A Quorum

A QUORUM

O wen rises from the table. “Would you like coffee?”

“I’d love some.” Mel strides to the cabinet to get herself a mug.

Aspen frowns at her. “It’s late.”

“And I’m an adult who can make my own caffeinated decisions.” She spots the empty pie pan on the counter. “Is there more?”

Owen fills her cup. “We finished the pumpkin, but we have some pecan.”

“Wait, how much is left?” Alarm shoots through me that my precious mate is being loose with my hoard. “I was saving it for after lessons.”

Haut shakes his head at me. “You just had pie.”

“But not pecan pie,” I protest .

“It’s a different food group.” Tris bounces his legs beneath my ass, and I hook my feet around his calves so I don’t fall off his lap. “Gourd and nut pies are not the same.”

Owen grabs two more plates and brings the whole pie to the table. With one-third of the dessert left, there’s barely enough for three people.

When I glare at Aspen, ready to defend my slice to the death, he sighs. “You eat too much sugar.”

“You don’t want to see me sugar-free.” I shake my head. “It’s not pretty.”

“It’s really not.” Tris shudders, wrapping his arms tight around me. “I would have run away from home if I could have opened the door with my paws. Lucky for me, she got her fix before I turned back to human, and we had a good, terrified laugh about how we’d never forget to order snacks with our groceries again.”

Aspen leans forward. “Mood shifts is why you should?—”

“Shall we get started?” Mel interrupts with a pointed look at Aspen.

She knows when he’s picking a fight he won’t win and doesn’t want to be banned from the house. Again.

I lean back against Tris’s chest, crossing my arms. “I don’t know why we need to vote when a decision was already made.”

“It wasn’t a quorum. It was you being reactionary and impulsive.” Aspen frowns as Mel pours enough sugar into her coffee to raise the level of the liquid before focusing back on the table. “Now that you’ve had time to calm down, we can have a discussion about your concerns.”

“One, I can’t believe I ever thought we’d become friends. I was deluded by the change in altitude at Silver Hollow. Two…” I twist to face Tris. “What’s a quorum?”

“Don’t worry, I got this, sparky.” He turns to Ros. “What’s a quorum?”

“It’s the minimum number of members in a group needed to constitute a meeting,” he supplies.

I scowl. “Not sure when we decided who the members are for this project, but okay. Then shouldn’t the Brigade be here, too? Since they’ve put so much work into it?”

“Seven of the ten are present.” Aspen’s gesture encompasses everyone at the table. “We have a quorum.”

I study my mates. Destined loves of my life they may be, but that doesn’t mean they side with me just for funsies. “Fine. ”

Aspen clears his throat, taking on a lecturing tone. “Rowe is concerned that allowing the Paranormal Council a say in the project currently known as Grim will have the adverse result of limiting the knowledge that witches can access, defeating the purpose of the project. Correct?”

I give a grudging nod. “Correct.”

“I believe that having the council’s approval will offer safeguards that may otherwise not be in place. Without them, witches who are not yet ready to access higher levels of spellcraft will be put in danger,” Aspen continues. “By having the council’s backing, it will require them to make graders more available for witches, thus making knowledge more accessible in the long run.”

The way he words it makes it sound all reasonable, but he’s skipping some major points. “I’m also concerned that the Paranormal Council is stuck in their ways, and they will deny the project without giving it a chance, which will put us in the position of either giving up on Grim or going against their ruling.”

Ha! Two of us can play the reasonable card.

He dips his head at me. “It’s a valid concern that would force us to re-evaluate security protocols reliant on established qualifications. ”

Unsure that I follow that one, I stick with the glaring.

“Based on the information available at this time, we ask for a vote on how to progress with Grim.” Aspen turns to Haut. “What say you?”

Of course, he’d start with the mate who likes laws and regulations.

Haut’s moss-green eyes meet mine. “I believe Grim has a place in the world, but I also agree it has the potential to be dangerous if not handled in the right way. My vote is in favor of Aspen.”

“Negative January,” I hiss, annoyed despite knowing how he’d vote.

Aspen turns to my vampire mate, who has seen how following leadership blindly can go so wrong. “Ambros?”

“I choose to abstain.” He shakes his head. “I see value in both sides of the argument, but ultimately, this is witch business.”

Disappointment flickers through me, but I understand where he’s coming from. His father’s misuse of the huntsmen and Ros’s blindness to it left a scar on him.

Aspen’s lips thin, but he nods his acceptance and turns to Owen. “Mayor?”

Owen runs a hand through his black hair before casting me an apologetic glance. “I agree with Ambros. I’m not a witch, so I shouldn’t be influencing witch politics. I abstain, too.”

