Page 22 of Trickery

Something cold and hard formed in the pit of Damien’s belly. “What do you mean?”

“They’ve had her scrubbed. Wiped all memory of you away. Wiped your scent from her body. Exfoliated your magic from her soul.”

“They couldn’t do that.”

“They have.”

Damien stared out into space, reeling with revulsion. That his existence, their love, could be wiped from her mind and soul… No. No. What they had was stronger than that. They’d shared a mingling, for fuck’s sake. What they had was more potent than any magic. “I don’t believe it.”

“Midea’s very powerful. And experienced. She’s had to expunge memories of you before.” He shot his son a look. “More times than I care to remember.”

“But none of those were…”

“Were…what?”

“Willow. None of those girls were Willow. None of them mattered.”

“Ah, but they did. They did matter, didn’t they? Because if you hadn’t defied me and seduced each and every one, you wouldn’t be in Midea’s sights now. You’d be one of the warlocks standing before Willow tonight and, if the connection between you is as strong as you think it is, she would have chosen you.

“But as it stands, you won’t be going to the ceremony. Willow won’t select you. Hell, she won’t even remember you. She’ll choose another. Some other warlock will sire the next Great Mother Witch. And you can go back to your philandering ways.”

Damien’s hackles rose. “I don’t want to go back to my philandering ways.” It was a childish cry but he felt it to the depth of his soul. “I’m in love with Willow. Completely. Absolutely. Eternally.” He added with a snarl, “I don’t want some other warlock touching her, much less fucking her.”

Azreal stared at his son for a long, silent moment. And then he smiled.

“All right then, son. What are you going to do about it?”