“Do I at least get a proper introduction before you mutilate my body?” I stupidly ask.
Even Wolf winces.Yeah, you might want to shut up now.
“Mildred,” she declares with a sneer. “Now, remove your shirt.”
I look up at Cade, silently screaming at him.Why would you pick this witch?
He must sense my increasing panic because he leans forward and whispers, “I promise she’s the best.”
Lies. Every word. I’m sure of it.
I swallow hard and lift my shirt, thankful my bra is aplain black one and not that superhero one I bought to bring a little joy into my life before coming here.
Mildred—interesting name, by the way—points to the chaise next to her, and I take a seat before she decides to turn me into a squeaking piglet.
Cade follows me and offers his arm, but I only grab his hand. If he believes I can handle the pain, I’d love to stick it to the witch and get through this on my own, as much as I can. Archie sticks close too, sitting between my feet, but not actually touching me. A fact I don’t fail to notice and am certain is a warning in and of itself.
“You ready?” Cade asks.
“No,” I answer honestly. “But let’s do this anyway.”
The witch smiles, not kindly. More like a dentist who enjoys yanking out teeth without offering anesthesia.
“Excellent,” she says, then reaches into her bag while still looking at me with that very dead gaze. “Fear always makes the magic root deeper.”
Wonderful. Absolutelywonderful.
Mildred doesn’t waste time. She gestures curtly toward the chaise again, the shawls around her shoulders rustling like irritated birds.
“Lie down. I’ll need to use pressure.”
Yay me.
Still, I do as she commands, while every instinct screams for me to bolt. Cade sits beside me, offering his forearm like some kind of sacrificial hero. Archie relocates to sit beside my head, tiny paws tucked under him, peering at me like he’s watching a horror movie he can’t manage to turn away from.
Mildred snaps her fingers. A small copper bowl floats toher side, filled with thick, glowing ink the color of molten gold, or maybe moltenpain. Both most likely.
“Hold her,” she says to Cade, not even looking up.
“I don’t think that’s really necessary,” he growls, protective instincts sharpening.
The witch finally glances his way, unimpressed. “If she bites me, you know what will happen.” She blinks once. “Don’t make me upset, Cade.”
This is hernotupset? Oh hell.
What has my mate gotten me into?
I glare at Mildred, but then nod at Cade. “It’s okay. Do whatever you need to. I just want this over.”
He kneels closer to me, wrapping a heavy arm around my waist, pinning one arm to my side, and then reaching for my other hand, intertwining our fingers.
I anchor myself to him, to the connection that pulses through us, and close my eyes.
I can do this. It’s not going to kill me.
Cade wouldn’t let that happen.
“You’ve got this—” Liz says, but is cut off.
