I shook my head.
“It’s not my place to say, but I think you have a right to know.” Boaz stepped close to me, secretively. “Your ancestors have helped shape the world’s largest countries into the powerhouses they are now. In fact, have you heard of Ann Boleyn?”
“Wasn’t she one of the wives of King Henry the 8th?”
“Yes. She’s also your grandmother many centuries ago. She almost attained absolute power in England, but the German side of your family, the Segurs, secretly put a stop to her before she had the chance to rid England of its King. Your two families have been fighting like that for a very long time, that is, until they decided to breed you. Your birth was a peace treaty between two powerful and very magical families who have been enemies for centuries. They knew combining the genetics from both sides would produce the world’s most powerful witch: one who would rise to power to shape the world as they saw fit.”
“But I don’t care about politics or policy, and I sure as hell don’t want to rule anyone. The whole idea is absurd.”
I pulled my coat tighter around me to block the cold. Boaz took off his own jacket to drape over my shoulders. My gaze lingered on his snake tattoo just below his short-sleeved shirt. The red ink seemed brighter somehow.
“You still don’t get it, love,” he said and started walking again. “The potential of your power will put you in whatever position you want to be in.”
“Then I choose no position.” I looped my arm through his. “Why haven’t I ever met my grandparents?”
Boaz shrugged. “Your parents probably wanted to wait until you were ready. The Segurs especially are rather blunt and are often described as cruel.”
I couldn’t imagine anyone worse than my parents. Hopefully I would never have to meet anyone from the Segur family.
When we reached the car, Boaz reached inside his pocket.
“Oh no,” he moaned.
“What is it?”
“My keys. I seem to have misplaced them.” He continued to search his pockets.
I glanced inside the car. “They’re in the ignition.”
Boaz scowled. “I swear when I’m around you, I can’t remember a thing. Would you mind opening the door for me?”
“With magic?”
His dark eyes widened. “Oh, right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ask you so soon.”
I stepped to the car door, seriously considering it. It would be such a simple thing to do. Above me, a heavy darkness had swallowed the night sky; even the stars and moon had been devoured.
“Really, Eve, I mean it. I can just break the window, even though I did just have them replaced thanks to you.” He grinned and then lifted his arm to smash the glass, but before he could, I popped open the door with just a thought. I was surprised at how easily the power had come to me; even the awful smell wasn’t as bad as I remembered.
“Thank you, but it wasn’t necessary,” he said.
“It’s the least I can do. This was the first time in my life I’ve actually had some real, normal fun.”
Boaz winked before opening my door. “We’re just getting started.”
Chapter 11
A few weeks later, over breakfast, Boaz said, “I’ve invited friends over tonight.”
“Really?” I took a sip of milk. I’d barely touched the eggs.
“People I think you will like,” he continued. “They are witches like you.”
“That will be nice, I think.” I scooted the food around on my plate. Even though I knew Boaz didn’t eat normal food, it still seemed rude to eat in front of him.
“You’ve seemed bored the last few days, so I thought you might like some company other than myself.”
My eyes widened. “Hardly bored. I’ve had a great time! I still can’t believe some of the things we’ve done.”
And it was true. Boaz had spent most of his time with me, showing me all of the things I’d missed growing up. Like going to the beach. It was night when we went, but I still enjoyed it. We also spent a few days in Rhode Island where we toured several of the mansions in Newport. He’d stayed at a few of them back in the day. It was fun to learn of the different time periods, especially from someone who had actually been there. But the most fun I had was a few days ago when he took me skydiving. I’d never felt more alive.
I didn’t mean to stay as long as I had. Every morning I woke with the intention of telling Boaz it was time for me to leave, but then he would surprise me with some new adventure that I couldn’t pass up. Maybe it would’ve been easier to do had I felt any pressure from him, but he continued to be a perfect gentleman. Maybe even too good. There was a growing attraction to him I couldn’t deny. And it wasn’t just physical. It was a feeling of invincibility. That’s the only word I could use to describe it.