Page 76 of Hungry As Her Python

“It’s true,” Donny added. “And later, we found out he was dating Misty Palmer at the same time. And Misty’s Uncle Montgomery threatened to have his powers drained and his Warlock World Coven membership revoked if he didn’t leave town immediately?—”

“Wait. What? He left because he was juggling two Witches and got caught?”

“Two that we know of. Yup,” Evie said.

“Oh Goddess, she hates us now,” Donny groaned. “Look, we didn’t tell you because we didn’t find out about Misty until six months later, and you seemed fine by then.”

“He told me I was fat,” I said, the words tasting like ash.

“What?” they snarled in unison, aqua and gold sparks dancing at their fingertips.

“Not in here, ladies,” I warned. “Anyway, he told me I was too big for a man of his standing to be seen with. Said things like if I loved him, I’d glamor myself while I worked on losing weight. I refused.”

“How dare he!” Evie’s voice cracked with outrage.

“That Warlock piece of shi—” Donny started but was cut off by Petyr strolling in like he hadn’t just dropped off the face of the earth.

He looked rumpled, a little singed, and smug as a cat with cream.

“I have avenged your virtue, my Witchy, and I have given permission to the Shifter to court one as yourself—but only if you wish.”

“You did what?” I asked, torn between laughter and alarm.

“Where I am from, fathers of daughters defend. Your father is not here—so I step in. Snake Shifter has proven to be a good man. His heart is true. But still, it is you who must decide. Now, I go back to dumpster to sniff out arson.”

“Uh, okay. Thanks?” I mumbled, wide-eyed as my familiar continued on his way.

“Wow,” Evie breathed. “That was so beautiful!”

“Oh great, she’s crying again,” Donny muttered, hugging her.

“So, Bella, are you mad at us?” Evie asked, tears running into her mouth.

I handed her a tissue.

“What? No! I love you girls. We’re besties and cousins, but I admit, I’ve missed you. Watching you both get close to your mates has made me kind of afraid, you know.”

“We will never abandon you,” Donny said firmly.

“And you don’t have to worry about being alone,” Evie sniffled. “You have Conrad too. That Snake loves you. I can feeeeel it.”

Then, she growled.

Actually growled.

“Oh dear Goddess,” I muttered, ushering them toward the back. “Get her home before she scares off my customers. And tell Jaxson to get his tail home and give his mate the news she needs to hear.”

“But I wanted to talk about the wedding cake!” Donny called as I shut the door.

“Too bad. It’s my gift, I have full creative control!” I hollered back.

Then I just stood there.

For a full minute, letting the truth sink in.

There was nothing wrong with me.

I didn’t drive a man away because I couldn’t keep him.