Page 36 of Shadow Witch

A second later, she found herself back on the last island with a land bridge forming to the doorway leading home.

As she climbed to her feet, she glanced over at Ivy’s last island. Her land bridge was forming, too.

“Damn it,” Paige said through clenched teeth. It would be a footrace and the long, lean Venompire would probably win. Despite making up the time to catch up on the riddles, she’d lose on the physical demands of the challenge.

She pushed her legs to move as fast as she could, racing for the door as Ivy did the same thing. They met on the narrow bridge on the final push toward the door. Ivy shoved at her, nearly knocking her down.

“Get off me, you jerk!” Paige said as she shoved her back.

Her feet pounded as she tried to get ahead of Ivy. The woman’s long legs gave her the edge, and she pulled ahead.

Paige’s heart pounded from effort and upset. If she didn’t do something soon, she’d lose her first challenge. And possibly even her life.

CHAPTER 9

Paige wrinkled her nose as she pushed her legs harder. Dominic’s words echoed in her mind. “Poor sportsmanship is encouraged.”

With a push, she flung herself in the air, leaping forward and landing on Ivy’s back. She wrapped her arms around the Venompire’s neck as she flailed, trying to throw Paige off her.

“I don’t think so,” Paige said, hanging on for dear life.

“Get off me, you little miscreant,” Ivy shouted. Her fangs lengthened as she prepared to bite Paige.

“Not on your life, Ivy,” Paige growled. She grabbed hold of the woman’s sleek ponytail and tugged her head back before she sank her teeth into her neck.

“Ow, you bit me, you minx!”

Ivy shook her off, and Paige landed hard on her backside. With a sweep of her foot, she tripped the wounded Venompire, then climbed to her feet, ran across her back, and charged toward the doorway floating in the air.

She flung herself toward it and burst through it, landing in a heap on the cold floor of the banquet hall.

Applause burst out as she rose to her feet. Dominic strode toward her and raised a hand in the air. “The winner of round one is Paige Turner!”

Paige sucked in deep breaths as the thunderous clapping continued. Ivy slinked into the room, anger etched into her features as her mother rushed forward to press a handkerchief to her wound.

“Dang, Paige,” Dewey said as he floated over with an empty popcorn container. “You clobbered her.”

“Yeah, well done, Paige,” Devon said with a grin. “And that bite…wow…you’re going to make a great vampire.”

“Ew,” Paige answered as she wrinkled her nose.

Devon stepped closer, rubbing at her lip with his thumb. “Just got a little blood there.”

“I can’t believe I did that. I bit someone to win a challenge.”

“Poor sportsmanship is not only allowed, it’s encouraged,” Dewey said with a claw poking in the air.

“Well done, darling. Do you see what a pair of leather trousers can do for your confidence?” Drucinda asked.

Paige glanced down at them. “Actually, they are also surprisingly comfortable.”

She stepped forward into a lunge, flexing her thigh muscles. “I really thought these were going to be far more restrictive than they are. I had no trouble tackling Ivy in them at all.”

“No, and the leather likely helped you hang on to her without slipping at all,” Drucinda answered.

“Right. I’m really becoming a fan of the leather trousers.”

“Just in time to become a vampire. No self-respecting vampire is going to wear yoga leggings all the time,” Dewey responded.

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