Page 21 of Magic's Rise

Levi hesitates for a moment, his brow furrowing as he considers how to answer. “Well, yes, they hold authority in our community, but…” He runs a hand through his tousled hair. “Let’s just say their methods can be a bit… harsh. We’d rather handle things ourselves if we can.”

I remember how Mel’s moms reacted to Owen and nod. “Yeah, I get it. They’d prefer to kill a werewolf instead of treating you like a human. Better to keep them away from Silver Hollow.”

“Exactly,” Levi agrees, relief clear in his voice. “We’re all about protecting our town and its people, but sometimes asking outsiders for help can lead to unintended consequences.”

Like the paranormal council now having a say in my witch training. They really weren’t even that helpful, showing up only after the citizens of Hartford Cove had saved themselves.

A cold breeze rustles the grass, sending a chill through me. “How far is Silver Hollow? Are we talking a couple hours, or…”

“Actually, it’s about a two-day drive from here.” Levi grimaces. “If we’re on the road for twelve hours a day.”

“Seriously?” My eyes widen in surprise as my mind races through the logistics. “That has to be, what…? Three states away?”

He nods.

Wrapping my head around that one, I ask, “Where’d you park your car?”

“Ah, well…” Levi scratches the back of his head. “I ran most of the way here in my wolf form. It was the fastest option, since the return trip would take longer.”

“Wow.” With new respect, I take in his tall, lean body. “But why the rush?”

“One of our younger werewolves went moon mad at the last full moon and had to be contained.” His expression grows tense. “The yearly festival in Hartford Cove is well known, so with the barrier weakening so fast, I wanted to make sure we had enough time to get everything sorted out and have you back in time for the big event.”

“I mean, thank you? The whole orgy thing lost its shine after sharing a house with four mates, though.” Now, it’s my turn to grimace. “Besides, it’s not like I’m a wolf, so I’m kind of excluded from the fun.”

Levi’s brow puckers. “But don’t you perform a blessing before the run?”

Equally confused, I stare at him. “I do what now?”

“You bless the run so that mates will be found, and pups take root in the womb.” Levi crosses his legs and leans toward me. “No one told you about that? It’s why so many come here for the festival.”

“Those dirty, rotten, secret keepers.” Fists clenched, I spring to my feet. “Okay, Levi, you got yourself a deal.”

Surprised, he hurries to rise. “Really?”

“Yep. I mean, you had me at ‘coven who created the amulets,’ but escaping this baby-making horror fest? There’s already been one too many discussions about knocking me up, and this baby maker is out of order.” I pat my stomach. “So, that means I’m your witch.”

“Thank you, Rowe.” Levi puts his hat back on. “You don’t know how much this means to us.”

“Believe me, we’re doing each other a favor.” I shudder at how close I came to being hoodwinked by my precious mates. “A vacation away from Hartford Cove is exactly what I need.”

Levi hurries ahead of me toward the gate. “When can we leave?”

“Right now.” I bounce from foot to foot, ready to get a move on. “We can hot-wire Deputy Arden’s SUV. He owes me after wrecking my car’s engine.”

Levi’s excited pace slows, and he pauses with one hand on the latch. “Shouldn’t you tell your mates?”

“Pshaw.” I flap my hands in dismissal. “That’s what cell phones are for. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission in cases like this.”

His gaze shifts to the fence. “Um…”

“Come on.” I move past him and push open the gate. “We need to get going before the fuzz finds us.”

“Too late.” A hand wraps around the back of my neck, halting me in my tracks. “Just where do you think you’re scampering off to, bad puppy?”

BAD PUPPY

My butt lands hard on the metal chair, with Haut’s hand still warm on the back of my neck.

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