Page 37 of Revenge is a Witch

Can I really only choose one?The thought sneaks into my mind before I can stop it. I frown, pushing it aside, but it lingers. Or crazier—can I choose both?

Fingers

And The Surprising Things You Can Do With Them

Kicking both Derek and Sebastian out was more of a challenge than I’d expected. Naturally, neither of them wanted to leave the other alone with me, so I ended up pushing them both out at the same time, ignoring their protests.Honestly,I thought as I finally closed the door behind them,they’re like children.

With the room blessedly quiet, I flop onto my bed, hoping for sleep to come easily. But it doesn’t. My mind is still buzzing with everything—Derek’s confession, Sebastian’s flirtations, the chaos of it all. Just when I think I’ll be up all night again, the faint sound of a violin drifts into my ears.

I sit up, listening carefully. The melody is soft, gentle, and oddly soothing. It’s the same one I’ve heard before, the same music that helped lull me to sleep. Curiosity prickles at me.Who’s playing?

I tell myself to just let it go, but I can’t. Grabbing a jacket, I slip out of my room. The dorm leader is supposed to stop studentsfrom sneaking around at night, but the current one? He’s a werewolf who gets high on full moons and couldn’t care less. So, I’m not too worried.

As I creep up the staircases, the music continues, growing slightly louder. I follow the sound, step by step, until I realize it’s coming from above. The rooftop.

The door to the roof is locked, but that’s nothing a little magic can’t fix. Muttering the unlocking spell,"Barrier, be gone, let this door open wide, Unbolt the way and let me inside."With a soft click, the door unlocks, and I step out into the chilly night air. The wind bites at my skin, but I’m too focused on the music to care. I weave through the maze of air conditioning vents, trying to pinpoint where the sound is coming from.

And then, I see him.

Sebastian, standing at the edge of the roof, his back to me, playing the violin. His fingers glide effortlessly over the strings, and I’m completely mesmerized by the way his body moves with the rhythm, by the way the music seems to pulse through him. There’s something about the way he plays—something that pulls at me, tugs me closer like an invisible force. It’s hypnotic.

I stand there, entranced, watching him. My heart pounds as the song swells, the notes wrapping around me like a spell. I can’t look away. Can’t move. It feels like the music is reaching inside me, stirring something deep and unsettling.

The song reaches its final note, and he lowers the violin slowly.Now’s my chance to sneak away,I think, but before I can take a step, his voice calls out to me.

“Zaria.”

Busted.

He chuckles softly as I step out from behind one of the vents. “You can’t exactly hide from me,” he says, lowering the violin. “I always know when you’re close.”

I fold my arms, trying to sound unaffected. “I’m shocked. A vampire who can play the violin? What’s next, ballroom dancing?”

Sebastian turns, giving me that same sultry smirk that’s both irritating and far too attractive for my own good. “I’m very good with my fingers. If you’re cold, I’m sure I could warm you up.”

Suddenly, the chill from the wind is the last thing on my mind. My face heats up, and I bite back a retort, feeling flustered in spite of myself. “I’ll pass, thanks,” I mutter, but my heart is pounding in my chest. He just laughs, the sound low and knowing, like he’s already gotten under my skin. And maybe he has.

Sebastian’s smirk never leaves his face as he steps closer, closing the distance between us with a slow, predatory grace. I instinctively take a step back, but it’s too late—his hand snakes around my waist, and before I can protest, he pulls me flush against his chest. The contact sends a jolt of heat through my body, and I’m suddenly hyper-aware of every place our bodies touch.

“Why do you keep pushing me away?” he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

I squirm a little, trying to maintain some semblance of control, but it’s a losing battle. “Because… because this whole situation feels awkward, okay?” I stammer. “Seriously, I get the whole gentleman’s agreement thing, but wouldn’t you be annoyed if I was up here with Derek right now?”

Sebastian chuckles, the sound deep and dark, vibrating through his chest and into me. He shrugs casually, like I’ve just asked him if he prefers coffee or tea. “Honestly? No. If you’re my mate, the feeling is different. It’s like… knowing I’m not the only one who feels deeply for you, who would give anything to make sure you’re okay. There’s an odd comfort in that.”

I blink, trying to process what he’s saying.Comfort?“So, jealousy just isn’t a thing?”

He shakes his head slightly. “Not when it comes to mates. Sure, we might still dislike each other,” he adds with a pointed glance that makes me roll my eyes, “but when it comes to you? It’s not about jealousy. We can’t hate you forsamplingboth of us. If anything, we’d be happier if you chose both.” His lips quirk up into a mischievous smile. “But if that’s not your style, we’ll adjust.”Great,I think,because nothing says ‘normal’ like considering a two-for-one deal on boyfriends.I exhale slowly, letting the tension in my shoulders melt away. Maybe it’s time I stop trying to fight the situation and just go with the flow—for now, at least. The moment I relax, Sebastian tightens his grip on my waist, pulling me even closer, his lips brushing against the side of my neck. “You know,” he whispers, his voice low and molten, “I can play nice, but that’s not really my style.”

Before I can throw out some sarcastic retort, his mouth is on my neck, pressing slow, heated kisses just below my ear. A shiver runs down my spine, and any attempt to hold onto my usual wit dissolves into a haze of warmth and sensation.

“Don't think for one moment you're just a snack, Zaria,” he murmurs between kisses, his voice like a dark promise, “I’m making you my meal.” I feel my pulse quicken as his hands trail down my sides, his lips lingering on my neck, and I’m torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer.Damn it,I think,this should not feel this good.

Sebastian’s voice drops lower, filled with a possessive edge that makes my pulse quicken. “This is just the warm-up, Zaria. I’m just getting started.”

I try to gather my usual sarcasm, anything to shield myself from the heat building inside me. “Oh, really?” I manage to say, my voice shaky, betraying how much I’m affected. “And here I thought vampires were into subtlety—maybe a movie first?”

He chuckles softly, his breath hot against my neck, his hands tightening at my waist. “Subtlety’s not really my style. I prefer to savor every moment, every touch. Trust me, witch, you haven’t felt anything yet.”

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