by Emma Dean
They had built a future together over the years as they grew up. They’d played house together, or doctor, or practiced spells. They’d done everything together except a few interests they hadn’t shared.
But Matthew had always gone to her hunter tournaments or her dodgeball games and she’d always listened as he’d explained a complicated spell she would never be able to do, or all the different planes of reality that existed.
Matthew had been obsessed with the fae and other paranormals from different planes. The only one she’d really been interested in was hell. The faerie realm terrified her.
He pulled out her chair for her, and Mika sat down. Suddenly fifteen years of memories collided as every time he’d done exactly this rose screaming to the surface of her mind.
They’d planned to travel the world together after high school – take a year off before Morgana and then they would get married once they’d graduated from the university, travel again before having children. Mika had planned to curate the rarest plants in the world so she could make the Marshall greenhouse the best in the human and witch world.
But after that night…all those dreams and plans had shattered, and she could never get them back.
Did Matthew know that – did he know she could never be his again?
“I know this is uncomfortable,” Matthew leaned over to whisper. “I only took Claire up on her offer so I could get a chance to talk to you, and maybe help with whatever scheme she’s come up with now.”
A thousand nights they’d huddled together in the library, watching as Claire came home late yet again – getting yelled at by their father, but most of the time she’d snuck in without anyone noticing.
Then their parents let Claire watch Mika and Matthew whenever they had ‘coven business’ to attend to and Claire would throw parties, or make them play dangerous games and only the two of them had really known the trouble and drama Claire liked to cause.
She’d made Melissa, the pretty blonde to Claire’s left, sob as she swam naked in the bay a few years ago. Claire had stolen her clothes away and dared her to walk naked all the way back home like their ancestors used to do.
Claire had invited Matthew tonight for the sole purpose of throwing Mika off balance – to distract her.
Mika knew that, but still she couldn’t look away from Matthew. She couldn’t stop wondering what it was he wanted to talk to her about.
There was so much unfinished business between the two of them, but things could never go back to the way they’d been—never.
Matthew looked past Mika to study Corbin and Audrey for a moment. “Isn’t he your boyfriend?”
Her heart lurched into her throat and Mika cursed how perceptive he was – but Matthew had always been like that. “Uh, not really,” Mika admitted, telling the truth. Matthew always knew when she lied. She glanced over her shoulder at Corbin whose red eyes were blazing as he watched her and Matthew. “He just follows me around.”
The snort of laughter from the raven made her smile slightly, but the way Matthew was looking at her made that smile drop.
“You’re different,” Matthew admitted with a small smile, reaching out for his wine. “The girl I knew was scared by the stories of the fae. And yet here you are, chummy with a raven assassin.” But he didn’t sound jealous, simply…intrigued.
“Life is strange,” Mika agreed, draining her wine glass.
She needed more alcohol for this conversation.
“Tell me what happened,” Matthew said quietly in Fae – a language they both knew Claire couldn’t understand. It had been their little secret since Matthew’s obsession began, ignited when he’d found out that time passed differently in the faerie realm than it did on earth.
“What happened when?” Mika asked, watching Selene and Claire chat about matriarch things. Selene was the best at these sorts of things. No one ever saw how much she clearly hated this nonsense. Not with that smile on her face, the twinkle in her eye, and the charming laughter at exactly the right moments – all serving to make her more beautiful. So many males were obsessed with Selene Kavanagh.
“I know it has something to do with Selene’s ex-fiancé,” Matthew said carefully, smiling at the girls across the table as if they were friends.
They were still waiting on more guests apparently, so the rest of them had to starve until they arrived.
Mika glanced over at Selene again who pointedly ignored her. Claire couldn’t know about their alliance, but it still stung a little. She knew Selene was paying attention after hearing her name.
The other witch had forgiven her for keeping the secret, but Mika didn’t think she would ever forgive herself. She’d let witch society and its stupid rules keep her from doing what was right, and she’d promised herself never to do that again.
So, she turned to face Matthew and leaned her elbow on the table so she could prop her chin in her hand, just to irritate Claire. “The year I turned 16, he raped me on Beltane. I lost control of my magic and killed someone. Then I lost my ability to do basic magic completely. Claire helped me, and then told our mom. The rest you know.”
It was short and brutal, but the longer they spoke in Fae, the more Claire would try to listen in and catch onto a few words.
Matthew’s face went completely white and there was an odd silence between them, as if they were in their own little bubble. But that silence extended to her left.
Mika turned and saw Corbin’s eyes were dead inside – no spark of life to speak of.
Shit, he could understand Fae.
Audrey murmured something quickly and the raven looked down at her. Some tiny bit of humanity returned, and Mika breathed a sigh of relief.
“He’s dead?” Matthew gritted out, glancing at Claire – aware of everyone waiting for some drama between them to happen. Matthew’s grip tightened on his glass and Mika could have sworn she heard the glass creak.
“Kenzie killed him for what he did to her sister,” she murmured, giving him a warning look.
The last thing they needed was an audience.
