Page 63 of Handcuffs and Hexes

“But now everyone knows. You know Tommy, Eugene, and Mike threatened me with bodily harm, and Chief didn’t even bat an eye.”

My face heated up.

“Does it embarrass you?”

“Theyare embarrassing,” I clarified. “But I know it comes from a good place.”

Seth nodded. “I’m sorry I got all defensive the other day. You didn’t deserve that. And I’m sorry for blaming you, Liam, for jumping the gun. I was a jerk.”

“I know you are,” Liam said, putting his phone away. “I forgive you. I ordered two meatlovers and a deluxe. They’re on their way.”

I shook my head at Liam’s ability to focus on food at a time like this. But then again, I was ravenous. And I bet Seth was too. I imagined he was the type who got hangry. So was I.

But now that Seth had said his part, it was my turn. “I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but I found one. I have to give you two ample warning though. I have no clue what the hell I’m doing. I’ve never witnessed a healthy relationship in my life. I’ve got nothing to emulate.”

Seth chuckled. “You and me both.”

I shook my head. “But you and Liam are healthy.”

He looked pensive. “I guess we are. But either way, we are going to have to learn together.” He plopped down on a couch next to me.

“That doesn’t sound too bad,” I agreed.

“Does that mean you’re moving in?” Liam asked, lying down right over our laps.

“One step at a time!” Seth and I both exclaimed.

“Aww.”

But I leaned in and kissed him. I’d found love with not one but two amazing guys. I might not know the secret to happy relationships, but I was willing to learn.

I suddenly remembered Griselda’s declaration that if I pushed forward, I’d lose something important but gain more in return. I knew now what I’d gained: a chance at a life with Seth and Liam. But what had I lost?

Chapter 30

Liam

Afewmonthslater…

I paced as I waited for them to step out of the courtroom. Just as Elena had said, Samuel had made sure to drag her out through whatever means possible the moment she filed for that divorce. But knowing that the asshole was about to be locked away for at least ten years had given Elena the bravery to face him again.

It really was a shame that no matter how tough a punishment Chief had pushed for, Samuel only got ten measly years. Chief had grumped about it, but Seth and I had expected it. Those WEC connections weren’t for nothing.

Finally, the door opened, and Elena stepped out with Seth. He was the only one allowed in with her because he was mentioned in Samuel’s list of grievances. The asshat had tried to blame her for the alienation of his eldest son. I was pretty sure Seth opened him a new one in there.

We met Hazel, Tansy, and Eamon outside. I hated leaving Hazel on her own now that we’d determined her magic nullification was MIA. Seth had assured us that it was temporary and that with time, Hazel would have her protective powers back. Until then, Seth kept a protective spell around her. I also secretly followed her and Mike around on call as extra protection.

“Sothat’swhat I’d lost,” Hazel had exclaimed when we’d found out.

It was only when she’d explained that Griselda had told her her fortune that I realized my witchy friend had guessed who the mystery woman was even before seeing her at The Breach site. I should’ve known I wouldn’t be able to keep secrets from a witch.

And talking about secrets, Seth had admitted belatedly that The Breach had been talking to him since his second visit. We were a little pissed that he hadn’t told us sooner, but he hadn’t heard from the bitch since. No nightmares either. So that was good. Seth promised Hazel and I that if he ever heard that bitch again, we’d know right away. We both had a bone to pick with her. Noone messed with our Seth, not even some wizard-eating horror from another dimension.

Not trusting that Alfonzo guy, he and Sybil had placed their own monitoring spells around the building. I was sure we’d have to deal with that thing again eventually, but we’d be ready.

These past few months had also tested the belief that being with Seth meant I’d be alienated from other demons forever. Sure, in the beginning, it might have felt like that, but not anymore. And what a silly idea that my friends had to be of demon origin! I’d made plenty of new friends, demons and otherwise. And even Eamon eventually came around. Currently, he was not more than five feet from me and he hadn’t even tried to punch me yet. But perhaps, that was for Elena’s benefit, this being her big day and all.

“So it’s all over,” Hazel said, giving Elena a hug.

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