Page 69 of Cursed Encounter
“She said he wants to destroy the city,” Astra says.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Torrin asks.
“I don’t know,” Astra says with a slight shrug. “But it sounds off to me if she’s telling us his plan. It was almost like she was afraid of it.”
“Do you think she meant the covens? Is he going to kill the witches off?” Fabien asks, and there’s no covering up the panic shaking his voice.
I’ve never given much thought to the covens or the witches. Hell, for a long time, I didn’t really believe their magic was real. I can’t exactly say that now, and maybe there’s a small part of me that regrets not letting it in before. But then again, this life isn’t one for regrets.
The only thing I can do is embrace it. Feel how this would affect the biggest part of my life, and realize how it will affect others just the same.
The covens need to be protected. The witches need to be protected. The heart and soul of this community needs to be protected.
If Aubert goes after them, the place that I call home will never feel the same again.
I can’t let it happen. Fuck that, Iwon’tlet it happen.
This fight just became so much bigger. So much more.
Enough wasting time. The sooner I take care of Paulie, the sooner I can take Astra home and make sure she’s okay. Besides, it doesn’t seem like he has anything left to spill.
“Take them out of here,” I tell Andre.
Fabien practically runs for the stairs.
“Wait,” Astra says, tilting her head so she can look at Paulie around my frame. “He’s the one who poisoned your employee, yes? Sonny?”
Her steps are sure as she slowly walks up to Paulie’s hanging body. I’d give nearly anything to know what’s going through her head.
“Yes,” I reply, caught between wanting to shield her and being too curious to stop her.
Paulie’s not looking so great, but it could be a lot worse. Itwillbe a lot worse soon.
“I want to stay,” she tells me in a strong voice.
My dick is all on board with this idea. My Beauty by my side as I eliminate any threat to us. Her watching me do the things not many could handle.
Yeah, I like the fucking sound of that.
But…
I don’t want this to touch her.
Despite the feelings growing strong inside me to keep her here, I know what really needs to happen.
“No,” I tell her as I wrap my hand around her arm and pull her back. I stand in front of her, looking down into her big doe eyes. “Those aren’t going to work on me.”
She smiles, then lets out a small chuff of a laugh.
“Fine,” she relents. Her hands cup my face, and I don’t hesitate to kiss her. I’m showing all my cards, letting people see how much she means to me, but it might not even fucking matter after tomorrow. “I’ll go.”
“I’ll be up in a minute,” I promise her. “Don’t leave without me.” I’m not thrilled to let her out of my sight, but she seems to be feeling better now.
She heads up, meeting Andre at the top. He gives me a jerk of his chin as he follows her outside.
I pull out my gun.
It takes one shot between the eyes for it to be over.
