Tyler gawks at Medein, still confused.
Caleb leans in to explain to him. “It’s like our Moon Goddess.”
“Precisely.” Medein says. “Whereas, Gaia is the goddess my elemental magic comes from. Both Hecate and Gaia have similar affinities.”
Upon hearing how powerfully connected she is, they make an exception. “Please, proceed,” Caleb says.
Their eyes are glued to one another. If I’m not mistaken, I’m sensing sexual tension or at the very least, extreme intrigue.
“I am Medein Rosa. The name Medein means to protect and rule over, while Rosa stems from Rose. I am the fourth of my name and the first of my coven, Zagaia.” Her voice, much like her name, rolls off the tongue like audible seduction.
Tyler sifts through the several pages of prospective mates, scanning his finger down the list of names before stopping onone. “Ah. Yup. There you are. Sorry bout that. Why do you want to be considered as a mate prospect?”
“The more diplomatic answer is I share Mr. Waller’s abilities to create balance in nature. His hunting skills serve as population control this land needs to continue to thrive. The spiritual bond I have with the land is transactional but one of respect, nonetheless. My powers are elemental in nature.”
She doesn’t look at anyone else while she speaks—only Caleb.
“I am aware of this pack’s bountiful resources, but with the walking dead and wolves of none.”
What did she just call us?
“Plaguing your territory, your advantage will soon dwindle. In other words, your food source needs my powers and vice versa. Unlike some, I won’t pretend my desire to enter into a marital arrangement with you is one based solely on admiration but one of mutual benefit,” she says.
I cross my arms and clench my fists at how the witch speaks of my kind as a plague and an imbalance to nature. They see a decrease in bounty, but even with slightly less, they still have more than most.
Despite the witch’s eloquent insult to my kind, I can respect her deliverance and honesty. She’s not trying to boast Caleb, and this pack that they’ve probably never set foot in before. Medein has come empty-handed. Clear about what she seeks from Caleb and clear about what she can offer, too, but confident enough in her leadership to find it elsewhere. A true salesman.
Judging by the narrowing of Caleb’s eyes and the rubbing of his chin, he likes that about her, too. But knowing him, the only thing appealing about this strong woman is the challenge to break her.
“You talk about my abilities as if you’re familiar with them. But I don’t know anything about yours,” Caleb says.
“I can show you if that is what you wish,” she says.
Caleb smirks, sharing an approving glance with Tyler. When Caleb returns his gaze to Medein, he nods.
Medein shifts her head in Tyler’s direction. A slight breeze floats through the hall before, the coffee mug on the table in front of Tyler falls onto the floor. It shatters on impact.
I jump at the sound.
Caleb has a delayed reaction, only bothering to turn his head toward the glass several seconds after. His demeanor changes from intrigued to unimpressed.
Me? I find it fascinating.
Seconds later, the scattered pieces tremble, then float toward each other, putting themselves back together like a seamless jigsaw. The slight breeze lifts the cup and returns it to the table like nothing happened.
“As I said, I can appreciate balance. My ability to destroy and repair is one I don’t take for granted and hold grave responsibility over,” she says.
It’s as if the room all opened socks for Christmas. The gilded bow and the crimson satin wrapping paper were promising yet deceiving.
Caleb glances at Tyler.
Tyler says, “We’ll let you know.”
He’s about to open his mouth to move on to the next prospect when Medein speaks again.
“I’m getting the feeling you don’t have a thorough understanding of my abilities. Allow me to try again,” she says.
“All powers are impressive. We just have so many prospects to get through today,” Caleb says diplomatically.
