Page 17 of Hexmate

“Sorry,” he muttered, taking his seat. “Last class ran over again.”

“Speak with me after class, Mr. Thompson,” the professor sighed. “Anyway, let’s continue on with the last, and least common bond. Familiars.”

I perked up again. Now this was a subject my father refused to talk about. I’d read a little bit about it in a book once, more of just a passing mention, but I’d never gotten a real thorough explanation.

“As many of you know, familiars are fairly rare because they require a union between a shifter species and a witch. Considering the history between witches and shifters, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t happen often.” He clicked over to the next slide. “The familiar bond is a relatively complicated ritual that requires a physical contract between the witch and the shifter. In the distant past, witches would force shifters into their service via a blood ritual, basically using them as a supernatural battery for their magic. The most powerful witches would have upwards of a dozen familiars at their disposal as their magical slaves.”

There were several uncomfortable looks exchanged at the professor clicked to another slide.

“However, blood rituals were outlawed in eighteen forty-three thanks to the Treaty of Lycaon in Greece. However, familiar bonds have continued to happen, although they are much more rare since they require a consensual partner. And, thanks to the lack of blood magic, they also require a sexual component to complete the ritual.”

My heart jumped in my chest. Of course, I thought of Caden and how attracted I was to him. But suddenly I was imagining him and I in a magic circle, our bodies entwined as we created a magical bond by fucking like animals. It was arousing, thrilling, and a little terrifying at the same time. I had no doubt that a familiar bond was not something one entered into lightly, and I didn’t know if there was a way to ever get out of it should feelings change.

“However, the surge of power a witch gains from creating such a bond is chaotic and sometimes difficult to control. For that reason, such bonding has been outlawed at Widdershins Academy and will result in immediate expulsion should one occur.” He walked over to the wall, flipping the lights on and shutting down the slide projector. “A few years ago,two students, a witch studying time magic and a werewolf, created such a bond. With that power they banished several students and the werewolf’s father to the center of Lake Erie, nearly killing all of them. The bonded students were expelled immediately and disappeared permanently. To this day, neither of their families have heard from them.” He looked at each of us in turn. “So, since you are all shifters, I would caution you greatly against entering into such bonds. Witches are not to be trusted.”

A ripple of murmurs swept through the room. I felt anger fill my chest, Caden coming to my mind once more.

“Not all witches are bad,” I said, not bothering to raise my hand. “And I don’t think professors are supposed to be teaching prejudice in their classes.”

The entire room went silent. Professor Horvath, a Beast himself, looked up at me, a smirk curling over his lips. “And what makes you say that, Mr. Faolan? Have you met many good witches?”

“A… few…” I lied. “One, at least.”

“Well, then you should consider yourself lucky. The pride and ego of witches is famous the world over. Arrogance knows no bounds for those with immense power.”

“Do you feel the same way about the Fae?” I asked, not hiding my irritation. “They have magic. So do the Dark Elves. Should we fear them?”

“They are not capable of forcing familiar bonds, so no,” he replied. “While I applaud you for your attempt at social justice, I’m afraid you’ll find me unmoved by your words. Considering the dean’s announcement this morning, I think the truth of witches and their agenda is far too easy to see.” He looked up to the rest of the class. “Mark my words, by the start of next year, you will find Widdershins Academy to be a far less acceptingplace. And considering I’m saying this out loud to you all, there is a good chance I won’t be teaching here anymore either.”

The class was quiet for a long moment. Even I couldn’t think of something to say. I still thought he was wrong to say those things, but he was also right about the new announcement. It was clear the school donors, who were almost exclusively witches, had a plan. And it did not include the welfare of the shifter students.

Professor Horvath clapped his hands. “And that’s it for today! Have a nice weekend, everyone!” He glanced down at me, giving me a wink. “And don’t lose that spark. It’s important not to roll over and just accept what your elders say without question.”

As I gathered my things and left the classroom, my mind was reeling. Professor Horvath’s words about witches and familiar bonds left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, I couldn’t deny the dark history he’d described. But on the other, my thoughts kept drifting to Caden. Sweet, shy Caden with his gentle nature magic. How could someone like him ever be a threat?

I was so lost in thought that I nearly collided with someone in the hallway.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going,” a soft voice said.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked up to see Caden standing before me, a light blush coloring his freckled cheeks.

“No worries,” I managed to say, drinking in the sight of him. His blonde hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d been running his fingers through it. Those captivating blue eyes met mine for a brief moment before darting away shyly.

“How... how was class?” Caden asked, fidgeting with the strap of his messenger bag.

“Interesting,” I replied, not wanting to upset him with the details of Professor Horvath’s opinions. “What are you doingover this way? I thought the magic classes were in the north building?”

“Oh, I have an herbalism class here in the conservatory,” he grinned. “Not many witches take it.”

“You like plants?”

His cheeks turned even more pink. “Y-Yeah.”

“That’s really cool,” I said, genuinely interested. “I’d love to hear more about it sometime.”

Caden’s eyes lit up, a smile spreading across his face. “Really? Most people think it’s boring.”

“Not at all,” I assured him. “Maybe we could grab coffee sometime and you could tell me about it?”

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