Page 24 of Witch of My Heart

“He doesn’t like talking about her,” Cord said.

“If I could I’d cover just his ears so he didn’t have to hear it, but he should know I meant what I said about kidnapping. None of that shit while I’m around. You’re mine and I mean that. You can be as free as you want, but I’ll be damned if anyone – relative or otherwise – tries to confiscate or restrict that freedom.”

He pressed a hand against my chest right over my heart. It thudded quicker under his palm, and I leaned in closer to him. His damn lips were so fucking kissable. I could’ve given right in and pressed mine so hard against his that we might’ve morphed into one person.

“She wanted to kill me to prove she was loyal to her cause,” Cord said, spitting out the words.

I swore under my breath. I had heard the story before. Our cousin, Star, liked to tell it. He saved him without ever telling anyone who he was. At one point, he told everyone he stole Ginger Barrel’s cat and everyone believed the sly son-of-a-gun.

“Well, she’s dead and you’re alive. Her cause didn’t live for very long, did it?” I cocked my head to the side as I spoke.

“Well, no,” Cord sighed. “Are you going to say I’m irrational?”

“No. I’d never say that to my mate. I was raised better than that,” I smirked. “But in all seriousness, I don’t think she can pull off that sort of feat. I’ve never been to Frost’s Pit. It’s not on my bucket list travel destinations or anything but I don’t think it’s the sort of place that’s easy to escape from. It’s not like Frost is handing out day passes to visit Earthside.”

“That’s a really long-winded way of saying I’m irrational,” Cord sighed.

“No, it’s not. It’s how you’re supposed to handle a security threat, right? You go through the likely scenarios that it could happen.”

“I guess so. Yeah,” Cord nodded. f

“Okay, so if she’s not magical enough to sneak out and she’s not going to get a day pass how is she getting out?”

“That’s not my question,” Cord said.

“Then ask your question, mate. It’s not like I’ve tossed you back on the pillows and laid my claim. Reading your mind isn’t that easy yet.”

A hot blush crept over Cord’s face. For a moment, I felt like a jackass and was about to apologize, but he leaned over and nipped my ear.

“Don’t make promises you’re not fulfilling right this second,” he growled.

“That’s not how promises work. Promises are about the future, and I promise you at some point I’m going to claim you.”

“You’re not putting kittens in me until you can promise me Ginger Barrel can’t get to them,” he said, crossing his arms.

I let out a long breath through my nose. If he kept this up, I’d need another blood shake soon. I had a live feeding kit and couldmunch on Duke in a pinch, but I had no intention of letting Cord out of my sight any time soon.

“Tell me what you need to feel safe, mate?” I asked in earnest.

“If I knew that I’d already have done it,” he said.

“Of course, you would’ve. You’re a witch. So, let’s go onto the next topic for mates to talk about,” I said, stretching out on his bed with my feet still firmly pressed against the floor.

“What’s that?”

“Where do you want to live?” I asked him.

“Here.”

“With Starry and the harpy?” I asked.

“Maybe not with them, but here in Heartville.”

“Okay. So here with Starry or in another house?” I asked.

“Why?”

“Because before we get to making kittens, puppies, or fangies we need to know where they’ll rest their heads,” I smirked. “And because I’m sorry, mate, I don’t think there’s enough blood that you’re willing to sacrifice in the village for me to shield the whole damn thing. So you have to pick the den you want to be your safe space.”

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