Writing Witchy (Witch Hunters) by Thayer King Read Free Book Online Page B

she thought they’d make a good pairing. “But we’re not soul mates. What would happen if you found your mate after we married?”
    She scoffed. “I found my mate a year ago.” Her lips curled in disgust. “He was pathetic. My God, Keith, he couldn’t even transport. He wasn’t studying or practicing his magic, much like your brother. Only he has none of the raw talent your brother has. I can’t believe that the universe would have me mated to that… weakling .”
    “But don’t you feel drawn to him?”
    “Not more than I can ignore. He’s constantly seeking me out, trying to get me to bond with him.” She shrugged, as if to say ‘Who could blame him?’ “We dallied once, but I was certain to make him use protection.” So, she’d prevented a bond from developing. The exchange of fluids during sex bound mates together. Three times was enough to give mated couples the ability to share thoughts. Stronger bonds might be cemented even quicker. It saddened him that his and Imani’s bond would never reach that level since she wasn’t a witch. Hell, what was he thinking? He couldn’t even cuddle the woman without her throwing up a blockade. It was beginning to look doubtful that they would ever share anything more.
    “Are you sharing dreams?”
    “We were. I worked a small spell to block him from visiting me. Of course, the simpleton can’t figure out how to get around it.”
    He couldn’t believe that she’d deny a true mate. Harlow was always so traditional. She reveled in the history and old ways of their kind. The bond formed between destined mates was one of a kind. Setting aside such a gift should not be done lightly. While he was mulling over her revelations, she moved closer. She pressed a hand to his chest and hemmed him in, her arms on either side of the counter. Since she was under average height, a few inches shorter than Imani, and he towered over her, it was laughable that she would even attempt to corner him. “Harlow, don’t.”
    “Keith, I know you find me attractive.”
    “You’re beautiful, it’s true. But it won’t work between us.” She was model pretty and sexy to boot, but he wasn’t physically turned on by her.
    “Of course it will. I thought it over. We make an attractive couple. You’re the most talented witch I know. Mated, we’d be unstoppable.”
    He gripped her upper arms and put her away from him when she tried to press her body to his. He should have known. This was about power. She wouldn’t have overlooked tradition without a strong reason. “Harlow, are you even attracted to me?”
    She shrugged. “Of course. You’re very handsome.”
    “Yes, but you’ve never acted on it.”
    She sighed and threw her hands up. “You didn’t see him, Keith. His ineptitude is appalling! Even the simplest of spells stumps him.”
    “Together you’d be stronger.”
    “He doesn’t deserve me,” she sneered. “We, on the other hand, would be perfection.”
    “I’ve found my mate, Harlow, and I have no intention of turning my back on her.”
    She paused. “Is she worthy of you?”
    “Yes,” he answered without hesitation though he knew that according to Harlow’s definition Imani was anything but a suitable mate.
    “As beautiful and as talented as I am?”
    He nodded , though to him Imani was more beautiful. He loved her rich chocolate skin and gold eyes. But looks didn’t really matter. Imani was his . He would always be compelled to be with her.
    “Yet you haven’t claimed her. Why not? She’d be a fool to reject you.”
    “We’re getting to know each other.”
    She made a humming sound before picking up her wine glass and emptying it in one gulp. “Show me your flowers.”
    He almost released a sigh of relief. “Of course.” He led her out back to his garden and they spent a pleasant half hour discussing various flowers, herbs and potions. While he didn’t practice potions, Harlow did and he was curious about her work.
    It was as she was leaning