Page 63 of The Rowan's Stone
After he opens the car door, I settle in the seat with the grimoire on my lap. He slides into the driver’s seat, and in seconds, we’re shooting out of the garage to Witchwood.
Gazing out the window, I watch the scenery go by. Theron’s hand slides over and grasps mine. “Fallon will figure things out. His father—” he begins.
Cutting him off, I interject, “Theron, I appreciate all the things you are going to say about one of your closest friends, but you don’t need to fix everything. Time might be the best solution in this instance. Today, I’m with you, not Fallon, and I want to be with just you.” I lace my fingers through his. Theron’s my rock, but it’s too easy to rely on him for comfort and planning and all the things he does well. I want him to know how much I desire his company.
His violet eyes widen at my direct approach, and he clears his throat. “I guess my plan is working,” he jokes. Lifting my hand, he places a kiss on the inside of my wrist. “And I definitely want to be with you. Here and now, tomorrow, whenever.”
“This evening? After the council meeting?” I ask, flirting with him.
“That can be arranged,” he replies, his voice cool, but desire flares in his eyes.
Roaring up the driveway at Witchwood, we find Henry standing at the foot of the entrance. After he opens my door, I get out and give him a peck on the cheek. “I’m so sorry I forgot to text you in advance.”
“I’m sure Miss Caro will be delighted to see you, Miss Arden,” he greets me loudly, throwing me a wink. I’m guessing she’s nearby.
Taking Theron’s arm, we ascend the steps.
“Lord Theron. Surely Arden can drive herself to Witchwood? You don’t need to drive her every time.” Her voice is sugary sweet as she addresses him in front of the coven.
“She insists,” he replies smoothly, “and I serve at her pleasure.” He gives Caro his most haughty look.
At my pleasure?I ask him silently.
His mouth skims up my throat to my ear. “Undoubtedly,” he replies huskily.
Caro clears her throat loudly. “The council meeting is ready to start. Are you joining us, Arden?”
“Yes, absolutely,” I respond. Squeezing Theron’s arm, I leave him and follow her to the seats allotted to the council leaders. As I sit down, I see I’m on the very end, with An Lee on my left and Santiago next to him. Obviously, lines are being drawn.
After wading through the usual minutia, the meeting opens for new business. Unlike the first time, there are only a couple of witches with requests, and they finish quickly. When they’re done, I stand to catch Caro’s attention.
“Per your request, I have proof of the MacAllister bloodline and my right to sit in this council seat.” I pass the grimoire to An, who glances through it, finds my name, and passes it down to Santiago. As it makes its way to Caro, I state clearly, “It’s the MacAllister grimoire, and within those pages, it lists every single witch within our bloodline. According to the dates, they were the first to be called witches.”
Shocked gasps and cries of outrage fill the meeting hall.
Ignoring them, I raise my voice. “Unfortunately, a little over twelve hundred years ago, almost every single living MacAllister witch was massacred or murdered. Hundreds of witches lost overnight,” I continue, wanting everyone to know what happened to this once mighty bloodline. “My ancestor was the only one to ultimately survive.”
Caro grabs the book from the person closest to her and opens it. When she sees the dates of the first pairing, her lips compress into a straight line. She flips through the pages of names until she comes to the last one, where my name is listed.
“It doesn’t state your father’s name,” she points out snidely.
I raise an eyebrow at her tone. “But it does state mine,” I reply clearly. “And it proves I’m a MacAllister.” It feels so weird to say it aloud. My eyes find Theron’s, and he gives a satisfied nod.
Santiago interjects, “I motion for Arden to be recognized as the permanent leader of the MacAllister bloodline and council seat. The temporary status shall be removed.”
An Lee and several other members second his motion, and with a sour expression, Caro bangs her gavel and approves it.
Walking over to her, I pluck the grimoire out of her hands. I don’t trust her with it for more than a minute. Once I’m at my designated place, I remain standing. “I motion for the removal of the ‘pure’ classification. I believe all witches should be allowed to test for affinity and placement in the coven.”
Santiago and An second the motion, but nobody else supports it. Nico stands and makes a motion to table the discussion until a future date and the rest of the council agrees.
I exhale slowly, keeping a tight rein on my temper. “I’ll only make this motion one more time,” I warn them. “If you do not have an answer, then I’ll take your silence as the final answer. This council and the coven itself will not survive without this change, but don’t worry, I won’t let all witches go down with your ship.” I pause to let those words sink into their brains. My patience is at an end today. “Please excuse me. I have another very important appointment.”
With the grimoire in the crook of my arm, I step down and walk over to take Theron’s hand. “Ready to go?”
Pride and delight shines in his eyes. “Absolutely,” he replies.
When we reach the car, a hand stops me. “Be careful, Miss Arden,” Henry whispers. “I saw Miss Caro on the north end of the property two nights ago. She was talking to a shifter, a wolf.” He steps back and tips his imaginary hat. “Good evening, Miss Arden.”
