The Dutiful Witch (The Ward Witches) Read Free

that you're not planning on creating the bond?”
    “ Yes, that's exactly what I'm telling you. That woman,”
    “ Fiona,” Melanie interrupted.
    “ That woman is entirely unsuitable as a bond-mate, a wife, or a Duchess. It's said that there can be multiple possibilities of bond-mate in a lifetime. I'll wait for another.”
    “ Pompous idiot.”
    “ What?”
    “ You heard me. As family, I'm probably one of the few who can call you out when you're being a pompous idiot, and I just did.”
    “ You were the one who planned to move away and never see Justin again after you bonded.”
    “ And I saw the importance of it later. I'm still here, after all.”
    “ Do you really mean to tell me that I must bond with that woman?” He sighed and collapsed onto the couch next to her. She put a comforting hand on his knee.
    “ Fiona? And yes, I am telling you that you'd better do the right thing and cement the bond. There are  many reasons, from the practical to the romantic.”
    “ Name one,” Seb growled.
    “ You're having a hard time running the National Coven on your own. I've seen it, just in the work I've been doing to start generating some positive publicity for the witch community. You know you need more hands to do some of the work.”
    “ I'm not going to let that woman do anything to do with my coven!”
    “ Her name is Fiona. And despite your hardheadedness, if you won't hand over some of your work to a partner, you could at least use a hostess. Skylar and I have been sharing the responsibilities since we joined the family, but you need someone full-time. You were the one who formed a National Coven to lead all the others.”
    “ It was unanimous, and needed.”
    “ Yes, it was. But by placing yourself at our Coven at the helm, you created a need for a more public image.”
    “ I know, but I can handle it.”
    “ Why won't you listen to me? You might even find that you'd like her if you'd let her in. And I don't really think you have a choice.”
    “ I always have a choice!” Seb calmed himself with an effort. “I'm sorry, Melanie. I shouldn't be so emotional, and I really shouldn't take it out on you.”
    “ I am just trying to help.”
    “ I know you are. I think what irritates me worst is that you're probably right.” Seb shook his head. “I've given other people the same lecture you're giving me, and I expected them to do the right thing and cement their bond. Now I'm trying to be a hypocrite.”
    “ Yes, you are. So, what are you going to do about it?”
    “ I guess I'm going to have to go call that woman and figure out an amicable solution to the problem.”
    “ You'd better start calling her by her name. Cementing the bond is marrying her in the magical community, as you've always insisted, and I don't know anyone who refers to their wife constantly as 'that woman.'”
    “ Don't remind me.”
    “ Do you still have the number?”
    “ Yes, I do. I suppose some part of me already knew all of the things you were just telling me.”
    “ Then stop taking to me. Call her.”
    “ Tomorrow.”
    “ Tonight.”
     
    Seb had moved into his father's apartment suite after his death, and had made it his own. The Coven House had been built and added onto so many times that there was no cohesive structure to the house anymore. There was enough room to house about twenty witches who worked for the Coven with some to spare, so he hadn't ever put anyone close to him. But the tranquility he used to find in his solitude just seemed lonely today. Maybe Melanie was more right than she thought.
    Seb held his phone in his hand and just considered it for at least five minutes. But in the end, pragmatism won out and he dialed the number.
    Whether he liked it or not, his heart beat faster when she answered.
    “ Fiona Shields.”
    “ It's Seb. I'm inclined to think that you're right and that we should have another talk, preferably without me saying anything rude or ugly.”
    “ I think that's a good idea. I