Before Aspen even turns to him, Tris says, “I’m on Rowe’s side, every time.”

Relief sweeps through me, and my shoulders relax. “Well, it seems we’re moving forward without you, Aspen. Better luck next time.”

“Actually…” Mel raises her hand. “I’ve given this some thought, and I’d like to change my vote. I think Aspen should stay on the project.”

“Excuse me?” I sputter, feeling like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over my head. The taste of victory turns sour, replaced by disbelief. “You were on my side earlier today!”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” She glances at her blond counterpart. “But Aspen and I spoke more after you left, and?—”

“This is dick wizardry!” I slam my hand down on the table. “Don’t let orgasms stop you from doing what’s right! You know how the council is! You grew up resisting them!”

“My decision has nothing to do with mine and Aspen’s relationship.” Mel crosses her arms over her chest. “The fact of the matter is that he does care about the Grim Project, and he has a deeper understanding of the potential danger than you do. Yes, I resist certain aspects of the council, but that doesn’t mean they’re all bad.”

I shake my head. “This will turn into Silver Hollow on a larger scale, with the council gatekeeping knowledge.”

“Witches will still have their personal grimoires,” Mel points out. “No one is taking those away.”

“Not yet.” I remember all the grimoires the coven leader had locked up in Silver Hollow under the pretext of protecting their knowledge. “What about witches like those in our coven who don’t have a family history of witchcraft to fall back on?”

I glare at Aspen. “Witches who tried to do things the right way and were rejected from covens because they didn’t have the right background?”

Aspen appears pained. “I admit I only had my own goals in mind when building my previous covens, but I’ve seen the error of my way.”

“Well, good for you.” I slide off Tris’s lap, snatching the pecan pie off the table. “But you’re only one person, and when push comes to shove, you still jump when the council tells you to.”

He stands to catch my arm before I can stomp past. “You know that’s not true.”

At a warning growl from Haut, Aspen releases me, but he doesn’t back down. “I never told them about Silver Hollow, and I won’t.”

Uncertainty fills me. Aspen’s kept some big secrets of mine. But I struggle to see how, after everything he’s seen, he still thinks giving the council a say in the Grim Project will help more than simply giving witches a database without restrictions. A council that will force them to jump through hoops.

He lowers his voice. “I’m not your enemy, Rowe. I thought I’d proven myself by now. Please, trust me. This is the best chance Grim has of ever seeing the light of day.”

“Fine, you’re back on the project,” I relent. “But if you can’t prove you have the project’s best interest at heart, I’ll call another quorum, one that includes the Brigade. And don’t think they’ll be as diplomatic as my mates. You will be out.”

Tension eases from his muscles. “Thank you.”

“Don’t get mushy on me.” I pick up a slice of pie and take a defiant bite of it. “Don’t you have a lesson to prepare for?”

He dips his chin. “So I do.”

As he strides toward the living room, Mel snatches the slice of pie from me. “I can’t believe you said dick wizardry. ”

I arch an eyebrow. “Tell me you guys didn’t fuck in the stacks the second Barron’s back was turned.”

Her cheeks color. “On an unrelated note, we’re banned from Books & Blots.”

“Great.” I stow what remains of the pie in the fridge for later. “The night just keeps getting better and better.”

“The community center is repaired,” Owen offers. “And there are rooms with locks you can use for the project.”

“How about using it for coven lessons, too?” Haut stands and stretches. “We could do with fewer visitors here.”

“Why, you got some bodies in the basement you need to hide?” Mel jokes.

I stiffen and do my best not to glance toward the back hall.

Haut gives her a wolfish grin. “No, I bury all the bodies behind the sheriff’s office.”

Chuckling, Mel rises and takes her coffee toward the living room. “Come along, my young apprentices. We have some furniture rearranging to do before the rest of the coven arrives.”

A sudden burst of air whips through the room, catching the curtains and making them dance as Aspen and Mel call the coven members to wrap up their elemental exercises.

“Wands down, everyone. Excellent job today with elemental practice.” Mel claps her hands together to bring everyone back into the circle. “It’s time to call it a day.”

Owen, who stands nearby with a fire extinguisher, releases a sigh of relief.

After Tris almost set the couch on fire, Haut’s suggestion that we move these classes down to the community center sounds like a good idea. After all the work going into remodeling the second story and attic, it would be a shame if an accidental fireball burned down our home.

This had been one of the more pointless classes for me, the only non-elemental witch in the room. Aspen had told me to work on meditating in the corner, which felt like a punishment for trying to kick him off the Grim Project.

