Page 104 of Waltzing With Witches

I beam at my new friend, but she’s focused on her mate, who stands waiting for the Evertons to become quiet once more.

The next two hours are a blur. We answer every question except one—whose body Wesley took over in order to gain access to town. Arkan’s father, Vikand, joins us up front to explain the dark magic we assume Wesley used. The monsters who were there last night know, but it seems like they want to protect Lou from having to deal with questions about it, which is probably good for now.

Shock is clear on the crowd’s faces when we explain about Abe’s virus and how I used it to infect Wesley’s aura. But in a back row, I catch Moira’s eye as Abe explains it. Tears flatten her face feathers, but there’s a huge, relieved smile on her face. I return it. I don’t blame her. It’s like Abe said. He doesn’t blame her either.

Eventually, the meeting is over, and the last Everton has filed out of Town Hall. My sisters, Lou, and the protector team are the only monsters who remain. Betmal still stands in the doorway, as if he doesn’t want to interrupt us.

My sisters and Lou huddle around, demanding to see the ring.

Thea looks over at Abe. “This thing is gratuitously ridiculous. You know that, right?”

Abe smirks. “Stunning on her hand, though. Don’t you think? Wait, I can’t read your expression. Are you being serious? It’s too much?” His smile falls.

“You did good,” Ohken says, clapping him on the shoulder. “A most excellent grovel.”

I swear the slightest bit of pink tinges his cheeks.

Richard pulls me into his big arms, squeezing tight. “He’s lucky to have you,” he murmurs into my hair. “So damn lucky. Congratulations, Morgan.”

When we part, I tear up. I haven’t lived here long, but Richard’s never mentioned a partner of any sort. I wonder what his story is.

After another ten minutes, Abe glances at his comm watch and clears his throat.

“Mate, we have reservations. Shall we?”

My sisters, Lou, and I hug one final time, and then we say our goodbyes. Everyone but Abe and I file out of the auditorium. My sisters pass Betmal, who inclines his head politely at them. Once they’ve passed him, Wren and Thea both turn around and give me a what the fuck? look.

We’ll cover it later, I’m sure.

Abe and I stop in front of Betmal, whose eyes flash when he sees us. They’re so much like Abe’s but more angular. He could easily be Abe’s superhot older brother.

“Congratulations, my son,” he croons, his voice the same silky purr as my mate’s.

“Thank you, Betmal,” Abe replies, placing his hand on my back. “May I present my mate and fiancée, Morgan Anne Hector.”

Betmal turns his intense focus to me, reaching out with one hand. “Miss Hector, what a pleasure it is.”

“Are you sure?” I ask quietly. “I’m certain I’ve been the topic of one or two of your dinner conversations, and I can’t imagine they were pleasant.”

Now that Abe’s father is standing in front of me, I’m kinda mad. Scratch that, I’m big mad. Because this is his father, and he allowed so much to happen to Abe. I don’t know if I can reconcile that, even if Abe says they’re close.

Betmal’s lips twitch at the corners. “No doubt. Evenia has most certainly cursed your name up and down over dinner. Aberen too. That is, perhaps, why I already like you so much.”

My mouth drops open as I look from him to Abe and back again. “I don’t get it.”

Betmal’s thin lips—the same lips as Abe’s—curl into a wicked smile. “The best thing to come out of my connection to Aberen and Evenia stands beside you with the love of his life. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

I struggle to choke down the lump in my throat as Betmal’s gaze turns fierce.

“If I were you, I would never forgive Evenia for forcing Abemet through the Keeper training, especially once he found you. Believe me when I say I did not know until it was done. I’d have ripped the world apart to keep him from that, if I could have.”

The look on his face is so truthful, so full of fury, my ire fades a bit.

He’s not done, though. His focus moves to Abe, his eyes softening. “When I realized what she had done, I used my power of influence to make changes to the transition program.”

I lift my chin. “Okay, well, know this. If any of the three of you does anything to hurt him ever again, I might learn dark magic to put you in your place.”

Betmal grins, glancing from his son to me and back again. “She is a treasure indeed, Abemet. How thrilling!”

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