Page 65 of With This Witch
She listens to her heart.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Lachlan
The nod of her acceptance is nearly imperceptible, but it’s there. She’s agreed to give him time.
Lachlan sweeps her into his arms, holding her tight, unsure of how many more times he can do this. Relief washes over him, grateful he convinced her to give them more time. As he releases her, they turn their heads toward the sound of heels tapping on the tiled floor, approaching them with intention.
Sloan. Her name becomes a curse in his mind.
“Stay relaxed. Don’t give her any ammo,” Lachlan says under his breath.
“If it isn’t the happy couple.”
“Good morning, Sloan,” they respond in unison. “What brings you to the council building this morning?” Lachlan asks, his tone welcoming and bright as Petra takes his hand.
“Oh, you know, just trying to keep our community safe,” she responds flatly, raising her hand and examining her nails.
“So you’ve come to step down as a candidate then. How generous,” Petra says, a fake smile spreading across her lips.
Sloan’s face pinches together in anger, eyes narrowing. Lachlan knows that she would be slinging curses at Petra if it were acceptable.
“How can we help you, Sloan?” Lachlan asks, his tone suggesting he is trying to keep the conversation friendly.
Sloan turns to him, rolling her eyes as she looks away from Petra. Her face softens, and an almost genuine smile replaces her angry expression.
“I’m so happy you asked, Councilor Grace. Perhaps we can find a more private location to have this conversation?” she asks.
Lachlan looks to Petra, and though he can see her hesitancy, she gives the slightest nod. Trusting him.
“Yes. That’s fine,” Lachlan responds before porting all of them to his office in the underworld. While this is not his favorite place, he knows there is no chance of being overheard there.
The room is a mix of black and silver, the walls covered in ornate carvings with silver accents appearing through frames and mirrors. A large dark gray sofa sits against one wall, with a small table in front. Against the other side is a large window overlooking a valley. Across from where they land are his dark-stained desk and a fireplace that sits behind it.
“As you were saying?” Lachlan prompts Sloan.
Sloan clears her throat. “See, I’m here as a concerned citizen, worried about how your…relationship,” she says, waving her finger between him and Petra, “may be perceived by others in the community. It could undo much of the work done over these last few years, gaining council goodwill. To have it come out that you two orchestrated this not only soshecould become Premier Witch but also to gain a stronger foothold in the council decisions… well, I just can’t have that.”
Lachlan and Petra pass a glance between them, unsure of where this is going.
“Okay… So what are you proposing?” he asks.
“Well, I am suggesting a bit of a truce. I think I can offer some assistance.”
Both his and Petra’s jaws hit the floor. Sloan stands across from them, waiting for them to regain composure.
“You…want to help us?” Petra asks, confused.
“Well, not so much you in particular. But we have a common foe, so I suggest a temporary alliance to help take care of the problem.”
“And who is this common foe?” Lachlan probes.
“Well, Grog, of course,” she says, like it’s obvious.
“You want to help us take down Grog?” Petra whispers, disbelief audible.
“Yes. Look, I know you’re not the brightest, but could you try to follow along?” Sloan snaps back.
