Page 17 of Witch's Promise

"Gino Reed, those are for everyone," His mother scolded, but Gabe waved her off.

"It's fine, Mom. I got plenty. Where's Dad?"

As if on cue, the sound of footsteps came from the direction of the garage. Damian Reed appeared in the doorway, wiping his hands on a rag. His eyes widened as they landed on Gabe, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Well, I'll be damned," his dad said, his voice gruff with emotion.

Gabe felt a lump form in his throat. Without a word, he crossed the room and enveloped his father in a bear hug. His dad returned the embrace just as fiercely, and for a moment, Gabe felt like all was right with the world.

"Missed you, Dad," Gabe mumbled into his father's shoulder.

"Missed you too, son," his dad replied, his voice thick. "It's good to have you home."

As they broke apart, Gabe took in the sight of his family.

The Reed Coven. It wasn't the most powerful in Salem – that honor belonged to the Wisteria Coven – but it was influential in its own right. More importantly, it was inclusive in a way many traditional covens weren't. Magic user or not, if you supported their cause, you could be part of the Reed Coven. It was more than just a magical organization; it was a support system, a family in the truest sense of the word.

"So," his mom said, clapping her hands together. "Who wants coffee with their donuts? Gabe, honey, you must be exhausted from the drive. Sit, sit!"

As his family bustled around, getting drinks and plates, peppering him with questions about his trip and his life in New York, Gabe felt a familiar weight settle onto his shoulders. Heloved them, God how he loved them. But with every question, every concerned look, the web of lies he'd woven grew more tangled.

"How's work?" Gino asked around a mouthful of donut. "Still keeping the rich and famous safe?"

Gabe forced a laugh, ignoring the twinge of guilt in his gut. "Something like that. You know I can't talk much about it. Confidentiality agreements and all that."

"Oh, come on," Giana wheedled. "You can't even give us a hint? Any celebrities? Ooh, or maybe some juicy political scandal?"

"Sorry, sis," Gabe shrugged, taking a sip of the coffee his mother had pressed into his hands. "My lips are sealed."

His dad studied him over the rim of his mug, his eyes sharp. "You're looking tired, son. They working you too hard in the big city?"

For a moment, Gabe considered telling them the truth. About the Shadowguards, about the constant battles against dark forces that threatened to tear the world apart. About the weight of responsibility that sometimes felt like it might crush him.

But then he thought about the worry that would etch itself into his mother's face. The danger his family might be in if his enemies ever found out about them. The way it would change everything.

"Nah, I'm good," Gabe said instead, plastering on a smile. "Just been busy, you know how it is. But hey, enough about me. What's new here? How's the coven doing?"

As his family launched into updates about coven business and local gossip, Gabe felt the familiar tug of two worlds pulling him in opposite directions. He was home, surrounded by the people he loved most in the world. But he'd never felt more like an outsider.

Gino, ever the one to poke at sore spots, suddenly piped up, "Hey, speaking of local news, does Sean know you're back in town?"

The name hit Gabe like a sucker punch to the gut. He tensed, his fingers tightening around his coffee mug until his knuckles turned white. The room seemed to shrink, the air growing thick and heavy.

"No," Gabe managed, his voice strained. "And I'd like to keep it that way, if you don't mind."

Gino's eyebrows shot up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh? Trouble in paradise? Last I heard, you two were-"

"Gino," his mom cut in sharply, her motherly intuition clearly picking up on Gabe's discomfort. "That's enough. Your brother's personal life is his own business."

Gabe shot his mother a grateful look, but the damage was done. Sean's name hung in the air like a specter, dredging up memories Gabe had tried so hard to bury.

"Look," Gabe said, setting down his mug with a bit more force than necessary. "I'd appreciate it if no one mentioned to anyone that I'm home. I just need some time, okay? This visit is for family."

The words came out harsher than he'd intended, and Gabe immediately felt a pang of guilt. His family exchanged glances, a silent conversation happening over his head.

"Of course, honey," his mother said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Whatever you need. We're just happy to have you here."

His dad cleared his throat, clearly sensing the need for a subject change. "So, who's hungry? I think it's about time we started on dinner."

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