Page 16 of Resurrecting the Witch
“What?” I barked a bit harsher than I intended. My mind was whirling with ideas on how to gain her trust and how I could impress the town. I’d already gotten myself involved in so much since coming here, and I didn’t think I had any enemies besides Warren. But simply not having enemies and being liked are two different things.
Thank the goddess I was me. People loved me. Cliona on the other hand… she was so protective of herself, but I knew I could woo her if I had some allies at my side who believed in our relationship. The app wouldn’t have matched us for nothing, I was sure despite his protectiveness Dr. Luna was on my side in this.
“Please let me be there when you go all ‘SHE IS MINE’ for the first time in her presence. I want to see her kick your ass,bastardo loco.” Dr. Luna laughed and slapped me on the back, the same protective gleam in his gaze was now accompanied by a lighter, almost jovial expression of acceptance. I hoped that would lead to approval.
I was thankful I wouldn’t have to challenge the male, but I would do what he needed to secure my place at the top of her courtship list.
“Thank you, brothers,” I said and gripped Dr. Luna’s forearm and bowed my head slightly in acknowledgment. I reached for Dominic’s grip next, but he didn’t extend his arm and I realized he hadn’t spoken a word this entire time.
I looked up and met his own piercing blue eyes, a deeper more intense blue where Dr. Luna’s had been light and inviting, that flickered like the ice flame living beneath his skin. He looked menacing as any being I’d come across, but I knew he was no match for me deep down.
I knew.
I could take him.
For sure, I could definitely take him.
Right?
“I accept your challenge,” he said simply.
I didn’t realize how unprepared I was for this until now. I knew they weren’t going to accept my challenge before I started this it had been more for ceremony’s sake but now there was a blue flame dragon standing between me and my mate.
I couldn’t stop my gaze from darting between Dominic’s intense eyes and Dr. Luna’s peaceful ones.
Feck me, I was going to have to fight a goddess-damned blue flame dragon.
Then, after letting me stew in my own problems for a solid minute, they both burst into laughter at my expense.
“I owe you a beer, and it was completely worth it.” Dr. Luna laughed harder than I’d ever seen, enough so his eyes watered. “Did you see his eyes? His pupils were wide as saucers with fear.”
“Yeah, that was a good one.” Dominic said with a jovial lilt to his tone that hadn’t been there moments prior. “For real though, brother…” Dominic paused on the word brother and held out his arm for me again. “Despite me almost making you shit yourself just now, I also only have one question.”
My breathing steadied, and I clasped Dominic’s grip in my own and found myself laughing as well. I nodded at him to continue.
“Want our help?” Both of them smiled and I let out a huge breath in relief.
“Now that I don’t have to face a bloody blue flame dragon to claim my mate, I think I do need your help. Which makes me ashamed but not ashamed enough to admit when I am out of my depth. I need her to be mine.”
“Bowling?” Dominic asked and nodded toward Dr. Luna. “You too, Doc. Special occasion.” They started walking toward the door.
“You’ll need me too,” Arch’s voice came from the other side of the room where he had apparently listened the entire time.
“Sneaky bastard,” I mumbled and beckoned him on.
“And me,” Lavinia spoke suddenly from the other side of the room.
Clearly, my mind was very preoccupied since I didn’t notice either of them still in the room.
“I might not know Cliona very well, but I don’t want you looking like a fool and therefore making us look bad by proxy and ruining our own chances of finding a mate.”
“I could use a female perspective,” I assured her, nodding at the gorgon in thanks, and she returned it in kind.
“Thank fuck we didn’t actually leave.” Drew walked back into the room. “We obviously are going to add in our two cents. I’ve known Cliona since we were in diapers. Mamma would be pissed if I didn’t oversee your operation. Cliona is like the eighth Hemlock. I may be shit with females, but I know her better than most.”
“Same,” Grom added. “Shit with women, but I know the witch well since I was elected Earth Council chair. She deserves to be taken care of by a proper alpha, which I know you are, Patty. She is a valued member of our community. It would be my honor to make sure you don’t fuck this up.” He slammed his big green fist against his chest and bowed.
I wasn’t sure if he was helping me or her with his declaration, but I didn’t care. I looked around for Warren, assuming the only other fae brethren would rise above his petty tantrum to help out a comrade, but he was nowhere to be found.
