telling us shit—”
“He knew what I damn meant, ma’am,” Savannah snapped. She looked to Riah. “Didn’t you?”
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am, I did.”
Deacon cleared his throat. “Right, okay, but what Jackson was trying to say is that the initiation tends to get weird and painful. Saffie ought to know that before we start.”
Riah lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. “Saraphina can handle anything.”
Tennessee put his hands on his hips. “All right, everyone head out for Saffie’s initiation.”
I started to walk toward the door with the others when I noticed some people hadn’t moved. In fact, Lennox and Warner sat down at the table across from Savannah and Gigi – who hadn’t budged. Mona kissed Kessler on the cheek and then walked to the table. Katherine was over by the fireplace, brewing something in a cauldron.
Chutney jumped off the couch with Olli still in her arms. “Okay, baby O. You have to stay inside for this.”
“I’ll take him,” Riah said softly.
Chutney skipped over and placed Olli right into Riah’s outstretched arms. Olli’s little tail wagged and he licked the air about a dozen times while staring up at Riah.
I frowned and ran my fingers through Olli’s fur. “Aren’t you coming?”
“He can’t,” Timothy’s deep burly voice rumbled.
I spun toward him and scowled. “What did you say?”
Timothy shrugged. “Coven initiations are closed to the public. Coven only.”
“Aren’t you in The Coven?”
His eyes turned sad. “Not anymore.” He held his left arm out and revealed two gray XX’s.
Bettina wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “But you’re still family.”
He chuckled and his dark eyes twinkled. He patted her arm. “I know, Hope. Now go on, get out there so little miss Saffie can be at full strength.”
Tegan held her hand out to Bettina. When she took it, light flashed and they vanished.
Tenn turned to me and Riah. “Sorry, he’ll have to stay inside.”
“It’s all right, Emperor. I understand.”
I did too…but still, I hated to part from him. I didn’t want to let go of him, to take my eyes off of him for even a minute. He needed to be okay, and I needed to stay with him. I glanced over my shoulder and found Savannah and Gigi already mid-conversation with Lennox and Warner, so they’d be fine. Timothy plopped down on the sofa near Katherine. Mona sat in a big chair reading a book.
“Saffie?”
I looked up as Paulina stepped in front of me. Her XIII Mark was a pale ghost on her arm. My eyes watered. I’d wanted to be in The Coven but I hadn’t wanted anyone else to lose their spot. “Oh, Paulina—”
“No, no.” Paulina shook her head and took my hands in hers. “Do not be sad. I am happy to be alive, and even happier someone amazing has replaced me. I just wanted you to know that…and…”
I frowned. “And what? What’s wrong?”
She smirked. “Nothing. Just remember the Death Card is never alone. They will join you.” Then she winked and skipped off to sit next to Timothy on the sofa.
I shivered, then turned to Riah and found his gold eyes watching me. My pulse fluttered and warmth filled my veins. “You can’t come with me.”
“I know,” he said softly while holding Olli in the cradle of his arms.
“You have to stay here.”
“Saraphina.” He reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear, then tipped my chin up. “You won’t be gone but a few minutes and I shall remain here, right where you’re about to leave me.”
“Right. Yes. Okay. It’ll be fine.”
Olli grumbled and licked the air between us.
I smiled and took his face between my hands, then scrunched up all his extra fur. “Be a good boy for Riah, Olli. I’ll be right back.”
If possible, he snuggled closer into Riah’s arms.
“We’ll be all right. Go on.”
I pushed and let my wings fly me up so I could press my lips to his real quick. Then I spun and flew to the door. My nerves made my muscles tighten, so I dropped down to my feet and took a deep breath…then I opened the back door and stepped outside. My heart fluttered. Butterflies danced around in my stomach. This is it.
I’m officially joining The Coven.
I’m being initiated. My magic will be at full strength.
Part of me could not believe this was where my life had taken me. When I was a little girl I’d dreamed of this. I used to pretend I was in The Coven and fighting off imaginary