The Cat's Meow (21 page)

While I didn’t doubt him in the least—the possession in his eyes declared it—I didn’t quite understand what he meant. “Refreshing?”

“You see me as a warlock, as the man I am, and not a High Priest.” He brushed his thumbs over my cheeks, and right now, in this moment, Kale’s smile was so honest and very sweet. “It’s refreshing.”

I tilted my head, studied him, and a thought rose I had to voice. “Is that why the interest in me is there, because I don’t see you as a High Priest?”

He shrugged, lowering his hands, and clasped them behind his head against the pillow. “At first I wondered if that was some of the appeal, since I enjoyed having a witch look at me as a warlock, and nothing more.” His gaze twinkled when his eyebrow arched. “I quite like a woman who challenges me, and once I accepted the role as High Priest that ceased to exist.”

I snorted a laugh. “So, you’re saying you like when I shove you and get mouthy?”

“Absolutely.” His expression was dead serious. “It’s real.”

I understood his point, since High Priests were viewed in a different light, yet there was a problem to his theory. “But I do see you as High Priest now.”

“Do you?” His eyebrow arched higher. “I’m pretty sure you defied my orders tonight at the cemetery, told me off, and also tried to kick me out of your house.”

Maybe I had done those things.

At my silence, he leaned up and kissed the side of my mouth. “My other interest in you is just because you are a witch who
will
tell me off, defy my orders, and challenge me.” He grinned. “I enjoy you.”

I snorted. “You’re lucky I didn’t end your life tonight.”

He wrapped his arms around me so tight it felt safe and nice. “You nearly did when you vanished from my sight.” He sighed, low and deep, and it heaved his chest beneath me. “The storm is coming, Libby, and we need you. I need you.” At my pause, since I hadn’t made a decision regarding the Alchemy, Kale’s expression firmed. “The choice to join us is yours. If you refuse, we will accept that decision.”

Now that I had answers my hesitations were gone, which brought to light the seriousness of the situation. The thought that this rebellion might destroy the very foundation of what protected my world brought the awareness that the choice wasn’t mine. I acted now not for Kale, not for the Alchemy, but for all the innocent lives that would be affected if I didn’t. Most of all, for the Goddess, who told me this path was right.

“All right, Kale. I’ll join.” The moment the words left my mouth a thought rose I hadn’t considered, and I said on a quick breath, “But wait, does that mean I have to live in New Orleans?”

Relief washed over his features. I suspected it wasn’t only for my abilities, but because it did mean I’d be closer to him, which I had to admit I liked, too. “For now, yes.” His eyes fluttered closed. “Once the threat is over, you can return to Charleston, if it suits you. The Alchemy will only call upon you when needed, but we need you close now.” He peeked open an eye. “
I
need you close.”

The latter sounded rough on his voice, and I had the feeling Kale wouldn’t be too pleased if I left New Orleans to come home. I almost mourned my house for a moment before I pushed aside the thought, because it’d ruin my good mood. But then, I realized
again
I shouldn’t have answered him so fast. “One more thing,” I hurried along before he closed down the conversation. “If I must move there, I have a condition.”

His eyebrow arched. “Which is?”

“Peyton comes with me.” His lips parted, so I added in haste, “which means Jace too since I doubt he’d let her go to the Alchemy without him.”

“Those demands are obtainable.” He chuckled, shutting his eyes again. “I’m sure my mother would like more time with you, especially once she hears you summoned Baal. I imagine she’ll fulfill any demands you set out.”

I blinked. “Why?”

“The spell has never worked for a witch of the Alchemy before.”

Never?
My blood ran cold and I shivered.

Kale opened both eyes, tightening his arms. “You’re special, Libby. We need to explore that.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt that no one expected the spell to work, and more to the point, I didn’t even want to consider what would’ve happened if it had failed. I gulped as Kale went on. “Alistair told me tonight after you left, most of the rebellion has been caught by the covens, and we took out the biggest threat in Charleston, which gives us time to refocus our efforts. We need to find out who leads this group before he can strike again, and until we have him in our grips the threat remains.”

I shook my head, shedding the thoughts of the spell—something to deal with at another time—and I stuck to the present. “You have no knowledge of who this leader is?”

“Libby.” Kale frowned. “Quiet your mind. I’m exhausted. This conversation can wait ’til tomorrow.”

“But…”

His grin became devilish. “Besides, you need strength for later so I can make love to you gently, as you deserve, and in multiple ways.” He winked. “Even if it is overrated.”

I laughed, wondering if I could survive another round of Kale. Maybe even intrigued by the idea of his gentle hands instead of the possessive harsh hands I got a personal introduction to.

With a long sigh, I placed my head down on his chest, and he shifted me to his side, cradling me. Tomorrow would happen, the Alchemy awaited me, and my life had forever changed to now include Kale being in the center of it.

One step at a time.

The first step was breaking the news to my mother that I was leaving Charleston and my coven, and somehow coming out of it unscathed.

Maybe I’d do a protection spell in the morning, just in case…

Acknowledgements

Thanks to my editor Kaleen, who kicked butt on this book, and for her creativity, which came to my rescue. Thanks to Stacy for her last-minute comments to make sure Libby got the credit she deserved. Thanks to Liz for always being there for me. Lastly, thanks to my agent, Jessica, who gave me a warm welcome—your advice and support mean the world to me!

About the Author

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments, and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband and two children. If she’s not plugging away at a new story—which is rare because her muse is annoying—you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over
Sons of Anarchy
and
Dexter
.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at
www.staceykennedy.com
.