Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“If there are no rules against it, then why did you say it like it’s a bad thing?”
“Most witches do not hunt demons. It’s dangerous, both physically and, well, emotionally isn’t really the right word. Demons can be tricksters. They go after the things that matter the most and as you know, it’s not a quick and painless death they offer. Some families, like the Blackwoods, felt it was their duty to use their powers for good. I am not that familiar with them, but I’ve heard stories that they’ve taken out and locked up some pretty powerful demons over the last few centuries.” She gives me another sympathetic half-smile. “There is a high priest in Ohio who I believe went to school with the Blackwoods.”
“School?”
Her eyes light up. “There is so much I don't know. There are several academies across the country. I, of course, will say the one in New Orleans is the best.”
“Academies for what?”
“Witchcraft.”
I walk into the house momentarily forgetting that my brothers are here. Unable to stop thinking about Marie, I drove home in total silence. I can’t decide what to think. Is she someone I can trust? Do witches really look out for each other? She went out of her way to find me and people aren’t that nice.
But sometimes they are.
Hell, we traveled all over the place hunting demons and it’s because we believe in the cause. Believed? No, I still believe. Just not in the order.
Kicking off my shoes, I find Leo and Antonio in the kitchen. If I had to take a wild guess, they are hanging out in here because it’s the room least likely to be used by a vampire.
“Hey,” I say, coming into the room and stopping short at the sight of books on the island counter. “What’s all this?”
Antonio looks up from an old leather journal. “Has it been that long you don’t recognize research when you see it?”
I blink once. Twice. Are those Order journals on the table? “H-how?” I stutter. I was only gone for like two and a half hours. Where the hell did these books come from?
Xavier comes into the kitchen carrying an impossibly heavy stack of books with one hand. “These aren’t in English, but they have symbols.”
“Perfect,” Leo says and grabs one as soon as Xavier puts them down.
“What is going on?” I ask, blinking again as Devon follows in, also carrying books.
Xavier speeds over to me, hands landing on my waist. “I asked your brothers how you go about hunting demons and they informed me it starts with research. So we’re researching.”
“But how?” I slide my foot forward, moving closer to Xavier. “The book. They weren’t here this morning.”
“No,” he replies. “It took longer than I would have liked for them to arrive.”
“Again, how?”
His lips turn into a smirk. “I know a guy.”
“Oh, do you now?” I can’t help but smile back at him.
“Yes, a professor at Davidson College in the history department who has an interest in mythology owed me a favor.”
Antonio looks up. “What kind of favor did you do for a history professor? Wait. I don’t want to know.”
“The journals,” I start. “They look like Order-issued journals.”
“That’s because they are,” Leo tells me. “None of them are in English.”
“That’s not a problem for us,” Devon tells us and then says something in German, I think.
“And you complained when I insisted you learn at least four languages,” Xavier replies and I can see the judgement on Antonio’s face. Yeah, I agree; it’s weird thinking about Xavier being a father figure to Devon not all that long ago. “And the books were acquired at an estate sale, sold under the pretense these are nothing more than the ramblings of a crazy man.”
“So you’re all working together?” I ask, though it’s clear that’s what everyone is doing.
“We all care about you, Wren,” Antonio says, looking up from a demonic encyclopedia.
“Thanks,” I reply, not really sure what else to say. I’ve gotten myself into some sticky situations before, but I always got myself out.
Alone.
This is so different.
Xavier’s hand lands on the small of my back and we go to the large island counter, sitting next to my brothers. I take the lid off the box of books, snickering when I see the name tag.
“Property of Beau Butts,” I laugh. “Beau Butts. That’s the professor’s name?”
“It is,” Xavier answers, not even looking up from the book he has in his hands. “I’ve known Professor Butts for a few decades now.”
My mouth opens as I silently laugh. “Oh, come on. Don’t tell me I am the only one not mature enough to handle that name.”
“How do you think he handled it?” Devon snickers. “His parents must have hated him.”
“Seriously,” I say back and we both laugh. Shaking my head, I grab a book and then realize Devon is still looking at me. I catch his eye only to quickly look away. It’s not a look he should be giving me. I’m his sister-in-law. He knows I love Xavier.