potion is. He’d never let me go alone if he thinks it’s not safe.
Ronan crosses his arms, emphasizing his huge pectorals and biceps. “What can Manu and I do?”
A humorless laugh bursts from my mouth. “Do you know a rogue mage powerful enough to break a mating bond?”
“Aurora could probably do it.”
His logic is sound, but I don’t want her to know. The idea that she might not want to break the bond terrifies me. That would for sure cause a blood war between vampires and her kind. I can’t risk King Raphael’s crown like that.
There isn’t a shred of doubt in my mind that if Aurora says yes to me, I’m going to let them all burn.
11
Aurora
Committed to my deal with Elena Montenegro, I decide the best course of action is to bury the hatchet and try to get along with Calvin. My decision goes against everything I believe in, especially after Elena’s insinuation that the Belmonts have assisted Boone in the past.
I’ve been waiting in the lobby of the law firm his father owns for almost an hour, and the douche canoe hasn’t showed his face yet. This isn’t a surprise visit. I called in advance, but it seems he’s determined to make me grovel. Fucker.
I’m about to leave when he walks into the lobby, laughing with a tall blonde latched to his arm. She’s wearing a business suit, but the skirt is so tight it could be mistaken for a tube top. And her white blouse is unbuttoned to the point I can see her lacy bra peeking out. So, that’s how he’s going to play the game, by parading in front of me with a random bimbo. I groan in my head, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.
He kisses Blondie on the cheek before turning to me. “Hello, darling. Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I just got here.” I put on a fake smile. If he was hoping for a fit of jealousy, he has no idea who he’s messing with.
Blondie walks away, but I don’t break eye contact with him. I’m enjoying his disappointed face too much.
“I have to say that I was surprised you called after you stormed out of the gala last night.”
“I didn’t storm out. I had to use the ladies’ room, and then Elena Montenegro asked me to accompany her to her apartment. You know I can’t say no to her.”
“Oh, did she say anything to you?” Calvin’s eyes gleam with sudden interest.
Wouldn’t you like to know, buddy?
“She just wanted to get to know the future High Witch better. It is the highest-ranking position in the magical community.” I smirk, knowing the remark will piss off Calvin.
He can’t conceal his scowl, which doubles my pleasure. But then I remember the reason I’m here, so I try not to display too much glee.
“I was wondering if you have time for lunch. I’m afraid we got off on the wrong foot.”
The squint of his eyes tells me he’s not buying my change of attitude. “That’s true, but only because you were being a bitch.”
Anger swirls in the pit of my stomach. No one calls me a bitch without retaliation. But thanks to the blood vow I made with Elena, I have to swallow my pride. I curl my hands into fists, digging my nails into my palms.
“I’m really trying here, Calvin,” I grit out. “But if you, if we, don’t change our attitudes toward one another, I don’t see the point of going ahead with this union.”
“You can’t back out of our engagement, sunshine. The council voted. It’s happening.”
“Do you think you’re the only eligible bachelor from a powerful magical family? I can always claim we aren’t compatible, and they’d have no choice but to marry me to someone else. All they care about is that the future High Witch marries a candidate from a good family. It doesn’t need to be you.”
This is a total bluff. The council members would rather cut their own wrists than go back on a decision they all voted in favor of. They’re that stubborn.
But Calvin is a moron, and clearly doesn’t know about the inner workings of the elders. Sparks of fury are coming out of his eyes now. “Bullshit.”
“Would you bet on it?” I raise an eyebrow. “It’d be a hassle to get rid of you, for sure. But I’ll do it if you keep acting like a jerk. Let’s face it, darling, you need me more than I need you.”
Watching the pompous ass