Page 70 of Curses and Cauldrons

My mouth parts in surprise. “What?” I’m too shocked at that to hold back the question.

“And one of their founding families, at that.” Selene’s narrow chin tips up and she peers down her nose at us. “I’ve always valued your healing abilities, Josephine, and what you bring to this coven, but I have to question this rebelliousness.”

Selene looks at the car again, but the windows are so tinted there’s no way she can see who’s inside. Thank the Maiden. Idon’t want to put my friends into a situation worse than the one we’re already in.

“Some things are more important than what side of the river you’re born on.” I reply, my voice wavering as a blast of cold air hits my face.

“This coven is my life, Josephine. And you are a member of a founding family. I should think that means more to you than a reckless tryst. But I think the more important question is, why are you here?”

I stare at Selene, my mind blanking. We both know that I took the grimoire, but I’m not about to admit it out loud. She’s outnumbered, even if she doesn’t know who is in the car, she understands she’s just one person. Granted, Selene has strong magic, but can she stand against eight people? No.

“We were just out enjoying the weather.” It’s the first thing that comes to mind. Roman’s choked laughter rumbles behind me. “But we need to get going now.

Roman opens the door to the SUV and gets in first, so that I don’t have to sit next to anyone but him. Selene reaches out and grabs my wrist just as I turn away. Pain bolts up my arm. With a hiss, I snatch my hand away, but Selene is already in my face.

“Josephine, be smart. Do you really think that gorgeous man is with you because he likes you? He’s a dark witch, and I’m certain you’ve just done something against the coven that has loved and supported you your entire life. Ask yourself, why would he single you out? And maybe your blinders will be lifted and you’ll see that he’s using you.”

Roman sticks his head back out the door just as Selene backs off. “Are you coming?”

All the blood has rushed to my head and my heart is pounding. I look up into the steely gray eyes that soften when I return his gaze. With a nod, I hop into the car.

“Let’s get out of here.”

After the incident at the Lumen coven house, I’m expecting all hell to break loose when we steal the Tenebris grimoire. It’s a pleasant surprise when we get in and out of the house without a soul appearing. I don’t know if it’s because Tenebris doesn’t care, or if they’re so confident that they never imagined anyone breaking in. It doesn’t matter. We have both grimoires and possibly the answers to a lot of questions.

By the time we get back to the chateau, I’m bone weary, but the night is just beginning. We need to read through the grimoires. We need answers now. There’s no time to waste.

“Who needs a drink?" Ambrose calls out as we file back into his living room, everyone removing layers of winter clothing. Penelope is curled up on the couch, messing around on her phone. She jumps up as soon as she sees us. What I wouldn’t do to give her a hug.

“How did it go? Did you get them?”

Ava pulls the two books out of her bag and holds them up for Penelope to see.

“Well, damn. I didn’t think you guys would actually pull it off.”

“Thanks for the confidence, Pen.” Ava ruffles her hair as she walks by. Pen scowls and flattens out her messy strands.

Ava kneels in front of the table. She sets the books on the wooden surface and flips them both open to the first page.

“How did they split these two books?” Piper stands behind Ava, staring down over her shoulder.

Bram groans as he gets on his knees beside Ava and glares at Ambrose as he comes in, holding a glass of amber liquid. “Don’t you have any tables with chairs?”

Ambrose shrugs. “Do you want a pillow for your delicate knees?” He throws a tasseled pillow at Bram’s head. He catches it and stuffs it under his knees without another word.

The rest of us watch as he and Ava look through the books.

“Don’t go so fast. There’s no way you can read that quickly,” Ava says.

“Yes, I can. Keep up,” Bram grumbles.

“Oh my god. You’re going to rip the pages.”

“I can have a soft touch when I want. A firm one, too. I’m talented like that.”

Ava snorts, “Sure thing, maestro.”

The two of them aren’t even looking at the books anymore. They’re just glaring at each other.

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