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7

HANK

Several days after we got the letter from James's friend Benny, I find Callie sitting alone on the back porch. For a second I stay as still as possible and just stare at her. I would’ve thought the last few weeks would have worn her down the way it has done to me, but if anything, she looks even more alive than before.

Her blond hair flows down her shoulders, and her skin almost glows. I've always been told that magic changes people in some ways, and for the first time, I'm seeing it happen. Most people I know have had magic their entire lives, so haven't changed appearances because of it. With Callie, it's different. Despite whatever went on with her cat-self, magic has become a part of her like it never has before.

And it makes her radiant.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't need caffeine. I turn back to the kitchen side and fix her a drink.

Grabbing a cup of coffee, I go out the back door, hating to interrupt one of her few quiet moments. With so many people around, it's important to grab those whenever any of us can. But it’s almost time to start her training, and I want her to have some time for a hot cup of coffee… given that I’m pretty sure she loves the dark liquid more than me.

“Coffee?” I ask, hesitating in the doorway, suddenly unsure about what I'm doing. I should leave her be for a little longer. That would be the right thing to do.

She turns her head around to face me and sighs, though thankfully, it doesn't seem to be in annoyance.

"Thank you. I needed another cup."

I hand her the mug and enjoy the true smile that stretches over her face as she inhales the aroma. "Coffee was my first love, after all."

I grin, sitting down on the wooden step next to her. Great minds think alike. “First love or greatest love?”

She looks at me beneath her lashes and laughs. “I don’t think you want to know that answer," she teases. Though I have no doubt of the truth. She looks at the three of us in a way coffee can never achieve.

Unable to help myself, I lean closer and kiss her. The taste of coffee on her lips is somehow fitting. It’s sugary and sweet, just like her.

Her hand travels up my thigh, sending sparks through my nerves.

“Whoa,” I say, catching her wrist. “You already thinking about round two?”

Her cheeks turn red, and she draws her hand back, sipping from her mug again.

And damn it, if I don’t hate myself a little for stopping her. Flashes of the night before move through my mind. I’d gone in to tell her goodnight, and she asked me to stay.

Before too long, we’d been shedding our clothes. Beneath the light of the moon, she’d climbed on top of me. And damn it, if she didn’t know exactly how I liked it. She took me hard and fast, and we’d kissed often to try to keep ourselves quiet enough not to be heard by the entire house.

When we’d come, we’d both stayed tangled together for hours. These days together felt rare and precious. And the feeling of being inside her like a gift.

“You’re hard again,” she says, and there’s a teasing note in her voice.

I look down to see my erection tented in the front of my basketball shorts. “Fuck.”

"I thought you said not now." Her tone is deep and husky, revealing how much she wants me. But instead of pursuing it further, she simply laughs. “You always know just how to cheer me up.”

I look at her again and realize there’s something behind her eyes. Worry. Maybe even fear. And I’m just over here wondering if we have enough time to sneak off upstairs.

"You okay?"

"I'm not okay, but I'm okay." She laughs and bumps me with her shoulder.

" That I understand completely . What's got you worried?"

"At the moment, the solstice. What if the magic doesn't choose me, or worse, what if it does, and I make a terrible queen? I wasn't even raised in this! I don't know much about magic, just what I've been able to cram, like studying for a test after not paying attention all semester."

I hide my smile. I know she must be worried for her to ramble like this.

"Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay,” I say and try to mean it. “You're a natural! We all agree on that. We have zero reason to believe the magic will choose them. Magic is peaceful. It's harmonious. And I believe your uncle knows that. He knows if you show up if you make it alive to the Solstice, he doesn't stand a chance."

But instead of Callie looking relieved, she just looks more worried. "I don't know what to do."

Instinctually, I wrap an arm around Callie and pull her closer. She curls into me, and I have this strange moment when I think of my parents together. They’re two people who fell in love at first sight and have loved each other more every day of their lives. I have this feeling things will be the same way for Callie and me. Even if two of my best friends are also in a relationship with her. That's not the way I thought I'd find love, but now it's happening, and I can't bring myself to resent it. The two men are the worthiest ones I know and will treat her with the respect and love she deserves more than anything.

Right now, we’re going through something horrible, but every day, I just seem to love her more. Every day, I seem to understand what she needs more, and everything inside of me just wants to give her what she needs, no matter what it costs me.

This has to be love. Right?

Tears spill from her eyes and splatter onto my t-shirt. "I'm scared.”

Damn it. I hate that she’s scared. Did my dad ever feel this way with my mom? Like he just wanted to protect her from anything and everything in this world?

"We're with you,” I promise, hoping it's enough. The three of us will do anything and everything for her, but if that doesn't mean the same to her, then I'm not sure what we can do about it.

“I know, but—” She doesn't finish her sentence. She probably can't. This isn't an easy thing we're asking her to do, and we all know it.

“When this is over, and you're Queen, you'll have me, James, and Will. And if that’s not enough, you’ll also have Fran and her vast wisdom. And you know she'll keep you down to earth."

She giggles through her tears.

“Fran wouldn't care if you were Queen. She'd jerk a knot in your tail in a heartbeat.” I don't know the Dowager's former partner very well, but even I know every word I'm saying is true.

"Yeah."

I rub my finger across her knuckles. "And Sugar. She'll be here with you. Theresa and her guys, even though they don't say much." They were a quiet bunch, but they'd helped us. It's clear to me who wears the trousers in that relationship. I'm glad ours is more even.

She seems to relax in my arms, and her voice comes really soft. “I have a tribe. I've never had one before. All my life, it was me. Me and my cat. But now, she's gone.” She smiles sadly and sighs. “I’m just glad to have you.”

I touch her chin so she looks at me. "We won't get you on the throne then abandon you. We're in this together now."

She leans in and touches her lips to mine. I want to do more. I want to lay her down on these steps and make love to her. I want to watch her eyes widen and hear the way she chants my name.

But I keep my kiss gentle and draw back, shaking with need. There will be time for that. Later. When Callie isn’t so fragile.

I hope.