I spot Delilah leaning against the wall, her complexion pale, and worry fills me for my sister-in-law. Of all the witches we saved from the Sunlight Project, she had taken the longest to recover, but she’s been doing better .

Today, though, the silver in her auburn locks appears more pronounced, and bags darken the delicate skin under her blue-green eyes.

“Delilah?” I approach her. “Are you doing okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” She smiles wanly. “I’ve been focusing so much on earth magic that fire took a bit out of me. I’ll be better in a moment.”

“You should make a second wand that’s more universal,” Mel suggests, overhearing our conversation. “The one you crafted is for gardening, so it’s fighting against you.”

Delilah grimaces. “You’re right. Something more universal would be more practical for everyday use. I’ll do that before our next class.”

“If you need help, let me know.” Mel lifts her own wand. “I’ve been considering crafting a potions-exclusive wand.”

Interest sparks in Delilah’s eyes, lending her new life. “I’ll take you up on your offer. I’m curious to see how you would create it.”

All the wand talk makes me feel a bit left out. I’m still working with my first wand, which I could only craft with Aspen’s help, and they want to make more for fun? Sometimes, I wonder if being the only ethereal witch is the only thing that sets me apart from everyone else.

Mel turns to me. “Do you two need any help putting everything away?”

“Thanks for the offer, but we’ve got it covered.” My tone comes out sharper than I intended. “Why don’t you go play kissy-face with your boyfriend?”

Her eyebrows shoot up toward her hairline, taken aback by my snarky remark. “I see you’re going to hold a grudge.”

“Just a small one,” I agree, still annoyed that she switched her vote.

“All right then.” She pauses, weighing her options. When she faces me, a touch of sadness fills her eyes. “If you’re sure…”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Positive.”

“Okay.” Mel nods, giving me one last uncertain glance before turning on her heel and walking away.

“That was harsh,” Delilah chastises, making me feel like a child throwing a tantrum. “She was only offering to help.”

“We had a difference of opinion earlier.” I play with the tiny potion bottle dangling from the end of my wand. “It’s going to take me a minute to let it go.”

Her expression softens with understanding. “ Don’t hold on to your anger for too long. It will only hurt you.”

As everyone gathers their jackets to head out, I catch Delilah’s sleeve. “Would you like to stay for some tea? Ambros can drive you home later.”

A warm smile spreads over her lips. “I would love to.”

We say goodbye to everyone, seeing them off at the door.

“Tris and I can put everything back to normal, if you two want to go have your tea.” Owen stows the fire extinguisher next to the stairs now that we no longer need it. “I’ll let Ros know to be on standby.”

“Thank you.” I rise onto tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You’re the best.”

“Hey, what about me?” Tris demands.

“You almost set the couch on fire,” I remind him. “That’s where we snuggle.”

He glances over his shoulder at the singed upholstery. “All we have to do is flip the cushion over, and no one will know.”

“I’ll know.” I press my hand over my heart. “Right here.”

“Get on with you.” He spins me and slaps my ass. “The men have work to do.”

Giggling, we head to the kitchen, and I turn the kettle on to heat before grabbing some mugs from the cupboard. “Chamomile or peppermint?”

“Chamomile, please.” Delilah takes a seat at the table with a sigh, relieved to be off her feet.

We’re quiet as I brew tea for Delilah and make hot chocolate for myself.

Once they’re ready, I join Delilah at the table. “Here you go.”

She cradles the mug in her hands. “Thanks, Rowe. This is nice.”

Guilt pricks at me for not inviting Delilah over more often. It’s hard to get used to having a sister. “Sometimes, it’s just what you need after a long day.”

Silence stretches between us for a few moments, broken only by the noises from the family room.

Finally, Delilah sets her cup down on the table, leaning forward with a curious tilt of her head. “Did you want to talk about what happened with Melody?”

“Huh?” Confusion creases my brow. “No, not really.”

Her brow furrows. “If not that, then why did you ask me to stay behind?”

Embarrassed warmth rushes to my cheeks, and my fingers tap against the side of my cup. Now that I asked Delilah to stay, I’m worried I’ll be putting her in danger.

“What is it, Rowe?” Kindness emanates from Delilah. “You can tell me anything. I won’t judge you.”

“Okay.” Moving my mug aside, I push up my sleeve to reveal the sheath strapped to my forearm.

“Is this about your wand?” An uncertain line appears between her brows. “I’m not sure I’m the best person to help, since I have no affinity for the ethereal.”

“No, just…Give me a second.” I work the buckles loose, and the warm leather falls from my arm, leaving my skin cold.

With a deep breath, I turn my wrist upward, revealing the black squiggle on my arm. “It’s about this.”