“Being an oath breaker would be what we call a bad thing. You would face a lot of hostility and probably be run out of the city.” He thrust his arm out. “Now, if we’re done discussing this ridiculous point. Remove these.”
Hm.
What to do?
I wondered if there was a certain amount of proof he would need to provide about my oath breaker status or if this like so many other things were somehow established magically, like the sorcerer’s mark.
“You might have a point if you had brewed that potion,” Miriam’s amused voice inserted. “Since you didn’t, sorcerer, you have no case. I’m sure the vampire and the alpha will support her in this.”
“I will,” Liam’s strong voice said.
Brax barked once.
He had yet to take his human form again. Considering his change left him nude, it was probably a good thing he still wore his fur.
“Stay out of this witch,” the sorcerer snapped.
She gave him a chilly smile. “I refuse. You’ll have to find some other way to force her to remove that. I’ll enjoy watching you try.”
He glared at her.
I released a breath, glad that he had switched his annoyance to her. I didn’t know if that had been her intent, but it made things easier for me.
She ignored Peter and turned to me. “I’d like to take my apprentice home now.”
I blinked at her, not sure I had heard her right.
She wanted to do what?
Brax growled, the sound a low rumble of menace.
“I’m afraid that I have to agree with the wolf on this one,” Liam said. “That is impossible. She was instrumental in a plot to overthrow the werewolf alpha and intended mortal danger to many in Columbus. She must answer for her crimes.”
“And she will,” Miriam said, turning to stare Liam down. “But not at your hands. She will face a witch’s justice. I can promise you it won’t be easy or merciful.”
Liam frowned at her. “No, her crimes were against all of us. The vampires and werewolves have a greater claim. We lost more people.”
“It’s not up to you,” Miriam challenged. She tilted her head toward me. “It’s her decision. She’s the one who subdued Angela.”
I suddenly found myself the focus of several pairs of eyes.
I really didn’t want to get involved in whatever power grab was going on here. My troubles with the sorcerer were enough. I didn’t need any more.
“I don’t think I should get involved.”
“You owe me a favor,” Miriam interrupted, her eyes flaring.
I paused. “And this would fulfill the favor?”
I wanted to be very sure before I acted.
She nodded, once. “It would. The witches would also be grateful for your service.”
Gratitude sounded nice. I could use some of that right about now.
But I didn’t want to act hastily and without thought. That was how I got into this situation in the first place.
On one hand, Liam was right. Angela and Victor had done a lot of damage to the wolves. If I handed her over to Brax, he would kill her, whether it was now or later. I didn’t know if I wanted that on my conscience. It was one thing to take someone out during combat or while fighting for your life. It was quite another handing them over to certain death. It was a small thing, but sometimes those small things were the only thing standing between you and the darkness such choices can bring.
