Chapter 9 #2
“Whatever you want to tell yourself,” Sara shouted when she caught her breath. “But I think it’s better if you’re honest about
it.”
“I really fucking don’t know.” I had to scream over the music. “I want to trust in this. I want to fall into Logan, I really
do, but there’s still a lot I don’t understand.” I thought about the story he’d told me last night—our last day in the park
and that magical pact that bound us together. Part of me was relieved to have the information, while another wondered if Logan
only wanted me because of the magic binding us from when we were kids.
My pain and doubt were clearly broadcasting across my face, which had Haley and Sara backing off, sympathy in their gazes.
“Just stay safe,” Haley said near my ear. “Enjoy the journey. Logan is smoking hot and could star as a book boyfriend in any
of the books we read. I know we’ve thought him evil in the past, but he proved us wrong again and again. We owe him for your
life, and he has my vote.”
It was the truth. Absolute, undeniable truth.
We were distracted by the stage crew bringing us refreshments, and while it was only regular alcohol, I downed two in seconds.
They kept them coming thankfully, so by the time their set was done, I almost had a buzz.
“They’re incredible,” Haley gushed as the guys wrapped up the night and left the stage. “Does anyone know if Noah’s single?”
My laughter was cut off as Logan reached my side, his guitar still around his sweaty neck.
I’d seen him sweat before—this warlock had a weird penchant for lifting heavy things and then jogging for seventy-two hours after.
But tonight, with the mask and the rock star clothes, and the easing of his intense energy—as if his demons were temporarily quiet—it was like seeing him for the first time.
“I am single,” Noah said, appearing over Logan’s shoulder.
“Me too, you right bastards,” the third to their trio chimed in. He flashed a smile my way and held out his hand. “Hello,
love. Tobias Brietlin the Third, at your fucking service.”
He cursed like a rock star, but his accent was posh and refined. This warlock grew up rich as well. All three of these warlocks
were rich, and I’d put good money on them having met at a fancy-ass academy in Europe.
When I reached out to grasp his hand, he gripped my palm tightly before dragging me closer. “Let me get a bloody look at the
witch who has Logan’s knickers in a twist.”
Logan’s power surged and Tobias’s hand loosened and dropped away.
“No touchy,” Noah growled over Logan’s shoulder. “You don’t want to piss off the spellcaster.”
Tobias shrugged, like he wasn’t quite sure that was true. “Come on, Loges. You know I would never. But curiosity and all that.”
With a burst of magic, Tobias was shifted away from me with such force that the guitar strapped over his chest swung around
and almost clipped the roadies working the stage. “Fuck, okay,” he said with a laugh, rubbing his chest. “You’ve got it, mate.
I won’t touch your witch.”
Returning my gaze to Logan, I tilted my head and he shrugged. “As Noah said—” his voice was deeper after the hours of singing
“—don’t touch what’s mine.”
I patted his sweaty chest, and it wasn’t even gross. Old sweat might smell bad, but Logan smelled delicious.
“No need to piss on me, bestie. I’m not interested in your friends.” I lifted my gaze to smile at Noah. “Hey, big guy. Nice job on the drums out there.”
His return smile was warm. “Good to see you, pretty girl. Even nicer that you brought pretty friends with you.”
He looked at Haley as he said that, and the pink in her cheeks deepened. Tobias glanced toward Sara as well, but didn’t show
much interest. An energy she returned tenfold.
She wasn’t a fan of the snooty Brit, clearly.
Meanwhile, I was locked in an icy green gaze. “You have some explaining to do,” I murmured to him, and he just smiled.
“Give us fifteen to get out of costume, and we’ll meet you right back here.” When I nodded, he leaned forward and tucked a
strand of hair behind my ear. “Don’t move from this spot, Precious.”
It grew increasingly difficult to swallow, but I managed another nod, and that appeared to satisfy him enough to leave, Noah
and Tobias trailing after him.
“I think I just came in my panties.”
I swung around to Haley and gasped, before reaching out to press a hand against her forehead like she was unwell. “Who are
you and what did you do with my bookish bestie?” I demanded.
She sucked in a deep breath, and then another. “Noah actually looked at me,” she choked out. “I’ve been chasing that fucker
with my eyes all year, and he finally saw me tonight. What is happening?”
“All year?” I said with a jolt. “I had no idea you were interested in him.”
Haley flushed harder. “Fantasy only, Pais. I’m not the sort of witch Noah would go for. He’s a bad boy and I’m the epitome
of good girl.”
“Sounds exactly like a romance novel,” I said with a smile. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous, intelligent, and a badass witch. Noah would be freaking lucky to have you.”
Haley dropped her face to hide her expression, but she didn’t argue again.
Well, tonight just got a tad more interesting.