“If I wasn’t in the equation, would you still want harmony with the other groups?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I? Getting along with everyone who will outlive humans, who has to keep the same secret, it’s a good decision.”
“But most factions don’t get along.”
“Mostly over historical bullshit no one can remember. If we’re united as supernatural beings, it can only benefit all of us.”
I concentrate on his wound and process his words. Words I agree with. Words that my grandmother would hate to hear.
“My grand-mère will never see it like that.”
“What if she wasn’t High Priestess?” he says, his large hand grazing my thigh, which sends a tingle down my spine. “What if someone with a more open mind was leading your coven?”
“I…I’m not ready.” I mean it more than I care to admit. The idea of being High Priestess so soon is terrifying, and I don’t know if I’m cut out for it.
“I’m not pushing you, but could you imagine a world where you’re accepted for who you truly are? Your two friends that were here the other day. I know they wouldn’t turn their back on you if they knew you were half shifter.”
I go to step away, and Silas grabs the back of my thigh, keeping me in between his legs.
“She’s my family,” I whisper.
“And shouldn’t your family love you regardless?” he asks and damn it, I hate how emotional I’ve been lately, how confused I feel over everything.
Because I know he’s right, that my grandmother’s love has conditions. What does it mean that I’m willing to hide who I am to appease her?
I look away from him, and his hand lightly rubs the back of my thigh. Despite the heavy conversation, I lean into his touch.
“My acceptance of you comes with no conditions.”
I scoff. “Only because you know I’m part wolf now.”
“It doesn’t hurt, but let’s not deny there was something between us before that, Vi. It might have taken me longer if you never shifted, but you can’t deny what’s between us doesn’t feel cosmic.”
“It’s the hex,” I reply.
“Or is it just fate?” he asks, tapping my thigh, and I move out of the way so he can stand. He towers over me as he looks down at me, cupping the side of my face with his large hand, which is warm and calloused, and unbelievably comforting. “Don’t deny yourself of who you are. Haven’t you already given enough?”
He walks away, and it’s like the coffin seals itself shut.
I want my husband, but I can’t have him. Not until I make some very serious decisions.
Chapter 29
If this bitch doesn’t let me out soon, I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands.
Chapter 30
It’s Trunk or Treat for the businesses on Main Street. It’s not really Trunk or Treat. I guess they don’t know how to advertise that it’s trick or treating from business to business.
I help Iris every year alongside Ember, who already used paint to make the storefront design. It’s a mixture of black cats and orange pumpkins. We even splurged for full size candy bars this year.
The only problem is the property is now owned by Walker Industries, which means Silas is currently across the street at Howl at the Moon, which has always been a dive bar. It’s just under a new name and management now. The shifter presence in town has increased exponentially and everyone’s noticed.
I curse as my grand-mère approaches us, glaring across the street at the walk-through haunted house the bar has.
“This is just ridiculous,” my grand-mère says.
“It hasn’t changed business. If anything, I’ve sold more this month,” Iris says, tilting her witch’s hat back.
