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At the mention of the young hunter, Magnolia’s cheeks flush. “You asked me not to tell anyone, so I didn’t. I promise.”
“Good.” Beaming at her, I gesture to the whiskey in front of me.
Her brows draw together in confusion. Likely because the Bronywyn she used to know was a stickler for things such as drinking ages. This version of me, however, recognizes that Magnolia has likely—and will definitely—see more than anyone else her age will see in their lifetimes.
“No, thank you,” she says, softly.
“Suit yourself.” I reach forward and pour myself another drink, then lean back and study her. Dressed in pink sweats and a white sweatshirt, she’s so soft. So innocent. Perfectly moldable into exactly what I need. “How have you been?”
“Fine. Where have you been? We’ve been really worried about you.” She repeats her earlier question, and I force a smile.
“I needed some time to find myself. To discover just who I am now that I have this extra power.”
“We can get it out of you,” Magnolia offers. “Fearghas and Delaney have already worked out a way to get rid of the shadow magic.”
Kill her.The voice’s order is so strong, so potent, that before I realize it, I’m reaching for the blade holstered at my back. As my hand closes on the hilt, however, I realize what I’m doing and stop, pulling my hand back. “As you can see, I am doing just fine with the magic.” Extending both arms out, I gesture to the room.
“But it’s dark magic.”
Kill. Her. Now.
“I understand that it’s not something you understand, but I promise you I am just fine. And I’m not going to get rid of the magic.”
Her brows draw together in confusion. “Why?”
“Because I’m going to use it.”
“To do what? Lucy is dead.”
“But the garbage she left behind is still here. I may have been gone, Mags, but I’ve kept in touch with some of the other supernaturals here in Billings.” I get to my feet and walk to the window to overlook the darkening sky. “The city is under siege by supernaturals who wish to reign. Human murders are up, and it’s all a bit much for the Astor sisters to handle, don’t you think?”
“They have it under control. Cole, Drex, Elijah, and Fearghas have been helping them while Tarnley looked for you.” Her eyes widen. “Tarnley! He’s been a wreck without you.”
Clicking my tongue, I turn to face her, crossing both arms over my chest and ignoring her bit about Tarnley. The vampire made his stance perfectly clear earlier. “You and I both know they won’t be able to survive long if they keep doing things the way they are. I received word that just last week, Drexel nearly ended up vampire dinner.”
Her hands tighten into fists in her lap. “He’s fine now. They got to him in time.”
“Leaving you behind, right?”
A muscle in her jaw tightens. And there it is, her weakness. “I’m still young.”
“So is Delaney—technically speaking that is. She only just came into her magic.”
“She was already a hunter.”
Her response is so quick that I imagine it’s an argument she’s heard time and time again. A prepared manuscript perfect for reciting lines. “Hunters and witches are starkly different, Magnolia. She had to re-learn how to do everything, retrain her entire body. And what do they have you doing?”
“Lauren is teaching me to shield.”
I snort. “Weak magic. I can teach you so much more. Physical hand to hand stuff, weapons, and of course—” I hold up my hand, and a purple flame sparks to life. Magnolia’s eyes widen, and I know I’ve got her in my snare. “Magic.”
She stares at the flame, watching it dance in my palm for a few moments before tilting her face up and looking directly at me. “Why would you teach me?”
“Because I believe you can be so much more than you are now. And there is no one else capable of showing you what I can.”
“I don’t want any dark magic.”
“You don’t need any.”
