Page 48 of Shackled to the World
“I’m more of a hedge witch, and prefer to work alone, but they don’t really give you a choice about joining the cult. Once you’re classified a witch, the rest of the school considers you persona non grata. Witches are a whole pack of bitches that no one wants to hang out with.” She crossed her arms and looked away. “The rest of the witches make sure of it.”
Then she gave a shrug and turned to walk away. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”
“Wait.” Annora took a step after her, and the witch paused, glancing at her over her shoulder. “Come with us.”
The girl turned and scowled at them. “Why?”
“Because we both want the same thing—the witches off our backs.” Annora dropped her hand from Mason and strode after the girl. “If I have you as my liaison, the witches will leave me alone.”
The girl snorted. “And how exactly does that get me out from under them?”
“You’ll have a position of power. They want what I have…which only you will have access to. Meet up with us later at the café, check us out, and decide. If you agree, we can discuss what to share with the other witches. Win-win.” Annora held out her hand. “Deal?”
The first spark of interest lit the girl’s green eyes, and she surveyed Annora up and down. “I might not have a lot of power, but if you’re fucking with me, I’ll find a way to make you regret it.”
Before Annora had a chance to respond, the girl grabbed her hand and shook it.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Mason murmured.
So do I, but she didn’t say that out loud.
“Fine, I’ll meet you back at the café in three hours.” The girl didn’t wait for a response before turning away. That should give her enough time to convince the guys of the soundness of her plan and convince them to allow her to go to the meeting.
“Wait!” Annora took a step after her. “What’s your name?”
The girl glanced over her shoulder, humor dancing in her eyes. “Willa.”
Then she was gone.
Not wanting to linger, Mason put his hand on Annora’s back and propelled her forward until she practically had to run to keep pace with him.
It didn’t take long for them to reach the house, Mason only seeming to breathe again when the door shut firmly behind them. The guys were talking in the living room, and she followed the sound to find Camden and Xander with maps spread out over the coffee table.
But no Edgar, which worried her. She nudged Mason. “Go and tell them what happened.”
He gave her a suspicious look, and she patted his arm. “I’m going to find Edgar. I won’t leave the house. Promise.”
He slipped his fingers into her hair, his palm resting heavily on her neck. Instead of the threat she expected, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Call if you need me.”
Annora watched him walk away, her mouth gaping open like a halfwit, while memories of him pressing her against the wall and ravishing her flashed through her mind. And he knew it, too, if the way he strutted into the living room, all proud of himself, was any indication.
The guys glanced at her. From the heated looks in their eyes, they knew exactly what happened.
No fair!
No way could a girl be expected to resist that much temptation.
Fighting a blush, she whirled and dipped back into the kitchen, only able to catch her breath when they were out of sight. She blinked and stared blindly around the room, trying to remember what was so urgent.
Then it hit her—Edgar.
And she wanted to smack herself for forgetting for even a second.
She edged near the basement, grabbed the knob, then took a bracing breath before she opened the door. Flashes of being trapped in her uncle’s basement slammed into her, and she broke out in a sweat. It took her a moment to get her heartbeat under control and another moment to realize that the basement was dark.
He wasn’t downstairs training.
Instead of feeling better, worry dug its claws in her mind.
