Page 32 of Revenge is a Witch

Bethany. I can’t remember exactly what she is, but I know she’s close to Kyla. Too close.

no!! he does this all the time. he needs to be reminded who is in charge here. pick me up!

lets head to his place

i think ill put a cigarette out on his back again. that should remind him!!

My stomach drops.She what?My hands freeze over the phone for a second, panic rising as the pieces fall into place. She’sserious—she’s going to hurt him.

Without a second thought, I grab my own phone and call Sebastian. He picks up on the second ring, his voice annoyingly casual, as always.

“Well, isn’t this a nice surprise,” he says smoothly.

“Zip it,” I snap, not in the mood for his banter. “You need to get out of wherever Kyla might find you. She’s on the way, and she’s pissed. She plans to hurt you.”

There’s a pause on the other end, then he lets out a slow breath. “Technically, I can defend myself now, remember? No more binding hex. He’s quiet for a moment, then he speaks, his tone more thoughtful than I expected. “You know… if I just play along, let her think she’s still in control, it could be an advantage to you, Zaria. She doesn't need to know anything's changed.”

My stomach twists in horror. “Are you out of your mind?” I practically shout. “You think letting herhurtyou is somehow a good plan? No! Absolutely not. You don’t have to do anything for my benefit. Just get the hell out of wherever you are before she gets there.”

I hear him chuckle softly, as if my panic amuses him. “Relax. She’s probably just going to burn me again. It heals.”

I can barely breathe, the idea of someone willingly enduring that kind of pain making my head spin. “Sebastian, no! You need to leave. Now. I don’t care how fast you heal. Don’t let her near you.”

He sighs dramatically, but I hear the resignation in his voice. “Alright, alright. Your wish is my command.”

Before I can respond, the call ends, and I’m left staring at my phone, still shaken by how casually he threw the suggestion out there.He actually thinks that’s okay. He actually thinks that could help me.

But I’m not okay with it. Not at all.

I hear the knock on the door and glance at my phone.It couldn’t possibly be Sebastian,I think, not even a vampire can get across town in a few seconds. Still, the timing makes me nervous. I hesitate, then open the door.

Relief washes over me as soon as I see Derek standing there, looking as casual and comforting as ever. I let out a sigh I didn’t realize I was holding. “Oh, it’s you,” I say, leaning against the doorframe, sliding into my usual banter. “I thought the knock might be someone important.”

He smirks, not missing a beat. “And here I thought I was the most important person in your life.”

I roll my eyes, but my lips twitch into a grin. “Only because I haven’t found anyone better yet.”

Derek laughs, stepping inside. “Give it time. You’ll find a way to screw that up too.”

I pretend to look wounded. “Wow. Insults? And here I was about to compliment you on your impeccable sense of timing.”

“Yeah, right,” he says, settling onto the bed. “Nice try.”

I close the door and turn to face him. “Everything okay with your dad?”

He waves it off, shaking his head. “Oh, yeah. The argument started over the proper way to roast a turkey and spiraled out of control from there. But after a few beers, Dad and Uncle Pete settled down. Crisis averted.”

I can’t help but chuckle, relieved it wasn’t anything serious. “Good to hear. I was worried for a second there. You know how intense turkey debates can get.”

Derek smiles and stretches out on my bed, leaning against the wall. “So, what have you been up to? Hopefully not getting into more trouble?”

My stomach flips at the memory of Sebastian—his words, the kiss, and everything that followed. I force myself to push it aside, at least for now. “Oh, you know, just the usual—banging my head against the desk, trying to remember spells that probably won’t save my year. The usual.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You’ve got a lot on your mind. Figured I’d hang out and keep you company. Maybe even nudge you into working on your grimoire instead of getting distracted.”

Distracted.Yeah, you have no idea.I nod, realizing he’s right. Sebastian has been my biggest distraction lately, and I need to focus. “You’re right,” I say, picking up the stack of books from the chair by my desk and placing them on the floor. I sit down, grabbing a pen. “I’ve been procrastinating long enough.”

Derek shifts on the bed, getting comfortable as he starts scrolling through his phone. He’s quiet, but his presence is grounding.

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