Page 81 of A Lesson in Obedience
When I was done, she waited a moment before speaking, “I just trusted Samia since she was who everyone had always recommended when it came to dampeners and other things. Your father isthe one who told me about her, since he’d learned some things from the students. When she said she couldn’t help me, I was determined to find someone who could. Your powers would only get stronger and despite thinking that Erik was gone, I just didn’t want to risk anything. I never interacted with any of the other witches from the coven, just him, so when Samia brought in Evie, I trusted her. She was sweet and wanted to help. I was just so determined to get you situated that I didn’t see what was going on.”
Corrin jumped in. “Riley’s necklace was a super powerful tool that kept her magic in place for years. Teresa had to have known Evie was involved in something like that. She would have wanted to know what it was for and who, just in case any backlash fell onto the coven.”
The sound of pacing filled my phone. “Understandable, I guess. Honey, I truly don’t know why she would give the okay if she knew it was for me. Maybe she did have a heart somewhere deep, deep down. Or maybe she knew it would continue to keep me away from her…” She sighed.
I bit my thumbnail. “Mom, if you had such a past with Mystic Riegan, why did Dad work there? Why weren’t you way more adamant about me not going, even if you thought Chancellor Fowler was gone?”
“Your dad had been working there and he loved it. He was always so proud of what he did and if anything ever seemed off to him, he told me he would say something. And you,” she took a moment to consider her words, “your dad’s death almost destroyed both of us and as nervous as I was, you were an adult. You were going to head off into the school whether I truly liked it or not. I really don’t think explaining my past would have stopped you. You just might have been a bit more cautious.”
“Probably not,” Jade mumbled under her breath.
I gave her an annoyed look over my shoulder, noticing that Beau was throwing me his judgmental face.
“Are you really sure you want to talk to her?” my mom asked, her voice a little shaky.
Before I could respond, Corrin cut me off. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Monroe. We’ve got her.”
I gave her a small smile and she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, dodging through traffic.
My mom let out a small laugh. “I’ll have to take your word for it, but honey, please text or call me when you get there.”
Jade stifled a laugh. “Wow, you sound like all of Riley’s boyfriends.”
“Riley’s what?”
I choked on air and struggled to find words. “Umm…hey Mom, you are cutting out. I’ll call you later, love you, always and always.” I hung up and immediate laughter filled the car at my expense.
I leaned my head back against the headrest. “I’m happy you guys can enjoy a good laugh or two.”
Jade leaned forward, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Necesitas relajarte. Breathe in, breathe out. Stewing in the car will solve nothing. Once we get to the hotel, we can figure out what the plan is.”
“Thirty more minutes to go!” Corrin shouted, suddenly breaking behind a car that randomly decided to stop and pressing on her horn. She shook her head, while I reached for the dashboard. “I also had lots of fun making your little mind potion. I still can’t get flavors to be super tasty, but it should help keep your beautiful brain safe for the trip.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that and you.”
She winked at me, immediately putting her eyes back on the road. Jade popped up into my periphery vision, causing me to turn my head and realize she situated herself onto the center console. “Mateo told me they’re going to invite your boyfriends to Marth Moon. Is that to keep an eye on them on our territory? Probably. Anything goes down, there are enough people around to help.” Shepoked my cheek and sunk back into her seat. “You guys are like a part of our family now.”
Beau jumped up and licked my face. I wiped the wetness from my skin but found myself laughing just a small bit. My heart hurt for a moment, realizing that Marianne would have loved this. The car ride, the laughs, the unknown for what was ahead. I casually looked at Corrin and Jade, considering that even though I didn’t have Marianne— I had them.
30
Grayson
Istretched out on the couch, peeking over my book as I watched River and Asher practice mental training. Or mental warm-ups. Or whatever the fuck they were doing. River would close his eyes and relax and Asher would use his magic, then Asher would smack River on the side of his head and tell him to focus when it clearly didn’t work. I would have to press my lips together to keep from laughing.
This was solid entertainment since Riley was gone. I missed her and maybe it sounded pathetic to say that, but the minute she drove off, I instantly wanted her back. I heard a frustrated groan and looked over at the St. James brothers.
“Your bedside manner could really use some fucking work,” River scolded, swatting Asher’s hands away.
“Stop being a baby and focus.”
“I swear if you tell me to focus one more fucking time, I’ll punch you in the throat.”
Asher scoffed. “I would love to see you try, baby brother.”
River ran a hand roughly through his hair and shook his shoulders. “Whatever, let’s just go again.” He closed his eyes, taking a few soothing breaths.
Asher rolled his eyes but focused on his brother. His eyes narrowed, but his body was perfectly still and unbothered. His green eyes widened behind his glasses and he whistled. “Finally. You pushed me back. Not with the impact I would have liked, but I struggled to progress.”
