Page 25 of Witches of Dubious Origin
I slumped forward, bending over my lap so I could stare at my shoes. This was not how this was supposed to go. I wanted to cry or punch something or run from the room as far and as fast as I could. None of these choices were a viable option.
I lifted my head and glanced at Olive and then Miles. “I need your help to send Eloise…on.”
Miles’s expression was one of understanding while Olive looked annoyed and waved her hands at Eloise. “We can’t help you with this.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Miles spoke first. “What Olive means is that you’re the blood relative of Toni Donadieu, and since she is the one who brought Eloise back from the dead, you are the only one who can return her.”
“But I can’t,” I said. “I don’t even know what language the book is written in. I wouldn’t even know how to go about decoding it.”
“It’s a shame there isn’t an entire collection of books—a museum, if you will—devoted to the history of the written word nearby that you have access to,” Olive said.
I decided right then and there that I did not like Olive Prendergast. I’m sure my feelings were evident in my expression, but she met my stare, clearly not caring what I thought of her.
Olive turned to Eloise. “Is that what you want? To walk on?”
“Is that even in question?” Eloise asked.
“Yes, it is,” Olive said. “I’ve met my share of unfriendly undead and the last thing they wanted was to be sent on.”
“I’m not like that,” Eloise insisted. She turned to me. “You’ve known me for half a day. Would you say I’m an unpleasant undead?”
“Not that I’ve noticed,” I admitted reluctantly.
“See?” Eloise asked Olive. “I’m just very, very tired. I’ve been waiting twenty-six years for someone to help me back through the veil.” She turned to me and patted my hand. “I spent several years trying to find Juliet, following the magic of the grimoire, but then the magic just disappeared and so did Juliet, leaving you behind at school. Once you had the grimoire in your possession, I felt its power return, just like when Toni had it.”
“Looks like it’s up to you.” Olive stared at me. Her tone didn’t invite dissent.
“No, you don’t understand. Itcan’tbe me.” I jumped to my feet. “I made a promise—a vow—that I would never use magic and I won’t break it. Not for anyone.”
“Who would ask—” Miles began, but I interrupted him.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
The entire room went silent while I tried to catch my breath. I could feel their eyes on me while my gaze flitted around the room, avoiding contact with anyone. Suddenly everyone turned to face the doorway just as I sensed someone had entered the room behind me.
I turned and a flush of embarrassment warmed my face as I recognized Jasper Griffin and knew he’d witnessed my mini meltdown. Still, I refused to look away when his light blue gaze locked on mine.
Claire rose from her seat in surprise. “Jasper, when did you get here?”
“Just now. Sorry to interrupt.” He didn’t look at her but kept his focus on me.
“Good to see you, Griffin,” Miles said. “Successful recon last night?”
“Very.” He strode across the room toward us, still holding my gaze as he approached.
“Zoe, you remember Jasper Griffin,” Claire reintroduced us.
“Of course.” I glanced away, finally breaking the connection. “And this is Eloise Tate.” I gestured between them. “Jasper Griffin.”
“And what do you do here, Mr. Griffin?” Eloise asked as she clasped his hand in hers.
“Jasper is the BODO’s field operative in charge of containment,” Miles explained.
I let that sink in. “I take that to mean Mr. Griffin is the person you call when everything goes to shit.”
Jasper’s eyebrows lifted and he chuckled low and deep, his amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. He did not, however, correct me and I wondered ifIwas now the “shit.”
“Do call me Jasper. Good to see you again, Zoe. Nice to meet you, Ms. Tate.”
