The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 18, Friends

Ember POV~

Standing before me, the short and sassy close friend of Al's. Her brightly green hair that was shaved on its side. A style all of her own, similar to pastel goth with hints of punk. Her brown eyes striking with the confidence of a queen. Unable to look away, my eyes traveled to her form. She really does appear human.

Cozbi was clearly athletic. That petite slender frame, met with a soft muscular physique. A cute black sleeveless turtleneck top hugged against her body. Helped only by the pale pink puffy oversized knitted sweater to stand out. As it hung off her shoulders with grace. That mini pink and black plaid high-waisted skirt with the flirty lace hung on its hem. With a hip popped out, anyone with eyes could tell Cozbi had a shapely backend.

Gods damn, I don't think I paid her any kind last night.

Damien was not lying before, thick thighs were wrapped in pastel goth patchwork stocking. Chunky thick platform shoes that clearly added a few inches to her stature. Something about her, alluring.

What the fuck.

I found my cheeks had heat in them. She was a beauty by day, while a viper at night. Curious questions bubbled about my mind. This wasn't the time for them. Right now all that concerned me was— friend or foe?

Leaning forward she pouted her bottom lip out. "What no fucking hello back? Man, mortals can be cruelly fearful at times." A sinister giggle escaped her throat.

A large lump found its way into my throat. Mouth dried. I was trapped there standing, frozen, like a scared deer. Looking into the eyes of a soul snatcher.

Cozbi got more into my personal space. Her hot breath chilled my skin. "I promise I don't bite hard, if that's what you're thinking about."

"Back off, Coz." Alastor growled.

Snickering, she pulled away with her hands up. "Don't worry, little witch. Any friend of dumpster-fire over there, is a friend of mine." A large toothy smile showed off her shark-like pearly whites.

If only momentarily, before her grin fell shut. There was an energy about her— a sense of an undeniable amount of cruelty from her aura.

She spoke her mind freely of fear. That invisible olive breach she held out was a give-and-take. If I could trust one of them, I can trust another. There was no sense of personal danger anymore. Something in me told me I had nothing to fear.

To earn hers, I must give a little.

Relaxing my posture, swallowing the lump deep down. "Where are my manners, hello again." Easing myself into the conversation. Sending back my own cheerfully shy grin.

"Awah— You're so cute for a frightened kitty-cat." Cozbi snickered, a gleam of positivity swirled.

A sip of air pulled through my stiff lips. Easing my racing heart rate into a steady pace. Forcing a smile to my face. Inclining into a gentle nod of acknowledgment. This siren of the sea didn't seem to have a bad intention towards us— yet.

"Wait, Ember, did you just say 'again'?" Damien asked, finally speaking aloud. Probably just as stunned by our surprise visitor.

Cozbi looked over my shoulder to Damien. I could feel his eyes locked on my back, on Cozbi. Turning to face the door, each shoulder now faced its own party. I was standing between it all, watching. It is true. There was no doubt about the bond now.

Catching a glimpse of Cozbi disappearing into the shadow on the floor. As if she sunk into a pool of water. Panicking, I looked all around to find where the little devil had gone too. Damien was disturbingly confused looking all about. Alastor just stood there rigid and annoyed.