Page 70 of Rebel Spell
“He claimed to be a demon, and he’s gone. So maybe?” An unfamiliar sense of accomplishment filled me.
“Impressive.” Her voice had a tinge of awe. “I’ll come and investigate.”
While we waited for Zoe, I filled Diego in on the letter and the book.
He pulled me into an embrace. “No wonder you were on edge.”
Relieved he could forgive my outburst, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. When Zoe arrived, she paced over the grounds where we’d last seen Andre. “Smells like vile ass demon, all right.” She stopped and stared at me. “That’s quite some magic you performed, Nova.”
“I wish I knew what I did. My mind went blank, and I just blurted out different parts of spells.”
“Sounds like you relied on intuition rather than memorization.”
I turned my hands palm up. “Possibly. I just couldn’t let anything happen to Diego and wanted to protect him.”
“Yes, that makes sense that you drew on your deepest feelings. Intuition is often powerful and effective when it comes to magic.” She cocked her head as she steadied her gaze on me. “We could use you at the Network.” She raised a finger and added, “Especially if what the demon claimed is true, and the danger isn’t over. With all the chaos we’ve been chasing and trying to control lately, it’s highly possible he had help. But I’d never trust anything a demon claimed. They’re full of lies. Even so, you should remain wary.” She nodded to herself. “We are short-staffed and could definitely use a witch like you.”
I blinked at her. My aunt had mentioned how the book could change my life, and she wasn’t kidding. Even my half-assed, clumsy attempts at magic had led to a job offer. “I don’t know how to respond.”
“Think about it,” she said. “Don’t worry, we provide training. You wouldn’t be thrown out to face things on your own.” She tipped her head. “Although you did pretty damn good yourself.”
Her praise moved me, almost to tears. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
“I’m going to stay here and continue investigating.”
Diego, Gianna, and I walked out of the park back to my car. I turned to him. “I’ll see you back at the house.”
He raised his chin. “I’ll follow you.”
“Diego, you don’t need to do that,” I replied. “The danger is gone.”
“We don’t know that for sure, so just humor me, okay?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s been a crazy night, and I’d go mad with worry about you getting home safe.”
“Okay,” I agreed. After all, I’d been quite acquainted with worry over Gianna and was sure it etched a worry line as deep as the Mariana trench between my eyes.
I kissed his cheek before I climbed into the orange Mini, and Gianna sat beside me. When I turned the car on, The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” played on the radio. I smiled, remembering how Diego and I had planned to tell his ex that we’d met at a Cure concert.
Was that some sort of sign? Did I even believe in that?
Big question. I hadn’t believe a lot of things until I’d returned to Salem. For one, that I ever thought I could do a basic spell, let alone conjure enough magic within to overpower a demon. And two, that I could ever feel a sense of belonging in a town where I’d considered myself an outcast. With Gianna, the guys, and most of all, Diego, it started to feel more like home.
As soon as we pulled away from the curb, Gianna tapped her thigh. “So that’s the vampire you’ve been hooking up with?”
I sighed. “After all that happened, I’m hoping it’s more than just a hook up.”
“Ah, you care for him. I can hear it in your voice.”
“I do,” I admitted.
“Good. He seems like a good guy, and he’s crazy for you.”
I tilted my head. “You think?”
She snorted. “I know. The way he looked at you… I mean, come on, Nova. He just fought a supernatural sociopath for you. What more does a guy need to do to prove he’s into you?”
“True.” I laughed. “He did risk his immortal life.”
Minutes later, I pulled up to her townhouse. After she climbed out of the car, she glanced back in. “You should give this thing with Diego a chance.”
