Page 109 of The Order of the Bitter Hunt

He takes out four items: two pocket watches and two cloth badges with Strode’s sigils. It looks like any other school badge, but it’s not.

I freeze. It’s the same sigil he’s been wearing at the trials. The same one I found on the victim.

Jun takes my hand, squeezing my fingers with a powerful grip.

“You’re supposed to be given these once you pass the last trial.” My father sets the items on the desk. “But I think you’re ready for them now. Don’t tell the others. No need for them to know I’m playing favorites.”

“What are they, if you don’t mind me asking?” Jun poses the question on the tip of my tongue.

We know what the sigil is, but after all this time, we may finally receive answers about the watch. His heart races.

And I know my father can hear each beat.

“The watch is a charmed item of protection,” my father says. “We give it to each member of the Order.”

“And the sigil?” I ask.

“You will find out later. For now, it is to show you’re one of us.”

I don’twantto be one of them. I wear a trembling smile as I take the items, determined to hide my nerves. Jun’s thumbsbrush against the back of my hand, and the fear dissolves into peace—the bond.

Does he know he’s using it to calm me down?

“Thank you,” I say. “I hope we don’t fail you.”

“You won’t,” Father says firmly, determination flashing in his eyes. “I have faith in you—in both of you. You are true, chosen mates. I can see that, and your mother can as well.”

And if my mother believes our ruse, it was a convincing act.

It’s convincing enough that now, I believe it. It’s clearer than ever. Jun is my mate.

Dammit all.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Our ride back to Strode is quiet. It’s a wonder we could make it out of the manor at all, considering how many times my mother begged us to stay the night. After the talk we had in my father’s study, I knew I didn’t want to linger for another moment. The conversation weighs heavily on my mind during the drive, but I don’t speak until Jun slides into his parking spot.

“How do you activate these sigils?”

“There are different ways,” he says. “Witches can use their magic… and demons use our blood.”

“Right.” I stow the badge away, shaking my head. “More blood magic. Perhaps I’ll ask Caldwell about it.”

“Good plan. He’ll know more about the witch magic than I do.”

“How do you feel about having your father’s sigil?”

“I feel like…” He shakes his head. “It feels fucking weird and wrong, but what am I supposed to do about it? It’s part of the plan.”

“What feels wrong?”

“Knowing how much power it holds.” His expression goes dark. “It’s a necessary evil, but it’s still fucking evil.”

“I get it.”

“I don’t think you do. I’ve met your parents and—sure, they’re fucking weird. Maybe they’re a little misguided. But they aren’t evil like my father is.He’sthe one misguiding them.”

“Jun…”