Page 8 of Enchanting Her Mate

I find Alu’s blunt way of communicating quite refreshing. As a Hexrin, I have the ability to tap into others’ minds and hear their thoughts if I wish, but that is not something I would need to do with her. She is direct in a way I have not encountered with anyone. Other than Bruvix, perhaps, but his direct words are often just telling people to leave him alone.

What surprises me most about this lie is that Alu felt she needed to do it in the first place. As if there was a possibility that I would have no interest in spending time alone with her at her cottage. Who would refuse such an enticing offer?

“I am not mad,” I finally tell her. “I am flattered.”

Alu’s eyes swirl with heat at my response.

“Besides, I left the clan to work on my craft. I must find a way to control my power before I return to my coven. So I am happy to stay and focus on that.”

Her brow furrows as she tilts her head to the side. “Why must you control it? The power of a witch is an evolving thing, constantly growing, is it not?”

“That is true,” I explain, “but I have inflicted pain upon members of the clan with the use of my power. It is my responsibility to ensure that never happens again.” Although, perhaps it is less about controlling it and more about understanding it because the surge of energy I felt between my palms when I built the fire orb that hit Nalba was unlike anything I have conjured before.

“I was present during the battle against Bzzsil Chi,” Alu says.

I nod. “Yes, I remember.” As if I could forget the way she smiled at Bzzsil’s henchman when he tried to attack her moments before she shifted into her draxilio and used her flame to melt the flesh off his bones. She was spectacular.

“I do not recall you causing anyone harm,” she says, her tone taking on an intense, defensive edge. “That male Hexrin who pushed you is the one to blame for the pain Nalba suffered.”

I sigh heavily. “Yes, Tibik is his name.”

Alu’s lips curl back in a snarl. “I do not like this Tibik. Why is he in charge of the coven? You should be leading them.”

It is nice to hear this sentiment from the lips of another, especially Alu’s. I have felt alone in this belief for so long, and now I have Alu on my side.

Kayt is the only one who knows the truth: that my power is strong enough to claim the role of Prime Hexrin, and I am merely allowing Tibik to act as if the role is his. However, I do not like the ego Tibik has developed as of late. His approach to magic has been questionable at best, and dangerous at worst. He needs to be put in his place, but am I truly ready to take on the role of Prime? Do I even want it?

“I…I do not know if I am capable of leading a coven,” I mutter quietly, finally voicing a fear that has burrowed deep into my mind and remained there for many years.

Alu throws her head back and laughs. “That is absurd.”

She does not seem to understand. “I could have closed my palms when Tibik intervened, letting the orb dissipate,” I say, referring to the battle with Bzzsil Chi. “I did not because the force of the orb was greater than anything I have ever felt. I was greedy, and I chased my power to defy Tibik.”

“I do not see the problem,” she says plainly.

“What if I become greedy with it again?” I ask, my voice dropping to a whisper. “What if I cannot control it? What if…” I begin, afraid to finish my thought, “I am as reckless as my coven thinks I am?”

Alu smiles widely, showing most, if not all, of her teeth. “Then it is good you are here.” She slaps the cushion of the couch as she leaps to her feet. “What I hear from your mouth, Jo, is fear. That is all there is…an endless stream of thoughts rooted in fear.”

“Well, yes,” I say, knowing this to be true. I have spent enough time inside my head to know it is a fearful place.

“Who better to support you during this time than a formidable creature who is incapable of feeling fear?”

I suppose Alu has a point. What stands in my way is an emotion she has never felt. To be near her, to witness how she approaches each moment, could perhaps help me overcome this uncertainty I have about leading the coven.

“Me!” she shouts when I do not answer her rhetorical question. “It is me, Jo. I am the one who shall help you through this.”

I chuckle at her need to clarify what I already knew. “You are right,” I say, clearing my throat as I stand. “There is no better place for me to be than right here.”

Alu claps her hands together, and I hear Mek squawking in protest from down the hall. She quiets her claps immediately, and in a whisper, she says, “This is wonderful! Oh, is there anything you need to practice your magic?”

“No, no,” I assure her. “I shall find everything I need in nature.” If I cannot find what I need from the surrounding land, I shall have to make it myself. It is a crucial rule in Hexrin magic.

“Very well,” she says, “I am going to let my draxilio out for a long flight. Enjoy your magic practice.”

Before I can take a step toward the front door, Alu wraps her hand around my wrist. She leans in close, and I shiver as her hot breath tickles my ear. “Also, I vow to not kiss you again unless you request otherwise.”

My throat suddenly feels dry as the memory of our kiss takes over my mind. I can still feel her plump blue lips closing around the tip of my tongue. The feel of her bare skin on mine. A noise rips from my throat, not a word, but a strained, desperate sound, like, “Hnnh.”

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