Page 6 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part

“That’s it,” I said as I touched a clear crystal with no effect.

Ursula nodded, but I could practically see the wheels turning in her brain. “The coven needs to monitor Raven’s progress. There are two unidentified magics and her reaction to the mirror is disconcerting. She will need training and only myself or Brigid are willing to take her under our wing.”

Rene growled. “This was not our agreement. You put it in writing, which means if you attempt to breach it in any way, you are in direct violation of the conclave. Once this test is over, Raven has no further ties to the coven. All future requests go through me.”

Ursula pointed at Rene. “You know nothing of magic. You are so busy trying to bed her that you can’t see the danger that she poses. She may even be a threat to you and your rule as overseer.”

Rene arched one eyebrow. “That is a risk I am willing to take. Unlike you, I believe she is worth it.”

Ursula hissed. “She is a plague.” Her magic began to rise, but I sensed the incline and mine sought to protect Rene and Cass.

The protection barrier was invisible, but Ursula felt it form. “How dare you!”

I grunted. “This coming from the witch that tried to kill me. I am done with your tests, and I suggest you don’t push me. I’ve had enough of the coven and its politics.”

Ursula’s eye flickered with power. “Then you are dead to the coven.”

“Well, it’s about time.”

CHAPTER 3

Iflopped into the back of the limo before Rene closed the door behind Cassara. The vehicle pulled away from the building, and I hoped it was the last time I would be forced to visit the coven. How ironic when I had grown up looking for Ursula’s approval.

Cass crossed her legs casually and leaned back in her leather seat. “Ursula is a piece of work, but she lets her anger get the best of her and she is already regretting her outburst.”

I crossed my arms. “She regrets nothing. She has always taken pride in making those of us with little magic miserable. It’s the coven way or the highway, and she was happy to show me the door.”

Rene’s finger traced my neck lightly. “I am afraid I have to agree with Cassara in this case. She has no control over you now. Until she allowed her anger to lash out, she had a viable claim to you as a witch. This turn of events is better than I could have hoped.”

My jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

Rene pulled me closer to him. “You are solely mine now. Her outburst was detrimental to her position. She gave up the only rightful claim she had on you. All because you opposed her.”

I glanced at Cassara. “You would never give up one of your own for trash-talking you.”

Cass laughed. “I would have been kicked from the clan a thousand times over by now if Rene was so easily offended. Had I known Ursula was so vain, I would have verbally attacked her myself. I am going to start a pool at the clan on this one.”

Rene gave Cass a withered look. “Surely you have better things to do.”

“Not really. Vampires love to gamble, and it is only a matter of time before Ursula contacts you and wishes to mend fences.”

I blinked several times. “A pool? Like guess the weight and sex of someone’s baby before it’s born? You would gamble on Ursula’s indiscretion?”

Cass nodded. “With pleasure and the whole clan will love it.” She began to text into her phone as I leaned toward Rene.

“She is kidding, right?”

Rene sighed. “I am afraid not. You being ostracized from the coven will be common knowledge soon. And the high priestess will regret her decision on this. It is a viable pool and vampires do like to gamble on more... unique bets.”

I wasn’t sure that the clan would care what was going on with the coven let alone bet on it, but I was still too mad at Ursula. If I was honest, it was the assumption that she was taking something of value from me, when the vampire overseer had been far more welcoming than she ever had. Even when his emotions were as warm as an iceberg.

When Rene wasn’t emotional, he was at least civil. Ursula used threats and power to coerce her subjects into doing her bidding. Rene had fought for the right to be overseer, and the majority of his people respected him. Yes, they feared his power, but he didn’t abuse it, and I felt he was far stronger than any of them realized.

We exited the limo as soon as it pulled up to the mansion, and Rene led me back to the foyer. It was abuzz with activity, like a hive that had been kicked.

Many vampires who had avoided my gaze now looked at me with open appreciation.

“What is going on?” I asked.