Page 13 of Sorcia's Heart
And beneath it all, there had been something else.A presence.Silent.Angry.Dangerous.
“You felt it too,” Marcus said, his voice low but certain, breaking into her thoughts.
She hesitated before nodding.“Yes.”
He stepped closer, his expression softening with concern.“This is why I’m coming with you.Whoever—whatever—is watching isn’t going to stop.Not unless we stop it first.”
Sorcia sighed, leaning back against her desk.“Fine,” she relented.“But no taking over the conversation with my clients.This is my business.”
A small smile curved his lips.“When have I ever taken over one of your client meetings?”
She raised an eyebrow.“Do you want a list?”
Marcus chuckled, the sound deep and familiar.“Fine.No taking over.”
She shot him a warning look but couldn’t help the flicker of amusement as memories surfaced.“Do you remember that couple who wanted a secret room behind a bookshelf?”
“And the bookshelf had to swivelsilently,” Marcus added, grinning.“I thought you were going to hex them when they kept insisting on seeing test blueprints.”
“Or the guy who demanded a moat around his house,” Sorcia countered, laughing softly.
“With crocodiles,” Marcus added, his eyes twinkling.“For security, of course.”
“And that one house,” she said, shaking her head, “with the closet full of mannequin heads.Just heads.Not a single mannequin body.”
Marcus grimaced.“I still have nightmares about that.Why would someonekeepthose?”
They both laughed, the tension easing as they shared the absurd memories.For a moment, it felt like old times—those stolen moments of levity after long days of working together, their laughter echoing as they shared everything from bizarre client demands to the inexplicable oddities lurking in houses.
But the warmth between them was short-lived.The weight of the present pressed down once more, the unspoken threat lingering just out of reach.
“Let’s get through today,” Marcus said finally, his voice steady but tinged with resolve.“And then we’ll deal with whoever—or whatever—is watching you.”
Sorcia nodded, the lightness fading from her expression.“Deal.But remember, this is my business, Marcus.You’re just a guest.”
“For now,” he teased, his smirk returning as he grabbed his coffee.
She rolled her eyes, but deep down, she couldn’t help the flicker of relief at having him by her side—just for today.
Marcus shoved a hand into his pocket, his sharp blue eyes scanning her face.“I should call some of my people here,” he stated, his tone calm but firm, the weight of his concern was evident in the furrow of his brow.He opened his mouth, ready to theorize about the lurking presence, but Sorcia interrupted him.
“Wait!”she said, lifting her hands to stop him.Her green eyes locked onto his, her expression shifting from irritation to something more cautious.
Marcus’s jaw tightened, the urge to argue evident in his posture, but he stilled when she shook her head.Her movements were deliberate as she closed her eyes and raised her hands, her fingers swirling in intricate patterns through the air around them.
The shift was immediate.The ambient sounds of the world—distant traffic, the hum of air conditioners, the faint rustle of wind—disappeared, leaving only the sound of their breathing.It was unnerving, the sudden absence of the unnoticed noise that usually filled the background.Overhead, shimmering lights wove together, forming a translucent dome that encased them in absolute privacy.
Sorcia opened her eyes, her expression unreadable, and nodded.“Okay, now we can talk.”
Marcus leaned a hip against the corner of her desk, his gaze narrowing as he studied her.“What are you thinking?”
She crossed her arms over herself, her shoulders stiff as she considered his question.Her lips pressed together briefly, betraying the struggle within her.“If someone is trying to invade the East Coast territory—starting with Jace and Viktor, both of whom are powerful leaders—then you can’t bring witches from your coven to help me, Marcus.”
She stepped closer, her anger and jealousy momentarily forgotten as she let herself focus on the seriousness of the situation.“I appreciate your presence and your offer to help,” she began, her voice steady and devoid of the bitterness she usually felt toward him.This threat was real, and it was powerful, and there was no room for petty emotions.“But taking witches away from your coven would only weaken it.That’s not an option.”
Marcus didn’t move, his gaze steady and unwavering.“I’m not leaving you vulnerable, Sorcia,” he said firmly.
For a moment, his words eased something deep inside her, the ache she had tried so hard to ignore.She hated that his determination to protect her still touched her, hated the way it made her chest tighten.
