“Those humans would have killed you. You realize that, right? They wouldn’t have stopped at the demons.”

“Regardless.”

“So, what, because I dared save Samael’s life, I’m now fired?”

“No. You’re on temporary leave while the council conducts a review. You’ll be notified of the council’s decision once the review is complete.”

I stared at him. We both knew I was fired. This was just his way of keeping it clean.

“This is horseshit.”

Albert’s gaze dropped to my arm, and he stared at the intricate gold design for a long moment. It was too damn hot to wear a long-sleeved shirt today, and half of Durham already knew I was bonded to Samael. But I still had to resist the urge to cover it up.

“You had the opportunity to break that bond. If Samael had died, we would be having a different discussion.”

I’d known the consequences when I made my decision. I’d known damn well that I could’ve broken the bond and continued with my life. Except that if I had, we’d now be dealing with thirty insane witches who suddenly had an infinite well of power. I’d make the same decision again. But the fact that there was still a recording of that decision meant I was screwed.

I wasn’t getting anywhere with Albert. It was obvious what would happen next. The review would find that I was a liability to the Mage Council. My days of working here were numbered.

I was surprised they hadn’t already taken away my access to the facility itself. I was guessing they would wait until the review was completed. The council liked to do everything by the book.

My power pressed against my shield, and I envisioned a thick steel door, ruthlessly holding it back. I wouldn’t let Albert see how much I cared.

“My record speaks for itself,” I said. “You’ve made the wrong choice here.”

His expression was carefully neutral. “You’re entitled to think that.”

I shook my head, got to my feet, and stalked out of his office.

It was as if I was sleepwalking as I made my way back into the elevator and down to the lobby. Working for the Mage Council hadn’t been my life’s dream, but it had allowed me to interrogate paranormals who might’ve seen my mom before she died. And, it had allowed me to pay my bills.

Panic climbed up my throat. I had a few weeks of living expenses saved, but that was it. I needed to find a new job. Fast.

My phone vibrated and I fumbled for it, almost dropping it as I pulled it out of my pocket.

I’m here, at a table near the back.

My sister. Shit. Luckily Meredith’s was a four-minute drive from the Mage Council.

On my way.

* * *

Samael

“The grimoire is authentic.”