Night Witch (Weatherstone College, #2)(59)

Rafael’s sigh was extended. “I would expect nothing less from you. I look forward to our battle, but for now, you have a much larger fight on your hands.”

There were no more words, just the sound of heavy boots slamming against the floor as Logan raged his way out of his father’s office. My hand trembled as I reached out and grasped the phone, pulling it closer, my head a mess as I freaked out.

“It’s going to be okay, Paisley,” Dad whispered. “I promise. Whatever you need to reverse this curse, we’re going to work together to get it done. I won’t let Rafael win this battle. I won’t lose any of you.”

A single tear slid down my cheek, and I fought the rest, knowing this wasn’t the time to fall apart. “I know, Dad,” I replied, just as softly. “I won’t stop fighting while there’s any magic left in my body.”

Not when I had everything to live for. Sure, my affinity was an issue that could get me killed as well, but there was no chance to fight past prejudices if this curse took me out first.

I jumped when Logan’s voice came through the phone again. “Precious,” he rasped. This was followed by what sounded like an explosion, and I fumbled with the phone to hit the unmute button.

“Logan,” I called, terrified that Rafael had followed him.

A thrum of pure power shot through our bond, and I turned my panicked gaze on my family.

“What’s happening?” Dad asked with urgency.

I had no idea as I shook my head roughly. A beat later Noah’s voice echoed through the phone. “Paisley, are you there?”

“I’m here. What’s going on with Logan?” I said in a rush.

“He just leveled the entire block around his father’s building,” he said, sounding tense. “He’s not dealing so well with the knowledge that the curse originated with him. Give me a few minutes to calm him down and he’ll call you back.”

The line went dead, and I tried not to bite straight through my lip as my teeth pressed down hard. “It’s not Logan’s fault,” I whispered. “This all rests with Rafael.”

Mom offered me her most comforting hug, and I fell into it for many minutes, only emerging when my phone rang. Jumping back, I answered before it could ring again. “Logan!” I gasped.

“I’m so fucking sorry,” he said, barely getting the words out. “This is all my fault.”

“Logan Kingston, don’t you ever say that again. This is Rafael the evil bastard’s fault. End of story.” His breathing was harsh, and when he didn’t answer, I softened my tone. “Come home to me so we can figure out how to stop the curse and save everyone’s lives.”

We were already running out of time. This curse would drain my magic until death, and then it would take my entire family.

We couldn’t let that happen.

“I’ll be home shortly,” he promised, the gravel in his voice more pronounced than ever. “I won’t let this curse take you—even if I have to burn the fucking world down to stop it.”

With that, the phone went dead, and I clutched it until my hand ached. For a scary second, I knew I’d let the world burn if it meant saving my family and Logan.

Fuck, I’d burn it myself.

Starting with Rafael.





Chapter 27




I waited on the back porch for him. My family remained inside, including the twins, who were supposed to be with their coven, settling into their new roles.

But we were processing what we’d learned.

For me, I couldn’t deal with anything until I saw Logan.

I needed a moment with my mate before our world turned to shit. Okay, it was already shit, but it’d feel less so once we were reunited.

When transport magic tingled across my skin, I stepped back to give them room. Logan was first through, his arms around me in the next heartbeat. My feet left the ground as he lifted me higher, burying his face in my hair, his chest rumbling in hard, jagged sounds.

He was unraveling.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, over and over.

Pulling him closer, I ran my hands up and down his back in what I hoped was a soothing motion. “This is not your fault,” I murmured forcibly. “If you don’t blame me for your mother’s death, I certainly don’t blame you for what Rafael did.”

He released another wounded sound, continuing to hold me like he’d crumble if he let go. Footsteps behind him had me lifting my head to find that he’d returned with more than Noah. Tobias, Sara, and Haley also stepped through. “You brought everyone?” I asked against his shoulder, and when he finally released me enough to see his face, my heart skipped at the exhaustion dragging his features. This curse had its hooks in his power too.

“We’re going to need everyone if we have a chance of gathering the ingredients for this curse reversal in time,” he said, staring down at me as if he wanted to memorize my features. “I’m so fucking sorry, Paisley.”

“It’s not your fault.” I’d repeat this until he believed me. I pressed my lips to his—we might not be able to have sex, but I would kiss my mate every chance I got. “This is a screwed-up fate we’re fighting against, and I don’t care what it takes, we will win. We have too much to live for.”