Winter Fire (The Witchling #3)(63)

“I did something I think I should tell you about, in case it comes back around to you,” Noah said. “I hope you’re not too mad.”

“What?” she asked uneasily.

“I asked Beck if he’d settle out of court with you for custody.”

She gave an annoyed sigh and started towards the dorms.

“Dawn, Dad’s broke.”

“I’m sure he’ll find money for his grandchild if he can for the whore whose apartment he’s paying for,” she snapped. “Why would you do that, Noah? I told you not to talk to him!”

“I know. You’re right,” Noah admitted. “He wasn’t willing to consider it.”

The news stung.

“I even asked him if he’d wait until we’re solvent again, but he said –”

“You told him that we’re broke?” she demanded, whirling. “What do you think he did? Turned around and told his father, whose lawyers now know how to win the case!”

“I’m sorry, Dawn,” Noah said, hushed. “He won’t tell anyone.”

“You don’t know him, Noah!”

Dawn wanted to scream. She drew a deep breath instead. Thank god she already had a new plan! If Beck was too busy with the Light or out of the picture entirely, she’d have no need for a legal team. She’d win by default.

“I can’t believe you told him,” she said and spun, marching to her room. “Do you want me to lose my baby?”

“No Dawn, of course not.”

“You’re acting like you do.”

“What?” Noah’s tone turned from embarrassed to frustrated. “I just wanted to help. We can’t afford to go to court. I’m trying to find a way to make this better for everyone.”

“You should be concerned about making things better for me,” she said, flinging open the door to her room.

“You’re right.” He sighed. “I should’ve at least talked to you before I went to see him.”

Someone was in her room. Isaac. Dawn gave him a warning look. His eyes went to Noah.

“Hey, man. I didn’t know you were back in town,” Isaac said with a smile.

“Yeah. Just got here,” Noah said. He looked from Isaac to Dawn.

“Isaac and I are … studying,” Dawn said. “Give me a minute to change.” She didn’t wait for either of them to respond before closing the door to the bathroom.

Noah suspects too much. Bartholomew whispered.

“He’s fine. I’m not worried about him,” she said dismissively.

I am. Alexa will abandon you. Noah will turn you in.

Noah was a good brother, a loyal one. He went Dark a full year before her. When he left, he was quiet to the point of meek. He never spoke out against her and had been the first to defend her. It struck her that he had changed during the time they were a part, perhaps because of the added responsibility their father gave him. Before he left, he never would’ve spoken to Beck without her knowledge or permission. He had always been a dutiful brother.

“He’s grown up. He had to. He had to deal with Daddy’s board,” she said. “He’s not as quiet, but that doesn’t mean he’ll betray me.”

Then invite him to the resort tonight. He can…help us.

She halted in her movements. “That’s a little different. We don’t need too many people knowing about it.”

You didn’t hesitate to tell Isaac, a Light witchling. He’s even less trustworthy than Alexa.

“Noah isn’t getting involved.”

You know he’s weak.

“He’s not weak!” she snapped. “He’s my little brother. He doesn’t need to be involved in something like this.”

Conviction.

She threw her shoes. “I have conviction!”

You’ve failed twice. What if Noah gets in your way this time?

“He won’t.”

If he does?

“God, I wish you would shut up!” she said, squeezing her head. “You can have Alexa and Isaac. You can’t have my brother!”

If you want to succeed, you can’t have roots anywhere. You must be able to strike and move on.

“Look, let’s just get through tonight. After that, we’re home free.”

Bartholomew was quiet. Pleased that she shut him up, Dawn finished changing and left her room.

“Noah said he had to take a call from your dad’s board or something,” Isaac said as soon as she appeared. “It’s just us.” The beefy blond witchling smiled and sidled up to her.

Dawn pushed him away coyly and went to the kitchenette, feeling moody after her talk with Bartholomew.

“Tell me about the fire,” she directed him.

“It went just as planned,” Isaac said. “Troy set the fire last night. I made sure to start the rumor it was Morgan. She did us both a favor and wasn’t in her room this morning. It was too easy.” He shrugged.

“And … what?”

He smiled and approached her again. “No kiss?”

“When you’re done telling me what happened,” she said sweetly. “Then I’ll do that thing you like so much.”

“Deal.” Desire flared in his eyes.