Moonglow (Blood Magic #2) - L.H. Cosway Page 0,1

with you, but—”

“Somebody took her, didn’t they?”

Dad turned away now, his shoulders tense. When he turned back around, he looked perturbed. “Who have you been talking to?”

“I’ve made some discoveries about myself recently. About Mum, too. I know she was hunted and that the person who hunted her got her in the end.”

“But how can you possibly know—”

“I know because the same person tried to come for me.” Dad paled further, his hands fisting at his sides. “Don’t worry. He’s been taken care of. My friend banished him to a hell dimension so he won’t be bothering us again.”

“I think I need to sit down.” He sounded out of it as he went into the living room and sat on the couch. I lowered into the space beside him and took his hand into mine. “Mum was a witch, wasn’t she?” I said softly.

He didn’t answer, just sat there silently, looking like his mind was a million miles away.

“She spent her whole life hiding,” Dad finally replied with a catch in his voice. “When we met, she didn’t tell me the truth for a long time. I had no idea about the world she came from, about witches and magical families and vampires. It took a while for me to get my head around it, and then, after you were born she said there was a chance the same people who hunted her would try to hunt you. She said she cast a spell to hide you, so no one would ever know what you were.”

“The spell is still intact, but some people found out about me anyway.” Dad looked like he was going to be sick. “That’s why I can’t stay. I have to go far away; somewhere they won’t find me.”

Pain shone in his eyes. He looked heartbroken. I was, too. I didn’t want to go. I wished there was a way that I could hide right here in Chesterport, but it was too risky. This town was far too close to the city. Dad rose silently and went upstairs. When he returned, he carried an envelope and a small handgun.

“Where the hell did you get that?” I said, eyes wide.

“It’s registered and legal. I want you to have it. For protection.”

“What about you? If anyone comes to you looking for me, you’ll need to be able to defend yourself.”

“Don’t fret about me. I have more where that one came from. If anyone comes sniffing around, I’ll blow their heads clean off.”

Wow. This was a side to my father I’d never seen before. “I don’t have the first clue how to shoot a gun.”

“We’ll drive out to the woods this afternoon, and I’ll teach you. It’s not complicated. You’ll get the hang of it quick enough. You can also take the Volkswagen. I don’t want you riding the bus. It’s too risky.”

“Seriously?”

He came forward and gripped my shoulders. “I’d do anything for you, honey.”

I sniffed, trying not to cry. “Okay, well, I need to visit a friend of mine before I go. It won’t take long.”

Dad nodded and handed me the envelope. “Here’s some cash, too. It’ll help you get settled.”

I peered inside the envelope. “This is way too much, Dad.”

His lips formed a straight line like he was trying to hold in his emotions. “Just take it. It’s the least I can do.”

Sadness constricted my throat, cutting off my words, and I nodded solemnly, accepting the money.

“Come on,” he said, motioning me back into the kitchen. “Let’s finish breakfast before it goes cold.”

***

After breakfast, I walked the short distance to Florence’s grandmother’s house. It was in a quiet part of town where mostly older people lived. It must have been a pleasant change for her compared to the noise and bustle of the city. The house was picture-perfect with its neat flower beds and hedgerows out front.

I’d texted ahead to let her know I was coming, and the door flew open as soon as I stepped foot on the front stoop.

“Tegan!” Florence exclaimed, hurtling forward and throwing her arms around me. I was a little stunned by her hug and how happy she was to see me, but it was nice to see her looking so healthy and cheerful.

“Florence, you look great,” I said, taking her in. She couldn’t have been here more than a day and already her skin looked brighter and her long, straight hair was clean and washed.

“Thanks. Come on in and meet Gran. I’ve been telling her all about you.”

I stepped inside the