Page 77 of Rafe

“It’s not too bad,” she began to lie but changed her mind. “Well, it’s definitely New Orleans. I try to get to Washington this time of year.”

“Your parents are lovely indeed.” Ilsbeth paused as Henri set the green bottle and a tall glass of ice in front of Skylar.

“Thank you.”

“Will you be needing anything else?”

“No.”

“I’ll see to dinner.”

“Please make up the east wing for my son and his guest.”

“And the others? I believe the guest cottage is in order.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you know later.” Ilsbeth turned to Skylar. “Greyson is an old frenemy who is addicted to the sport. He owes me a rematch, but I thought it time he taught Rafe something other than how to control his bloodlust.”

Skylar paused as she raised her glass to her lips. Though terrified of vampires, she’d allowed him to bite her, submitted to the delicious sting of his fangs.

“The vampires do have a much harder time than us witches.”

“But I thought Rafe said, well, I thought you had to leave New Orleans.”

“Leave?” Ilsbeth rolled her eyes. “Darling. I’ve been running this town for over four hundred years. Samantha is talented but they all know I’m more powerful. It’s exactly why they need to gather a coven around her. I taught her nearly everything she’s learned.” She blew out a breath. “It’s of no consequence. They can’t get rid of me. New Orleans is my city. No matter what they think.”

“Well your home here is lovely. As I’m sure it is in the city.”

“Thank you. I’m glad to have someone appreciate my affinity for the finer things. Such as my son.”

“If you don’t mind me asking. Rafe said that you aren’t his birth mother. That you saved him.”

“While it’s true I have birthed no children from my loins that I wish to discuss, Rafe is my creation. He’s of my blood now. So therefore he’s my responsibility. The vampires. The wolves. They see him for his strength. I, however, see him for his prophecy. I see him for the greatness he can become.”

“He’s already great,” Skylar countered.

“May I ask why a human would demonstrate such interest in a wolf? The vampires, I get. When a human falls for a vampire, they’re essentially falling for an immortal human. But the wolves? They hold the magick of the Goddess within them. To continue their lines, they must mate with another shifter.”

“I’m sorry. I, uh, I know that I’m not his…” Skylar looked across the field. He gave her a wave that sent her heart fluttering and she smiled. “We’re just friends. We have to be.”

“Not all that appears true is true. And not all that appears false is false.”

Skylar sipped her water, allowing the bubbles to dance in her mouth, all the while avoiding commenting further.

“Rafe is a troubled creature. One with a good heart. He had a good life in Wyoming. He wasn’t meant for so much trouble. But I’m afraid saving him with my blood has brought a prophecy to light that I’d hoped wouldn’t happen.” Ilsbeth traced her finger along the rim of her glass.

“If I hadn’t been attacked…” It’s all my fault.

“Have you considered this was fate?” Ilsbeth asked.

“I believe in destiny, but I also believe in consequences. Long before I met Rafe, I’d made the decision to go to L.A. It was my decision to take the part. I could have stayed in New Orleans, happily running my bookstore. Clearly it was a mistake to go to L.A. But now, I’ll admit. I’m a little over my head with all of this. And Rafe—” Her chest tightened as she watched him throw the ball. He’d never be hers. “We must remain friends. There is no other way.”

“Nonsense. You belong to him.” Ilsbeth sipped her tea. “My oh my. It is hot. You fancy a swim?”

Skylar looked to the pool. “I don’t have a suit.”

“The lesson repeats. Just because something doesn’t appear to exist doesn’t mean it doesn’t.” Ilsbeth motioned to her ever-watchful butler, snapped her fingers. pointed to the pool and then to Skylar. “Tell me about your necklace.”

“Um.” Skylar fingered the small crow around her neck, her intuition warned her against lying to the witch. “My mom gave it to me.”