“That’s not true. You’ve got Tessa and Dastien and me and all of the rest of the pack. You’ve got the coven members who left Luciana. You’ve got Axel and your aunt and uncle. You’ve got Tia Rosa. You’re not alone. Even if the worst happens, you won’t be alone. Never.”

A tear fell down my cheek, and I brushed it away. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“Nothing to thank me for. Just the truth.” He paused. “Get what you’re looking for. Fast. I’ll text you where to find us when we’re settled in San Jose.”

“Okay.” Because of Luciana, I often found it hard to trust people. I’d been suspicious of Adrian because he seemed too eager to learn magic, but I’d misjudged him. I was trusting him with my brother, and I didn’t think that trust was misplaced. When I got back, I’d teach him whatever he wanted to know. I owed him at least that much. “Thanks for taking care of him.”

“You got it. Talk to you soon.”

“Bye.” I hung up and threw my phone on my bed, willing the morning to come sooner. There wasn’t a second to spare.

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

When I woke up, I was still feeling a little tired from the long-distance magic. The good thing was that I knew what I had to do, no matter how much I didn’t want to do it.

Matt would be at breakfast waiting for me. He wasn’t one to give up when he wanted something, and since I’d been there yesterday morning, he’d be there today ready for round two. There was no time to stall. I had to get this done.

I put on the new pair of black pants I’d gotten for the trip. They were hiking pants, but way nicer. They made my butt look really good. I paired them with a magenta tank, and a peasant top. Trading the fleece I wore yesterday for a cardigan, I felt confident. I carefully put on my makeup, feeling like it was war paint. I thought about casting some protection spells—arming myself with a knot or two—but I was already feeling sapped. I’d only been gone from Texas for forty-eight hours. I still hadn’t recovered from Luciana’s heavy draining when I used that big chunk of magic last night. And if these brujos were evil, I was going to need every last scrap of magic I had. Lucas said he’d be watching out for me, but I couldn’t count on that. I had to take care of myself, and be ready to fight Matt and whatever these brujos could throw at me.