“I appreciate that, but I have it handled,” Cece said.
Werner frowned. “Nietita, your magic is not very strong. If there is a witch or warlock after you, then -”
“Briggs will keep me safe,” Cece said.
“He may be powerful, but he cannot win against magic,” Werner said.
“Fuck you,” Briggs said.
“Briggs,” Cece said gently.
He growled under his breath but lapsed into silence as she smiled at Werner. “I appreciate the offer, but we have it handled.”
“You still believe it’s Adora or Alistair, don’t you?” Werner said.
Cece just shrugged, and Werner gave her an earnest look. “I promise you on my life that it’s not them, Cecelia.”
“I know you believe that, and I hope it’s true, but you have to understand I can’t just take your word over my aunt’s,” Cece said.
Looking a little defeated, Werner said, “No, I suppose you can’t. So, where does that leave us?”
“I want to get to know you better,” Cece said, choosing her words carefully, “but I need time to… digest everything I’ve learned today. Can you give me some space while I work through it?”
“Yes,” Werner said. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here, Nietita. I know you’re not comfortable with me looking into who’s trying to harm you, but would you allow me to do a protection spell on you?”
“I have one already,” Cece said.
“I am a powerful warlock,” Werner said. “I guarantee you my protection spell would be more effective.”
Briggs shook his head. “No, my mate. He isn’t touching you.”
“Do not speak for her,” Werner said.
“Fuck off,” Briggs said without looking at him. His gaze on Cece, he said, “What if it isn’t a protection spell he does, little witch? I know you want to trust him, but I need you to trust me on this. I don’t want him touching you or putting a spell on you that may not be what he says. It’s dangerous and a risk that I am not willing to take with my mate.”
“I would never hurt her,” Werner said in exasperation.
Briggs ignored him. “My mate, will you do what I ask?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Relief in his face, Briggs said, “Thank you, Cece.”
She turned back to Werner. “So, how would you feel about giving me your number? I could text you when I’m ready.”
“I would like that very much, my nietita.”
CHAPTER 27
“Thank you so much for helping me with this, Monroe.” Cece paused outside her bedroom door. “I know it’s a bit strange.”
“Eh, I’ve done stranger things when it comes to magic,” Monroe said, making Cece laugh.
Briggs’s bear growled unhappily, and Briggs tried to soothe him, but it was hard to pretend like he didn’t care that Monroe made Cece laugh. He’d always had a jealous nature, most shifters did, but this was over the top even for him.
It didn’t seem to matter that Cece had confessed her attraction to him or that she assured him she had no interest in Monroe. He couldn’t stop the nagging worry deep in his brain that Cece would realize she and Monroe were more suited to each other, even if Briggs was her conduit.
You need to mate with her. Then she’ll know she belongs to us.
