Page 84 of Hex You

His smile widened. “Girlfriend?”

For a second Mercy was almost glad of the poison coursing through her body because it kept her cheeks pale—instead of flaming red. “I know we were going slow, but I’m kinda running out of time and also I honestly really like you. As more than a friend. I want you to know that, but also I want you to know that if I docome to your Underworld that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with me forever.”

Khenti touched her cheek. “I like you as more than a friend, too. And I would never feel as if I was stuck with you. If we are together and more than friends that would be wonderful, but our friendship will stay strong—whether we decide we truly want more or not.” He paused before continuing. “I am not him,” Khenti said firmly. “Unlike the foolish boy who used and hurt you, I truly see you, Green Witch Mercy.”

“What do you see?”

“I see your strength and the ferocity with which you love. If someday I may be granted that ferocious lovethatwould, indeed, be a gift beyond value.” Khenti smoothed back her hair from her face. “But I will be there for you. Always.” He bent slowly, giving her time to turn away.

Mercy did not turn away.

Their lips met and she was filled with a delicious swirl of desire—that just as quickly faded and was replaced by dizzying weakness. Reluctantly, she broke the kiss and then rested her head against his chest.

The front door opened and Emily stuck her head out. “Mag, you gotta check out Buffy’s hair. I do not know what the hell happened, but it looks like a newscaster’s hair helmet.” Then her fawn cheeks pinkened. “Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Mercy turned and smiled at her best friend. “You didn’t. I was just going to ask Khenti to go get you.” She met Khenti’s gaze. “Could you give Em and me a minute?”

“Of course.” He kissed her softly and stood. As he and Emily passed each other, Khenti touched her shoulder gently. “Just call if you need me.”

Em bit her lip, but nodded. She sat next to Mercy on the swing and put her arm around her best friend. With a sigh, Mercy leaned wearily against her. “Hey, are you cold?” Emily asked. “Should I get a blanket or something?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Does it hurt?” Emily said softly as she stroked her hair.

Mercy sighed. “No, not at all. It’s weird, though, because I can’t feel some of my body.”

Emily stifled a sob and had to clear her throat before she could speak again. “It’s going to be okay. Hunter is an amazing witch and Xena is, like, the best familiar in the world and totally filled with magic. They’ll figure out how to save you. I’m sure of it.”

Mercy said nothing.I can’t make Emily understand what I’m going to do. I can’t even really say good-bye because she’d try to stop me. They’d all try to stop me—especially Hunter.But she knew what she had to do. And Mercy had to make this as easy for Emily—for the rest of them—as possible.

“Em, thank you for being my bestie.” It was getting more and more difficult for her to speak, but Mercy had to. She had to try to say something that would comfort Emily after this was all over.

“You don’t have to thank me for that. We’ve been besties for ages.”

“That’s true, and we’re going to be best friends forever. I mean it, Em. You and I will always be friends. No matter what. No matter where you are. No matter where I am,” said Mercy. “I’ve been thinking about how much you like witchy stuff.”

“Hey, sorry about that,” Em said quickly. “I never meant to appropriate.”

“No, it’s not that. I think it’s nice. I’ve been meaning to tell you that. There’s no reason you can’t help with spellwork and can’t learn the Witches’ Rede. So, um, until I’m better I’ll bet H and Xena can start teaching you some basics.”

“Really? Oh, Mag! I would fucking love that!” Emily clamped a hand over her mouth. “Oops. I shouldn’t have saidfuck.That was inappropriate. Was that inappropriate?”

“Well, I prefer British cuss words, but to each her own.” Mercy’s laugh turned into a cough that left her fighting for air as Emily held her tightly.

“You have to get well. Youhaveto,” said Emily through tears.

“I’m going. To be. Okay. Promise,” said Mercy between gulps of air. “You’ll be. Okay. Too, Em. I know it.”

The door to the porch burst open and Hunter stepped out, holding a shovel like it was a wooden stake and she was part of the Scooby Gang headed to a graveyard.

“I know what I have to do! We’re ending this. Get in the car. I’m gonna kill a goddess!”

Hunter craned her neck around from the driver’s seat to look at Mercy, who was sandwiched between Khenti and Emily in the backseat of the Camry. “Mag, I really didn’t mean for you to come. I was just going to take care of this while you rested and watchedBuffy.”

Mercy forced her numb lips to smile. “No bloody way I’m going to miss this.”

“I don’t know. You look really pale, Mag.” Jax peered over the front seat at Mercy, his eyes bright with worry.