Page 154 of Sigils & Spells

Dear goddess of light, she was the mate of an alpha wolf.

CHAPTER6

Pippa was in shock.

Natalie had seen how completely disconcerted she was and had intervened, ushering all of them to the table, including Jared.

She’d then proceeded to lead a light-hearted conversation throughout dinner, keeping everyone talking and laughing and doing her best to divert attention and pressure away from Pippa.

For her part, Pippa was silent, trying to ignore the concerned glances her sister witches kept sending herandthe scorching hot presence of her mate at her side.

Too soon, dinner was over and Pippa had to face the disaster her life had just become.

Without a word, she grabbed Jared’s hand and led him through the house, up the stairs and down the hall.

The minute they reached the door to her room, she dropped his hand and walked inside.

Hocus Purrcus was curled up in the center of her bed and she quickly scooped him up, then made her way to the armchair in the corner.

It was as if Hocus Purrcus could tell she was upset because he immediately started nuzzling his face against hers, giving her much-needed comfort.

He then made circles on her lap, kneading her thighs before finally settling down with a rumbling purr.

“I truly have no idea how I’ve lived so much of my life without you in it,” she whispered to Hocus Purrcus. “Such a sweet little beastie you are.”

Jared crouched down in front of her chair, set a hand on her knee and said, “That’s exactly how I feel about you, my love.” His mouth quirked to the side in a half-grin. “Not the beastie part, but the rest. I have no idea how I’ve lived my life up to now without you in it and I cannot imagine going back to that empty life.”

Pippa had no idea what to say to that. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she also had to be honest.

“I never wanted a mate,” she said to her lap. “Not ever.” She took a deep breath for courage, then made herself meet his eyes to say the rest.

“I love being single, I love being part of this coven, I love knowing that I can drop everything and go anywhere I want without having to consult another human being. I love being free.”

Jared was silent for a few moments, searching her eyes, she wasn’t quite sure for what.

Maybe he was trying to see how resolved she was, but all she thought he could probably see was how utterly conflicted she felt.

Finally, he said, “I understand this is a shock and not where you saw your life path taking you. I also understand how wonderful the life of a single wolf or witch can be. However, I want you to consider the possibility that you might actually find you love being part of a mated pair as much as you love being single.

“Being part of a mated pair means never being alone when you’re troubled or scared or worried. It means always having someone who will put you first, no matter what, who will choose banishmentwithyou rather than see you brave the world alone. It’s having someone who will always be by your side, no matter how difficult the days become.

“Being part of a mated pair means you will not be alone when facing old age or the end of your lifespan here on earth. It means having someone who will drop everything and go anywhere you want, just because they want to be with you more than anything else in the world.

“And Pippa, beingmymate means that in addition to being a member of your beloved coven—I would never ask you to turn your back on your sister witches—you would also become a member ofmypack, with all its members standing beside you and behind you, supporting you through all your remaining days on this earth.

“Please, Pippa, do not turn away from this gift we’ve both been given.” He lifted her hands and placed a kiss in the center of each palm. “I’ll leave you for now because I know you need time to think, but please know that my entire world now revolves around you and I will do anything to ensure your happiness, even if it means walking away from my pack.”

*.*.*.*.*

“Pippa?”A light knock sounded, then the door slowly opened, revealing Tempest standing there. “Can I come in?”

Pippa shrugged.

She felt so strange, as if she were completely disconnected from the world and her entire life hung in the balance.

Tempest entered and sat on the edge of the bed, facing Pippa, who was still in the armchair. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Pippa shrugged again.

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