Page 22 of Cursed by the Love Witch (A Monstrous Holiday #2)

22

THE HIGH WARLOCK

H e holds her in his arms the morning of graduation.

Counting her deep breaths, he lets the feeling of her warm body soothe the frayed edges of his nerves. It has been agony waiting, but the pain was worth it. Keeping away from her had nearly been impossible. Now he knows he will never be apart from her again after tonight.

It’s what he’s wanted from the first moment he saw her at student orientation five years ago. The young woman with magenta eyes and round cheeks. He’d never felt so drawn to another in his life. Keeping close watch over her through the years had been delicious torture. For years, he’d scan his class list hoping to see her name, but their paths had no reason ever to cross.

And then, at the beginning of this semester, everything had come alive when he saw Darcella Thistle printed on the ledger for his introductory to necromancy course. From that first day, some part of him knew they would end up here—together like this. The fact that she also wants him is a revelation—one he will always cherish for the rest of their lives.

His restless soul reaches toward hers. When he is inside her tonight—claiming her as his mate—they will finally become one. Two halves will reunite with the sacred promise of forever. He loves her. The High Warlock has felt this way for a very long time. Seeing her with another at the equinox party snapped something inside of him.

He had wasted enough time, and if he didn’t act soon, he could lose her forever—something he would never forgive himself for doing.

Dawn breaks inside her small dorm. Most of her belongings are packed tightly into boxes. Wherever she goes, he will always follow. Today is when their life together begins.

The bare walls of her room glisten in the morning light. Inhaling the scent of her hair deeply, he presses a lingering kiss to her forehead.

“Tonight,” he vows in her ear.

She stirs slightly as he leaves her warm body but remains fast asleep. With one last lingering look, knowing she’ll finally be his tonight makes leaving her a bit easier. His magic flows through him, and he quickly transforms into a raven.

Leaping from the window, he flies directly towards the rising sun.