Page 74 of Hot in Witch City
“Don’t be so dramatic, Gianna. We’re talking incredible power.”
If I thought my father had been triggering, my mother who had rejected me my entire life telling me I was dramatic was like slamming on a big red button on my back.
It all came together. My father’s warning. My mother’s peculiar interest in Nova. My wounds had left me blind to the truth.
I’d wanted so much to know and understand this other world that I hadn’t grown up in, or a part of, with a mother who’d always been a mythical figure, that I’d avoided the warning signs.
“I don’t want power. All I wanted was a mother. But not like this.” I backed up. She was cold and detached and incapable of love, like my father had warned. She was using me. “You never cared for me, did you? It was all part of this power trip or whatever you seek.”
“I told you our ways aren’t like humans.” She sneered with disdain. “Maybe you’re more human than you think.”
Her words dawned on me. “Yes, that’s right. I’d been raised by my father. Even if he was strict and controlling, he cared about me and loved me. He’d do anything to protect me. That’s more than you’ve ever done.”
“Are you finished now?” she asked with dire exasperation. “I’m offering you the chance of a lifetime. The portal only opens on rare occasions. We must meet those coming through.”
“Demons.” I scowled, the word left a foul taste on my tongue.
“We need to recruit them to our side,” she said. “With their numbers and abilities, we will be able to seize control. All the magic you ever dreamed about will be possible once we control this town and all the magic within it. We will be formidable.”
Where did this power-hungry persona come from? Who was this bitch who gave birth to me?
“No way.” I shook my fist. “Absolutely not.”
“Don’t be foolish, Gianna. I’m offering you something beyond your wildest dreams.”
“Then you don’t know me at all.” I continued to move backwards, desperate to get away from her. “I’ve never dreamed of that, and I don’t want anything to do with it. I dreamed of having a normal family, a kind mother.”
“Enough whining,” she snapped. “We have work to do.” She pointed at me. “Tell me everything you know about the Network.”
"I'm not telling you shit." I turned to leave, but she grabbed my wrist, and holy hell, she had a strong grip.
“I wish you'd never come here. Get out of my life. Get out of this city. I never want to see you again.”
She grabbed my arm and stopped me. "You will if you know what's best for you."
Her sharp tone was just as formidable as her physical strength. I turned with wariness. Her expression was cold. All my life I’d wondered what she was like. Knowing her was far worse.
"Are you that much of a monster that you’d threaten your daughter?"
"I'm giving you the chance for an incredible opportunity to join us, and like an ungrateful child, you sulk about the past. Grow up and get over it."
Her words hit me as more vicious than a slap. "You don’t get to scold me. You lost the right when you walked away, abandoning all parental responsibilities.”
“I’ve heard enough of your complaints,” she snarled. “Jakob,” she shouted.
When he entered the room, she said, “She’s not cooperating. Do what you will to get the information we need.”
Jakob smirked as he sauntered over. He ran one cold finger down the side of my face and down my neck. “With pleasure.”
I turned my face away from him in repulsion. “Don’t touch me.”
“I’ll do whatever I want with you.” He grabbed my wrists and pinned them behind my back with quick force before I even had a chance to react.
“I have rope,” Max said.
I turned to see my mother’s lover helping Jakob bind my arms behind me. I struggled, but it was no use. They were both too powerful.
Max stepped back and stroked his chin, like some caricature of a villain concocting an evil plan. “Find out how her witch friend was able to defeat Andre.”
