Black Magic (The Raven Queen's Harem 3)

I can’t tell Shannon that so I just say, “They think I need to choose. And believe it or not, they’re like really cool about the whole thing. But yeah, I need to choose.”

“You’re just a girl that wants it all.” She’s quiet for a moment. “You know that’s not a bad thing—not really. Don’t settle until you’re ready.”

My phone alarm rings, giving me notice that it’s time for me to head downstairs. I say goodbye and consider that after the decisions I have to make tonight, things will change. I hope when I see my friend face-to-face I’ll have made the right ones. I pick up the WishMaker one last time and peer into the glass. This time there’s no doubt about the figure staring back at me. At long last I know the truth. The one that belongs to my heart. It’s been obvious this whole time and I’m a fool for not realizing it sooner.

I drop the orb on the bed and head to the door.

It’s time for dinner.

Chapter Nineteen

Bunny

I don’t know why or what happened, but I am certain the moment a shift occurs in the house.

Morgan has made a decision.

I’m sure the change in energy is partially from the runes I’d placed on her body. An alarm and security system of sorts, but even so, we’ve all become so attuned to her emotions, her body, that it’s not a surprise I felt it.

Nerves flare as I button my shirt, using one hand, as I’m used to. The gods blessed me with dexterity and precise skill—for wo

rking in paint as well as managing my disfigurement. Who will she pick? Me or one of the others? I’d heard the Morrigan the other night, spewing her hate and paranoia, but she’s got nothing to lose and the truth always lurks in the lies.

Does Morgan feel guilt when she sees me? Pity? It wasn’t pity in her eyes when I brought her to a violent orgasm on my work table. Nor when she saw what my runes could do.

I adjust my glasses in the mirror, touching my copper brown hair one last time before heading downstairs to find out my fate.

Chapter Twenty

Damien

The tremor hits and I cling to my workbench. An earthquake? No, I know better than that. I’ve survived hurricanes and tidal waves, erupting volcanoes and fault lines that cracked to the center of the earth. I look toward the house—up to Morgan’s window. That wasn’t an earthquake. It was a decision. The one we’ve been waiting for.

Respecting her wishes will be a challenge. Fighting in her army will not. We’re bonded to her regardless, and my heart and soul belong to her no matter what her choice. When we rid the world of the Morrigan—tonight or in the future—that’s when I’ll take my leave, if she doesn’t choose me.

It’s hard to think she won’t. The way our bodies work with one another. The fearless smiles she gives me from the back of my bike. We fit. We’re good and I want nothing more than a lifetime of her body and mind.

The clock on the wall shifts toward seven and I grab my jacket.

It’s time.

Chapter Twenty-One

Sam

The clock says ten ‘til seven, and I think I can process at least one more photo. I’ve been in the darkroom all day, looking over image after image. The future is changing and I’m not sure if it’s because Morgan has chosen a mate or if we’re going to be successful with the split.

Because the future looks good. Really good.

I hold up the photo I took this morning from the rooftop. The sky is clear. The park, bright green. The typical signs of the apocalypse are gone. Something happened during that encounter with us all the night before. She’d definitely used some kind of magic but whatever it was, it was strong enough for her to see more clearly.

I hang the photo to dry and exit the darkroom.

Between the experience with Morgan the night before, the photo, and the warm sensation in my lower belly I’m feeling good. Feeling right. I’ve come to treasure Morgan so much. I’d never want to lose her but I want her to fulfill her heart. That’s what is most important to me.

I’m a Guardian first.

A friend next.