Witches Chronicles

Chapter 5:

Emmet's pov

Driving through this town at night was like floating in a dream. A dull, endless, and utterly forgettable dream. Glen Haven, with its charming little streets and wholesome atmosphere, was nothing more than a dot on the map to most people. But for me, it was a waiting room. A place to kill time until I could set things right. Until I could set her free. And in the meantime, there was only one bar in this boring little town, so that’s where I was heading.

I leaned back in my seat, one hand on the wheel, the other drumming against my thigh. The rumble of my car beneath me was the only sound breaking the quiet night. I should’ve been annoyed by how small and insignificant everything felt here. But I wasn’t. Not entirely. The truth was, this town had something—or rather, someone—that made it interesting.

Willow.

I hated to admit it, but the witch was... captivating. Beautiful, actually. Probably the most beautiful creature I’d ever laid eyes on, and that’s saying something, considering how many centuries I’ve been around. There was something in her eyes, something dark and mysterious, that drew me in. And whether I liked it or not, I had to admit she was more than just a pretty face. She was important.

My eyes caught a flash of red and blue lights up ahead, and I frowned, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. Ambulance. Police cars. Looked like Lyle’s party had taken a turn. I slowed the car as I passed, craning my neck to see what all the commotion was about. Typical small-town chaos, no doubt.

But then I saw her.

Willow, standing with her two friends—Layla and Evie—just outside the party. Even from the road, I could see the fear etched into her features, the way her arms hugged her body like she was trying to hold herself together. My instincts kicked in before I could even think it through. She’d be no use to me dead, I reminded myself, but even as I thought it, I knew it wasn’t just that. There was something else—a tug, a spark of something deeper that made me pull the car over.

I didn’t get out right away. I watched her for a second, watched the way her dark hair caught the moonlight, how even in this chaotic mess, she looked... perfect. She was far more beautiful than she realized, and it was more than just her looks. She radiated power, a power she had no clue about yet. A power I needed to set Lily free.

And that meant getting closer to her. Much closer.

I stepped out of the car, sliding my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket as I approached. Layla and Evie were in mid-conversation when they noticed me, their expressions changing from surprised to cautious. Willow’s eyes darted to me, and for a split second, I could see the uncertainty there—the fear.

I smiled, the charm sliding into place like second nature. “Trouble at the party, ladies?”

Layla narrowed her eyes. “Just a little excitement, nothing we can’t handle.”

Evie, on the other hand, was already giving me that curious look she always did, like she couldn’t decide if she wanted to flirt or run away. But it was Willow I was focused on. She didn’t say a word, just watched me with those sharp, thoughtful eyes.

“Well, it looks like you might need a ride.” I glanced toward the flashing lights and then back at them, focusing on Willow. “I’m headed into town. Thought maybe you could use a lift.”

Layla shook her head. “We’re good. I’m staying with Evie tonight. Her aunt’s out of town, and her dad’s the sheriff, so... safe as houses.”

Evie nodded in agreement, her eyes flicking from me to Willow with that mischievous glint. “But Willow could use one. She lives on the other side of town.”

I smiled wider, turning my full attention to Willow. She was looking at me like she wasn’t sure if she could trust me—which was smart. But I could see the hesitation, the little flicker of something behind her eyes. Curiosity, maybe? Fear? Didn’t matter. I could work with it.

“No worries,” I said smoothly, keeping my voice light. “I won’t bite.”

She hesitated, biting her lip for a second before finally nodding. “Sure... I guess.”

Evie grinned, clearly pleased with herself for orchestrating this, while Layla looked less convinced. But they didn’t say anything as Willow stepped forward. I opened the car door for her, flashing another smile as she slid in. I could see the tension in her shoulders, the way she tried to appear calm but couldn’t quite manage it.

I leaned in, catching her gaze. “Don’t worry. I’m much more charming than I am dangerous.” I winked, closing the door before she could respond.

I slid into the driver’s seat, glancing over at her as I started the engine. For a second, the silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken questions. She looked out the window, her fingers playing with the hem of her shirt, clearly trying to decide if this had been a bad idea.

Good. Let her wonder.

“You look like you’ve had a rough night,” I said, my voice casual as I pulled away from the party. “Anything I should know about?”

She turned to me, her brow furrowing slightly. “There was... an accident.”

