The Small Whisperer (MxM)

Chapter Nineteen: Corey, Blake and Tom

POV: JACKSON

Chris and I walked side by side towards Cora's coven. I chose to bring only Chris along today, as my mind was still tangled in the implications of Saint's words. Could it really be someone I trusted who was behind all this? I was unsure how to process that thought. My hope was that Saint had misinterpreted what Marcus had said; the last thing I wanted was to start doubting my own family and friends.

I glanced at Chris. I would trust him with my life, and the idea of suspecting him was unimaginable. He was like a brother to me, and our bond was so deep that I’d choose blind trust over doubt any day. That made Chris an exception in my mind.

"So, how are things with Saint?" Chris asked, breaking the silence.

"Pretty good, I suppose," I replied. It had become clear to me that Saint was quite affectionate. I wasn't sure if this was due to the mate bond or simply his nature. That’s why I had told him not to hold back if he can't control it, even if I was.... losing control myself.

"I think the mate bond is getting harder for him to manage. He seems to crave physical contact more than ever," I noted.

"And what about you?"

"I… I do too, but I think it’s because JJ has accepted him," I reluctantly answered.

That’s bullshit, JJ chimed in my head, but I brushed him aside.

Chris laughed lightly, "If you say so."

I turned to him, "I’m being serious here."

"I never said you weren’t."

With that, I scoffed and let a comfortable silence settle between us.

He let out a laugh once more, reminiscing, "I remember that day when you were feeling possessive because Marcus touched him too much during training."

"I was just acting on instinct because of the mate bond," I replied. That day is etched in my memory; I remember wanting to rip Marcus head from his body.

"I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating: you can love saint and still keep Anto in your heart. You don't have to feel guilty about it. I'm sure she would want you to be happy," Chris remarked.

I kept my thoughts to myself. Though I wouldn’t voice it, Saint was gradually making a place for himself in my heart, much like Anto had once done—perhaps even more. And I knew it wasn’t just the mate bond influencing my feelings.

We reached the coven, which was small, featuring only a handful of houses. There were no guards at the entrance, and the gate opened magically as we approached. Chris and I walked through, passing the witches who emerged from their homes to watch us curiously. We headed straight for the most enchanting house, clearly Cora's.

She stepped outside with a welcoming smile. "I was expecting you."

"That's good. Where's Ava?" I asked, getting straight to the point.

"I don't know," she replied evenly.

"I'm not in the mood for games, Cora. I warned you about the consequences if I discover someone from your clan is involved in this."

"And that would be Ava, not my entire clan. I told you," she responded, "I can’t always keep tabs on what my people are doing, you know."

"So you had no idea she was behind this? Nothing at all?"

"I was aware that she frequently visited your pack; I merely assumed it was to see her brother. Ava became a part of my coven seven years ago, long after her mother had passed away. I had no idea she was playing your pack members for fools."