Page 42 of Spellbound & Speechless (Witches of Starbrook #2)

Mac

The Hawthornes may not be ready to celebrate, but I am. I was only a teenager when I became obsessed with killing the corrupt witch, but I didn’t know how to do it. All I knew was that she hurt my mother, my family, and me .

The Hawthorne witches are why I’m free; I’ll help them have the same freedom.

My steps are lighter as we walk through the house, but Aspen is quiet beside me with her hand in mine. My mother sits in the living room, as peacefully as possible. It was hard for her to keep from tearing the witch apart, but that wouldn’t have helped anyone. She would only come back.

“Is it done?” she asks, her voice shaking.

I exchange a look with Aspen and nod. “She’s gone. Banished to an endless existence in Hades. She can’t come back.”

My mother sighs. “I suppose that is as much as I can ask for.” She stands and locks eyes with Aspen. “Thank you.”

“I didn’t—” Aspen starts.

“Yes,” my mother says, “you did. You all played your part. No one person can take a corrupt witch down. Trust me. I tried for years. We tracked her down countless times. I’ve stabbed her and gutted her—I’ve done everything you can imagine to that corrupt witch.”

Aspen flinches.

“Nothing worked until I met you and your sisters. So, again, I thank you.”

This time, Aspen accepts the compliment, bowing her head. “I’m not a big fan of violence, so I can’t pretend to be happy about how this ended, but it’s my pleasure to help you find your peace.”

I wrap an arm around Aspen and pull her closer to my side.

“And you,” my mother says, turning her attention to me. “Did she use your father’s wolf on you?”

My nostrils flare. I nod. For the first time since I started tracking her down, the corrupt witch used the dirty trick against me—the same trick she’s used on my mother countless times.

The words don’t come for a few moments. “I knew it wasn’t him, but…”

“It was jarring, nevertheless, I’m certain. The heart has a harder time knowing than the mind. She’s done the same to me, you know.”

I shake my head in disgust. Good riddance.

“It’s over now,” I say, sitting on the couch with Aspen. “She can’t use him against us anymore.”

“Indeed. It finally feels like your father’s spirit can rest after a decade of fighting for him—and against him.”

“That means you can rest.” Aspen lifts her head. “I know this will make me sound like a typical love witch, but have you had time to focus on self-care? Like, when was the last time you had a facial? ”

My mother’s lips twist. “Never.”

“And your skin is fantastic!” Aspen rushes to say. “Really, but…”

“You’re worried about me.” She chuckles. “Can’t remember the last time I had someone worried about me.”

“I worry about you,” I say.

My mother scoffs. “You couldn’t worry. Not like this. You weren’t taking care of yourself, much less me.”

“Ma!” I rub a hand over my face.

“You were getting into the same things I was. The same danger.”

“What I’m trying to say is…” Aspen effortlessly draws the attention back to herself. “We want you to stay in Starbrook. I hate the thought of you being alone, and there’s no more need for you to hunt down the corrupt witch. You can stay here and relax.”

I know Aspen’s offer is from the good of her heart. She’s generous. A regular person would accept her offer, but there’s no saying how my mother will take it. Without trying to, it may seem like an attack on my mother’s independence.

Ma won’t like that.

I wait nervously for her response, and my eyes lock onto a painting of fruit hanging on the wall.

“You don’t want me here,” my mother says. “I’m not good company. Not like you witches. I’ve been a lone wolf for too long.”

Aspen beams. “So has Mac, and I consider him excellent company.”

My mother snorts. “You may have strange taste in company.”

“Ma!” I exclaim again, laughing. “This is why I didn’t invite you sooner. ”

“In that case… I’ll stay,” my mother says. “Just to give my son a hard time.”

There’s a new twinkle in my mother’s eye, one I’m not expecting. My heart is warm.

Aspen giggles. “As long as you’re staying, I won’t complain!”

“I may be a lone wolf,” my mother says, “but I’ve always had one person in my pack, and I can’t imagine being too far from him.”

She doesn’t have to look at me. I know who she’s talking about—it’s me. My mother is considering moving across the country for me . She’s always loved me, and I’ve always been loyal, but it’s an unexpected gesture.

“I’m staying in the pack,” I mumble. “I know they didn’t need to help this time, but… they may need me in the future.”

“And you’ve learned the value of being part of a group.” My mother nods. “I understand. I was always wondering when you would learn the lesson.”

I lean against a wall and cross my arms. “Since when do you value being in a group?”

“I learned the lesson a long time ago.” She shrugs. “It’s not for me anymore, but you’re not me. Are you?”

No. I’m not. We’re different people, living different lives. If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in Starbrook, it’s that I can stay close to my mother without mirroring her ideals.

“Guess I’m not.” I smile wryly.

“I will be getting my own house,” my mother says. “This one is too full for my taste.”

“Totally understandable!” Aspen perks up. “We had a new apartment complex built downtown a few years ago. They may have some availability, but I can help you look for houses for sale if that’s a better fit.”

“We’ll see,” my mother says. “Either way, you can rest easy. I plan on sticking around.”

Even though she raised me to be independent, not to need her or anyone else, knowing she’ll be around people who care for her…

Well, she’s right. I will rest easier this way.