Page 102 of Blood Union (Dark Witch Chronicles 3)
I let my gaze travel around the room, noting the exhausted expressions and slumping shoulders. And who can blame them? We got our asses kicked today.
Deissy and Felix are the first to notice me, and when she sees me, her eyes widen as she scrambles to her feet and all but sprints across the room to wrap both arms around me. “I was so worried. I’m so glad you’re okay. I swear we’ll find him.” She releases me and takes a step back.
From where he sits on the floor, Drexel nods, though he doesn’t speak—likely afraid to wake Magnolia as the young witch sleeps against his chest.
The front door opens with a heavy slam, so I quickly turn around, my adrenaline surging right alongside my magic for fear that something else has happened. Natalia, covered in dirt and crusted blood, stalks toward me, her grief plain as day on her face. Swollen red eyes level on mine, and she swallows hard.
“Your team knows who betrayed us.”
“Yes.”
“Has the fucker been dealt with?”
“Not yet,” I reply, honestly.
“Who was it?”
I hesitate a moment, not sure if I want to risk the hunter taking her revenge out on Paloma. Before I can respond, though, the police captain steps out of the kitchen.
“My husband,” she replies.
Natalia whirls on her. We all tense, more than ready to intervene on behalf of Paloma. But the captain surprises us all and pushes right past us. “Your husband.”
“Yes.”
The hunter’s gaze narrows on the human as though she is seeking any sign that the woman knew something was amiss with a man she shared a bed with. After a moment, Natalia’s expression softens. “You were unaware of his treachery.”
“I was.” Paloma’s voice hitches.
“Do you support what he did?”
“No.”
“Truth.” Natalia turns away.
“Wait, you believe me? After everything he did, you don’t blame me?”
The hunter turns around. “I blame you for nothing. His actions, and the consequences, are not yours to bear. I believe you because I can sense truth from lie. It’s a rather handy skill set I acquired during my time as captive.” She looks to me, then Elijah. “You both let me know when you are ready to go after your mates. My team still stands with you.”
“I’m so sorry for those you lost,” I tell her.
“Thank you. Though your apologies are not necessary. I want blood for what has been done. That is the only thing that will make me feel any better.” She sniffles and whirls back around, all but stomping back through the door.
I turn around and fully face Elijah. “We will get them back,” I tell him.
He doesn’t respond, though the way his eyes glimmer with unshed tears showcases just how terrified he is that my words are nothing more than lies.