Page 34 of Teeth To Rip & Tear

The demon nodded and sat back down.

“What do we do about the ‘Humans Against Other Beings?’.” One of the witches at Melly’s table piped in. “We were here before the humans. We all made our home in this valley before there was even a town.”

“Perhaps we should remind them of that.” An unnerving smile grew on Mitchell’s face.

I excused myself once it was clear the meeting was over, and people began to leave the bar or order more drinks. I found Melly at the round table in the corner, surrounded by several older witches I didn’t know. I kept to myself in town, and whileI was certain they knew of me and my Grandmother Eva before she had passed, I’d had little reason to involve myself with the witches until now.

From what I knew, there were two types of witches. Witchlings used their own life force to power their magic, and witches pulled from the blanket of power. Many witches used herbs, amulets, and other knickknacks to connect to their power source without hurting themselves. Grandmother had once compared using raw magic to touching a live wire.

‘It’s different for those with human blood, Mallory. They can’t see, mold, or touch it like you, and I can.’

As a child, I’d liked that Grandmother had put us on the same level, like confidants, but as I grew older, all I saw was disappointment when I couldn’t do the things she could.

I reached up, rubbing the bald spot on the side of my head where I had braided my hair for the‘don’t see me’spell. I’d been able to hide it by parting my hair differently, but I still knew it was there.

Melly waved away her companions, gesturing for me to sit down. A pint of Guinness sat in front of her, almost finished. “You didn’t tell me they attacked you in your home.” She chided with a click of her tongue.

“I was more focused on Kaleb.”

“And that Alpha.” Melly’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “He’s been giving you the eye since you came in.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I shifted in my seat. “Did you bring the herbs?”

“The herbs?” She played dumb.

My chin rocked as my teeth mashed, and I bit back my anger. “I asked about the herbs yesterday. I need my soothing tea. For mynerves.” I loaded the final word with meaning.

“I don’t know what Eva taught you, Mallory.” Melly shook her head, lifting her drink and swirling the dregs. “But it wasn’t to hide.”

“That’s exactly what she taught me.” I lowered my voice. “You know what I am. Grandmother was hunted because of what she could do.”

“She was hunted back for what shedid,” Melly muttered before draining the glass. “But I’m not talking about being a Weaver.”

I pushed away from the table. “I have to go.” I didn’t statewhereI had to go, so it wasn’t exactly a lie.

Melly gave me a knowing look, taking in my panic with a hint of smugness. “Does Dean know what you are?”

My nostrils flared as I bared my teeth, unable to give her a response before I walked away.

Though the Chug was a rundown bar in the middle of the forest, the bathrooms were surprisingly cleaner than I expected.

The Dullahan.

The name echoed in my head as I washed my face. Staring into the mirror, a pale and wan face looked back at me. There were bags under my eyes that hadn’t been there a few days ago.

Maybe it was narcissistic, but I couldn’t help but think that the HAOB and the durrach were linked, even if I was the only connection between the two.

I might not have made many friends, but I hadn’t made many enemies either.

Joel wanted to erase me and play happy families without the inconvenience of an ex-wife.

It didn’t help that he was scared of me.

Fear made men do stupid things.

Though Mitchell had been kind enough to go to my house to get my clothes, he hadn’t brought my makeup, perfume, shampoo, or any other essentials someone would need for more than a few days away from their home.

I didn’t want to stay at the barracks forever. It felt like a band-aid rather than a solution.

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