greeting, not taking his eyes off the threat behind me. Surprisingly, he doesn’t look as frightened as he should.
“My apologies.” The witch dips his chin and closes his eyes briefly. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
“Not fucking accepted. You should have just killed him,” Gunnar grouses. Grim doesn’t acknowledge either of them, his posture rigid behind me. If the man makes one more misstep, there will be no saving him.
“I would be happy to help in any way that I can,” Gregory offers. He’s telling the truth.
Calix has been quiet, but he’s been assessing the entire time. I note the fact that he didn’t try to stop Grim from strangling the witch. Maybe I should tell them just how close he was to losing his shit the other night. Would they even care?
“The witch we’re looking for is a male. Goes by the name Antonio.” Calix’s voice is calm but cold. I don’t think Gregory made himself any friends tonight. Not that I blame the guys. If some chick just blatantly alluded to getting busy with my men, I probably would have killed her. The difference is, I would have stopped with just her. I’m not sure Grim wouldn’t have reaped the entire club. “He would have come to town within the last couple weeks,” Calix continues.
“No one has come to me, but I’ve noticed a few of my seekers have gone missing. I assumed they’d turn up eventually.” He gives a slightly indifferent shrug. “Could that have something to do with this Antonio?”
I look over at Gunnar before answering. “It could. He was working with the coven leader in Washington, but maybe he’s starting off smaller here.”
“If I may ask…” Gregory looks to Calix, seemingly the most reasonable one of the group. “What kind of trouble were they getting into? It might help to know what I’m looking for.”
“Torturing and killing Charmed to steal their powers.” Gregory blinks at my announcement. “But he’s—”
Gunnar clears his throat, interrupting me before I can tell Gregory that Antonio has found a way to kill without taking the stain on his soul.
“A terrible deed for sure,” Gregory concedes. I tilt my head. He’s being honest. He must catch my movement, because he turns his attention back to me. “You seem surprised.”
“I am. You’re a witch. Isn’t that how you all get your powers?”
“By killing? No, it is not.” He shakes his head vehemently. “I’ve never killed anyone. Certainly not a Charmed one.”
“Well, look at that, you learn something new every day.” If I didn’t know for sure he was telling the truth, I would think he was lying.
“Not all witches are dark.” Gregory widens his arms as if to encompass the area around him. “You can amass great power without the sacrifice. It just takes patience and persistence. Unfortunately, most do not possess either.”
“Yeah, aren’t you a special little snowflake?” Gunnar snarls. I can’t fight the grin tugging at my lips. Gregory has unleashed my kitten’s claws.
Calix places both of his palms on the table and rises slowly from his seat. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what would happen if we find out you know more than you’re letting on.”
Gregory reaches for his short glass and takes a slow, measured sip. This guy’s got some balls on him, either that or he genuinely doesn’t fear death. “If I learn anything, I’ll be sure to let you know. Killing for power can only lead to our demise,” he states, making sure it’s known if he helps, it’s because he’s choosing to do so, not because we are forcing him.
Torin rises and he stumbles just a little to the left, proving all the alcohol he’s consumed is affecting him. “Alpha, blessed be.” Gregory lowers his head in respect. Torin’s eyes are glassy, probably from the liquor.
“Too late, I’m already fucking cursed,” he mumbles, and walks away without looking back.
I let out a small sigh. I wish there was something I could do for him. Sometimes when I look at him and see the pain living in his eyes, I regret that we came here, even if it means we saved him. “I’m going to go make sure he doesn’t do something he’ll regret.” I squeeze Grim’s hand briefly before jogging to catch up with Torin.
Chapter 18
“Why the fuck did I think it was a good idea to drink my weight in tequila?” I hear Torin’s sharp voice after I slam the door. Well, at least I know he stayed here instead of running off