Page 91 of The Secret Life of a Witch

“I think it’s called succubussing or something like that.” Wiggling my wrists from his grip, I step back.

Hunter stares me down hard. “That’s not what this is about.”

“Yes, it is. You just don’t realize it.” I start to move around him, but he sidesteps me, blocking my way. Then he backs me up against the wall.

“You want to know how I know I’m not being controlled by your powers?” he asks, and I nod, my heart racing in my chest. Without removing his gaze from mine, he reaches inside the collar of his shirt and reveals a necklace attached to a glassvial filled with a glittery purple liquid. “You know what this is, right?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Love potion repellent.”

“Also known as succubus repellent,” he tells me. “Which means that, while I’m wearing it, I’m immune to the sexual charms of a succubus.”

“How long have you been wearing it?”

“Ever since Tina Marrienale slipped some love potion into my drink.”

“But that was, like, three years ago.”

He gives me a pressing look. “Exactly.”

“Oh.”

None of this makes sense. If he’s telling the truth, then that means all the kissing we’ve been doing lately was real.

“But what about that dream you had right before zombie witch Ryleigh showed up? The one that I was in … I was using my succubus powers then to try to seduce you in your dreams.”

“The repellent only repels unwanted powers,” he explains. “Which means, if I want to get seduced by someone, then I can.”

“Oh.” My mind is racing a million miles a minute, trying to process what he’s saying.

He wanted to be seduced by me? That’s a good thing, right? What I’ve always wanted.

Still, he lied to me.

“Look, I know we still have a lot to talk about and work through,” he says, tucking the necklace back underneath his shirt. “But I just wanted to show you that so you’d stop blaming your succubus powers every time I touch or try to kiss you and then make me stop. Only make me stop if you want me to stop, okay?”

I nod, something still plaguing my mind. Or a lot of things do, anyway. I can only deal with the one right now.

“Aren’t you freaked out by all this? I mean, I have succubus blood in me, for wailing out loud. And demon’s blood. And witches’ blood. And demon feeder’s blood.”

“You have demon feeder’s blood?” he asks, not entirely shocked, but a drop surprised.

“Oh, did I not mention that yet?” I play dumb, knowing full well I’ve purposefully been keeping stuff from him.

“No, you didn’t, but it does explain a lot.” He observes me intently with an indecipherable look. “And why would I care if you have demon and witch blood in you. I already knew that.”

Again, all I can come up with is, “Oh.”

This time, my one word response appears to amuse him.

“So, we have an understanding, then?” he asks, struggling not to grin.

“Yeah …” Wait, what understanding?

Before I can ask, he leans in and seals his lips to mine, giving me a quick, but deep kiss. Then he pulls back and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Now, are you sure you want to do this drinking blood thing?” he asks.“I can still send some of the society members out to look for your sister. Or go looking for her myself.”

It takes me a moment to register what he says, my heart racing so loudly I can barely hear anything else.

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