I blinked. It was a good question. One I didn’t have an answer to.
Julian took a sip from his glass. While it still grossed me out, I found I was slowly getting used to the sight of them all drinking blood. “He might have the ability to track bloodlines. Which could be why he seems to seek out witches of the same bloodline or coven.”
“Bloodline I can see, but coven?” Benji asked. “What’s the connection there besides them all practicin’ magic at the same time?”
“Coven magic is close to bloodline magic,” Julian insisted. “Once witches have practiced together for long enough, their magic melds to form a familiar vibration. Of course, bloodline magic is much stronger though.”
My brows furrowed. “I didn’t know tracking magic in that way was possible.”
“Me either,” Benji insisted. “No need for one of them ancestry DNA kits if you’re lookin’ to figure out where your bloodline of magic comes from. Looks like all any witch needs to do is have a moment with Bram, and he’ll figure it out for them.” He chuckled.
“Good grief,” I said while rolling my eyes. His personality was definitely on its way back. “Well, I should head home and see about getting a stronger cloaking spell. Hazel, are you going to be okay while I’m gone? I would take you with me, but with you and the house being cloaked I think this is the safest place for you right now.” At least I hoped.
“Yeah. I think I’ll be fine.” She popped a piece of muffin in her mouth and then lowered her hand to her side, but not before I caught sight of her trembling fingers.
“She’ll be fine,” Julian insisted. “With both cloaks up along with all of us being here nothing will happen to her while you’re gone.”
“I can attest to that too,” Ivette said as she dried her hands on a dishtowel.
“Thanks,” I said, knowing they were right. There was no safer place for her. She was cloaked in two ways and surrounded by vampires. Bram didn’t stand a chance. “I’ll be back soon. Want to walk me to my car?” I asked Benji as I slipped off my stool.
“What? I’m comin’ with you,” he insisted.
“No, I’ll be fine.” I waved his words away. “Just walk me to my car.”
“Sure thing.” Tension worked its way into his jaw making him look pissed as he grabbed the bag I’d carried downstairs and slung it over his shoulder.
What did he have to be pissed about?
I grabbed my coffee from the counter. “I’ll bring the mug back. Promise.”
Julian grinned as I made my way out of the kitchen with it in hand. Benji followed me, but his movements were stiff and I could feel a sense of hostility rippling off him.
“You felt that back there, right?” I asked him once we were at the front door. I handed him my coffee so I could put my coat on and flashed him a smile. “The chemistry between Julian and Hazel?”
“Yep.”
“Good. Glad I didn’t imagine it. They’d be cute together, don’t you think?”
“They would, but don’t go meddlin’ and tryin’ to set them up. Let it happen naturally, if it’s gonna.” He handed me my coffee, his eyes refusing to meet with mine.
“Um, when have I ever meddled in anyone’s love life?”
“I’m just sayin’.”
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting so pissy?” I asked unable to ignore his sudden shift in mood.
He opened the door and both of us slipped outside into the cold. “I don’t get why you don’t want me to come with you. You said you were scared Bram might have been able to locate Hazel when the cloak went down. Don’t you think it would be a good idea if I went with you just in case he’s in town now?”
“I’m not the one Bram is after though. Hazel is. It would make sense for you to stay here with the others and watch her for me,” I said. “Besides, Rose said things have been crazy at the inn, which means I’ll probably have to do a few chores before I leave.”
“I could help,” he insisted. “I just don’t feel right lettin’ you leave without me. Without anyone goin’ with you.”
“I’ll be fine. Really.”
I lifted to the tips of my toes and kissed him. I’d intended for it to be a chaste kiss, but he gripped my hips and held me in place as his mouth worked over mine, taking control. I let him, enjoying the moment. His cool fingertips pushed their way beneath my coat and the fabric of my sweater to brush against my skin. A shiver slipped along my spine at the feel of his touch and a soft moan escaped me. Something sharp nicked my bottom lip and Benji pulled away, putting so much distance between us in the span of a single heartbeat it was jarring.
“I’m sorry,” he said, covering his mouth. I knew what he was hiding—his fangs. “Seein’ Julian’s dinner made me hungry and then kissin’ you—touchin’ you—made me lose control.”
I licked my bottom lip. The hint of coppery blood coated my tongue. I forced my face into a neutral expression, hopefully hiding the shock I felt from him.
“It’s okay. Go eat. I’ll be back soon.” I smiled, hoping he could tell I wasn’t upset with him. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” He didn’t remove his hand from his mouth when he spoke, hiding his fangs from me.
I grabbed my bag from him and headed toward my car, taking a sip from my coffee to wash away the taste of blood lingering on my tongue. When I reached the driver’s side door, I glanced at the porch of the house to see that Benji was already gone.
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About the Author
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina where she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
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Gray Magic Page 17