Gray Witch (Black Hat Bureau, #5)

by Hailey Edwards

That I expected nothing from him in return for allowing his continued existence, let alone that I provided him with supplies to camp on my property rent-free, had been a revelation to him. That’s what family does, I told him, and it was a lie. I wanted it to be true. I knew, for a lucky few, it was. But not for him. Or me. Be that as it may, the person I wanted to become felt that family, blood or chosen, wouldn’t set a price on their help when it was needed the most.

“Keep an eye out for yourself too,” I warned him. “You are not expendable.” I honed my glare. “Got it?” “Got it,” he said softly, ducking his head to conceal the vulnerability he couldn’t quite hide.

“It’s not too late to run.” I locked my arms around his calf. “I would hold on, so it would be awkward, but you could try, and I would fully support that.” Then I sat on his foot, wrapping my legs around his ankles. “The thing is, I love you. So, it’s kind of your fault we’re in this situation. I want the best for you, and I’m not sure that’s me, but I’m also pretty sure I would viciously murder anyone who tried to take you, so…” “It’s my fault that your affection manifests as veiled murder threats?” “What veil?” I grew my fingertips into talons I raked down his bare chest. “There was no veil.”

“I hate crying.” I shoved away from him. “I hate feelings.” “Feelings hate you too.” He ruffled my hair like a big brother. “That’s why they’ve ganged up on you.” “I want to punch them all in their touchy-feely faces.” “I know you do.” He tweaked my chin. “You know what will make you feel better?” Like a lady, I sniffed and wiped tears and snot on my shirt. “Punching someone else in the face?” “That’s my girl.” A throat cleared in the vicinity of his pocket. “My second-best girl, that is.”