Page 25 of Wrong Mate

“I know it’s not cool, but it is a lot of fun.”

“Nah, this is cool, Leah.”

“It doesn’texactly do anything or help anyone, but this is what my family and my coven taught me to do.”

“To focus your magic.”

“Yes.”

“And destructive magic.”

“Is dark magic.”

“So tell me how good witches win in a fight?” Killian asked.

Leah waved her hands, and the magical scene evaporated. “We have our means. They’re not always easy. Bad magic is easier. Just drawing a fireball intent on killing, calling nature, and trying to use good magic takes time and practice.”

Killian reached out and tucked some of her hairbehind her ears. “I think what you do is pretty cool.”

Shecouldn’t help but smile. “Thank you. How do you win in a fight?”

“Claws and teeth, brute strength, force.”

“And you’ve been in many fights?”

“I’ve seen wars. They’re not pretty.”

She agreed. She hadn’t personally seen wars, but Lucinda had made her witness them, using magic to do so.

“We better get moving,” she said.

Killian took her hand and he locked their fingers together, moving through the forest. It wasn’t long before they heard thenoises coming from the town. This time, Killian moved out of the forest and assessed the town.

“Bears,” he said.

Leah tensed up.

Bears and wolves were not known for getting along.

“We should keep moving,” she said.

A man stepped out of the diner. He wore a suit and his hair was long, black, and thick. He was a bear. And it was someone Leah knew.

“Mystic!” She cried out in surprise and rushed toward him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tight.

“Leah, how are you doing? It’s been an age!”

She hadn’t seen Mystic in a couple of years. “I wasthere for your transition, and since then, it’s been nonstop work for you.”

“You two know each other?” Killian asked.

Mystic glared at Killian.

“Leah, you know I love you and all that, but why did you bring a wolf to my town?”

“This wolf is her mate,” Killian said, growling.

Mystic gasped. “Holy shit, this is the guy thatrejected you.”

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