Page 89 of Do You Even Hex, Bro?
"They do." I close the book in my lap, setting it aside carefully. "I think I've found enough to proceed safely. The process itself isn't that complicated. It's basically creating a structured energy exchange and sealing it with intent."
"Sounds sexy," he says, leaning forward. "When can we do it?"
"We'll need to wait for the new moon," I tell him, bracing for his reaction. "It's the optimal time for creating new bonds, especially for a siphon."
His groan is immediate and dramatic. "Isn't that a week away?"
"A week and two days," I correct, fighting a smile at his obvious frustration. "Think of it as time for us all to get to know each other better."
"I know you pretty well already," he says, his voice dropping to that seductive rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "But I'm always happy to learn more."
Heissmooth. I’ll give him that.
"I'm sure you are," I laugh, shaking my head. "But there's more to bonding than the physical aspects. I'll be tying my magic to your pack. I need to be sure. We all do."
His expression softens, and he reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The casual intimacy of the gesture catches me off guard, even as I flinch because he did it on the side I’m trying to hide from him. "We couldn't be any more sure than we already are, but I get it. No rushing," he agrees. "We've waited this long for you. Nine more days won't kill us. Probably."
"You seem very confident for someone who's only known me a few days," I observe, studying his face. "How can you be so sure? About me, about this mate thing?"
He contemplates for a moment, his ice-blue eyes focused on something distant. "It's not like human certainty," he finally says. "It's not a thought process or a decision. It's knowing, on a level beyond conscious thought. My wolf recognized you immediately—not just your scent or your appearance, but your essence. Your energy. The unique signature that makes youyou. And it was the same for the others."
"Wow," I breathe, his words resonating deeper than I'd like to admit. I think about how I felt in their house that first night, drawn to their scents, compelled to breathe them in. How mybody responds to their proximity, a pull that defies logical explanation. But I'm eager to lighten the mood a little. To put up the wall that's protected me for so long. "Even Sean?"
Killian gives a throaty chuckle, but the look in his eyes tells me he knows exactly what I'm doing. "You kidding? I think he finally gained sapience when he caught your scent."
I smile, looking away. "At least we've figured out how to... top up my energy in the meantime."
His grin turns predatory, eyes flashing. "Speaking of which..." He sets his coffee down, moving toward me with surprising grace for a giant wall of muscle. "The others won't be back for hours. All work and no play makes Regina a bored witch."
My body responds instantly as I take his hand and let him help me to my feet, heat pooling low in my belly. But before I can answer, the doorbell rings, its chime echoing through the old house.
Killian freezes, his expression morphing into annoyance. "You'vegotto be fucking kidding me."
"You should probably get that," I suggest, trying not to laugh at his frustration.
"No one I want to see ever rings the doorbell," he grumbles, but straightens up. "Stay here. I'll get rid of whoever it is."
"I can come with you," I offer, already standing.
"You don't need to?—"
But I'm already heading for the stairs. "I've been cooped up here all day. Besides, I'm curious what kind of door-to-door religious zealots you get at a supernatural university."
He sighs but follows, muttering something about getting a no soliciting sign under his breath.
We make our way down to the front door, Killian somehow managing to slip ahead of me despite my head start. His protective instincts are both annoying and strangely endearing. He opens the door, his massive frame blocking my view of whoever stands on the other side.
"What doyouwant?" he asks, his tone decidedly unwelcoming.
"Nice to see you too, asshole." A feminine voice, sharp with sarcasm. "Is my brother here?"
"Micah's in class," Killian replies, already starting to shut the door. "Come back later."
I slip the glamour back into place for now and nudge underneath Killian’s massive arm, curiosity getting the better of me.
On the porch stands a young woman dressed head-to-toe in black. Ripped jeans, oversized sweater, and enough silver jewelry to open a small shop, half of it in her face and ears. Her hair is dyed a deep blue-black that brings out the heavy kohl lining her eyes. She looks like the corporeal manifestation of a midnight spell gone slightly awry, but in a fun way.
Her eyes widen when she spots me. “Holy shit, you're real? I thought my brother made you up!” She pushes past Killian without waiting for an invitation, her combat boots thumping on the hardwood floor. “I’m Sadie, Micah's infinitely cooler stepsister. Andyoumust be the Bonded witch they've been losing their collective shit over.”
