Page 53 of Sorcia's Heart
The group’s brightly colored leggings and reflective headbands were enough to make him cringe, but he kept his head down and focused on blending in.How do humans willingly humiliate themselves like this?he thought with a scowl.
Two blocks later, Hazelton finally risked a glance back.No witches in sight.He exhaled deeply, relief washing over him.
“Thanks for the company, ladies,” he said with mock cheerfulness, giving the group a saccharine wave as he peeled away.His words earned him nothing but cold, pointed glares.
Once he was far enough away, he slowed his pace, straightening his wool pea coat.His dress shoes weren’t exactly suited for this nonsense, and the slight ache in his feet only soured his mood further.Exercise,he scoffed inwardly.What a ridiculous human habit.I don’t even have a heart—why would I care about coronary disease?And as if a demon needs to worry about lifespan!
He chuckled bitterly as he caught sight of a bustling coffee shop ahead.It’s warm, inviting glow spilled onto the sidewalk, a beacon of mundane human activity.Hazelton’s dark grin returned.Perfect.
Sliding into the back of the line, he rubbed his hands together like a stage villain preparing for mischief.He didn’t have any money, but he could easily manipulate one of the baristas into thinking he’d already paid—or better yet, steal someone else’s order.
He scanned the patrons inside, his grin widening.Couples chatted, a businessperson furiously typed on a laptop, and a group of teenagers huddled in a corner booth, laughing too loudly.The place was ripe for chaos.If he worked this just right, a spilled coffee could turn into a loud argument, maybe even a full-blown brawl.
Hazelton’s fingers tingled with anticipation.This is what demons are made for,he thought gleefully, stepping closer to the counter.“Time to spread a little joy.”
Chapter 30
“I’msorry,”Sorciablurtedas soon as they were alone that night.She stood in the middle of her loft, her hands fidgeting at her sides as she stared down at the soft faux-fur rug beneath her feet.
Marcus froze, his jacket half-off his shoulders.Slowly, he shrugged it off and draped it over the back of a chair.“Sorry for what?”he asked, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.
Sorcia didn’t answer immediately.She kept her gaze on the floor, trying to find the courage to say what she needed to.Her thoughts swirled, each memory of the past week piling on top of one another.Marcus—steady, reliable, infuriatingly calm—had been with her every step of the way.No hesitation.No complaints.Just unwavering support.
He’d trusted her judgment when she’d ordered the coven to search in new areas.He’d stood back when she needed to take charge and stepped forward when she’d faltered.He’d worked tirelessly, helping her uncover every clue, and never once had he questioned her or sought recognition for his effort.
Those weren’t the actions of a man who sought validation from others.Those weren’t the actions of a man who would betray someone he loved.
Finally, Sorcia inhaled deeply and lifted her chin, meeting his gaze.“I’m sorry for two years ago,” she said softly.Her voice wavered, but she didn’t look away.“I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you.I’m sorry that I believed you cheated on me.”
Marcus stared at her, his expression unreadable.Then, in two quick strides, he was in front of her, pulling her into his arms.“What changed your mind?”he asked, his tone gentle but probing.“You haven’t even spoken to the person who sent you those photos.What made you realize now?”
Sorcia bit her lip, her eyes stinging.She hesitated, struggling to find the words to explain the shift in her heart.“All this time…you’ve been here with me through everything.You dropped everything to help me and my coven.You didn’t hesitate, Marcus.Not once.”She shook her head, her voice growing steadier.“And today, when I needed to lead, you stood back.You didn’t try to take control or question me.You just…trusted me.”
He tilted his head, studying her.“And that made you believe I didn’t cheat?”
“Yes,” she admitted, a tear slipping down her cheek.“Because a man like you doesn’t need validation.You don’t seek attention or approval.You’re not insecure, Marcus.You’re…” She faltered, exhaling shakily.“You’re strong.And I was terrified of how much I loved you.”
Marcus’ eyes softened, and he reached up to gently wipe away the tear.“Sorcia…”
“No, let me finish,” she interrupted, her words tumbling out now.“When I saw those photos two years ago, it wasn’t really about you.It was about me.I was scared.Scared that what we had was too good to be true.Scared that I’d never be enough for you, that you’d wake up one day and realize you deserved better.”She sniffed, her shoulders trembling.“It was easier to believe the worst than to face my own fears.”
He pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers.“Sorcia, you were always enough.Youareenough.You’re everything.”
Her breath hitched, and she clung to him.“I don’t know if I can fix what I broke.”
Marcus chuckled softly, brushing his lips against her forehead.“You already are,” he murmured, his voice warm and soothing.“The fact that you’re standing here, apologizing, facing those fears—that’s all I need.We’ll work through the rest together.”
Sorcia let out a shaky laugh, relief flooding her chest like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.“You’re too good to be true.”
“And yet, here I am,” he teased gently, his arms tightening around her.“And I’m not going anywhere, Sorcia.Ever.”
She smiled through her tears, letting herself believe, for the first time in years, that maybe, just maybe, they could have another chance.
Marcus looked at her with tender curiosity, brushing a stray curl from her face.Taking her hand and leading her to the sofa.He could see that his assertions weren’t enough.“Talk to me, Sorcia.What was I doing that was so scary?”
Sorcia hesitated, sitting beside him and twisting her fingers in her lap.She took a deep breath, then finally met his gaze.“You…make me feel strong,” she admitted, her voice trembling.“You let me lead when I need to lead.And yet, when I need you to take charge, like when I was so weak after pulling that trash out of the ground, you just…do it.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”Marcus asked, his tone light but curious.
