Page 31 of Hooked on a Demon (Leeside Witches #3)

Eliana

“M y brother almost caught me with the guy I’m seeing.”

“And why is that a problem? Can he not know that you’re dating someone?” Dr. Colson asks partway into their next session.

“He can…”

“But?”

“The issue is more who the someone is,” Eliana hedges.

“And who is the someone?” he prompts.

“His best friend.”

“Ah. Again, I ask, why is that a problem? Do you not think your brother would be happy to see you happy?” Colson responds.

“Why is it a problem that I’m dating my brother’s best friend?” Eliana asks, incredulous.

Dr. Colson flips the page of his notebook and writes a new line of text before answering a simple and undignified “Yes.”

“Aside from him being my brother’s best friend ,” she stresses, adding extra emphasis on Declan’s relationship with Everest, “he knows the guy. They go out together all the time. He knows the type of guy he is. Or maybe he was. I don’t know; we haven’t really talked about his dating history.

” She feels herself getting flustered at the thought of Declan dating someone else.

They haven’t had that conversation yet. Or at least not entirely.

She shared her history with Sam, but it was different.

It was something he needed to know. “Either way, I assume he wouldn’t approve of it for that reason alone. ”

“And what kind of guy is he?”

“With me? He’s kind. Gentle.” Her fingers touch her lips as if pulling up the memory of the other night on Declan’s couch, how his stubble felt against her skin, and the hunger that guided him.

They could have consumed each other right then, and there had she allowed it.

Recalling what he said about waiting until she’s ready, she adds, “he’s also patient, funny, and interested in me and what I have to say.

He listens, which is new for me. To have it feel as though the person I’m with actually cares and wants to hear what I have to say. ”

Colson leans forward, resting his arms on the chair, looking intently at her. “That sounds like someone you should be with. I think your brother would be happy you have found someone who makes you feel that way.”

Unable to bear his gaze any longer, she simply replies, “Yeah.”

“Have you told your family about Sam yet?”

“No.” Her cheeks heat with embarrassment.

“Why not?”

Without taking the time to formulate her thoughts, she says the truth because if she can’t say it here in her therapist’s office, then where else can she? “Because I’m embarrassed.”

“Can you elaborate?”

Sighing, she opens the cover of the box she’s kept buried inside.

The one she hoped she could ignore for a very long time.

“Because I feel like I let it happen. I allowed Sam to treat me the way he did. I didn’t push back or question his actions.

I allowed him to separate me from my friends and family.

To take over my life. And all that is embarrassing.

I was raised by a strong woman. I believed I was one.

And then I let some pissant of a man strip all of that away from me.

A man who couldn’t even be bothered to get on a plane after I needed a major surgery to make sure that I, the woman he apparently loved, was okay.

” She pulls the sleeve of her sweater over her hand and uses it to dab at the stray tears that have worked their way out.

“And this,” she says, motioning to her face, “annoys the fuck out of me. Because I feel like every tear I shed in relation to him lets him continue to win. That he continues to have hold of me. It’s exhausting. I want to live a normal life.”

“That’s a lot. And everything you’re feeling is valid. Normal even.”

Eliana scoffs.

“It’s true.” Leaning back, he brings one leg up and rests the ankle on the opposite knee.

His casual pose is in opposition to his words, but perhaps that’s for the best, as it helps this moment stand out to Eliana as one that she’ll remember for some time.

“Hear me when I say this. You are strong. You are worthy. And you are valid.” She sucks in a breath.

“You have been through so much and are sitting here today on the other side. You got out. You recognized the situation you were in, and while, yes, it may have taken you a while to leave, you did. Relationships with friends and family can be repaired as needed. Though, from the sounds of it, your family loves you deeply, and your friends are the same. So it’s you, Eliana, who needs to recognize your strength.

Because everyone else around you already sees it. I guarantee your fella sees it too.”

“I–I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything. Because I mean every word of it.”

Sniffling, she responds, “Thank you.”

He smiles back at her and makes a few more notes on his pad.

He calls the session to an end shortly after, and as her hand finds the doorknob, Dr. Colson has perhaps the most important parting words for her.

“Tell your family, Eliana. They deserve to know, and you don’t need to carry it all yourself. ”

* * *

“Hi, honey, it’s so good to see you.”

Tossing her coat on the railing, she says, “It’s only been a few weeks, Mom.”

“Yet, still feels like a lifetime.”

Eliana rolls her eyes at Cora’s dramatics as she leads them into the kitchen. “Do you need any help?”

Her mother turns, briefly surveying the assortment of pots and pans she has on the go with what’s sure to be another delicious dinner. “No, I think everything is under control here. But if you could set the table, that would be great.”

“That, I can do.” She steps over to the cupboard, pulling out the required items.

Her mother shuffles behind her, reaching around her to pick up a wooden spoon. “Oh, and set an extra plate.”

Confused, Eliana responds, “Why?”

“Everest said Declan is coming. Something about Declan seeming sad and in need of some good home cooking.”

Nerves flood her system, making her feel like she’s suddenly been dipped into a boiling cauldron. She dabs the back of her hand on her cheeks—burning hot. And her back? Feels already drenched in sweat.

“Declan’s coming?” she says, hoping her voice sounds steadier than she feels.

Almost getting caught by Everest last night was enough to have her consider asking one of the local witches to make her disappear forever.

But here? At her parents? With her whole family around?

Fuck, that’s enough for her to expire on the spot.

“Yes, darling,” her mom says before turning to look at her. “Are you alright, dear? You look feverish.” Cora’s hand comes within an inch of her forehead before Eliana dodges out of the way.

“I’m fine, a little warm by the stove. I’m gonna take these to the dining table.

” Eliana doesn’t wait for her mother’s response or look back to see if she believes her.

As she sets the table, she does her best to keep calm, but knowing that she is going to be in the same room with Declan while her eagle-eyed mom is around isn’t helping.

Thankfully, Everest is generally oblivious, and her dad will be too occupied talking cars or something else manly with the boys, to notice.

Maybe that’s what she needs to do—make sure the boys stay occupied with their own conversation so there’s no chance that the attention could shift to her. Yes. That’s it!

With her plan for making it through dinner in place, she takes a moment to pause and breathe, ensuring she is fully calm and ready.

And then the door opens, and Declan walks in, looking like the sexiest demon alive in dark jeans that hug his thick thighs so perfectly.

The light gray sweater he’s wearing brings out the blue in his eyes while also accentuating the strength in his frame.

The softness of his stomach is hidden by the way the fabric sits, but her body remembers what it felt like to be held against him.

Her body attempts to betray her by letting out a tiny whimper, which she manages to disguise with a slight cough as though she meant to clear her throat.

Declan catches her eye, and the smallest quirk of his lip lets her know he heard it.

Fuck me, this is going to be a long dinner.