Page 30 of Resurrecting the Witch
Chopping wood with a hard cock wasn’t fun.
But Cliona was busy running the entire island, and I was trying to be an understanding mate, but we hadn’t even had time to discuss what she heard that day in Anya’s office. I was her mate, and she didn’t seem to care. Or she had better things to worry about.
Or she just was ignoring me. Maybe even intentionally avoiding me. That thought made me want to bend her over my knee and turn her perfect arse red.
The five council chairs walked in and took their places behind the podiums that were already set up. Each had a symbol carved into it for the council they represented.
“Good evening, everyone,” Grom bellowed, and I realized there was magick being used to elevate their voices. “We are going to get started because we have a full docket.” It was weird seeing the orc standing behind a podium like a politician. He was kind and always busy helping out around town, but I am not sure I realized he was a council chair. “For those who don’t know,” he continued. “I’m Grom, Earth Council chair.”
“I am Guillermo Luna, Water Council chair.”
“I am Dominic, Air Council chair.”
“I’m Arch Nolan, Fire Council chair.” I heard Lavinia scoff after his introduction. And judging by the narrowing of my vampire friend’s eyes, Arch had heard her too.
There was a poignant pause before Cliona spoke. “And I’m Cliona Erin Ó Cuinn, Spirit Council chair and High Priestess of the Ó Cuinn Coven.”
Murmurs broke out around the courtyard. I smiled wide at my brave mate. My witchling was claiming her title. Maybe she could escape spankings and instead get rewarded for her good behavior.
“Shut up, all of you,” she interrupted the chatter with a smile and joking tone. “You know I’m still me and won’t put up with any of your shenanigans tonight. Let’s get this show on the road.”
The crowd laughed, and I could feel how much they hung on her every word. My mate was fierce, powerful, and beloved. And I didn’t think she realized it.
The council meeting started and most of the first hour was spent on finalizations for the Samhain Festival happening next weekend. There were three days of activities planned in the Town Square and a lot of business opportunities.
The big event, and something that I gathered almost everyone on the island celebrated, was the Silent Supper on actual Samhain. Silent Supper was a tradition from my own time I was thankful my new home honored. A dinner in complete silence with one chair available for loved ones from the veil to check in on us. I was looking forward to participating this year since most everyone I knew was beyond the veil at this point, so I had many to remember and hoped they would join us in celebration of their memory.
I noticed Lavinia getting antsy beside me, fidgeting with the many folders she brought. Her breath was also increasing randomly as if she were nervous.
“I didn’t peg you for a council meeting type, Lavinia,” I muttered so as not to disturb the conversation happening at the front of the courtyard.
“You don’t know what type I am, you fae brute,” she said, but it lacked the usual animosity she had when speaking to others.
Lavinia was like my Cliona in that she was rough on the outside, but I imagined quite soft on the inside. Like an egg. She was an egg. But Cliona wasn’t an egg. I didn’t think she’d like that comparison. Cliona was like, a chocolate-covered caramel. Yes. Lavinia was an egg; Cliona was a caramel with a hard chocolate shell.
“And no, I don’t normally come to these, but I have a proposal that I’m hoping to get the votes on.” Lavinia smiled when she talked of her plan.
I didn’t think I had seen a genuine glow of happiness on her face before.
“Well, whatever it is, I hope the votes are in your favor,” I offered. “Tell me how I can help. I will do what I can for you.”
She didn’t look toward me, but I saw her body tense at my question.
“Why?”
I didn’t understand. “Why what?”
“Why do you just offer your help like this all the time?” She turned toward me then. Lavinia didn’t sound annoyed, more genuinely curious.
“Well—” I was cut off when Lavinia’s eyes shot toward the front.
“Something you’d like to share with the rest of us, Vinni?” Arch was speaking directly to her, using her shortened name, which I knew pissed her off. He had a death wish.
Surprisingly, the snakes surrounding her head stayed calm, and her eyes remained green, showing she was in a pleasant mood. She was improving with her control more and more each week. I’d have to recognize that in our next Alpha Group.
“Yes, there is, as a matter of fact. Are we moving on to the open council forum for resident inquiry?” She pushed her shoulders back so her black and gray snakes cascaded down her back in long lengths. They slept most of the time now but still moved in a way that let everyone know she had weapons surrounding her that could feck anyone up if they crossed her.
“You’d know if you were paying attention instead of flirting with Patrick,” I heard a snide comment from across the aisle and saw Tonya there.
