Page 114 of Shadow Witch

Paige knitted her brows as he spoke.

“I think Devon’s marriage to you is far more beneficial. At least, I hope so.”

“Mr. Durand–“

“The Amor Fortis was very telling, Paige. I’ll admit, my final decision was not made until after it, though I was leaning toward you all along.”

“Really?” she asked, her voice hinting at her surprise.

“You rescued Devon once before. That was very impressive to me. So, I may have manipulated things to ensure you’d be his wife. And after the Amor Fortis, it became obvious how you feel. That is the kind of woman I need at my son’s side. Not someone who will sell him out to the highest bidder.”

Paige tried to keep her expression neutral as he spoke. What had he seen in the Amor Fortis to convince him that she was the better match?

“You must realize, Paige, that this situation helps you, too. The Durand’s wield an incredible amount of power. And you are one of us now.”

“I didn’t do this so I could have power–“

“Oh, I know that. Which is why I am quite pleased with the way this turned out.”

Paige offered him a slight smile for the first time during the conversation. “I’m not displeased with the outcome either.”

“Well, then let us promise to work together toward our mutual goals. Which reminds me…” He let go of her and dug in his pocket. “I believe you were hoping for this as a wedding gift.”

Her eyes went wide as she stared down at the old-fashioned compass. “Is that the soul compass?”

“It is. Good luck using it to find whomever you are searching for.”

“Thank you,” she said as she stared down at it reverently. “I appreciate this so much.”

“It comes with a price of loyalty to your family. We are family now. Remember that.” He offered her a cryptic smile as he strode away.

She lifted her skirts and hurried back to the table.

“I see you survived,” Dewey said. “Did he offer you a sports car? No, maybe one of the chateaus in France?”

“Better,” Paige said as she plopped into the seat between Devon and Dewey. “The soul compass.”

Devon’s eyes widened as he stared down at the object in her hand. “You got it?”

“I got it,” she said with a grin.

“Well, let’s get Drucinda and go.”

“Oh, but…I hate to leave the reception. Your father–“

“Will live,” Devon said as he rose. “Plus, I think Drucinda is ready to go.”

Paige searched the crowd, spotting the Valkyrie near the bar. Henry offered her a coy glance as she collected her martini and proceeded to toss it in his face before she stormed away.

“Oh,” Paige said with a wince as she rose, “yeah, let’s go before she kills him.”

Dewey settled on her shoulder as Devon took her hand and led her toward Drucinda. “Dru, we got the compass. Let’s split.”

“We did?” Her eyes widened as a grin turned up the corners of her lips. “Let me change and meet you in your bedroom.”

“Let’s meet in Paige’s,” he answered. “Although…with Ivy’s behavior earlier, you shouldn’t be alone, Paige.”

“Do you think she’ll come after me?” Paige asked with a frown.

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