, graying at the temples, was brushed off his forehead.
He was back.
But my relief was overpowered by irritation. He’d promised to come back and be here for me, but he hadn’t. My gaze flicked up to his now, and he met it with a smile that I didn’t return. His frown gave me a little satisfaction.
Bramble pressed her blade to Pen’s throat, and Elijah’s gaze snapped back to her.
“Bramble, back off,” he ordered.
Bramble bristled but did as he asked, never taking her eyes off Pen. “All those potentials… You did that, didn’t you?” Her mouth twisted in disgust. “You fucked with the wards and got those innocent girls killed.”
Oh god. Of course. Pen was responsible for the death of all the potentials. How could I have forgotten them? Those deaths were the reason I was here. Those poor women. Rage bubbled up inside me.
I pushed past Bramble to grab Pen by the throat. “You sick bitch.” I squeezed, and her eyes bugged, and damn, it felt good. “You killed them, you tried to kill me, and you fucked with Tor’s head.”
“Cora, let her go.” Sloane gripped my wrist and squeezed. “Not worth it.”
“Not true.”
Pen’s eyelids fluttered.
Sloane squeezed my wrist hard enough to hurt now, forcing me to relinquish my grip.
Pen slumped back into her chair, and it hit me that I’d almost killed her. I wasn’t sorry.
The room was silent except for Pen’s coughing. I looked about, expecting to see horror or disgust for my actions, and yes, there was disgust on every face, but not aimed at me. Aimed at Pen.
“Who are you working for? What’s the warlock's name? Where is he?” Elijah asked.
“Fuck you, abomination,” Pen spat. “Yes, that’s what they call you.”
Elijah flinched, his jaw tensing.
“Who gave you the bracelet to give to Tor?” Sloane pressed.
Penelope ignored her question, gaze resolute and hard.
“Why did you do it, Penelope?” Anna asked. “You owe us an explanation.”
“I owe you nothing,” Pen snapped.
“Penelope…” Anna pressed her lips together and shook her head.
“Oh, stop it.” Pen hugged her throat with her hand, glaring daggers at Anna. “Stop looking so fucking shocked.”
Anna’s jaw tensed. “Iamshocked. I’m shocked that my blood would betray the coven. My granddaughter. How could you? Why?” Rage glittered in her eyes.
That’s right, Anna, don’t get sad, get pissed.
Penelope’s eyes narrowed. “Power. You have it, everyone here fucking has it, and you all take it for granted.Iwant it. Ideserveit.”
