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“I can influence others,” I say, deciding to start with the easier spells.

“Like vampires,” she guesses.

“Yes. Mine works on humans, and some magicked.”

Vampires can influence others, making them fall under their spell as they lock eyes. They can make them forget what they did or what someone did to them. Any memory can be changed. My gift is very similar.

“Do you use it often?”

“I don’t like to interfere with human thoughts often. I’ve used my magic recently for Mara and Rome. I avoid interacting with anyone with it.” I could abuse my spells and make my life easier. Influencing anyone to give me what I want.

I don’t want to add to the darkness inside me.

“You don’t want to tell me,” she whispers.

“No. I have a habit of holding all the bad things inside,” I admit. Talking about my nightmares is something I don’t do. The burden is mine to carry.

“You don’t have to.” She places her hand on my knee, and I stare at it. “We have time. As you said, trust is hard.”

My magic leaks out, and pressure fills the air. Is she capable of handling all that I am? My spells want to expose all. The universe must know she is, or else they wouldn’t have put her in my path. I don’t like the touch of others, yet I don’t want to leave her side. Encouraging closeness is never worth it. Women have expectations, and I haven’t felt the urge to satisfy them. Anyone I've been with knows the rules. I haven’t wanted anything beyond a physical release. Humans aren’t appealing to me. They couldn’t handle the truth of what I am, and I can’t trust their intentions.

“I feel…” Looking at her, all I sense is goodness. “Like this is supposed to be.”

“Our magic tells us all we need to know,” she says softly. “Read your spells. What are they telling you?”

I roll my shoulders. “That you're mine,” I say roughly.

“And you're mine,” she says firmly. “We will complement each other.”

She leans forward, her expression soft, and my gaze strays to her lips. I’ve exercised caution and control in every aspect of my life. Rome is the only friend I've had, and the one person I've trusted with all my secrets. He's powerful enough to control me and counteract my spells if necessary. Exposing my life and the things I've hidden goes against everything I've sworn not to do. This gorgeous woman has caused a shift, and my spells urge me to trust that she won’t run away.

“I—”

I stop, suddenly feeling magic enter the store that doesn’t belong here.

“Oh shit,” Savy says.

“Who is that?” I demand.

“He’s a friend.” She stands, and I frown.

“A friend?” I hiss.

“Savy,” Mara yells.

She takes a step, and I grab her wrist, straightening.

“What kind of friend?” I ask.

“He…” She studies my face. “Just a friend of my granny’s. I’ve known him since I was young.” She twists her hand and laces her fingers through mine.

“He’s a warlock,” I say.

“Yes, but he’s good.” She pulls me forward, and I narrow my eyes.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble, allowing her to guide me through the store.

As we pass through the shelves, the warlock comes into view. His hair is long, blond, and lying in a thick chunk down the center of his back. He’s as tall as I am and smiling at my soul bond.