Page 96 of Spellbound & Speechless
“You won’t be cold?”
“With you? I could never be cold. And besides.” She snaps her fingers, sending warm energy around the tiny space. “Iama witch, you know.”
“I guess there are perks to the wholewitchthing.” I lie on the blankets and pull her to my chest. “Come here.”
Even though it’s not the overpriced room I booked, and there’s no soft bed, being with her alone makes this the best part of the day. My fears still follow us around like ghosts. We’re hiding in the little cottage, but it doesn’t have the same wards the sisters put around the house.
I’m the only one who can keep her safe here, and I have to hope it’s enough. If not, the magic that protected us earlier should be. What the hell was that? More witch magic, probably.
“I love you.” She rests her head on my chest, pressing her cheek to my bare skin.
“I love you, too.”
If I’mnotstrong enough to save her, our love is.
“When she attacked,” I say, “what happened? What was that? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s like I told you. The goddess is protecting our love. We’re stronger together.”
“Good.” I hold her tighter.
The reassurance chases away my worries that I’m dooming her by accepting our bond. It’s not perfect, but us being bondedcankeep her safer. I’m counting on that.
“Let’s stop worrying about her—or any of that.” She runs her fingers through my hair. “Tonight is about us. Let’s be together.”
“Thank gods we did the ceremony beforehand. No one can taint that night. They can’t take it from us.”
“Oh, but this is a wonderful night as well. I got to meet your mother.”
I groan. “Don’t remind me. She’ll have some thoughts about the corrupt witch attack, I’m sure.”
“And we’ll listen to those thoughts together.”
I chuckle, running my fingers through her soft, golden locks. “I have to admit, after growing up as an only child, having someone to help with my mother sounds useful.”
“I’m glad I can be of use.”
“You’re more than that.”
“Oh, trust me. I know.” She kisses my chest. “If the night weren’t so somber, I would remind you how many uses I have. But for tonight, I think we should cuddle.”
“Hm…” I close my eyes, letting the warmth of the tiny room envelop me, grounding me. For a moment, we can pretend everything is fine—that nothing is trying to get in the way of our love. “I can get on board with that.”
Even if something or someoneistrying to get between us, it doesn’t matter. I won’t let it happen. We’re a team now, and we will be for as long as she wants me around.
Chapter 34
Mac
Days ago,waking up with Aspen in my arms felt like a treat, and knowing she would be there for the rest of our lives was the icing on the cake. It’s still a blessing and not one I take lightly. We wake up on the chilly autumn morning, and the sun shines on her sweet face. She pushes closer to me like I’m the only thing that exists, like I didn’t fail her.
But I did. I haven’t been doing enough to keep her safe.
I’ve been distracted, and I can’t keep that up. Not until I kill the corrupt witch. That’s my focus now.
Aspen is kind enough to get me some clothes before we walk home hand-in-hand.
My heart grows heavier with each step.
