Page 54 of Gaga for the Gargoyle
I don’t thinkI’veever hugged my best friend.
“Thank you, Commander,” Evangeline whispers.
She turns to her mother once she releases Locheran. Mira hands her the glass of water, but Evangeline sets it on the counter to embrace the woman.
“I’m never letting you go back to that place. I should have fought Dad to have you released sooner. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry, Brownie,” her mother says, rubbing her back. “You were not in a place to worry about my troubles. I’m just happy you finally got out of that abusive relationship.”
Evangeline pulls away, her face scrunched in confusion. “Did you know about Brandon? I mean, did you have a vision that I’d be with him?”
“No, dear,” the witch says, pushing back a piece of her daughter’s hair. “I cannot control my visions. The ones concerning you have always been about the supernatural evil threatening your life. Unfortunately, that did not include evil humans.”
Evangeline gasps. “Oh, Xander. You transferred your royal power to Magnus.”
She has yet to take a drink of water so I place the glass in her hand. While she rehydrates, I explain the decoy mark her mother gave me to trick Magnus into believing he’s now the king of New York City.
“Once he discovers the truth, which he might already have, he will seek me out to challenge me. He will fight for the throne.”
“Do you really have a throne?” Evangeline asks, her eyes lighting up.
“No, but if you want one, I shall buy it for you.”
She giggles. “Always spoiling me.”
“And you should let me.”
Her smile drops, and she sits down on a stool.
“You killed my ex. I saw you rip his head off,” she whispers, more so in awe than fear or anger. “Brandon wasn’t himself. He seemed out of it.”
“A compulsion spell,” Mira explains. “Magnus might have found a witch to help him.”
“He promised Brandon power,” Evangeline continues. “His own law firm and money. Could he do all that?”
“He could have,” I begin, “but knowing Magnus, he would have killed Brandon after he was done using him.”
Evangeline nods blankly. After the night she’s had, I expect her body will soon be claimed by exhaustion.
I turn to Thorne, who’s been leaning against the door, arms crossed. “Please take Mira to a guest apartment. Make sure she has everything she needs for the night. Clean clothes, toiletries and such.”
He nods, and I turn to Mira.
“Thank you for everything tonight. My soldier, Thorne, will take care of you.”
Mira places her palm on my forearm, and I suck in a sharp breath. Whatever spell she just zapped into my body instantly calmed my frayed nerves.
“Sleep well, king. Tomorrow, my daughter will be ready to hand over her soul to you.”
My eyes widen.
Evangeline will want to complete the bonding ritual tomorrow? It’s a day I’ve been waiting for since we met.
Mira gives me two reassuring pats, then walks to Thorne. He opens the door and holds out his arm for the witch to take.
Once they’re gone, Locheran turns to me.
“Guess that’s my cue to leave too.” He slaps a clawed hand on my shoulder. “You and your kitten take a few days off. I got things handled. I’ll form a battle plan. If anything dire arises, I’ll come find you.”
