I waited for it to happen again, but silence settled in around me. I looked through the empty space, and not for the first time, wondered what it would feel like to come home to Elowyn instead.
Chapter 2
Abram
Ilasted twenty minutes after Della left my home before I stopped pacing around and used my magic to go to her coven. I told myself that this was just checking on a witch who was part of my duty. When I arrived, I was surprised to see that the party was outside. The coven had decorated the woods with small candles and flowers hanging from every surface.
Gods, it looked beautiful. Even the spell on the house was gone, showing its true beauty. It was a large black mansion, with stained glass windows, a small porch, and a stone chimney. The home was stunning. Laughter made my head turn toward the crowd that was gathered.
There were dozens of men walking around, some talking with each other, some speaking with the witches of the coven. I stepped toward the table of food so I could hear what the men were saying when they pointed at Elowyn and smiled.
My magic swarmed around me so that no one could see me and to hide from Elowyn. I didn’t need her knowing I was here; she’d ask questions, and I didn’t have answers for her.
“She’s hotter than I thought she would be.” The man in the middle laughed.
My body tensed immediately. My fist clenched as they stared at Elowyn like a piece of meat.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind marrying her. I thought she would be ugly,” another agreed.
“I could fuck one woman for the rest of my life if it was her,” the last one joined in, and they all laughed. “Look at that body; it was made to be enjoyed.”
Rage punched through me so hard my vision flashed red. I took a step forward before I realized I’d moved.
“Something has to be wrong with her though, if she has to find a man this way.”
Nothing was wrong with Elowyn.
One of the men turned his head, watching another witch from the coven walk by, and the other two followed his lead. The blonde witch smiled at them, liking the attention.
“Hell, maybe some of these other witches would want to share,” he sighed. “Since it is a marriage of duty, maybe Elowyn wouldn’t mind if I had a consort or three.”
They laughed again before downing a drink.
Fucking pigs.
My attention moved to the red dress out of the corner of my eye. I paused and looked over Elowyn as she smiled at some man talking her ear off. It was her smile she did when she was being polite. Gods, she looked miserable. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, letting me know she didn’t care what he was saying.
“Watch me seal the deal,” one of the pigs in front of me said as he headed toward Elowyn. He was a nobleman, his robes farfancier than anyone else here. I watched her face, trying to see any sort of reaction. Did she like how good-looking he was?
Her eyes tracked the man’s movements, and I hated the way they widened slightly when she saw him. But as soon as he said something to her, her eyes immediately shifted away. He was smiling, but she seemed lost in thought.
I watched her for a moment as the man began talking. Gods, she looked fucking bored. She shouldn’t have to endure this. She deserved to be chosen, not negotiated over. All of a sudden, the man held out his hand, and she took it. He smiled at his stupid friends when he pulled Elowyn against him for a dance. His hand touched the bare skin of her back, and it pissed me off.
Heavens above, that dress was made for her. It hugged every perfect curve of her body and left little to the imagination. It made me swallow hard. I closed my eyes and tried to ignore the jealousy I was feeling. But when I saw his hand slide farther down, it became too much.
Before I could stop myself, I walked straight toward them. My magic swarmed around me as I appeared so everyone could see me.
“I’d like to cut in.” My voice was firm when they both looked at me.
Elowyn’s eyes widened like I was a ghost standing in front of her. “Abe.”
The man gave me the once-over before looking at Elowyn who was still gaping at me. I stared at her.
“She’s dancing with me.” The man glared as he pulled her into him.
My gaze moved from him and back to her. Her cheeks flushed as if she were embarrassed.
“Elowyn, tell this man that you’d rather have my hands on you.”
