“It’s just that I have friends who aren’t witches, you know? Maria and many others. I don’t want to lose them. I know I can’t reveal every facet of the true me, but I don’t want to completely walk away from the life I’ve been living, either. They mean too much to me.”

“I would be happy to move in here with you, Sarafina. Do you plan to take the job Thomas offered you?”

She considered for a moment, tracing a line with her fingertip over his luscious bicep. All she had to do was touch this man, and she wanted him.

Okay, that was a lie. All she had to do was think about him or be within five feet of him to want him.

“In this case, yes. I’ll find some cover to use with my friends to explain the job change. That way I can spend the day at the Coven and my evenings with my friends.” She paused, smiling. “And all the time with you.”

“Sounds good to me.”

She drew a breath, realizing something. “Only . . .” She lifted her head, studying him.

“What?”

“I wonder if you’ll be able to handle my social calendar.” The blood drained from her face. “Do you think you can stomach Maria?”

He laughed. “If I can battle demons, I can take Maria. I think a bouquet of flowers and showing how I care about you will go a long way to taming that beast. Trust me, I don’t have a problem with any friends of yours who are so protective. I think she and I can find some common ground.”

She snuggled down against his chest and sighed happily. “But perhaps keeping your apartment at the Coven isn’t such a bad idea. We can stay there sometimes, too.”

Sarafina still felt torn between two worlds, especially now that the crisis with Bai was over. She had no doubt she would find equilibrium eventually, though. She could face anything as long as she had Theo by her side.

Theo chuckled. “Grosset will have to learn to ride a Harley.”

“We can get him a Pomeranian-sized helmet.”

He reached over and pulled a small box from the pocket of his jeans. “I’m glad you said yes to the first question, because I have another to ask.” He opened the box and set it on the carpet between them.

It was a diamond engagement ring.

Her breath caught in her throat. “Theo?”

He said nothing, only watched her face.

“Theo.” She picked up the ring and slid it onto her finger.

It was a perfect fit.

THIRTY-FOUR

THIRTY-FOUR

“WE NEED TO GO DOWN.”

Sarafina rolled over lazily in bed and gazed at Theo.

The Coven was hosting a party to celebrate the defeat of the Duskoff and the Atrika. Although apparently, the primary purpose of the party was some mysterious announcement.