Twice Bitten (Love, Lust & Magic #1)

Griff

For what seemed like the hundredth time that day, had to pry himself away from his phone screen. He didn’t want to admit it, but the lump in his throat that formed when Uriah stormed out of Pruitt’s apartment the night before was still there. He wondered what the vampire was thinking about. What he was doing. If he was laughing, sulking, or singing.

Being hung up on a guy—supernatural or not—was not in ’s nature, but this time he couldn’t help it. With Pruitt in the mix, things were even more complicated. My life is like that old supernatural soap opera with the talking doll, but with steamier sex , he thought to himself as he made his way back to his dorm building.

He tried to clear his mind as he waited for the elevator to his floor. All right, so I’m a witch. And it appears that my connection to Pruitt and Uriah is deeper than I ever thought. They’re like my cats, right?

With a ding, the elevator opened and came face-to-face with the last person he expected to see.

“Hey,” he said almost impulsively as the doors parted.

With a blank expression on her face, Ada stared back at him.

realized how awkward the situation had quickly become. “Uh, Ada for Homecoming Queen, right? You’re in my theater class,” he said as he stepped in. “Are you getting out?”

Ada turned her head to him and stared. Very aware of her focus, he looked down and pushed the button to his floor. What is this girl’s problem?

Another ding as the closing doors were stopped. looked up and was surprised to see she had stuck her arms out and pushed them back. Her eyes still trained on , she stepped into the lobby. Instead of leaving, she remained in front of the doors. Still staring.

Unsure of what to say, attempted to wish her well. His confusion with the entire situation made it come out more like a question. “Good luck tonight?”

The doors closed without a response.

Guess Pruitt’s ex didn’t set too high of a bar when it comes to conversation , he noted to himself as the elevator took him to his floor. Or personality.

Upon entering his dorm, found a note left at his desk.

Sorry about today. Out preparing for tonight. See you at the big game. - Darcy

“Blah, blah, blah,” sighed as he tossed the piece of paper in the trash.

Setting his bag aside, collapsed on his bed and stretched out his arms. That’s when his phone finally vibrated with a message from Pruitt. “ No news on Uriah ,” sighed as he read it aloud.

It’s a shame Uriah can’t just compel me to forget about my feelings for him. Or compel me to forget about Odessa, being a witch, prophecies—the whole kit and caboodle.

closed his eyes as he fell deeper into thought. But really, why should I rely on him? If I am what Old Mother Madge says I am—what Pruitt and Odessa say I am—then I have the power to take control of the situation. But just to be safe, no naps. The thought of being pulled into another dream with the ancestor that sought to destroy him caused him to jerk his eyes open.

“Let’s practice,” said to himself as he relaxed his shoulders. What can I learn between now and the game? The sound of his backpack unzipping was like music to his ears. Moments later, the spells given to him by Old Mother Madge were in his hand.

Recalling the final page she had given him, he cautiously placed it before him on his desk. Something about her sharing this with him made his stomach uneasy. Nevertheless, he started to read aloud. ”These spells are intended for use only by the charge to which these familiars are bonded to, but may be used with some caution by a witch of the same coven when necessary. These incantations are powerful and binding. User discretion is advised.”

His fingers cautiously traced the three bolded headings on the handwritten page as he thought long and hard. From top to bottom, they read as such: To Release a Familiar, To Strip a Familiar of Its Powers, To Command a Familiar .