Page 3 of Immortal Burden

He hesitated for a moment on his response. “I… uh…I’m gonna have a tough time concentrating, if I’m nursing a bitch of a hangover, aren’t I?”

“Your lack of concentration can’t be worse than it is now. You couldn’t even dress yourself.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “I’m just buzzed. Relax.”

“This is far beyond buzzed. Being chosen as the Union Advocates of Thomas and Louise’s nuptials is a great honor, Ryker. So, if you don’t think you can do this with the best of your abilities, tell me now, and I will perform it alone. I’ll manufacture an excuse for your absence.”

Thomas and Louise were two of the most high-ranking Coven members. Being tapped as their Union Advocate was the human equivalent of a best man and maid of honor role, although, slightly more special. Our task was to bless their union with our magic, creating eternal bonds in the form of rings fashioned from pure light magic.

“It’s nothing to do with honor, Mia. It’s fucking political, through and through. We’re the most powerful magic-wielders in existence.” He paused, as a thought occurred to him. “Well, except the unmentionables from your bloodline, of course. Having us here is a big deal, bringing in massive magical traffic, and solidifying the Maven Coven’s position in the magical community. We’re their cash cows.”

“What’s happened to you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“This bitterness. Negativity. It’s not the man I know.”

He scowled at me. “It’s the man you made me into.”

“Ryker—”

He jerked back as I went to reach for him. The sudden movement in his inebriated state had him stumbling. He had to throw out his hand behind him and grab hold of the stone façade of the two-story mansion to keep from falling.

“Look, let’s just do this, all right?” he grumbled, righting himself and starting for the door.

His words had me frozen to the spot as I tried to reconcile them.

He eyed me over his shoulder. “Are you gonna hold up this ceremony even further by just standing there?”

“Me? You’re the one who’s late as—”

He snapped his fingers, his green magic sparking around me, pulling me forward.

“Ryker!”

“Let’s go, woman.”

I dissolved his spell and followed after him. “Fine. Just make sure you put your best foot forward in there.”

“Whatever it takes to get this shitshow over with, so I can get the hell away again.”

My gut twisted.

I knew he wasn’t talking about the Coven.

He meant me.

He was desperate to get away from me, determined to stay away, it seemed.

I hated it.

I hated the entire situation.

But, I’d made my bed.

And he no longer shared it with me.

2

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