Page 102 of Heart of a Witch
He pulled back an inch. “I wore it for you.”
I grinned. “I see you’ve pulled out all the stops tonight.”
“I was inspired, and I told you I would. It’s my entry into society as head of the Shaw household.” He ran his hand into my hair. “I needed the perfect evening. For everyone.” He looked at his brother. “Zerheus knows we all needed some fun after everything that’s happened. I also may have another reason too.”
“What’s that?”
He tightened his embrace. “You’ll see at the end of the night.”
He twirled me outward, loosing my curls around my shoulders, then we knotted back together in the center.
“If your father gets out of his room, he will try to kill me,” I said. “Where is it again, so I can make sure to avoid the entire area.”
“East wing. It’s the largest corner room, but don’t worry. He can’t get out. I have men stationed outside.” His expression dropped. “I may have him transferred into an asylum soon. It might be the best thing for him.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Anyway, enough of this talk.” He twirled me around again, and I clasped his hand when we met back together. I caught my breath, and he kissed me.
I splayed my hand against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. I closed my eyes, engulfing myself in the moment. If he weren’t human, I weren’t a witch, and his father weren’t my sworn enemy, we could have been everything together. I almost caught myself wishing things were different, but after this dance, everything would be different. I would kill the hunter and flee. Elijah and Corbin would be free. Cas could stay here as Ambrose, along with Alex, undetected, and they could live out the lives they’d built here.
I never could fit in like the rest of my family. I couldn’t be with a human, especially knowing that if Elijah ever found out the truth about me, lover or not, I would end up at the end of a rope. I couldn’t watch him hate me like that. My leaving was best for everyone. I would go to my mother, try to fix our relationship, and try to build some life for myself up in Blackburn.
If I didn’t lose my mind first. The madness continued to creep in every day, and after tonight, it would be even worse. I didn’t know how sane I’d be afterward.
I placed my fingers against his lips when he leaned in for another kiss. “I have something I need to take care of.”
“Anything I can help with?” he asked against my finger.
I pulled away, my lips parting. A shallow breath passed between them as I took in every feature of his. “Elijah.” I closed my eyes for a moment, finding some resolve in the darkness. “You should network. Go find Charles. I need to see my brother and discuss a few things.”
He kissed my forehead. “Come find me.”
“I will.”
I watched him walk away for the last time. I could still feel his kiss lingering on my lips and feel the plea in his voice rock through my heart. Tears tried to breach the corner of my eyes as I searched for Cas.
I found him with Lady Montague, by the drinks table. “Brother.”
He lifted his glass, excusing himself, then walked with me to a secluded corner.
“I’m going to the hunter’s room. Keep the music loud,” I said.
“You’re not doing this alone.” He grabbed my hand. “He will kill you.”
“I have friends,” I explained. “Trust me. This way, Alex won’t be involved either. She’s happy, with Corbin.” I spotted them a little ways away, dancing. “The party is in full swing. It’s a good time.”
“Then I’m coming with you.”
“No.” I searched for the high priest in the crowd. “I need you to stay here, where people can see you. You can cover for me if needed. I’m counting on you.” I walked away, and he called after me, but I didn’t look back. I heard him swear loudly when I reached the middle of the room, fighting my way through the dancing couples and talking groups of people. I left out the hall and navigated my way to the east wing, stopping in the study to grab the whip.
It was how I had always planned it. I would do this part myself. It wasn’t fair for me to put it on Alex or Cas. I pursed my crimson-painted lips and adjusted my bracelet. Three men were standing outside the door. With a sweep of my hand, I allowed the dark magic to run through me and reach them, knocking them unconscious.
The door to his room was locked when I reached it. Placing my hand on the handle, I felt power thrum through my hands and arms, like flames licking through my veins. The lock turned and clicked. I pushed the handle down and whispered Ember’s name on my lips. This was all to avenge her, but in its way, it had become more than that. It was for every witch who had suffered at his hand and for his sons, especially Corbin, who’d almost died at his hand. It was ironic Damian hated witches when it was us who’d saved his son from becoming a person of the past.
The door creaked open, and I stepped inside, closing it behind me. The music loudened in the ballroom, building until the voices of chatter were drowned out completely. Cas had pulled it off.
“Good evening.” I placed my hands in front of my stomach. “I’ve been waiting to see you.”
