Page 29 of Wicked Love
“I understand that,” I said, thinking of my life since my mother left.
“But I kept my magic,chéri.He did not succeed, and I rose to become all that I was supposed to be.”
“I don’t think that’s Jasper’s end goal,” I said.
“I would have fought to the death defending Ronan,” she replied. “Perhaps you are right. Things are different. You are not ruined by allowing a man close, and that’s something good, to my way of thinking. But that doesn’t mean men are any better. There are always men—and women—who would steal what is not theirs.”
“Have you seen that?” I asked.
“Many times,” her voice was sad. “I want to protect you, Melasina.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because you are a member of my coven. Of my family. I will not see harm come to you.”
“Even as I’m digging up bodies?” I asked.
“Even then. You are not your mother,” she replied.
I sat down, thinking about all she’d said. “I think my magic loss is due to the curse Thea threw down on us at the ball,” I said.
“I would agree, but I would have you be careful. Jasper is skilled with his body,” she said, her voice grave.
The words gave me the giggles. I covered my mouth to try and stop them, because I didn’t want her yelling at me. He was very skilled with his body. And there was something in his voice, his manner that spoke to something deep inside me.
I’d spent so much of my life being careful, being so controlled, so perfect. I didn’t put a toe out of line, because I feared what would happen if I did. But with Jasper? I wanted to be out of control. I wanted to allow him to lead me to all the dark, sweaty, places where it was just the two of us. Giving, taking, and each other. Nothing more.
I could see that with him. “I’ll be careful. No more chickens, all right?” I asked.
She sighed. “Very well. You know, now, and you are warned. Do you have a spell that could cast him from you?”
“Um, no magic?” I waggled my fingers at her. “Remember?”
“You are defenseless,” she grumbled. “What timing.”
“We’ll figure something out,” I said. “But what if it’s the curse? What was it you said? You have to face your greatest fear?” I couldn’t remember what it was that Thea had shouted.
“You young witches. What has happened to memorizing what you hear?” Zelda said. “I remember the pertinent lines.
I damn you to your darkest fear
I bind you to dread’s cold embrace
Until your truth you boldly face,”
she chanted. “That’s the part where she drops the curse on you. You have to face your darkest fear. That’s if the man hasn’t stolen your magic.”
“Jasper told me that other witches are experiencing problems. He can’t do magic correctly.”
“What does that mean?”
I started to laugh. “It means he did a cleaning spell on himself and came out smelling like a skunk.”
After a moment, Zelda joined me. “That’s funny,” she said. “And he is not the only one?”
“No, it’s happening to witches who were there when Thea showed up.”
“All right. I’ll go along with the idea that this is Thea’s doing. What is your deepest fear?”
