Dani shifts in my lap, drawing my attention back to her. "What witch clans does he have in his back pocket right now?" she asks, her eyes narrow with concern.
Sable, ever the brains of our operation, consults her notes. "From what I have gathered, the Olympic Coven, Cedar Moon Coven, and Rainshadow Circle."
Ayla, with long dark hair and green eyes looking like she's stepped out of a goddamn Wiccan fashion magazine, leans forward. "I can speak to the other covens and see if they will listen to reason before joining forces with the wrong side."
Dani snorts, her fingers tracing teasing patterns on my arm that make me want to bend her over this fucking table. "Yeah, because witches are known for their reasonable nature and calm decision-making skills. No offense, Ayla."
I can't help but smirk as Dani's sass comes out to play, even with the world going to shit around us.
Emily's eyes narrow to slits, "I resent that, bitch. Just because some of us have a little more magical mojo than others doesn't mean we're all batshit crazy. I mean, have you met Rhyland? The dude's got 'anger management issues' written all over his broody forehead. In fucking neon."
What the actual fuck? What the hell did I do?
Lucian, the asshole, throws his head back and laughs like it's the funniest shit he's ever heard. I make a mental note to kick his ass later.
Dani laughs, unfazed by Emily's outburst. "Am I wrong, though? Come on, Em. When was the last time you made a decision that didn't involve setting something—or someone—on fire? Or ripping a certain someone through a damn vortex?"
Emily's face is a perfect picture of resentment, like someone just pissed in her cauldron. Sable's trying and failing miserably to hide her laughter.
Erik, the lucky bastard, stares at the ceiling with his arms folded, looking like he'd rather be elsewhere.
I feel you, brother.
"Oohh, burn... And here I thought witches were immune to fire." Lucian smirks. "Guess that's just another myth shattered, like the one about vampires being broody and sexless. Right, brother dearest?"
I shoot him a glare that would make Satan himself shit bricks, but the fucker just winks at me. I swear to god, I'm going to murder him in his sleep.
Brandon's eyes ping-pong between everyone like he is watching a supernatural tennis match, his face screaming 'WTF' louder than words ever could.
Alaric, looking like he's regretting every life choice that led him to this moment, asks, "Are you all always like this?"
In a moment of perfect, chaotic unity, we all chorus, "Yes!"
Vivienne rolls her eyes and lets out a breath that sounds like the last gasp of her patience.
Ayla tries to steer us back on track. "None was taken," she says, her voice calm despite the madhouse around her. "Witches usually don't get coerced—so, I find it extremely strange that even that many are working with him."
I run a hand down my face, wondering for the millionth time how this ragtag bunch of smart-asses and misfits is our best hope against Azrael.
Dani pipes up, her brilliant mind already working overtime. "He's got to be holding something over their heads, just like with the wolf packs," she muses, with sarcasm. "What, did he promise them all—unlimited magic and a pony?"
Lucian grins. "Oh, come on, Dani-girl. Don't sell the ponies short. I mean, who wouldn't want a magical, flying, rainbow-farting pony?" he snaps his finger quickly, pointing, "Ooh-ooh, better yet, what if it's Calimari or whatever and his gang with a dash of his unicorn glitter? Hell, I'd switch sides for that kind of equine awesomeness. Well, that and maybe a lifetime supply of tacos."
Dani rolls her eyes. "No, jackass. And it'sCalimero, not whatever the hell you just said. There's no freaking way Azrael got through to Luminara. Use that brain of yours for once."
I lean forward—my patience wearing thin with Lucian's shit. "Enough with the bullshit, Lucian. Stop saying stupid shit with your goddamn fantasies."
Lucian, the insufferable prick, leans back in his chair, propping his feet on the table, ignoring us. "If Azrael is handing out magical ponies, I say we counter-offer with dragons. Don't we have to go to the fire realm?" He barely pauses for breath before continuing, "We need fire-breathing, scale-covered, bad-ass dragons. We'll be like the Mother of Dragons, but with less incest and more snarky one-liners. Who's with me?"
The room falls silent, everyone staring at Lucian. I resist the urge to fucking smack the shit out of him, reminding myself for the thousandth time why I both love and want to strangle my brother.
Fuck it.
With a mental shove, I send his chair skidding back. He lands on his ass with an undignified "Oomph!" drawing laughter from Emily and Sable. Dani tries to hide her giggles behind her hands.
Lucian picks himself up, grumbling as he rights his chair. "Real mature, bro," he mutters, shooting me a half-hearted glare.
I shrug, a smirk tugging at my lips. Sometimes, you gotta put the little punk in his place, even if it means getting a bit childish. Besides, it's worth it to see my Angel smile. Her laughter is damn near the best sound in the world.
