Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 448(@300wpm)
As Ripper, Shane and Carver looked at the High Priestess, she gave a defensive shrug and said, ‘You do not announce clan matters to the entire town. Why would you expect me to share coven business with one and all?’
Ripper winged up a brow. ‘Is that why you kept what Sera did quiet, or is it because she’s your niece?’
Reena looked away. ‘We’re getting off topic.’
‘Not necessarily,’ said Shane, folding his arms. ‘You say there are some in your coven practicing magick that you don’t condone. Going by what Sera did to Emberlyn, she may very well be one of them.’
Reena shook her head. ‘I have questioned her over the curse jars; I am satisfied by her answers that she had no involvement in that.’
‘I’m not,’ Ripper told her.
‘Emberlyn’s manipulating all of you,’ Sera stressed, ‘and you’re letting her. She has sold every piece of her soul, just like Millicent did.’
Kage threw the witch a hard glance. ‘If you really thought that, you wouldn’t test her so much.’
Sera’s face turned to stone. ‘She’s your friend, so you have a blind spot where she’s concerned. Like it or not, she does the devil’s bidding to feed her power, just like Lilith did.’
Gasps tore out of many other witches.
‘Sera!’ reprimanded Penelope in horror.
Sera scoffed at her mother. ‘Oh, come on. Everyone here knows that the most likely explanation for how the first witch and first werewolf came to be is that they made a pact with dark beings.’
None of the coven spoke up in disagreement, but none nodded along either.
‘I didn’t ask Emberlyn for help conjuring them because I wanted to do it,’ said Sera. ‘I was trying to gather evidence to prove that she did it. That’s why I tried punching my way into her mind. Look past the smiles and pretty face and fancy clothes. That woman is hollow.’
Ripper ground his teeth, ready to verbally tear into her . . . only to realize that Emberlyn didn’t seem at all bothered by her words. She was eyeing Sera curiously.
‘It’s interesting just how intent you are on keeping the conversation focused on me,’ mused Emberlyn. ‘It’s also interesting how Tyra keeps whispering things into your ear, clearly feeding you things to say.’
Tyra squinted at Emberlyn. ‘I am not goading her; I’m attempting to calm her down.’
Ignoring that, Emberlyn added, ‘I could almost think that the two of you don’t want what happened to Lincoln to be discussed in more depth.’
Sera’s eyelid twitched. ‘No, I just refuse to sit here while you turn three werewolf clans against my coven. They should know the truth about you.’
‘The truth as you see it, you mean. Not everyone will think as you do.’ Emberlyn glanced at the other witches. ‘Hands up anyone in the coven who thinks I’m innocent.’
Many arms limply jerked up like they’d been yanked by strings.
The owners of said arms gasped and then held the limb to their chest protectively.
The twins chuckled while Kerr caught Ripper’s eye and smirked with a shake of his head.
Emberlyn offered Sera a pleasant smile. ‘Did you see that? Such a vote of confidence, wouldn’t you say?’
‘You made them do it!’ Sera accused, her cheeks scarlet.
Emberlyn ran her gaze along the benches of witches. ‘Were any of you forced to raise your hand?’
None responded, averting their gazes.
‘They’re afraid of you,’ Sera bit out.
‘Because they’re smart, unlike you,’ Ripper cut in. ‘Now pipe down.’
Sera’s nostrils flared. ‘If you weren’t sleeping with her, you wouldn’t be so blinded by her. I’m telling you, there’s something wrong with Emberlyn. Always has been. Her own parents knew it. Look how easily her dad skipped town and left her behind. Her mother didn’t even fight her heartbreak to live for her daughter. Michael all but abandoned her. Millicent didn’t give much of a crap about her, either, and the twins only befriended her for protection. There’s a reason Emberlyn has no one, you’re just not seeing it.’
A growl vibrating in his chest, Ripper leaned—
Emberlyn let out a dark, flat, drawn-out laugh that somehow rang with power.
Many witches cringed away from the sound. Those sitting near Sera edged along the bench, creating distance from her – even Tyra.
Cocking her head, Emberlyn raised an index finger. ‘Can anyone else hear that? A little tinkling sound?’
Actually, Ripper could. It made him think of a small bell.
Emberlyn lifted her purse onto her lap, opened it up . . . and a ginger tabby feline head popped out. ‘Hey, pretty girl,’ she cooed as the cat climbed out of the purse, leaning into her strokes. ‘You sensed I needed a cuddle, didn’t you? Look at her, Logan. Isn’t she just adorable?’
His lips twitching, Logan read the tag on the collar. ‘Bessie. Nice name.’
Sera pushed to her feet, her brow creased, her eyes narrowed. ‘Bessie? My Bessie?’ She gawked at Emberlyn. ‘You – I – that’s – Bessie, get over here!’