Page 19 of Blood Witch

“Hours? Damn it, Mabe, what were you thinking keeping this from us?”

“Hey, Mabel is dealing with something no one knows anything about, and she is doing it with dignity and courage, worrying about all of you, before herself, so maybe cut her some slack,” Fin growled.

“Dayum! Homey don’t play that,” Rio murmured, earning her a chuckle from around the table.

“Mabe, I apologize,” Arlo said to her first, then to Fin. “Really, I agree with you. I just don’t want her to get hurt. I don’t want any of them hurt.”

We spent the next few hours tossing around theories before everyone started heading to bed. It was past midnight when I walked Fin to the door.

“So, are you turning me in?” I asked, averting my gaze while I waited for his reply.

I should have known he would not go for that. He had this crazy, intense stare, and when I looked away, always managed to find something to bring my eyes back to his. I didn’t know if I loved it or hated it, to be honest.

The hallway was dark and unremarkable, but I would never forget it now.

How could I with Fin standing there, filling it with his presence?

There was just something about him that was so heavy, so big. I couldn’t look away, but I had to, just to save myself.

His spicy scent filled my senses and I think I even sighed a little.

Eek!

I never made that sound before.

Fin lifted my chin with two fingers, his face carefully expressionless. Then he lowered his head slowly, giving me all the time in the world to pull away. I didn’t. I couldn’t. I wanted this more than anything.

His lips on mine.

His kiss.

Him.

Just him.

Was I being reckless or careless even?

My entire life was hanging in the balance. The Council of Covens suspected something was going on at Westwood, and it was all my fault.

Blood witches were evil, bad, and everything seemed to point to the fact I was one. But there were bigger things going on than just me and my problems. My friends were trying to find the reason magic was leaving this realm, and I was putting them and all their efforts in jeopardy. I should leave this place, run away before I hurt someone or everyone.

Fuck.

I knew I should, but I just couldn’t do it. I really was weak and selfish. Fin tilted my head, deepening the kiss and my whole body trembled with need. He tasted like heaven, and I knew then I would do anything to make sure he kept on kissing me.

I was addicted.

And yeah, I was probably a shitty person for taking what he offered, for wanting more stolen moments with Fin. Growing up rough, I’d seen many people at their worst. I’d seen con artists and grifters playing their games, running their tricks, and swindling people out of whatever fed them.

Money.

Goods.

Confidence.

Common sense.

I used to make fun of girls who let guys into their lives, users and drainers, leeches who liked to suck them dry. At the time, I thought I knew nothing of the supernatural world, but humans were bad enough. I should have known better by now.

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