Page 83 of Witch Unexpected
“No, Anna, this is me exercising Elite rank. It’s our job to protect the interests of the coven, and right now, our most important asset is in danger from an internal threat.”
“A Grimswood witch would never stoop so low.” Anna bristled. “Never.”
“Evidence suggests otherwise,” Sloane said. “Cora, you need to come with me.”
“I can’t leave Wren.”
“I’m sorry, maybe I didn’t make myself clear. I’m not asking.”
Anger flared in my chest. “I’m not fucking leaving him.”
“Go,” Dottie said. “I’ll take care of him. I swear it. I’ll have him brought to you once he’s healed.”
Fuck.”Thank you.” I stroked Wren’s head. “Buddy, please get better.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
As hard as it was to leave Wren behind, it was the best course of action. It was obvious he was no longer safe with me. I had a target on my back, and anyone who got too close would end up in the firing line.
* * *
The Elites wastedno time in getting me to the cabin.
“What happened?” Arne let us in.
“Another attack,” Sloane said, ushering me to the sofa. “Sit.”
God, I was cold. My teeth began to chatter.
“She’s going into shock,” Brie said.
Poppy tucked a blanket around me.
“I’m fine. I’ve been through worse.” But my teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. I clamped my jaw closed. “Fuck.”
“Going up against a revenant and living to tell the tale is no easy feat,” Brie said kindly. “Your body is reacting now that the adrenaline is wearing off.”
I’d been in some pretty dicey situations, but for some reason, this one had hit me hard.
Sten appeared with a glass of amber liquid. “Drink this.” He handed it to me. “It’ll help.”
I took a gulp and heat spread through me. Brandy. Yum. “Thanks.”
He nodded curtly. “Where was the attack?”
“The mansion,” Brie said.
Arne and Sten exchanged glances.
“We have a traitor in the coven,” Sloane said coolly. “I need you to take care of our anchor until we’ve rooted her out.”
“I knew it,” Sten growled. “I told you, Arne, didn’t I? I told you the attacks were too close to home.”
Arne sighed. “Cora will be safe with us.” He looked around the room. “This will be her home soon anyway, but for now, she can stay in the annex. I’ll call in Leif and Rune. They’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“Good.” Sloane crouched in front of me, her electric blue eyes darkening as they tracked over my face. “Right now, the safest place for you is away from the coven, do you get me?”
“Yeah, I get you.”
“Don’t tell any witches where you’re going or what your plans are.” She stood. “I’ll let you know what we find.”
