Page 101 of Spellbound & Speechless
“The large man from yesterday?”
I nod weakly. She doesn’t have the best first impression of Ozan, I imagine.
“Huh. I don’t hold what he said against him. People say things in the heat of battle.”
What do I know about battle? Nothing. And Edith already knows how useless I am; she saw me cowering while everyone else fought.
“I guess they do.” I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry about your mate.”
She touches her chest absentmindedly. “Sorry makes people slow down. We need to speed up. Don’t be sorry—be angry. Get revenge.”
My eyes widen.
Her lips quirk up into a smile, similar to the playful one I’ve seen Mac wear. “Oh, you really are a soft witch. You’re nothing like the corrupt one.”
“Thank you!” I laugh nervously. That’s supposed to be a compliment, right?
“I hope you can stay soft.” She looks off into the distance. “Something tells me the battles aren’t over yet.”
We sit there for a while. Even though our time together is filled with silence and sorrow, I find comfort in sitting with my mother-in-law on a gloomy morning like this.
There’stension around the Hawthorne house, and not the kind I like. There is nothing flirty and sensual about it.
The sun is down, and Juniper is still nowhere to be seen. She’s hiding at Ozan’s apartment, but I miss my sister and worry about her. We all worry.
Maple is the only one who is still acting like her old self. I find her in the kitchen in the evening, kneading a loaf ofbread and humming. To most people, she would look like the embodiment of happiness, but I know better.
She’s stress baking; the strained smile she flashes me confirms it. There’s nothing to do about our stress, or about getting Maple to lean on me for support. Everyone thinks Juniper is the hardest nut to crack, but it’s Maple. She may be sweet, but no one should underestimate her stubbornness.
She brushes her hands on her apron, removing some of the flour. “Are you okay? I don’t want to admit it, but I’ve been worried sick.”
I smile softly. “You’re allowed to admit it. Like, I’m sure we’re all worried.”
“You’re right. It would be kinda weird if we weren’t, huh?”
“Yeah.” I hesitate. “Have you heard from Juniper?”
“I have… thank the goddess.” Maple sighs and rubs her cheek, trailing flour over her rosy skin. “She texted me, and she’s alive.”
“I guess that’s all we can ask for.”
“I’m serious.” She frowns and steps forward. “I want to know howyou’redoing, Aspen. That… thatthingwas attacking you yesterday. She wanted you. And it was your wedding! It’s terrible.”
I smile wryly, thinking of the strange mood it’s putting Mac in. If not for his moodiness, I would be doing much better.
“It was an eventful ending,” I say, “and you know I’ve always loved a bit of drama.”
“Aspen.” Even Maple can’t manage a smile. Not anymore. “There’s no way you’re okay after everything you went through.”
“You know what’s weird?” I look up at the ceiling,surprised to find myself fighting off tears. “I’m not upset about the wedding being ruined. I have my mate, and that’s enough for me. Do you know what hurts right now?”
“What is it?” She asks, squeezing my shoulder. “It’s okay, honey. Tell me everything. Get it all out.”
“I’m finally feeling comfortable in the family again.” I sniffle, and the tears pour. “It’s like… like I’m part of something bigger, and… Iwantto be part of it.”
“No more running away?”
I shake my head. “Exactly. But yesterday? That made me feel like I can’t be, because Mac can’t be. He’s my family now, too. It’s not his fault Juniper was hurt. What Ozan said was so…so…”