The sound of his teeth grinding together could be heard even over the chatter. “She had the claim, but I can’t say I’m not irritated I didn’t get my share.”
Mika pushed off the table and glared at Matthew. “It was owed to me, not you.”
The room grew silent as everyone’s attention zeroed in on them with razor sharp focus on their little bit of drama – that Claire had no doubt anticipated.
Dammit, why couldn’t she ever stay calm?
This drama was why Matthew was here. Whether Claire had wanted Selene to witness it or not due to her previous engagement, Mika didn’t know. She didn’t know if Claire wanted Selene as an ally, or to remind her that she knew all about Bradley Davis and had never once told Selene despite her status in the coven.
Matthew took her hand in his with a sigh, and Mika yanked it out. She didn’t trust herself at the moment, or the raven’s temperament. “You’re right,” he said. “I’m sorry. I just feel responsible somehow, like I should have kept it from happening – I should have been there.”
“Your great-grandmother had died,” Mika muttered, rubbing her knuckles where he’d touched her. “It’s not your fault and you definitely shouldn’t have been there instead of at her side during her last moments.”
Matthew nodded, but she could tell he wasn’t convinced.
“Look, there’s nothing you could have done.”
“I wish you would have told me,” he said, shrugging in defeat.
The doorbell rang again.
Finally, whoever their final guests were, were here and Mika was ready to get through this shitshow. She had somewhere to be in a few hours after all.
Claire stood this time, looking flustered and pleased. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Pine.”
Mika froze at the familiar name.
Jack Pine – a Council member and a witch.
He smiled at all of them, as if his status didn’t automatically put him ab
ove all the females in the room no matter their power. “It’s always a pleasure Claire.”
The empty chair at the other end of the table moved on its own and Jack Pine sat himself before Ms. Jenkinson or Chuck could.
“Mika.” Claire’s voice was too coy, and it set her teeth on edge. “I’d like you to meet my fiancé.”
12
Claire secretly getting engaged to a Council member didn’t surprise Mika at all. She hadn’t seen him around but that didn’t mean anything. Claire wasn’t one to marry for love. But for political advantage?
Now she clearly had the backing of a Council member. Would that affect Mika’s challenge?
She didn’t dare look at Selene – the only person she knew with a Council connection. But honestly, would Takahashi take the voice of a witch over a shifter despite them both being Council members?
What was Mika even thinking? Of course, she would.
Asking Selene to bring in Samuel Erikson wouldn’t help. But she did have Eisheth and Kenzie, and Takahashi was afraid of both of them.
Mika watched her sister as the food was finally served – a cold soup for summer made from the strawberries in the greenhouse. The smirk on Claire’s face made her want to call Lucifer himself to show up and vouch for her.
He still owed her a favor after all.
It would be petty to use that powerful favor for something so trivial. But was the future of their clan trivial? Was Mika going to pretend that she was anything other than what she was?
Petty and extra, thanks to having to hide what she was for so long.
“Mika.” Matthew took her hand again and this time she let him. She couldn’t afford to push away anyone who was on her side at this point. “Is there anything I can do?”
She looked at him, studying those blue eyes that used to make her heart pound. Matthew still loved her, but Mika didn’t know if he was still in love with her. She hoped not. “When I’m summoned to stand before the High Priestess, will you back me?”
Matthew’s clan wasn’t that old, but it was strong and wealthy. He had some weight within the coven.
He frowned, clearly confused, but Matthew didn’t ask her a thousand questions like a normal person would. “Of course, I will. You will always have my support, no matter what.”
She nodded and slipped her hand out of his so she could eat. Selene was watching the two of them, but she looked at Matthew more and Mika didn’t blame her. The witch was gorgeous.
They would make a cute pairing, if Mika were honest with herself. Selene needed someone like Matthew – someone dedicated and loyal who would fight until his dying breath for the person he loved most.
Her heart ached and Mika’s eyes stung at the reminder she would never have him again. She set down her spoon and ignored both Corbin and Selene’s intense gazes.
Mika kissed Matthew’s cheek. “I need you to know something.”
He chuckled and nudged her arm with his. “You think I don’t know? I love you, Mika. But even I know I can never get you back.”
Grateful he knew, she still winced at the way he worded it. “It’s not like that.”
“Oh, I know. I’m just giving you a hard time,” Matthew agreed, sipping at the soup. “That raven wants to rip my head off. You think I’m alive because he has manners?”
Mika looked at Matthew in surprise. He had always been extremely perceptive. “I’m not dating him.”
“No, but he’s a shifter. In his own way he’s claimed you.”
Watching Matthew eat and smile at the various guests, answering questions that were thrown his way – pretending as he always had, just like Selene – she felt some of the sadness she felt at what could never be dissipate. He was who he was, perfect for the carefree girl she used to be.
But Mika had to come to terms with the fact that she was not that girl anymore. That girl was dead, along with her hopes and dreams and future. Mika had evolved into someone new and she was still learning what her future might hold, what new hopes and dreams she could have.
As the silverware tinkled against the china and the chatter of the guests seemed to grow louder, no longer just background noise, Mika realized her grief wasn’t just from losing Matthew.
