“I vow silence to my fellow coven member and hold her secret with me till death and time separate us,” she says and I sigh.
She won’t die if she keeps my secret, but the vow will literally demand her silence. My secret is completely safe.
“Now, please tell me what is so important to require a vow of silence. I’ve never even contemplated that type of magic before.”
I take a deep breath and tell her everything. The pact at sixteen, the courthouse, how he’s been sleeping at my house, up until last night’s encounter. I don’t mention his wolf or anything personal, and wonder why I feel like I need to keep that to myself.
She falls back into her chair, her eyes wide as she looks me up and down.
“Holy shit.”
“Now you understand the secrecy?”
“You really think your mother is in New Orleans and can help you?” she says, her amber-colored eyes looking at me with pity.
She knows if I don’t find her, it will just be another disappointment.
“I have to at least try.”
Iris nods, standing up and grabbing my wrists before placing her forehead against mine.
“I give you my protection, and my love. Mother goddess above, keep Violet safe. Protect her against those who wish herharm. Give her guidance and keep her safe,” she whispers, and I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tight.
“I love you, Iris.”
“I love you too, Violet. Promise me you’ll check in. That you’ll be safe and that you’ll watch your back,” she says and I pull back.
“Your vision,” I say with a gasp and Iris’ shoulders slump. She looks away and I glare at her. “Iris. Did you see something else?”
“No, I didn’t see anything. Just be careful, you promise?”
“I promise.”
“Let me send you with a few potions, just in case,” she says, handing me all things that could take a man or a wolf out.
I don’t tell her that they aren’t necessary, but thank her and drive back to my home where Silas waits on the porch.
“I need to hide your bike,” I tell him as I get out of the car.
“It won’t hurt it, will it?” he asks, and I roll my eyes at him.
“No, a little illusion spell isn’t going to hurt your baby,” I reply, casting the spell as we watch the motorcycle disappear. “It’s still there. It just doesn’t look like it is. A little extra incentive to make sure I’m safe, because I’m the only one who can lift the spell,” I tell him.
“Give me the keys, I’ll drive,” he says.
I toss them over to him and grab a few books before taking the passenger side and read while he drives.
It’s only a few hours, but each moment in the car feels heavy with words unsaid. We’re not talking about the past, and we’re apparently not talking about the future either as we finally make it downtown.
Silas parallel parks and for a moment, I’m glad I brought him along. Plus, I’d probably be in physical pain if I left him behind, anyway.
“Any clue where we should start?” Silas asks as we walk down the street. I have her photos in my hand.
“I thought once we were down here I’d have more direction,” I tell him.
He doesn’t chastise me or tell me I’m stupid, thank Hecate, he just nods his head.
“Should we look for the places in the background?”
