Page 25 of Bloodline Unbound

I’d explained the difference between religious witches and legacy witches to her before. Like shifters, our witches were born with a core of magic that let them influence their bodies and the world around them if they mastered that skill. Humans had adopted the term and applied it to their limited capacity for magic and their spirituality.

I stared at the text, willing it to give me more answers. Why was this thing following us if it hunted witches? Maybe it hunted anything with magic? We were so small in number compared to the humans. We couldn’t afford to lose entire groups or we’d face extinction.

I chewed my lip, trying to formulate some semblance of a plan. I wrote back and asked for a list of a few nest locations in case we got desperate. We couldn’t run forever. Eventually we’d run out of money paying for the gas, hotels, and food without being able to replenish our accounts. If this thing was targeting anyone with magic, then someone had to figure out how to destroy it.

Would Logan be safer if she wasn’t with us? She was human, and if this creature wanted to eat our magic, maybe we should circle back, drop her off. Seth and I could disappear. The idea choked me. I didn’t want to leave her, but I would if it meant she was safe…

I’d never forgive myself if she died because of me.

“What’s going on in that head?” Logan asked, leaning against my arm.

It wants magic. It wants us. You don’t have to run.

Her face pinched. “The fuck I don’t. I’m not leaving you.”

“You don’t need to be in danger.”

Logan was nothing if not stubborn, and I knew the idea of abandoning us chafed her as much as leaving her bothered me.

“Don’t you fucking dare make me break down in a diner.” She sniffed back tears.

I didn’t push the issue until we were out in the car. “I don’t want to separate but I also don’t want you dead.”

She looked ready to punch me. “You can’t even see this thing. You need me.”

“She’s got a point,” said Seth.

“Shut up, Seth.” I focused on Logan. “I need you safe.”

“If you think for one fucking second I’d ever forgive myself if that thing got you because you couldn’t see it coming…” She hiccuped and wrapped her arms around herself. I reached for her, but she pulled away. “Don’t touch me.”

Guilt tore through me. I’m sorry.

She closed her eyes and curled up in her seat, looking out the window instead of at me.

“Logan, please,” I whispered.

She didn’t respond, but at least Seth didn’t add his two cents. I hated the tension. I drove us back to the cabin and we went inside in silence. Logan diverted to the patio, rolled up her pants and stuck her feet in the hot tub.

I gave her some space and stayed in the main room, sitting by Seth as he got the fireplace going again. It wasn’t necessary, but it added to the ambience.

I don’t want to lose her.

Seth looked over to me, mouth dropped open in shock, but then I didn’t suppose he expected me to open up to him about all of this.

I get why you’re worried. Lo’s a lot feistier than Rachel, though.

I sighed and shoved my hands through my hair. Feist doesn’t help much with a monster that’s sucking people dry.

Just…don’t push her away. We’ll keep her safe. Better to let her go on her own terms if she gets tired of running.

I stared at my brother. My chest ached.

He closed the grate on the fireplace and sat down across from me. I would take back everything that happened with Rachel if I could.

For all that I’d been furious with him over what happened, I wasn’t all that clear on the details. What did happen with Rachel?

Seth raised an eyebrow.

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