Page 10 of Charming Her Monsters

Just before Rob’s attack, it seemed like he questioned whether that woman was me. Yet, is it any better if it’s my relative and my ex-boyfriend who attacked him?

Probably not.

As a show of good faith that I hope wins me some points in the future, I remove the pendant from around my neck. When Amira doesn’t appear interested in touching it, I drop it to the table beside me.

We all stare at the damn thing like it might explode.

“How do you feel?” Arran asks, nuzzling into my neck.

“Same?” I shrug.

“You could be so thoroughly drained that you might not notice anything right away. I don’t sense much magic radiating from your aura, even now,” Amira says thoughtfully. “I would have used my psychometry to read its energy and purpose, but I don’t want it to drain my magic, too.”

“I can try to open it at least,” Maxum offers. “Most curses don’t harm me.”

I grasp his arm as he reaches for the pendant. “No. I’ll try. I don’t want you to get hurt. It probably won’t harm me.”

“You don’t know that.” Maxum caresses my cheek. “I don’t want anything else to happen to you.”

Unholy demon cocks.Why does he have to be so sweet?

I snatch up the locket and wedge my fingernail into the crease. It doesn’t budge.

“Use the spell,patefio,” Amira suggests.

I almost object to the idea, but remember, I’m supposed to be a witch.

“Patefio,” I whisper, still feeling a bit foolish.

The locket loosens. Encouraged, I repeat it and finally the blasted thing opens.

Inside, strange symbols and inscriptions are revealed. After a quick scan and not recognizing anything, I look up at Amira and Maxum for answers.

“Looks like a tracking spell,” Amira mutters. “And a siphoning and containment spell on the other half.”

“Shit. That must be how Rob found me in the alley!” I shout.

Maxum snarls. “This also means our safe house has been compromised. He could find you here.”

“You aren’t safe,” I say. “Do you have somewhere you can go?”

Arran turns me in his arms, and searches for understanding in my eyes. “Why does it sound like you don’t intend to come with us?”

I avert my eyes under his scrutiny and stare back toward Amira. “We should probably have this conversation privately.”

Amira takes the hint and wraps up her visit. “Jade and Calder will need to be monitored, especially with Jade’s necklace removed. I don’t know how her powers and body will react to being free for the first time.”

Oh, damn. I didn’t think about that complication. What if I explode?

“I’ll be able to help her through that.” Maxum rubs his hand down my back reassuringly.

“Call on my assistance again… only you need it.” Amira gives Maxum a hug. She whispers something in his ear.

Jealousy and frustration rise up in me. I don’t like a beautiful woman touching him. And I don’t like secrets, because I know she’s keeping something from me. I will have to get him to tell me when we are alone.

Amira’s mate, Raithe, nods goodbye as they portal right out of the damn living room.

My jaw almost drops to the floor.

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