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I’m entirely self-taught when it comes to magic, and more times than not, I let instinct guide me. And right now, it’s telling me to hold my hands out at my sides, fueling the fire with more magical energy without having to hold flames in my palm.

And it works.

The fire burns brighter and hotter and the reapers pop and crack. I narrow my eyes, squinting through the flames to see the flesh melt right off the bone. Gross. At least there won’t be much left to deal with. Ethan puts his arm around me, and the moment is almost romantic. We are watching bodies burn, after all.

“What do you want on your pizza?” He pulls out his phone and flicks his eyes to Sam and Yuma.

“I’m good with whatever,” Yuma says, holding her hands out to warm her fingers on the fire. “I’m not a picky eater.”

“Me neither,” I tell her. “Cheese is always good.”

“Pepperoni,” Sam says pointedly.

“I’ll order one large cheese and one large pepperoni.” Ethan’s eyes are on his phone, and we stand around the fire while he orders the pizzas. The fire is still going strong but not getting out of control. It’s surrounded by nothing but frozen ground and snow. I have nothing to worry about. It’s not going to suddenly explode and run the risk of setting something on fire. I let out a breath and feel a knot in my chest loosen.

Deciding it’s safe enough for us to head in and keep an eye from afar, we start toward the house. Both donkeys start braying when we walk past the barn, able to hear us.

“What the fuck is that?” Sam goes on the defense right away and it takes effort not to laugh out loud. Though, to be fair, donkeys are surprisingly loud.

“Ross and Rachel,” I reply. “They’re donkeys.”

“You have donkeys?” Yuma’s eyes light up. “I love donkeys.”

“Since when do you have fucking donkeys?” Sam makes a face and rounds on Ethan.

“We got them about two months ago,” he answers. “They were neglected and needed a home.”

“How very wholesome of you.” Sam forces a fake smile. “Saving sad animals and everything.”

I pick up the pace, wanting to avoid their confrontation. Yuma follows suit, and we get to the house before Sam and Ethan do. Like me, she rushes to get her shoes off, eager to go inside and do something—anything—to continue to avoid the bickering.

“I need to head into town,” Ethan says when he’s back inside and standing at the island counter. He looks at Sam. “Want to come with me?”

“Yeah.” Her face softens. “I’d like that.”

“I’m going to stay,” Yuma says quickly. “I really want to see those donkeys.”

“They’ll gladly take any and all attention they can get,” I tell her with a smile, knowing she’s only staying behind to give Ethan and Sam some one-on-one time to catch up and hopefully get along. “I want to check on them anyway. The horses are easily spooked and if they could sense any of those dark thoughts the reaper jammed into my head, they could easily be freaking the fuck out.”

“Dark thoughts?” One of Ethan’s brows goes up. “What do you mean?”

“As soon as the reaper was nearby, I could feel everything. The drive to kill, the patience to wait outside nursing homes. It was like I was seeing things through their eyes.” My gaze goes from Sam to Yuma to Ethan and back again. “That’s part of what they do, right? Make you feel their emotions or whatever?”

The hunters all exchange looks.

“No,” Ethan says slowly. “They don’t.”

CHAPTER 16

“You mean to you.” Inhaling, I push my shoulders back.

“Well, yeah,” Ethan goes on. “Though, I’ve never once heard anyone come to the conclusion you did. Reapers don’t have the power to influence anyone’s emotions.”

“Maybe it’s a witch thing,” Yuma suggests, and Sam gives her a sour look.

“It has to be.” Ethan shrugs and puts his arm around me. “Doesn’t matter. They’re dead and not coming back.”

“Good.” I look out the window at the dwindling fire. “They are so freaking ugly.”

“And dangerous,” Sam adds ruefully and I just nod, slowing my pace.

“Want to check on the horses and donkeys?” I ask Yuma.

Her face lights up. “Yes, please.”

Ethan gives me a quick kiss goodbye, then continues on with Sam so they can pick up the pizza. I turn on the barn lights and everyone in my little herd greets us.

“Hey, guys,” I call, and the worry I was holding onto over the reapers and Rene melts away. There’s just something about horses that has that effect on me.

“Wow.” Yuma looks around the barn and then walks straight to Mystery. “This place is incredible.”

“Thanks. I’ll be almost sad when the new barn goes up.” I run my eyes over the wooden beams above us.

“You’re not going to tear this one down, are you?”


Tags: Emily Goodwin Grim Gate Paranormal