Page 86 of Dark Flame

There’s too much unknown, blocked within years of charms. So much I’d like to know, especially being back with the coven. Even if it became too much after a lifetime without a coven and I opted not to stay, I’d be doing myself a disservice by not giving every honest attempt to become the witch I should have always been.

“Do you think I’ll ever get my memories back? I’d like to remember my parents, and what my life was like.”

“I promise, Harlow, I will do everything in my ability to get them returned to you. And I have an idea on how we can do that.”

Thirty-Three

ALEC

By the middleof the night, I pass the border into Alberta, and the remaining stretch up to the Rockies is quick and familiar. All too soon, I reach the small picturesque tourist town of Banff, nestled between mountains. Given the time, tourists are tucked into their hotels while residents remain in their homes until morning, when it’ll be another day of dealing with the masses and selling overpriced tourist shit to them.

On the very edge of town, farthest from the main core, is the set of roads the members of Highridge Coven live on. It’s there I feel the pulse in my stomach, the invisible cord tugging me towards the last house up the slight incline.

I pass the Sinclair house without a glance, scenting my Bride by the walkway but nowhere near the building.

By the final house, the flood of power is nearly visible—if one knows what to look for. Witches have a tell. The florals, the candles, the sickening natural fragrances wafting from the wood-sided house, but it’s the one beneath all that owning my focus.

After running all night, Harlow’s scent rocks my core, my gums reminding me I’m hungry, despite only drinking yesterday. She left me, though, and the monster must be reassured we have her back.

I pace up to the house, following both her sweet scent and the bond. There’s another witch inside, but she won’t be an issue as long as she knows not to keep my Bride from me.

Her feelings prick at my nerves. She’s happy. Apprehensive and nervous, but pleased, and it pulls me to a stop, my irritated snarl spooking a bird chirping on a branch nearby.

I have to be smart about this. She’ll be defensive, even if there’s nothing she can do to hide herself from me. Nothing that’ll prevent me from taking her.

Not even herself.

It’s with the bond I reach out to her, testing something I’ve only ever heard about occurring between mated pairs. With her not being a vampire, and not having drank my blood to complete the connection on her side, I can only hope it works even a fraction.

Harlow.

Thirty-Four

HARLOW

The sun has long dippedbehind the mountaintops by the time we finish talking, and it’s all so much to process.

Morgan takes our mugs to the counter to get more tea, leaving me with my thoughts. The most pressing is the sun has set and Alec’s probably on his way.

Morgan returns to the table and slides me a fresh drink. Her thoughts were obviously where mine are, if her comment is any indication. “Sun’s down. Your vampire will be here soon, I imagine. How would you like us to handle him?”

“Us?”

“He won’t broach the town, so we can ignore his presence, but I worry for the innocent humans in the area and what he may do. Or I can take the coven and we’ll deal with him.”

Oh.No, I don’t want that. Not at all. Alec’s strong, but against an entire coven of fully fledged witches? He’d likely lose, and that isn’t what I want.

“Um, I don’t know, but I don’t want him harmed.”

She gives me a curious look over the rim of her mug but says nothing. The steam floats from the dark liquid, tangling with the air when I blow on it before testing a sip.

“How many coven members are there?”

“Twenty. Not counting the four babies born in the last couple years.”

That’s twenty people she’d ask to protect me if I wanted her to. That’s also twenty powerful people who’d overpower Alec, and it’s with that thought driving up my panic I repeat, “If he comes, I’ll deal with him.”

Another strange look, and yet again, no comment. The room falls blissfully silent as we both sip our drinks. It feels like only moments later, Morgan slides her mug away, gaining my attention.