Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

“Where have you traveled to lately? It seems like you’ve gone to a lot of places.” Rachel asks between bites.

“I’ve been to a beach house on a private island and a log cabin in the forest of Maine.”

“Wow, what were they like?”

“The private island is remote, quiet, and stunning. The scenery, food, and culture are magnificent. The forest in Maine is vast, the air fresh and clean, and the hiking is beautiful. Killian took me to a cliff that overlooks the sky and valley. It was enchanting.”

Rachel glances at Emeric, then me, her expression revealing her uncertainty.

“Killian is her other boyfriend,” Emeric blurts out. “He has the log cabin in Maine. Griffin owns the beach house. He’s also her boyfriend. Actually, Selene has moved in with me, Cyrus, and Griffin.”

My mom coughs, nearly choking on her food. “You moved and didn’t tell me?”

Rachel, wide-eyed, looks at her. “That’s what you took away from that? She has four boyfriends and lives with three of them.”

Mom lowers her fork as she looks at Emeric. “You’re okay with that?”

“I understand how important we all are to her, and I’m pretty sure she loves me the most.” Emeric’s scar rises with his impish grin. Leaning over, smiling, I bump his shoulder.

“Thankfully, Cyrus isn’t here to hear you say that.”

“He’d just be jealous because it’s true. I know you better than the others do.”

“You do know me well, but they’d say it’s because you get to spend more time with me than they do.”

“Bullshit excuse, I know you the best because our bond is deep and full of passion.” Leaning into my ear, he whispers. “And you crave my mouth on your pussy.”

The feathers on my arm heat up as goosebumps rise on my skin and my cheeks flush. I bite my lip, and Emeric puts his hand into my hair and kisses my cheek.

“See what I mean?” He winks.

“Selene, what’s going on with your arm?”

Glancing at it, the red feathers have brightened, our magic coming through. Emeric caresses his hand over it, and the feathers glow where his fingers have touched.

“It’s our magic,” he says casually. “Selene and I are bonded by fire magic.”

“What?” Rachel looks at him like he’s nuts.

Emeric puts his palm face up, his magic swirling above it. Rachel slides back from the table, the chair crashing to the floor behind her. Taking my hand, Emeric transfers the magic to my palm, and my mother watches in fascination.

“What’s going on?” Rachel’s tone is laced with fear.

“It’s okay, Rachel.” Mom puts her hand out. “Please, sit down. Selene has something she needs to explain to you.”

Glancing between my mom and me, Rachel slowly lifts the chair and sits in it but keeps her distance from the table, covering her belly with her hand.

“This is going to be difficult to process, but please bear with me, Rachel. What I’m about to tell you is completely true.”

“Okay.”

“Emeric and I can do magic. Not magic like you see at an illusion magic show, real magic. I’m a witch, and Emeric is a supernatural being. He can do fire magic, and so can I.”

“Aunt Claire, is this true or some sort of prank? Please be honest.” Rachel rubs her temple, her face reddening. “I’m freaking out a bit.”

“It’s true, darling. All three of us are born from a lineage of witches and supernaturals, but your mother and I didn’t practice the craft.”

Rachel fidgets in her seat. “You’re telling me I’m a witch too?”

“You’re a half-witch. Your mother married a human.”

“What was Uncle Dane?”

“A warlock.”

Rachel holds her stomach and leans forward. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

“Come on, darling.” My mom stands and helps her to the bathroom. “Take all the time you need.”

They leave the dining room, and I take a breath, tears welling in my eyes.

“That didn’t go well. We scared her.”

“I imagine it’s a hell of a shock. I wouldn’t know since I grew up knowing what I was and what I could do at an early age.”

“How did your angel mother handle a son who was half-demon?”

Recalling memories, his head tilts as he chuckles. “I drove her mad, but she handled me just fine. She’d strike me down mercilessly if I crossed the line with her.”

“What powers did she have?”

Pushing the empty plate away, he leans back in the chair.

“Many—her powerful wings, invisibility, soul reading, super strength and senses, healing, and so much more. One of her best skills was wielding her angel blade.”

“Do you have any of her powers?”

“Some, but most of my powers came from my father.”

“Do you know who he is?”

His jaw flexes at the thought. “No, only that he’s a powerful, higher-level demon. He could be dead for all I know. My mother probably beheaded him after she mated with him to create me.”

“You were created to be a guardian of hell?”

“Yes, and taught how to kill demons from a young age, even though I was half one myself. I got over that quickly when I realized demons are soulless, and I’m not. That’s the angel part of me.”

Placing my hand on his shoulder, I rub across it and down to his wings. “I think you’re perfect.”

With his fingers under my chin, he brings me forward to receive his kiss.

“Would you ever consider having a child with me? Or does the demon part of me ruin that for you?”

His question takes me by surprise.

“Do you want to have children?”

Resting his elbow on the table, he admires me.

“It’s crossed my mind.”

“I’m not ready for children, but to answer your question, I wouldn’t be afraid of having a child with you. You have a soul. You’re not a soulless, cruel demon. Our child would have one as well, and he or she would be one-half witch, a quarter angel, and a quarter of your devilish charm.”

Pulling me to him, his hand gets lost in my hair as his lips sear mine.

“Damn, I love you, babe.”

Hearing the words come from his lips has