Hooked On A Witch (Keepers of the Veil) by Zoe Forward

Author:Zoe Forward [Forward, Zoe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-09-10T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“The Enforcer? Is that what you’re known by in the world of bad magic?” Shannon picked at the edge of the paper placemat.

“Yes.”

“Why would Lola give information that had to do with you, and not me?”

Merck tented his hands on the table and gazed at them.

The voodoo ritual with the blood, the stench, and the dark energy had scared her until Merck threatened Lola with death. She didn’t doubt he’d have killed Lola, if she crossed the line. Her heart shuddered all over again at the magnificence of protective Merck. Yet, something ate at this man. If she knew, maybe she could help. Whatever bothered him was a big enough issue for a spirit to comment on it rather than her being framed for stealing something from a god.

Merck glanced toward the kitchen. “Wonder where the food is.”

She put her hand over his. “What’s going on? Can I help you?”

He continued to watch the kitchen door as if he prayed for a food reprieve, but he didn’t remove his hand from hers. “We never agreed to discuss me as a part of helping you.”

“You’re right. We didn’t, but I’m worried about you.”

His ended his vigil on the kitchen door. A myriad of emotions passed through his eyes.

“If you’re not ready to talk about it, then that’s okay. You’re complicated. I get that.” She squeezed his hand and let go.

“I have to walk my path alone. That’s the way it is.”

“You’re not alone, at least not right now.” She cracked a small smile.

Merck cleared his throat. He scratched his forehead and rubbed a thumb across one eyebrow. “You’ve been under a death sentence for what? A few weeks? My pink slip on life was handed to me eight years ago. The end for me is coming up real soon.”

“What?” Merck was going to die? “No. No, no, no. You can’t die.” The permanent knot that had taken up residence in her gut the moment she learned of her own death date, tightened. To have known for years that life was limited must’ve devastated him.

His face softened. “I get what you’re going through more than you can imagine. I lived through the fear, the anger, and the denial. I still have all three, but we can’t outrun the gods’ plans.”

“Good Lord, you’ve known this for years?”

He looked haunted.

She hopped up, scooted around the table, and hugged him tight. His arms loosely looped her body, probably a reflex to the unsolicited hug.

“I’m so sorry. What I’ve been going through is awful, but for you... God, Jason...I mean Merck, I’m...” Stop babbling. She resumed her seat. A glance around showed she’d attracted more attention than intended, even though they were in a far corner.

They stared at each other in a silence filled with kindred understanding of the peculiar territory they tread, facing their own deaths.

He said, “You’re handling it a lot better than me. I went a little crazy with drugs, drinking, and women for a long time thinking I’d enjoy life. I planned to go out on a high note or some such bullshit.

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