Jade walked closer. “You are not our father. You’re nothing like him.”
“No, I’m not. But I never want to be either. Which is why Nora can’t get feelings.”
Jade frowned. “You knew that there was a possibility of that happening. Maybe you should have thought about that before you roped her into this huge lie you’ve made.”
I knew that. I was well aware of that, but I also couldn’t stop myself from being near her. I couldn’t stop myself from wanting her.
Jade’s eyes softened. “Promise me you won’t hurt her. I know you guys can’t exactly walk away from whatever this is unscathed, but tell me you’re going to try. She hasn’t exactly had a perfect childhood growing up.”
I hadn’t heard much about Nora’s childhood. She never talked about it. Even when brought up in conversation, it always seemed to be turned toward something else. I knew her parents died young, and that was it.
“What do you mean?”
Jade started walking, and I followed her. Jade had a distant look in her eyes. “Neither of her parents was really around growing up. Her father was an alcoholic, and her motherworked two jobs before she died when Nora was eight, which left her with her father, who was never home because he was always at the bar. They got her mother’s life insurance money, but her father pissed it away. They could have turned their life around with that money, but it didn’t happen.”
I felt my stomach twist up at her words. How had I not known that or heard anything about it until now?
“They lived in a shitty little house. They lost heat one winter, and Jade would wear extra clothes trying to stay warm. Her father drank himself into an early grave when she was seventeen. Just a few weeks before her eighteenth birthday. She was planning a funeral and trying to figure out what to do rather than celebrating.”
“I didn’t know.”
“She doesn’t talk about it,” Jade added. “She has spent her life putting it in the past. Just as you should do about things from our past.”
I glared. “I’m sorry, have you forgiven our father for everything he’s done?”
She snorted. “Of course not, but I’m not letting him control my life decisions.”
“He’s not.”
“He is,” she countered. “You don’t want to settle down because you’re scared you’ll be like him.” She reached a hand over and patted my shoulder. “But you can’t run from your fears all your life, Kaleb. They only grow stronger with time.”
The hunt continued, but we found nothing—no tracks, no sign of a wolf hunter. Brandon called it as the sun started to set.
We emerged from the treeline an hour later and headed back to the training ground to regroup. I heard laughter andnoticed that Nora was standing with some people near the parking lot. I noticed that it was two other witches that I’d spotted my sister with on several occasions. I knew that she was training with them.
“Looks like Nora is finishing up some training with Chelsey and Marie.”
I watched as Nora laughed, leaning over slightly while she did. I imagine she was probably snorting because she did when she laughed hard like that. Something deep in my chest ached at the sight of her like that.
I could see her eyes sparkling as she talked. Her hands moved quickly, telling me she was excited about what they were talking about. She looked in her element, and I loved it.
“You are doing so well with the training. We know you’re new, but you’re already exceeding our expectations. You could pass Jade.”
“Oh, really?” Jade spoke up, catching all of their attention. They all turned, and I watched as Nora’s eyes dropped to me. I could see the different emotions flicker over her face before she gave a soft smile that didn’t meet her eyes. I could tell it was forced, and it twisted my heart up.
“She’s getting pretty good,” Chelsey said, giving a wicked grin. “Might give you a run for your money.”
Jade started to laugh. “I’m all for a little challenge.”
Nora smiled at Jade, and I could see the fire in her eyes. It was new, and I knew it was because she was feeling different. Since finding out about her magic, she has been practicing with the others.
“Well, we are done for the hunt today. Do you want to do some practice with me?”
“Right now?” Nora asked. “You sure you don’t need to go home and take care of Ilsa?”
Jade shook her head. “I can have Brandon do it. I want to see what you’re capable of.”
“Me too,” I added, giving her a smile.
