Witch For Hire (Witch For Hire 1)

My stomach bubbles. Magical slavery. If you yield your powers to someone, they’re basically the pied piper that leads you around by the rat, using you as they see fit. This is why we need the council.

“Do you really want to do this here?”

“Oh, they won’t hear you. I made sure of that.”

She twists her hands, and an invisible hand jerks me off my feet. I manipulate the air molecules, making my landing cushiony. A blow lands on my stomach, sending me across the ground. I raise my hand, tossing her away from me. I scramble to my feet, clutching my stomach as I toss up a barrier.

“Child’s play.” She laughs, bursting through it like it’s less than nothing.

She fists her right hand. Pain shoots through my body. I convulse. “Are you ready to reconsider, yet?”

I grit my teeth and spit out blood.“That all you got?”

“Stubborn.” She grins maniacally as she hits me with another dose. She has a rhythm. She ends the pain, and I pounce. I slam her down with a spell, pinning her into place, binding her power temporarily. My magic core is working in high gear. I strain for more, breaking her silencing spell and the barrier she’s placed around us. My muscles shake. She’s fighting back, trying to escape. I focus all my attention on the woman, slowly unfolding herself in an attempt to rise.

“Cristobal,” I scream, knowing wherever he is, he’ll come.

Soulange breaks free. “Wrong choice, little mouse.”

An unseen beast attacks. Claws rip at my flesh. Cuts open on my skin, chest, and face. I scream as she breaks free, and I’m gouged in the stomach. My eyes flutter. Her eyes widening in fear is the last image I have before I collapse.

“Are you awake now?”

I groan as I open my eyes. “Cristobal?”

“Yes.”

I blink. “What happened to Soulange?” I place my hand on my stomach and find my body covered in a silk gown.

“I healed you. You don’t need to worry about her.”

He stares at me, unrepentant. I’ve been against blood sharing our entire relationship. I was so careful to keep my power. Sex, blood, and emotions. He’s already gotten two. It seems only fitting he get the last.

“You saved my life.”

“I would do anything to keep you safe.” He cups my face. “When I heard you scream I nearly lost my mind.”

“Soulan—”

“Is being dealt with. She will never be a danger to you again.”

“Be careful. She’s powerful.”

“So are you, dove.”

I lean into his palm. “Thank you.”

Because of this man, I’m alive. I actually feel better now than I did before the battle. I can see the lure of vampire blood.

“Anything for you, my love.”

I pull his face to mine and brush my lips over his. I trace his lips with the tip of my tongue. He parts them for me, sliding his tongue into my mouth. Our tongues swirl and circle. I bury my fingers in his sable hair, pulling him down toward me as I tilt my head. For nearly two years, he’s been a patient gentleman. I’m ready.

We separate, breathing heavily.

“Louella?”

“I’m ready, Cristobal.”