Page 80 of These Witches Don't Burn

“My ex, Riley, the guy back in Minnesota...” Morgan rubs her hands across her impossibly pale face. “He’s a Hunter. He must have followed me here.”

“You dated a Hunter?” I push my shock aside, focusing on what this news means for my coven. We finally know who’s behind all this. We finally have the upper hand. “Why is he after you?”

Morgan looks at me like the answer is obvious. “Why else? Because I’m a Blood Witch. They hate us the most.”

Behind me, someone gasps.

Gemma stands in the doorway, leaning on her crutches.

“What. The hell. Is a Blood Witch?”

23

“WELL?” GEMMA SWINGS INTOthe room and closes the door behind her. She glances at my father’s still form and lowers her voice to a fierce whisper. “Someone better start talking.”

Morgan sneaks a look at me. “Is Gemma...”

I shake my head. “No, she’s a—”

“So help me, Han, if you use that word again.” Gemma collapses into an empty chair across from Morgan and sets her crutches on the floor. “I take it Morgan knows about what you are?”

“She figured it out, Gem. I swear I didn’t tell her.”

“Wait.” Morgan holds up her hands. “You told Gemma? That’sforbidden.”

“Uh, hello? I’m right here.” Gemma glares at us. “Stop dancing around the words. Just say it. Hannah’s an Elemental.”

Morgan eyes widen, and she looks like she might pass out.

Gemma lets out a smug, wordless sound. “Now, will someone please tell me what the hell a Blood Witch is? Because it sounds terrifying.”

Morgan grimaces. “Why does everyone think we’re so creepy?”

I shrug. “Blood grosses people out.”

“Hannah,” Gem warns.

“Right. Sorry.” I can’t believe I’m doing this. Again. “There are actually three Clans of witches. In addition to the Elementals and Casters I already told you about, there are also Blood Witches.” I look to Morgan, and she nods for me to continue. “Morgan’s one of them.”

“Great,” Gemma mumbles. “Another witch. So glad I’m your token Muggle friend.”

“Gemma.”

“It’s fine. Forget it.” She turns to Morgan. “So, what can you do?”

Morgan fidgets with her hands. “It’s so weird telling this to a Reg. How does she even know about you?”

Gemma makes a face, but I focus on Morgan’s question. “It happened when the Hunter ran us off the road. I had to use my magic to get us out of the sinking car.”

“Oh, right. Of course.” Morgan looks to Gem and fusses with the ring on her finger, the one with the hidden pin. “Basically, my magic gives me better control over my body. Faster healing. Increased endurance and strength. That kind of stuff.”

“Oh. That’s not nearly as gross as I assumed.” But then it’s like something gels in her head. “Did you sayhealing?”

Morgan casts me a worried look, but she nods.

“That’s perfect!” Gemma points to her cast-covered leg. “You can fix this. And help Hannah’s dad.” She adds that second part almost like she forgot he was in the room with us.

“I tried to help him, but I wasn’t able to do much.” Morgan twines her fingers together and won’t look at either of us. “Healing others is a lot harder than our natural self-recovery.”