Page 45 of Incubus with Benefits
“Some of these name ideas we had were ridiculous, but here goes nothing.” I read through the old list, and when I got to The Basic Witches we all laughed, remembering it.
“I know it was supposed to be a joke, but I kind of like it,” Penny said.
“Me too,” Gigi said. “It may not be the most professional coven name, but it’s fun and lighthearted.”
“And that’s still us,” I agreed. “I think college-aged me would be absolutely delighted to know we ran with it, no matter how unprofessional it sounds.”
“Yeah! Screw professional. I say we go for it.” Penny held up her glass. “All in favor of The Basic Witches, say aye.”
We all held up our glasses, and with a clink, it was decided.
Gigi swirled her glass, then looked up at Penny and me with that mischievous glint she got when she was about to drop something unexpected. “Let’s get to the elephant in the room.” She looked straight at me. “What’s up with you and Julian?”
“Yeah, about that.” Penny leaned in, wagging her brows. “It kinda looks like you’ve moved in.”
“Shadow people, remember?” I said, hoping they’d drop it.
They didn’t.
“Uh-huh. And we’re supposed to believe that’s all of it?” Penny asked.
I sighed, realizing I probably wasn’t going to get away without talking about this.
“Fine. I’m confused, okay?” I admitted. “He’s acting like everything’s normal, and we’ve definitely stepped past Friends with Benefits territory. But neither of us has admitted anything.”
“Maybe you’re his mate like me and Prax,” Penny said. “But he just doesn’t know it yet.”
I made a face.
“It’s possible, you know,” Gigi said.
“I know, but what are the chances both Penny and I end up with Playboy-type incubi who both drop a life of freedom to be with us?” I brought my glass to my lips only to find it empty. Penny, ever vigilant, was already there with the bottle, refilling my glass.
“Anyway,” I said. “I don’t know what the hell is between us, but I thought we’d figure it out later because right now there’s more at stake than a title. Which reminds me.” I dug the gold bracelet out of my pocket. “I found this near the portal containment building. I’m pretty sure it belonged to Marissa. She was wearing it the night she went missing. There’s a video of her at the bar at Delerium.”
I didn’t tell them I’d found it right behind the building because I had a feeling they’d react worse than Julian had.
Gigi took it from me. “It’s still humming with energy.”
“So she’s still alive,” Penny finished. They’d both come to the same conclusion I had.
“Do you think we could track her using the energy signature?” I asked.
Gigi released the blanket of silence from Triscuit and motioned for her familiar to join her. He did, and Gigi concentrated. I reached out to touch her, offering her access to my magic, and so did Penny.
After a long moment, her shoulder drooped and she exhaled. “No. I don’t think I can track it. It’s like with the thread surrounding you. It just drops off.”
She reached out, and I could feel her exploring my aura. “And yes, those threads are still there.”
“I figured as much.” I sighed loudly. “This fuckin—”
I slapped my hand across my mouth, hoping it wasn’t too late. But it was.
“Focking socks. Focking socks. Focking socks!” Triscuit sing-songed.
“Oh no,” Griselda groaned. “Here we go again.”
I was thoroughly tipsy by the time Shadow and I stepped through my portal and back into Julian’s place.
