A Crown Of Smoke And Ash - Sloane Murphy Page 0,86

in my pocket, I take a quick glance and smile down at it, before firing off another text to my other partner in crime.

“Let’s eat!”

Chapter Nineteen

I persuaded the guys to calm their protective natures a bit so I could leave the manor alone, and after my scolding last night, it wasn’t that hard. Like I told them, they weren’t really letting me, I was just being nice in telling them where I was going.

Or at least, kind of. Because I definitely didn’t tell them I’d be going to the meeting of the Witches council. With Colt.

Yep, and tonight, Colt and Fallon are coming back to the manor, as long as everything goes well today. I mentioned it to Everly before I left, and she swore to keep her lips sealed. I liked having my new little family together last night, but some people were missing. People I’d very much like to have around me if they want to be there. Colt and Fallon have always been in my little circle. It was us and Creek against the world growing up.

Not having them with me in all things now, well it kind of sucks. And while I know I’ve lived a dozen lives without them, this is the first time that I can remember ever trusting as many people in my life as I do in this one.

One thing I’ve realized about past me. She was lonely. Despite having whichever guy in her life, it wasn’t enough. It doesn’t surprise me, but times are different now. Men aren’t the be all and end all of happiness. Despite the fact that I have four. That is not the point. The point is, I need more people in my life. I don’t want to lose myself to the four of them. I’m still me.

Which is how I find myself at the location Fallon drop pinned me to, with Colt sitting beside me in the car. Its unseasonably hot, and I’m sweating my ass off, I’ve never been more thankful for air conditioning. I’m also glad I put shorts on today.

"Why, exactly, are we in the ass crack of nowhere, Remy?" He looks over at me, that shit eating grin on his face that I missed so much.

"Well, the guys told me you knew what's been going on, that you were on team us, and well, today is the meeting of the Witches, about all the shit that has been hitting the fan. Fallon said to meet her here." I shrug, and he almost goes pale.

"We're at the meeting of Witches? Like the meeting? Holy shit, little bit. How on earth did you get your boyfriends to let you here alone?" I laugh at how uncomfortable he looks saying boyfriends plural, and also because… well, I have boyfriends.

"Well, dummy. I'm not alone am I? And I didn't exactly broadcast where I was going. I am a grown ass woman, I don't have to tell them my every move."

"Holy shit, you're the dummy. You're gonna piss off those four? Glad I'm not going to be there when you spill the news."

"Well, actually, I was going to invite you and Fallon to dinner later, but if you don't want to come, then you don’t have to?" I give him a pointed stare, and move to get out of the car.

"Wait, wait, wait. You didn't tell them you were here, and you're inviting me to your secret hideaway, which I'm guessing they don't know about either. Are you trying to push their buttons?"

"No," I sigh. "But I also don't have to run my every decision or move past one of them. I'm safe, I have my weapons in case I'm not, but also, I trust you." I pause. "So, I guess, just don't give them a reason to prove me wrong."

"I won't, Remy. I said I was sorry, I meant it. Believe it or not, I don't agree with all of the Hunter laws anyway, Mom never did, and well, she didn't keep that a secret from me. I guess she knew you better than you thought, and wanted someone to be around and on your side if she couldn't be." I smile at him, and he almost looks uncomfortable.

"And she gave me you." I stick out my tongue, and he rolls his eyes.

"Nice, Rem. Here was me thinking we were having a Hallmark moment." he laughs and slides out of the car. I open the door and climb out, meeting him at the front. I still