Page 50 of Shadow Witch

Paige shot him an annoyed glance.

“What? I could use a few after that.”

“He really makes me mad. He can’t treat you that way. I’m not going to stand for it,” Devon ranted.

Paige shook her head. “I’m really starting to think no matter what happens, he’s not going to give us that soul compass.”

“Oh, he’s going to give it to us. We just have to show him that we’re serious. No better way than to win both events today and wrap this thing up.”

“That’d be great,” Paige said. “I’m really rethinking the whole thing about not killing Ivy at the end.”

“Whoa, Paige!” Dewey said, his eyes growing rounder. “The leather trousers have really changed you.”

“She is never going to leave us alone.”

“Oh, yes, she is,” Devon said as he led them into Paige’s hall. “I’m not going to let her get away with this.”

“Uh, hate to bring up what may be a sore spot, lover boy, but didn’t she kick your butt the last time you battled?”

“That’s not accurate. She got a well-placed hit in. I’m going to be smarter this time.”

“I doubt that,” Ivy said as she stepped into the hall from Paige’s room.

Devon’s hands curled into fists as he sneered at her. He stretched his neck before his body morphed into beast mode. Ivy transitioned to her frightening Venompire form and hissed at him.

Paige swallowed hard as she slinked back a few steps. They were about to witness another vampire fight. And she was afraid the outcome wouldn’t be to her advantage.

CHAPTER 12

“Paige, Paige!” Dewey hissed, patting the top of her head. “We’re going to see a vampire fight!”

“I’m not sure I want to see one,” she said through clenched teeth as she pressed against the wall.

“Why? It’s awesome! Ohhh, wow. A double Amor Fortis, maid of honor at my best friend’s wedding, and a vampire fight. This weekend really has it all. Well done, Dominic, well done.”

“What? He didn’t have anything to do with this. Actually, you’re right, he had everything to do with this. And now Devon may die either here or in a series of challenges designed to make sure we don’t get married. This is insane.”

A few steps away, Devon roared.

Paige pushed herself away from the wall and raced to stand between them. “Stop, stop.”

Devon quickly morphed back to human form. “Paige, get out of the way, I’m trying to be macho here.”

He swapped back to beast mode after he finished his statement.

“I don’t want you to be macho. I want you alive and well. Now, stop it, both of you.”

“Like I’d listen to you,” Ivy spat.

“Well, you should, because killing Devon isn’t going to be too good if you want to marry him, so…”

“Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”

“Really?” Paige asked, shooting her a questioning glance. “If you have, then step aside and let me marry him.”

“Never!” Ivy shouted before she transformed into a flurry of bats and disappeared down the hall.

“What the actual hell?” Paige asked as she stared after her. “Is it me or is she totally crazy?”