Bentley answered with a smile. “It’s not common, but it has happened a few times.”
Constance smiled. “Well, Tegan, what do you think? You have the ability to decline, a liberty I did not have, so really think about it.”
Tegan wrapped her arms around herself and nodded. She turned her back to the others, so only me, Haven, and Cooper could see her face…and on it I saw a rare glimpse of doubt on my best friend’s face.
I understood what was happening, what was going on in her head. She loved to lead, to guide other people. She loved to be in charge and make the rules. She was a natural leader. It wasn’t even slightly difficult for her. But this was different. This was responsibility. This was other people’s lives on the line.
Tegan was particularly gifted in understanding other people’s lives. She excelled in putting herself in other people’s shoes and walking a mile in them – all in the split of a second. It was natural for her. She didn’t have to try. She just understood people and how they functioned. She was calm and logical. Hell, her Myers Briggs personality type was INTJ, nicknamed The Mastermind. She was brilliant, our very own Sherlock Holmes.
But if things went bad…if people were lost…I wasn’t sure what that would do to my best friend.
B? Her voice echoed in my mind.
I arched one eyebrow.
Do I want this, B? She asked while chewing on her thumbnail.
I pushed my magic into my feet and thought back, Perhaps WANT is a poor word selection? Because we both know you WANT to.
She smirked. Fine. SHOULD I take this?
Where do your doubts lie? I asked back. In the last couple weeks, I’d gotten good at this trick. Granted, it really only worked with Tegan.
I’m unconventional. I have crazy ideas. Dangerous ideas that could get people killed.
I shrugged. So Haven will be the Annabeth to your Percy Jackson.
Her eyes widened. Oh my God. I’m not even mad about that.
I chuckled. I was fairly certain everyone knew we were having a private conversation, but no one said a thing.
What if something goes wrong? She whispered into my mind. What if people get hurt? What if it’s my fault?
That was indeed the real question. That could happen whether you’re leader or not. So is it worthy of making the decision for you?
She groaned and pushed her hands into her hair. Would it be selfish of me to turn it down?
This is a big responsibility. I dug my other heel into the ground. But, T? You asking these questions and voicing your fears is more proof of how perfect you’d be at this.
She nodded but her eyes were distant.
T. If you said no, who would say yes? When she looked up at me, I continued. Not me, I don’t know enough about this world. Willow and Chutney are too sweet and innocent. Lily too cold. Emersyn’s darkness can’t be risked. Same for Henley? Who does that leave? Your mom? Saffie?
No. Tegan frowned and shook her head. They’ve both suffered enough. They deserve some peace.
Right. And even if one of the other girls did take it, they’d all be coming to you for guidance anyway.
Tegan grabbed her hair in her hands and twirled it around her fingers. Her magic flashed and then the purple strands grew higher in her hair – but Tegan didn’t seem to notice.
I sighed, then whispered, “You’re already leading us, T. Might as well make it official.”
She bit her bottom lip and turned to her parents. “Mom? Dad?”
Hunter grinned and rocked back on his heels. “As long as you stay out of all kitchens, I’m good with it.”
Devon smacked him in the arm but she was smiling. “You were made for this, sweetheart.”
Tegan was now chewing on her lip. “Timothy? What do you think?”
His smile widened and I liked the way his eyes sparkled, like the fact that she was asking him – a now non-Coven member – meant a lot to him. “No one could have pulled the stunts you did, crazy pants.”
Tegan blushed, which was a rare occurrence for my best friend. She looked to her right. “Bentley – no wait, shut up. Cooper?”
Cooper chuckled and shook his head as he ruffled Bentley’s hair. “Tegan…we’ve followed you this far.”
Tegan exhaled and turned to her left. “Henley—”
“Bloody hell, woman. You gonna ask the whole blasted group one by one after we just all voted for you?” Jackson arched his eyebrows at her. “I mean, we all said