Page 30 of Rituals & Rivalry

Me

Lost track of time. Sorry, princess.

I cringe. Too late to take the text back.

She starts typing. The bubble disappears.

I wish I’d stopped myself before pressing send, because I definitely shouldn’t have called her that. I shake my head and push my glasses up my nose, leaning back into my sofa. Tonight, if I’m going to be dealing with her, I may need something stronger than my cup of peppermint bark tea.

I pick up the book beside me and open it, but my phone vibrates before I can read a word.

Aurora

Are you trying to make me wet?

Yup. Definitely shouldn’t have said that. She’s pushing the conversation far past where we need it to be. This is supposed to be about work, and now, my pants are tight. I stifle a groan and consider my next words very carefully.

How can I reel this in?

Me

Not my intention.

I was taunting. Not flirting.

Aurora

Same thing.

I shake my head and press my lips together. I definitely need to stop. Our one night together was easy, safe. She was a stranger; we were never supposed to see each other again.

But I should have asked her last name. If I’d known she was a Seren witch, I would have known about her family ties to Starbrook. Her family is legendary. Her grandmother wrote the book of spells that’s most commonly given to young witches, bringing up an entire generation of witches—like me—with her immortalized words. Her great-grandfather was a mayor who lost his life fighting witch hunters—back before they were outlawed, of course—and her father was primed to become head witch.

No wonder everyone in Starbrook is obsessed with the family. I grew up hearing stories about them. And Aurora… she’s as legendary and fascinating as the rest. She’ll do what her father was supposed to do: become the leader of the coven.

Or I will.

Me

Tomorrow.

Aurora

Tomorrow what?

Me

I’m coming over tomorrow. To plan the event. That all right with you?

Aurora

Sure.

I’m sure the house would love to see you.

Late afternoon tea?

Me