Married Read Online Free Page B

more Adam was grilled on Constance’s demeanor, talents and relations, the more acid roiled in his stomach and his nerves tangled into heated knots. Extreme resistance to even seeing her again filled his head with fantasies of throwing himself off the nearest cliff and discovering whether witches really could fly.
    But his Family needed him. Resigned to the inevitable, Adam settled back and patiently answered the questions put to him.

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Georgeanne
     
    “Does it bother you that Madeleine hasn’t made up her mind between Suzette, you and Christiana?”
    Georgie studied the old woman in front of her, looking for any hint of deviousness in her too-innocent gaze. Margaret Davenold, Madeleine’s younger sister, merely looked curious. She was up to something.
    Georgie shook her head. “All in good time.”
    The woman tsked. “But if my sister doesn’t choose her heir and blood her appropriately before she dies, the power is up for grabs.”
    Georgie put her suitcase on the massive bed, gathered the last of her fortitude, and turned to face the woman directly. One dramatic weekend in Poland and a four-hour cross-examination on the events of that weekend had plucked at her patience. “Suzette is still aspiring to have it all, is she?”
    “My granddaughter is assured of her position as the head of the secondary branch. But why shouldn’t she keep her eye on the prize, hmm?”
    “Because the prize isn’t hers,” Georgie said, too tired to be diplomatic. At least she was able to refrain from making comments about Suzette’s mental health. “Madeleine has two granddaughters, why would she allow the power to pass to your line?”
    A flash of anger heated Margaret’s dark eyes. “My grandmother only blooded Madeleine because she was married to her Match. Otherwise, I’m certain it would have come to me.”
    “I doubt that. Madeleine is stronger and better suited to the politics of the covens.”
    “You’re wrong,” the woman snapped. “It was the promise of children in the Match that swayed my grandmother.”
    Georgie shook her head, silently cataloging the differences between the two women, in spite of how similar their physical appearances were. Most importantly, Madeleine was in control of her emotions, while Margaret was often controlled by them. “Being Matched doesn’t guarantee children. Just look at Suzette. Married to her Match for years and still no baby to show for it.”
    Margaret sucked in a sharp breath. “What would you know of it? You’re Bane, not even worthy of magic, let alone a Magic Match!”
    Georgie bit her lip, locking the truth behind her teeth. She was, in fact, betrothed to her Match, a witch so strong, his power was difficult to contemplate. Silviu Lovasz had been born under the Reaping Moon and blessed with additional magical strength. A thing of legend—like her Bane-born lack of magic.
    It had taken her a long time to accept their connection. Ten years of denying it, only to be smacked in the face with their bond the moment she’d reunited with him.
    But their truth put them both in danger. It wasn’t wise to show how strong Silviu was or how intense the force of their combined magic became. It was bad enough a handful of people had already seen a hint of what Georgie and Silviu were capable of, they couldn’t afford to let anyone else in on the secret.
    Margaret reined back her jealousy and turned sly. “In other Families, witches with no magic are shunned, at the very least. Killed all too often, and yet you may be heir to the Davenold power.”
    “Those witches are Bane-made, their magic bound for crimes committed. I’m not.”
    “No, your lack is a birth defect, which is worse. Not even the gods thought you worthy of power.” Margaret cocked her head. “What makes you think you can lead us?”
    Georgie was almost amused by the new line of attack. “You know power passes to the grandchild in order to create more stability in the Family, Aunt