Page 28 of Witch of My Heart

“We’re not here to fight,” Bobby said, projecting his voice to be heard over everyone else. “Either of them. I came because there are a lot of hot heads involved and I’m not having afight break out over a true-mate response. This is something to celebrate.”

“Bobby, he’s fine,” I told my cousin through the door. “We’re both fine. I don’t know why you guys are all freaking out, but you need to stop. You’re starting to act like your sire coming here while we’re trying to start our mating moon.”

“Blithe, I’m going to let that slide becauseyou aretrying to start your mating moon. I’m here because everyone seems to have lost their damn minds today,” Bobby said, his voice level in that practiced way.

“Do you remember in high school when you had us all cuss you out and call you names so you could practice staying that damn calm?” I chuckled through the door.

“I do and I’m still grateful. I never imagined that I’d have so many occasions to put all that practice to good use, but here we are, cousin,” Bobby said, a trace of amusement dancing on his words.

“Do you know what has all their panties in a twist?” I asked.

“I’m not positive if I’m being honest, Blithe. I know everyone got a bit worked up before we knew you and Cord were true-responding. Now I’m hearing a lot about Ginger Barrel. She’s dead as far as I know, but her name has been everywhere today.”

“Bobby, it’s a personal matter. We all know she’s dead. What I do with my magic is my damn business.”

“For the most part, I’d agree, Blithe,” Bobby said.

“Then why are you here?” I asked him.

“Because this is Starry’s house, and I didn’t have any say on whether or not he came home or not. I had no say in whether Marcus came too. I do know the blood of Juda and Frost run in both of our veins. I know how territorial that can make a wolf when someone tries to get between him and his mate. My sire may have hammered a level-headed demeanor into me, but mycarrier taught me a pinch of prevention is worth a draconic ton of cure,” Bobby said.

“Do you want us to leave, Starry?” Cord asked, still pinned between me and the door of the witch room.

“No,” Starry said.

His scent came in through the cracks around the door, honest and confused.

“Then why is everyone here? If you want us to leave, just give me a few minutes to pack and we’ll go,” Cord said.

“Cord, I’m not kicking you out. I just think you need to talk to Marcus before you start warding against---” Starry said, but Cord cut him off.

“I’m not a kid, Starry! I’m not a crazy person, either. We won’t put any magic on your house you don’t want here, but you didn’t have to drag Marcus here like I’ve lost my mind.”

“I don’t think you’re crazy, Cord!” Starry called back, taking a step towards the door.

Cord twisted in my arms until his cheek rested against the door. I swallowed a groan as his firm round ass brushed against my crotch.

“Then why is this happening?” Cord asked.

“I don’t know,” Starry said.

“He smells honest, Blithe!” Duke called through the door, confirming what I already picked up.

“Does anyone know?” I called back.

“I’m not sure,” Duke said.

“I think we all need to sit down somewhere like civilized shifters and figure out what’s going on, guys. Blithe, Cord, no one’s trying to keep you apart. I promise you that,” Bobby said.

“Want me to go get Liam, Bobby?” Daniel’s voice boomed over the chaotic attempt at ten conversations at once that followed.

“Yes, please! Maybe grab some blood shakes too. I’m not saying it has anything to do with blood lust, but let’s cover all our bases,” Bobby said.

Daniel said something I didn’t quite catch, and a second later Bobby asked everyone to clear the hall. Starry muttered something about it being his house, but he left with the rest of them.

“Do you want to go out there?” I whispered in Cord’s ear.

“What else would we do?” he whispered back.

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