Yeah, he was definitely part of it, but not all.
No, that unending grief was because deep down she’d always known that girl she used to be had died that night Bradley Davis had tried to ruin her. She’d always thought she had survived. But now she realized she hadn’t really. He’d accomplished what he’d wanted, and that sweet, innocent Mika had died.
And from the ashes something else had been born, someone else.
She’d never mourned herself.
The magic, Matthew, the ‘normal’ life she’d led…all of that had been the obvious bits. But not the girl.
Just being able to recognize that eased that constant ache in her chest she had around Matthew – the male who kept reminding her of that girl.
“You’re different too,” Mika finally said. “I like it.”
Matthew flashed a grin at her. “I’ll always love you, Mika. You think we can be friends?”
Glancing at Selene, who’s cheeks were slightly flushed as she concentrated extra hard on her soup, Mika smiled. “Yeah, I think friends would be perfect.”
The bowls were whisked away and, in their place, a delicious summer salad with slices of strawberries among the green with feta cheese and strawberry vinaigrette. Ms. Jenkinson always made such amazing food.
“So, I hear you hired a new gardener,” Matthew said, leaning back. “You haven’t scared her off yet? The poison garden is pretty daunting.”
“Only because you lost all the skin on your hand that one time,” Mika said with a snort. “I told you not to touch the tree and you did it anyway.”
“I didn’t believe the sap was acid,” Matthew sputtered, bumping her arm playfully. “How else was I supposed to find out the truth?”
Ethan would like Matthew, Mika thought.
“Mika, tell Corbin what happened the first time you showed me that trick you do,” Audrey said, leaning over into Mika’s space, waving her salad fork at her. The girl was tipsy, and it was adorable.
“She says you hit the gravestone so hard it cracked,” Corbin drawled. “But I countered that you don’t weigh nearly enough to do so.”
As she was about to open her mouth and answer, Claire cut in. “I have an announcement to make.”
The sudden silence would have been terrifying if Mika hadn’t anticipated something exactly like this. All she felt was apprehension. What exactly was Claire going to announce?
“My fiancé and I have decided to get married on Samhain,” Claire said, holding her glass up to Jack. “And I hope you all will be there.”
The ‘except for Corbin’ part was painfully clear when she refused to even look at him and acknowledge his existence.
“The same day I will be crowned matriarch.”
Jack smiled at her, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We will be the next power couple, dear.”
“You mean, if you’re crowned matriarch,” Corbin corrected.
Mika glared at the raven. He needed to shut the fuck up before he caused the very drama she’d been so carefully avoiding.
“Excuse me?” Melissa asked with a frown.
“Yes, if I’m crowned,” Claire said icily, glaring at the raven with a fury Mika had never seen before. “But there is no doubt who is more powerful.”
“There isn’t,” Jack agreed, just like a good little boy which was exactly why Claire was marrying him.
“Are you sure?” Corbin asked, grinning wide. The hunger for blood glistened in his green eyes.
“Corbin, please shut your damn mouth,” Mika gritted out.
“What’s he talking about?” Matthew asked, looking around in confusion, just like the three bimbos across from him.
“When is that anyway?” Corbin asked, eyes suddenly glowing red. “I’d pay to see that fight.”
&
nbsp; “I haven’t received my summons yet,” Mika told him, wishing she was close enough to kick him under the table.
“You have,” Jack said, frowning slightly. “You’re supposed to be at the coven building tomorrow at noon.”
Mika looked up at Claire and saw the muscle in her jaw twitch. Somehow her sister had intercepted the summons and didn’t tell Mika. No doubt so Mika would miss the meeting and Claire would be awarded the title due to her absence.
If her sister’s face got any whiter Mika thought she would faint. Or set Jack on fire.
“Oh right,” Mika said, as if she’d just forgotten. “Tomorrow.”
After the challenge, she had to live with Claire. Mika didn’t want to make her life more difficult if she didn’t have to – and there was a chance she would lose. Claire was a Marshall too, with just as much potential for power.
Before the silence could get any more awkward, Mika stood and grabbed her wine glass, holding it up for a toast. “Congratulations on your engagement, sister. And good luck.”
“Good luck to you, sister,” Claire repeated. “You’ll need it.”
Mika stifled a sigh and smiled at Jack instead. “Welcome to our clan.”
Again, that smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Mika would have to talk to the chaos about him. Between Hunter and Kenzie, they could find out anything she could ever want to know.
Was Jack vying for more power? What did he get out of the engagement with Claire? Did he actually have feelings for her?
“Mika, a word?” Matthew stood stiffly and eyed her like she’d lost her mind.
“Go ahead,” Claire said with that smirk. “We’ll continue without you.”
Was this more of the drama she’d been hoping for? Mika had thought for a split second her sister would tell everyone Mika was a blood witch, but she wasn’t even sure Claire knew she was or not.
Mika glanced at Corbin who was talking quietly with Audrey about something, and completely ignoring her.
Fine.
She followed Matthew out of the dining room and into the library, their safe place.