Page 106 of A Token of Blood and Betrayal

“I’m ready,” I said, now optimistic about the spell.If—no,when—it worked, I’d finally have some breathing room.I’d connect directly with more paranorms.I’d help them, give them some hope.With Sullens’s help, I’d get The Rain running efficiently.I’d update the rooms, the common areas, and the restaurant.Definitely the restaurant.And Garion could decide if he wanted to stay at The Rain or go because this spellwouldset him free.

“All right,” Astrid called out.“Let’s do this, witches.”

I should have invited Jared and Nora.They knew what we were attempting; they just didn’t know we were attempting it now.I’d decided not to tell them because Jared’s position as master of the compound was still new, still a little shaky.Nora would have come if I’d asked.Astrid and I had discussed including her for security, but Melissa had volunteered for that role.Even though she was young, she would sense a nearby paranorm, and there wasn’t one sign of alarm on her face.She’d drifted away to watch the spell from a perch on top of a boulder.Christian stood with his hands in his pockets a few steps to her left.He glanced my way, our gazes caught, and he gave me another smile.He was optimistic about this moment too.

The coven began the spell, their low voices weaving together in a single, thirteen-note incantation that softly built in harmony.

This was the part Astrid said would take the longest.

The wind picked up, carrying the scent of pine and iron, and chill bumps scurried down my arms.I glanced at the time: seven minutes until midnight.That’s when the spell would hit.We’d learn if it worked, and if—

A sudden shrill shattered the quiet.I realized it was my phone, yanked it from my pocket, and silenced it.Then I guiltily looked toward Astrid.

She opened one eye to glare at me.

I gave her my bestoops, sorrygrimace, then looked down at the caller: Blake.

Heat spiraled downward.We’d only been apart a couple of hours.My body was already craving him.I wanted his arms around me.I wanted to make him smile and laugh…

Later.I refocused on the spell and Garion’s token.Was the token beginning to glow?When it was in my peripheral vision, it seemed to, but when I looked at it directly, I wasn’t sure.

My phone vibrated.Blake again.

I chewed on my bottom lip.It really wasn’t the best time to talk, but what if it was important?

A message popped up on my phone.ANSWER!!!

My anxiety, which had lowered to an almost nonexistent level, spiked hard.Blake didn’t capitalize and overpunctuate his texts even when he was pissed at me.

My gaze swept across the coven.They were focused on the spell and their magic, but Melissa and Christian were both looking at me, Christian with a frown, and Melissa with curiosity.

I faked a smile.Don’t mind me.Everything is totally fine.

It had to be fine.I walked away from the coven’s circle until I could barely hear their incantation.Then I called Blake.

“Where are you?”he demanded.

My heart thumped in my chest.“I’m out with Astrid.Why?”

“Is Melissa with you?”

I looked in her direction.She was still sitting on the boulder.“Yeah.Is there a—”

“She’s organizing the stray wolves.Get back to The Rain.”

“What?”I said, maybe too loudly.Melissa was more focused on me than the coven and its spell.

I lowered my voice again.“That doesn’t make sense.Why would a werewolf take orders from a vampire?”

They took orders from Shelli, a voice in my head pointed out.

“Are you walking away?”Blake demanded.

“I’m…” I checked the time: 11:58.“I can’t.”

“Kennedy,” he growled.

“Two minutes.Then I’ll leave.”