Page 31 of Midnight Witch

Alastair crooned on his shoulder.

They’re right, my witch,Brimstone murmured wretchedly.There is nothing to be gained by being here.

Mae inhaled shakily. It took a few seconds to regain control of her emotions. “I’m sorry to have troubled you.” She flashed a fake smile at her parents. “It seems we do have the wrong address after all. Goodnight.”

She turned on her heels and left before they could utter a word, her fists clenched so tightly in her pockets she almost drew blood.

She’d known from the moment Nikolai had driven into the street that the magic she had inadvertently unleashed had affected her family too. The houses the New York coven had bought a few months ago to place Noah Tegner and his protection team in position to guard Yoo-Mi, Ryu, and Ye-Seul blazed with light and her old neighbors’ cars were parked on their respective drives once more.

Nikolai caught up with her next to the SUV.

“I know this is going to sound crass, but are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

The sob Mae had been holding back finally tumbled from her lips. He clenched his jaw and took her in his arms wordlessly. Mae clung to him as he cradled her head against his shoulder, her hot tears soaking into his leather jacket.

They stood like that for a long time, Nikolai gently stroking her hair while Hellreaver and their familiars kept a watch out for their enemy.

Mae finally shuddered and pulled back.

Nikolai handed her a tissue. She blew her nose noisily.

“I’m gonna crush your father’s balls when I find him,” she said darkly. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Nikolai blinked. A snort left him.

“I don’t,” he chuckled. “I’ll even serve them to you on a platter.”

Mae smiled weakly. He startled when she touched his cheek.

His expression sobered. “What?”

Mae swallowed, the emotions swirling inside her strong enough to choke her breath all over again.

“I’m glad you didn’t forget about me,” she whispered. “I don’t know what I would do if you had.”

Her confession made Nikolai’s gaze heat up. He slipped a hand around the back of her head and pulled her in for a torrid kiss. Mae melted into him, eager for the passion that blazed so easily between them. It eased her mind and warmed her ice-cold soul.

Nikolai reluctantly ended the kiss. He pressed his forehead against Mae, his skin so hot it almost scorched her flesh.

He took her hand. “Let’s go home.”

Mae nodded, her fingers tightening around his.

But the apartment wasn’t there when they got to Ridgewood, nor the movie theater it stood above. In their stead was a modern office building. Mae’s stomach plummeted as they got out of the vehicle and stared at the edifice across the road, Nikolai’s face reflecting her disquiet.

It looked like it had been there for years.

This is still an illusion, right?!

I suspect so, my witch.Brimstone growled.I can still smell your scent coming from that building.

“Mae!” someone called out.

They whirled around. Vlad was jogging up the street toward them, Tarang loping at his side.

Mae’s eyes widened when she saw the figure with them.

She gasped as Vlad took her in his arms and lifted her off her feet. His heart pounded violently against her chest as he embraced her, his body quivering with tension. She hugged him back just as tightly.

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