Page 108 of Spellbound & Speechless
“Never. Must be special treatment, just for me.”
“No. It’s for her.” He points a finger at the door. “For Juniper—and I know you would be the same way if something happened to Aspen. If something scratched her, abeing we barely know a thing about, you would look for a source, too.”
“But I’mnotthe fucking source.”
“I know that. I knew it then, and I know it now. Blaming you was messed up, and I’m not here to blame you again.” He exhales slowly. “I came to apologize. I’m sorry. You’re on our side; fighting each other will only give the corrupt witch more ammunition. I want to get rid of her as much as you do. I have family here... I have Juniper… and I have magic of my own to protect. All of that is at risk as long as she’s around.”
We’re in similar positions. He’s right. I understand him, and he may be one of the few who understands me. We always got along well enough before the night of my wedding. Like it or not, he’s part of my pack now. Or maybe I’m part of his coven. I don’t know how it works.
I’m a lone wolf; navigating situations like these doesn’t come naturally, but it’s time for me to get used to it. If Antoni’s gossip is right, this is nothing compared to the wolf pack’s drama.
“I forgive you,” I say, “but don’t make a habit of coming for my neck.”
“I don’t plan on it, but I didn’t come here for you, me, or us. I’m here forthem—for the people we love. They’re starting a plan to take this witch down, and you’re wasting time licking your wounds.”
My jaw ticks. “I thought you were done being an ass to me.”
“That’s not my intention this time.” He lifts his hands. “I’m speaking the truth. Maybe it’s too blunt, but they need our help. Both of us. I want to know that we can work together, regardless of what happened before.”
“We can. I think wehaveto work together. You’re the only one who can cast a spell like this, right?”
He lifts his brows. “Sounds like you know a thing or two.”
“I don’t. Aspen does.” She taught me everything I know, even if she’s constantly underestimating herself. I sigh. “C’mon, man. Let’s see what we can do to help them out.”
Chapter 38
Aspen
We spendthe day strategizing and collecting ingredients, but I’m still on edge when night falls. Every second we delay is a moment the witch can appear, but it’s not as if we can start the plan without her. Weneedher to appear.
All we can do is wait. How am I supposed to sleep tonight?
Mac is still here. He’s the only comfort I have. Seeing him act like a part of the family and win over the wolves makes me swell with pride. There’s still a wall between us, but I know it will be gone soon.
Or perhaps this is our last night alive. Juniper would call me melodramatic, but it feels like the world ends when we return to our bedroom.
Mac has been focused all day, able to talk about nothing other than the corrupt witch and our plan, but all I want is a night withhim. One night without the corrupt witch. I want to be who we were during the brief time of peace. Why can’t we go back to that?
I slip into bed, but Mac doesn’t join me. He roams around the room as if on patrol. I let it go fora few minutes, swiping mindlessly on my phone. Eventually, his constant movements finally get to me.
“Mac!” I glare at him.
“Yes?” He continues pacing.
“Please. Tell me what you’re thinking about. You’re driving me batty.”
His eyes flash red. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s nothing good.”
“Then it sounds like we’re on the same page. Come on.” I move onto my side and pat my bed. “Let’s forget about this. Just for a night.”
“I can’t.” He sits on the edge of the bed and hangs his head in his hands, hiding his face. “You don’t know how much I want to… and how hard it is to be close to you right now.”
“It doesn’t have to be hard.” I sit up and wrap my arms around his shoulders. “I love you. You love me. Why are you making things so complicated?”
