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“That’s very generous of you,” she murmurs, her expression a mixture of sadness and love. “Where will you be?”
Looking over at the beautiful vehicle sitting in my driveway, my escape only a few feet away, I answer, “I think I want to take a drive in my new car and just not be here right now.”
She gives me a tight squeeze before letting me go. “Yes, go and try to have some fun.”
Kaleb steps forward. “If it’s alright with Callie, I’d also like to be part of the conversation.” His gaze shifts to me, all of my history telegraphed in his eyes. “There are some things I think you both need to be made aware of.”
I nod my agreement, and Carlotta wisely doesn’t argue that he should be excluded because it’s witch business.
Before anyone can volunteer, Nolan steps out from behind his parents and strides toward me with a determined gait. Holding out the pretty box, he asks, “How about we start those lessons?”
I retrieve the key from the box, rubbing my thumb along the grooved metal. “Are you up for showing me how?”
“D did suggest I reserve my energy for something more interesting.” His lips curve into that familiar smile that makes my heart flutter. “Driving around with you in a sexy car like this sounds perfect.”
“Nolan,” his mother says, her voice filled with worry. “Are you sure you’re—”
“I’ll be fine,” he insists, his tone gentle, even as his smile shifts into a hard line. “I have enough energy to drive a car.” He hooks my arm over his, like an old-fashioned gentleman leading a lady to her carriage. “Besides, I’ll have Callie with me the whole time. We’ll be home before the evening feeding.”
“Alright,” she relents, twisting her mouth into a smile that doesn’t quite hide her concern. “Be safe. Call if you need anything.”
“We will,” he promises as he guides me toward my new car. When we pass my paternal grandmother, he whispers, “Careful where you step. Callie has ties stronger than blood that far exceed the witching world. We don’t take kindly to threats toward those we claim as our own.”
She lifts her chin, but her eyes carefully catalog all who are in attendance today. “So I’ve noticed.”
“Good,” he croons with dark promise, the predator inside him climbing to the surface just long enough to make sure she heeds his warning.
Leaving her speechless, he continues our journey as if he said nothing at all. Taking the key from my hand, he unlocks the passenger door for me.
Before I climb inside, I call out, “Can someone take James home? He’s… napping on my bed.”
“I’ll get him,” Donovan volunteers, although he looks unhappy about it. Probably because he didn’t get a chance to stab someone.
My gaze does one final pass over my failed attempt of a birthday party as we back out of the driveway. I should have known better. Me and parties really don’t mix.
Chapter 15
Callie
Ican’t breathe.
I jerk against the straps holding my limbs down as my father’s hands squeeze my neck tighter and black spots start to dance in my vision.
“You could stop this if you wanted to,” he shouts, shaking me and smacking my head against the table. “Save yourself, damn it!”
“Love, come back to me.”
I hear the words, the voice low and desperate, but I can’t reach them.
“Help,” I cry weakly.
The spots grow, and my heart beats like frightened wings in my chest.
“Callie, wake up!”
I gasp and launch forward, my hands immediately reaching for my throat. Air refuses to fill my lungs as I look wildly around the room, darkness greeting me at every turn. I’m still trapped, locked in the basement with no way out… no one to save me. There’s just pain and the promise of more. Suddenly, cold arms wrap around me, and I scream.
“Love, it’s me,” the voice whispers in a gentle, melodic timbre. “You’re safe. Nothing can hurt you here.”
