Black Magic (The Raven Queen's Harem 3)

“I’d rather be dead, Dylan, than hurt someone again. Do you understand that? I won’t be responsible for any more deaths!”

“He’s not dead,” Sam says, but Morgan shoots him a glare.

“He will be soon. We both know it. We all know it,” she spats. “I’m not living like this. I don’t want to be a conduit for death. Not anymore.”

“I don’t even see how that’s an option,” Damien says. “Do you plan on kissing a lot of guys? Outside of this house, I mean?”

“It can happen anywhere,” Morgan cries. “And don’t judge me on kissing Xavier. That’s the whole point. I didn’t have control. She’s stronger than me!”

Clinton stands and approaches Morgan, who is standing near the back windows. He touches her cheek and says, “It’s too dangerous.”

She sighs. “Can we at least think about it? Have it as a backup?”

Bunny walks over and peers over my shoulder, flipping the pages of the book. He runs his fingers down a long list. “The ingredients look complicated. It may take months to find them.”

I snap the book shut, nearly taking off Bunny’s finger. I glance at him apologetically. “It’s off the table.”

“Why do you get to make that decision?” Morgan asks. Her voice carries a different edge. “Did someone put you in charge here and not tell me about it?”

I open my mouth to speak but think better of it. I rest the book on the table and slide it to the middle. Morgan watches with interest and then assesses the others. They too are silent until Bunny steps forward. I fight an eyeroll. He’s always first to cave.

“We can collect the ingredients,” he says. “We can store them in the basement with a stipulation that we do nothing unless we all come to an agreement.” He looks at Morgan as he emphasizes the word ‘all’. “Like I said before, it may take a while to gather them all, if we even can.”

I fight an outburst. I rest my hands on the back of an armchair, bracing myself. “Morgan already has obligations. She has her training. Her studying. Her book to write for the University—which is still a priority. She has to pick a mate. That is paramount. Every dely. each distraction is just falling into the Morrigan’s hands.” I hold her gaze. “Do you realize that this sort of endeavor is exactly what she wants?”

“Then she’ll get it,” she declares, unwavering. “I’ll work with each of you to gather the supplies needed to complete the spell. I’ll also use that time to get to know each of you a little better—fulfilling my promise to select a mate quickly.”

After a beat, Clinton speaks up.

“I think that’s acceptable.” He looks at me to challenge him. But I’ve said my peace. I do nothing but shrug. The Queen has made it clear she doesn’t want my opinion. Damien picks up the book. “I’ll divide these out into our specialties. Sam, you make a schedule, okay?”

Sam nods and Morgan smiles. Everyone seems to be in agreement but me.

I leave the room first—as always—and contemplate that it’s just another day at The Nead.

Chapter Four

Morgan

A schedule is set by dinner and much to Dylan’s obvious dismay, lessons and training will be on hold—other than what I learn on my outings to procure the spell ingredients.

Damien and I agree to meet at ten the next morning and at quarter ‘til, I’m looking for an appropriate outfit to wear to a ’magic shop’ when my phone rings.

It’s Professor Christensen.

I haven’t spoken to him since Xavier fell ill but I have no doubt he’s been in contact with Anita. Ironically, he’s the one that tipped me off to the type of underground club that the guardians were performing in—the one that we were at when Xavier got caught up in the Morrigan’s Darkness.

“Hello,” I say, looking for my black jeans. That seems appropriate for a magic shop, right?

“Morgan! I’m so glad I caught you. Is this a good time?”

No, I want to tell him, but he’s my graduate advisor and I can’t do that. “I have a few minutes.”

“Good, good. Well, I’m aware that you’ve been told of Anita’s family circumstances.”

“Yes, sir. I’ve been to see her.”

“Excellent. It’s always good to support a fellow student and colleague during a time of need.” He coughs away from the phone. “Anita has requested a leave of absence for the remainder of the semester. Obviously we granted it. She’s the only family nearby to take care of her sibling. We want to give her as much time as she needs.”