Brother’s Best Friends Are My Mates novel Chapter 45

Matt

Strangely, Lia and Michael never knew they were witches. Hell, I don’t even know if their mother knew anything. I don’t know what the hell I would’ve done if I found out that I was suddenly I was a witch.

I could see the toll it was taking on Lia. She was stressed, wondering what to do about this blood oath. The four of us wanted to help Lia, but I didn’t know what to do.

We kept asking Lia if she needed anything-needed any help. One morning, Lia took me up on that offer. She looked resolute, determined to find out the information she needed.

“Matt, are you up to driving me about an hour away to Havenbrook?”

I blinked. “What do you want in the small town of Havenbrook?”

It was a small town an hour from our city. I had no idea why she wanted to go there.

“I need answers.”

I sighed. “Yes, I get that you need answers Lia but what are you talking about? Just explain.”

“Havenbrook has an extensive coven and witchcraft library that I want to get my hands on,” she explained. “I’ll be able to research the blood oath and find out more about the Rosewater Coven.”

“Let’s go,” I said, grabbing my keys.

The other guys were at practice. I had pulled a muscle so I was forced to rest for a few days. But there was no need I had to stay and rest at home.

“Wait, you’re supposed to be resting, aren’t you?” Lia asked, frowning as she looked me up and down.

I smirked. “I’ll be resting. Technically, I’ll be sitting down during most of this trip.”

“I’m a bad influence.”

But despite her protests, she climbed into the car with me.

I glanced over at Lia, noting how her brows were furrowed and the corners of her mouth tugging downwards in the beginnings of a frown.

“Are you okay?”

“Why do you ask?”

I huffed. “Lia, you’ve had a perpetual frown on your face since you had that confrontation with the witch.”

“Wouldn’t you have a perpetual frown on your face if someone came to your house and dropped a bomb that shattered everything you knew to be true?” she snapped.

“Okay, when you put it that way, yes.”

Lia sunk back into the seat, sighing with frustration.

“I just get over my head and then I have to deal with this. Why can’t things be nice and simple?”

I shrugged. “That is how life works. It’s one shit storm after shit storm, but there are good things if you know where to look.”

Lia looked over at me, her cheeks heating up. I smirked, enjoying the sight of her blushing. It was a sight I never got sick of.

“Stop smirking at me.”

“What? It’s an innocent smirk I swear.”

“Sure,” she snapped.

I laughed.

***

Lia

Havenbrook was your typical small town. It was full of charming and cozy little houses but one thing that set it apart was the fact that it leaned heavily into its backstory. This town was known for being the hub of witchcraft in the area. From what I read online, plenty of witches and wizards from all over came to visit this town.

I didn’t even know I had magic up until a week ago. Well, that was assuming I did have magic. Technically, I was 1/4 witch and 3/4 werewolf. Was there even enough witch in me to make any difference?

When I spotted the Witchcraft Historical Society, I motioned for Matt to pull over.

I paled. “What can you tell me about blood oaths?”

Once again she started typing, but twenty seconds later the woman had an answer for me.

“In witch covens, a blood oath is a powerful, binding pact often used to signify deep commitment, loyalty, or secrecy among members. It involves the symbolic use of blood-either a small drop or a symbolic gesture-to seal the oath, representing a spiritual and personal bond that goes beyond verbal promises.

Blood oaths are typically associated with:

1. Coven Loyalty: Members may take a blood oath to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the coven and its principles, binding themselves to the group’s traditions and leadership.

2. Secrecy: Blood oaths can be used to ensure the protection of mystical knowledge, spells, or the coven’s existence, with consequences for breaking the vow.

3. Magical Binding: Some blood oaths are believed to create a metaphysical link between those involved, connecting their energy or life force in ritual work.

4. Tradition and Ritual: In more traditional or ancient covens, blood oaths may be part of initiation ceremonies, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth into the coven’s magical lineage.

Though blood oaths are considered powerful, they are controversial due to their permanent nature and the belief in karmic consequences if broken. Many modern covens avoid such practices, preferring symbolic alternatives to emphasize consent and personal freedom.”

“So would leaving a coven be considered breaking a blood oath?” I asked, trying not to tremble.

The woman nodded. “For some covens, like the Rosewater Coven, they would view that as breaking a blood oath. May I ask the situation?”

“A… friend of mine had some relatives who were once a part of the Rosewater Coven. Her grandmother fled the coven to marry someone they didn’t approve of and went into hiding. But recently the coven in question discovered my friend,” I explained, trying to make it sound like I wasn’t the friend in question.

“And what did the coven member say?”

“They claimed that my friend had to settle the blood oath. If she doesn’t present herself to the coven in due time then she will face consequences.”

The woman frowned. “This is very troubling. You should tell your friend to be careful-and to appeal to the Witchcraft and Wizardry Oversight Committee. They will look into this but don’t expect miracles.”

I finally had answers, but I was left feeling worse than I did before.