Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (acx book reading txt) 📕

my body and face warming. His thumb caresses my cheek.

“You’re blushing.”

“It feels really good to hear you say that.”

“I think you already knew.”

“But hearing it makes it so much better.”

“I do. I love your beautiful face and sexy body, how strong and caring you are, the passion every time you touch me, and the way your body responds to my touch. You are mine, baby. You know that, don’t you?”

Leaning closer, I place my hand on his chest and caress down his abs.

“Yes.”

“I know you love me more than the others.”

“I love all of you equally.”

“Sure, babe.” Rubbing along the outside of my thighs, he pulls me closer into his space. “Keep telling yourself that.” Dark eyes fill with crimson as he leans in and claims my mouth.

My mom clears her throat behind us, and we reluctantly pull apart.

“Rachel laid down to rest. She wasn’t feeling well.”

“Did you talk to her anymore about our conversation?”

“I did.” Mom sits back down across from us. “I explained that it’s all true and a little more about our background as witches. Maybe when she wakes up, she’ll be more accepting of everything we’ve shared. I think she was overwhelmed.”

“I feel terrible.”

“It’s all right, sweetie. You were right. It’s a secret you shouldn’t have to keep from her. You’ve been best friends since you were kids. I believe it would have come out in some way, even if you didn’t tell her. It’s hard to be around those you love and not have them discover your magic.”

“Is that what happened with you and Dad?”

“Yes. I knew my sister, Molly, and I were witches, even though my mother wanted to keep it from us. I had incidents where my magic revealed itself. When your father, Dane, and I met, I didn’t know he was a warlock, but later, it was too difficult for him to hide it. When he told me and I didn’t freak out, he asked why, so I shared my lineage with him. It gave him a lot of relief to no longer have to hide his magic from me.”

“Was it hard for Dad to accept your decision to not tell me about my lineage?”

Lowering her head, she takes a breath before looking at me once more.

“It was. You’re so much like your father, and he saw it too. It was difficult for him not being able to share his magic with you, but he also believed it was best for your safety.”

“It probably was best. There’s more I need to tell you.”

“What is it?” Wringing her hands together, her wrinkles tighten around her eyes.

“Are you aware of the prophecy about the curse on supernaturals?”

“I’m not.”

“It’s said, the curse on supernaturals can be broken when a druid witch and descendent of Cataleya, who can wield the magic of all five elements bonds with the first-born son of each elemental magic.”

My mom lowers her head. “Cataleya is our ancestor.”

“She is.”

“Claire.” Mom’s gaze meets Emeric’s, nervous energy trembling her hands. “Selene can wield all five elements, and she’s fully bonded with four, first-born sons of elemental magic.”

Clutching her arms to her chest, my mother rocks slightly forward.

“My sweet girl, I’m so sorry, I wish I could be happy for your gifts, but to me, your powers are a curse.” Tears well in her eyes. “You’ll be hunted ruthlessly because of who you are and the magic you possess.”

“She’s not without protection.” Emeric puts an arm around me as my own eyes water. “We’re all working to teach her how to use her powers to the fullest. None of us will let anything happen to Selene.”

With shaky hands, she wipes the tears from her eyes, then slides her chair back.

“I need a minute. Please excuse me.” She leaves the dining room, sniffing back her tears.

Turning into Emeric’s arms, my own tears fall, devastation breaking my heart. My mother fears for my life and wishes I didn’t have my gifts, the kind of gifts I’ve spent my life wishing were real. Would my father fear my gifts, or would he support my choice to practice my craft? I have to believe he would support me. He risked everything to fight the devil, and I don’t want his death to be in vain.

“It’s different to see your mother so fearful of your magic. My mother was adamant I use mine to protect others. She’d tell me, sacrifice for virtue was the strongest power of all.”

Wiping my tears, I look into his crimson-tinged eyes.

“Your mother was fierce, wasn’t she?”

“Completely.” He chuckles. Lifting my chin, he kisses my damp lips. “I can see this is hard for you and difficult for your mother to accept, but you shouldn’t have to hide or live in fear of what you are. It’s time we send a message to the demons and the Holy Accolades.

“Selene Delavore is not a witch to fuck with.”

CHAPTER NINE

SELENE

Last night was rough. I didn’t see Rachel or my mom the rest of the night. Emeric and I went to bed after cleaning up dinner. Lying in his warm arms, his magic intertwining with mine, soothed me to sleep. Without it, I would’ve struggled to sleep.

My old room is now a guest room. The furniture is the same, but the bedding, decorations, and wall paint are all different. The remnants of my past childhood are crammed in waterproof boxes in the basement. The only reminder this was my bedroom is the crescent moon ceiling fan chain dangling above the bed. Emeric breathes quietly behind me, the weight of his arm over my side. A feather tickles the outside of my thigh, and I laugh, aware he’s now awake. A stiff erection presses into my ass as he curls me tighter into his arms.

“Morning, babe.” As I turn in his arms, his left wing spreads out, then over my body like a soft, feathered blanket. “Feeling any better this morning?”

My fingers brush through the longer strands of hair on his head, and his tiny fangs peek