Page 131 of Demise

“But, that doesn’t mean that you go charging into a witch’s shop in broad daylight. Do you have the answers you went in search of?”

Technically, yes. I suppose I did.

I nod, and so does he.

“Good. Come here,” he says, pulling me into his arms. He holds me close to his chest and I wrap my arms around him.

I can practically hear each of the guys’ thoughts. Feel their unease. Honestly, though, for guys that claim to hate what the Brethren is, what it stands for, they sure seem to blindly follow their rules and word.

The next day, Maggie, Maryia and I are leaving class for the day. They are talking about going to grab an early dinner when I butt in.

“Mind if I tag along? I saw this place yesterday downtown. It looked good.”

They nod as we make our way to the parking lot, where Wesley is already waiting for me. I walk ahead, meeting him at the front of the car. He greets me with a smile, but it falls when he notices I don’t try to get in the car.

“I’m going to get some food with Maggie and Maryia. I’ll have her give me a ride home.”

He doesn’t seem to like that answer. His brows knit together as he turns his head to the side.

“Why can’t I drive you?”

I smile and shake my head.

“Because we can’t be together every minute of the day.”

“Why not?”

I laugh at him, but he’s not laughing.

“Wes, it’s a few hours at best. I’ll be fine.”

He sighs and nods. “You’re right. You deserve to have some time with your friends. Text me when you’re on your way?”

“Sure.” I smile, fighting the instinct to kiss him before I walk back to Maggie and Maryia.

“You good?” Maggie asks.

I nod. “I’m just over the protectiveness.”

“I can imagine with five boyfriends,” Maryia adds with a snicker. “Do you even get to pee alone?”

I shoot a look to Maggie and she shrugs.

“What? She’s my girl. I’m not gonna keep secrets from her.”

“Not even mine?”

Maryia frowns, shaking her head frantically.

“Skyla, I’d never tell anyone. Ever. I know what kind of danger you all could be put in. I swear.”

I shoot one more scathing at Maggie before glancing to Maryia.

“It’s okay. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just the more people that know, the more likely it is that it could get out.”

She nods. “I understand, but trust me,” she says with her eyes on Maggie. “We all have secrets we don’t want getting out.”

“Ouch,” Maggie scoffs as she unlocks her BMW. “I’ll have you know there are hundreds of women that would love to be with me.”

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