Black Magic (The Raven Queen's Harem 3)

That’s where it ends.

The librarian returns, handing over the massive book. I lift it from the counter and nod my thanks. “Can we use one of the study rooms in the back?”

“Sure.” She fishes a key out from under the desk. “Let me know if you need any other assistance.”

“Thank you,” Morgan says. The librarian winks in reply.

As we walk away from the desk I look down and notice a red tint to Morgan’s cheeks. “What? You’re embarrassed by her attention?”

She grimaces. “I know this may be hard to comprehend from a guy with a face and body like yours, but until I moved up here no one ever paid me the slightest attention.”

“I find that hard to believe. You had other boyfriends.”

“Nothing serious, and none of them seemed inclined to drop everything just to be with me. More like the opposite.”

The study rooms are along the back hall. They’re private and quiet. I slip the key in the lock and we step inside. I place the book on the table and the key in my pocket. I turn to face Morgan, cupping my hand under her chin.

“You’re beautiful. You’re strong. Any suitor in your past that didn’t understand the gift that you are wasn’t man—“ I glance to the desk—“or woman enough to see it. And if they did, they were terrified of the power you possess. I won’t pretend I’m sorry you didn’t find love with another before it was time for you to come here. You weren’t made for other men. You were made for one of us.”

“Is that your way of trying to convince me to pick you?”

I laugh. “Sweetheart if I wanted to convince you, I wouldn’t use words.”

To prove my point I kiss her on the mouth. I know she feels it across every inch of her body, down to her toes, because that’s where I feel it too.

Chapter Seventeen

Morgan

One kiss is all I get because Dylan has willpower made of iron and is focused on the books on the table. He scribbles occasionally on a notepad while I go over the spell in the book I found weeks ago, making sure I’m prepared.

The spell seems complex; a combination of the ingredients we’ve been collecting, a series of runes, and then the incantation. Dylan assures me it will be fine, but I see the hint of worry in his eyes. He’s still not convinced.

“Did you see this?” I ask, pointing to a particular passage. “The Morrigan often comes as a trio of three sisters, each with their own power and authority. Combined they create the Goddess of War, separate they prevail over different imagery: Land and livestock, fertility, and of course, war.”

“I’m aware of the mythology,” Dylan replies, studying the passage.

“Do you think it’s possible to remove her soul from mine? What if there’s another?"

“It’s a risk we have to take. But the myths are always vague. The Morrigan probably hoped future generations would fear her more by thinking she had triple the power.” He grimaces. “As though we need to fear her more than we already do. She’s quite the threat as is.”

He finishes his notes and closes the book. I pack up my own book but pause when I find him starting at me. “What?”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

r />

“No, but I don’t think I have a choice.”

“We’ll remove her soul and destroy her. The spell isn’t that hard. Bunny and Damien should be able to handle it easily.”

I nod. “I have faith in them.”

“And you?” He studies me carefully. “You’re ready to pick your mate? You’ll need strength before the ceremony.”

I swallow. “I’ll be ready.”

*