I nodded, pretending like I hadn’t already figured that much out. “The ambulance kind of gave that away. You okay?”

She hesitated, then shrugged. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... a little shaken up.”

I shot her a glance, letting the concern show on my face—well, as much concern as I could fake. “Well, you’re safe now. With me.”

Her lips twitched like she wasn’t sure whether to smile or roll her eyes. Probably both. I liked that. She wasn’t like most people I dealt with—easily fooled by a pretty face and smooth words. She was tougher than that, which meant getting her to trust me would be a challenge. And I did love a good challenge.

The town blurred by as I drove, the darkened streets quiet under the soft glow of the streetlights. Willow still hadn’t relaxed completely, her posture stiff, her eyes darting toward me occasionally, like she was trying to figure me out.

Good luck with that.

“So,” I said, keeping my tone light, “I’ve been hearing a lot about this little bookshop your family runs. Your Grams still in charge of it?”

Her eyes flicked to me, surprised. “Yeah. She’s still running it.”

I nodded, as if I didn’t already know. Her Grams had been the keeper of more secrets than Willow probably realized. But she wasn’t a full witch. No, Willow was the first full-blooded witch in her family in generations. Her grandmother had been close, but she lacked the power I needed. Willow, though? She was perfect.

I just needed her to trust me. And I was good at making people trust me.

“It must be nice, growing up around all those old books, all that history,” I continued, my voice soft, like I was sharing a secret. “I’ve always had a thing for old stories.”

Willow relaxed a little, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Yeah, it’s kind of like being surrounded by magic. There’s always something new to discover.”

I glanced at her, letting the word hang between us for a second. Magic. She had no idea how much of it was coursing through her veins. How much power she held. But I did. And that power could set Lily free.

“So,” I said, flashing her a grin, “I hear your Grams likes to tell a lot of witch stories. You believe in that kind of stuff?”

Her expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to figure out if I was making fun of her. “Maybe.”

I chuckled, leaning back in my seat. “I like that. A little mystery. Keeps things interesting.”

She didn’t respond, but I could see the wheels turning in her head. She was smart, this one. She wasn’t going to just fall into my lap like everyone else. I’d have to be patient. Gain her trust. But I’d waited this long—what were a few more weeks, months even? As long as it took to get her where I needed her.

I let the silence settle between us for a few moments as we drove through the quiet streets, letting her feel in control. It wasn’t time to push too hard yet. Not yet.

“So, what’s your deal, anyway?” she asked, breaking the silence. “I mean, other than being Jace’s brother.”

I smirked. Good. She’s curious.

“I guess you could say I’m the fun brother,” I said, giving her a sideways glance. “Jace is... well, Jace. Always brooding, always trying to do the right thing. Me? I like to live a little more dangerously.”

She rolled her eyes, though I could see the corner of her mouth twitching. “That’s what I figured.”

I turned to her fully for a moment, my eyes locking with hers. “But I’m not all bad, Willow. I think you’ll find there’s more to me than meets the eye.”

She didn’t respond right away, but I could see the flicker of doubt, of curiosity, in her expression. She was intrigued, whether she wanted to admit it or not. And that was exactly what I needed.

We pulled up to her house, the engine idling as I turned to face her. For a second, we just sat there, the tension between us thick, electric. She looked nervous, like she wasn’t sure if she should thank me or run inside as fast as she could.

I leaned toward her, lowering my voice. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Willow.”

She swallowed, her eyes flicking to mine. “I’m not afraid of you.”

I smiled, letting the moment linger. “Good. Because you and I? We’re going to be good friends. Trust me.”

She hesitated for a second, her gaze lingering on mine before she finally nodded, muttering a soft “Thanks” as she got out of the car. I watched her go, the smile still on my lips. She had no idea what was coming for her, but that was fine.

I could wait.

I’d waited this long for a full-blooded witch from her lineage, and now that she was here? All I had to do was play the game. Get her to trust me, make her think I was her ally. And then, when the time was right, I’d use her to open the vault.

Lily was waiting. She had always been waiting.

And soon, Willow would set her free.

All I needed was a little patience.

I watched as Willow disappeared into her house, the lights flickering on behind the curtains. I leaned back in my seat, the satisfaction washing over me like a slow burn.

This town was boring, sure. But Willow? She made things interesting. And in the end, she’d give me what I needed.

The only question now was how long I’d have to keep playing nice.