Page 70 of Spookily Yours

“Damien, this is my coven.” I gave a small sigh as I gestured to all of them, giving him each of their names as he shook hands and said hello.

I had to give him credit for not turning and running at the sheer sight of them. Eleven witches would have made anyone nervous, but he just took it all in stride.

The rest of them launched into their questions.

Maybe I’d made a mistake keeping them away from him so far. I didn’t think so, though. I was glad we’d had this month practically to ourselves. To get to know each other. For those feelings to grow naturally between us. Sure, we weresoulmates—fated to be together before we’d even been born, but it was deeper than that.

And maybe I just enjoyed having him to myself.

“So, Damien, how long are you sticking around Pleasant Grove?” I heard Rina ask as I tuned back into the conversation. They’d all been rapid firing, and Damien had been answering all of their questions patiently.

He looked at me, an eyebrow raised. “I haven’t exactly decided yet.”

Maybe that was what triggered my fears. He was my soulmate, but he wouldn’t stay?

“I think that’s it for questions now.” I tugged at his arm, pulling him away from the group. I didn’t even apologize to my coven for leaving so abruptly.

“Can we talk?”

Damien nodded. Maybe he sensed the discontent I felt inside of me. The dread I felt at his eventual departure.

Maybe it was time we had that long overdue conversation. About what wewereand myfeelings. Luna was right. She always was.

I loved him, and he was leaving.

I loved him, and I hadn’t told him.

TWENTY

damien

“Wil. What’s wrong?” I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles, back and forth, as we stood in the backyard of her cousin’s party.

I could feel the anxiety pulsing through her veins. I thought I’d reassured her earlier, but clearly it hadn’t been enough.

“It’s nothing. But it’s just… been a month.” She looked down at the ground, avoiding my eyesight.

“A month?” I raised an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Willow frowned. “You said you’d stay for a month.”

Oh.I hadn’t promised her any longer. “Fuck. Baby. That was before…”Us. Before I’d realized I was in love with her. Before everything had changed.

“Don’t go. Please.” Willow’s green eyes filled with unshed tears, sparkling in the light. “I couldn’t…” She swallowed roughly. “I couldn’t bear it if you were gone.”

“Willow…” I pulled her into my body, letting her bury her face in my chest as I flattened my palms against her back. “I’d never leave you, my little witch.”

“You promise?” She looked up at me, and I almost dropped to my knees right there.

Fuck, but I loved her.

“With everything that I am, I’m yours.” I kissed her forehead. “Forever.”

She slumped against me, giving me her full weight. “I didn’t want to lose you, but I felt so guilty asking you to stay, too.” Her head stayed buried in my chest, her words slightly muffled through my t-shirt. “I know you have responsibilities and things, and that’s your home, but…”

“You’re my home now,” I said, meaning it with every fiber of my being. “My mate.” I kissed her forehead.

Willow pulled away, and I reached out to grab her wrist. There was still more I needed to say. Things I had to explain. “Listen, there’s something I should tell you—”

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