Page 87 of Blood Magic (Dark Witch Chronicles 1)

“And you used to be a pessimist. I rather miss that version of you.”

Elijah grins, and in it, I see a visual representation of the joy being with Rainey has brought into his life. Is it so wrong that I hate him a little for being so happy, when I am so fucking miserable, getting out of bed is a challenge?

The one person—the one fucking other being I have wanted to be with more than anything—wants nothing to do with me.

“Bronywyn is smart,” Elijah says. “Sooner or later, she’s going to realize that she needs us.”

“So you’re suggesting we sit around and wait?”

“We’ve known her for—what—nearly four-centuries?”

Three-hundred and fifty years. But who’s counting?“Something like that.”

“Then you can recall just how stubborn she is. When she comes around to an idea, it has to be because it’s something she wants.”

“And if it doesn’t happen in time?”

“Then I suppose we’d better start working on a backup plan to break the bond between the two of you.”

Somehow, that thought is just as horrifying as the idea of dying. “Why the hell would I do that?”

“To save yourself.”

“I don’t want to live without her, Elijah.”

“If she doesn’t want—”

“Then she’s signing both of our death warrants. I understand that, and I’m willing to gamble with my life.”

Elijah shakes his head but doesn’t argue. “You are my oldest friend, Tarnley. Asking me to sit by and watch you die is not a fair request.”

“It’s not a request,” I tell him.

Mouth flattened into a tight line, he shakes his head. “I certainly hope she comes around, then.”

I nod before bringing the bottle up to my lips. “You and me both, brother.”