Cursed by Shyla Colt Page A

was my only chance at true happiness. I was selfish, so I tried to have both. I put off Hunter and Randy for as long as I could, promising them I’d talk to you when the time was right. Somehow, the time was never right. How the hell could I bring up the curse without seeming like a total jackass?”
    “It couldn’t have been much worse than what actually happened.”
    “True.”
    A bashful look skittered across his face, and she frowned at her natural response to his charm. It was like the curse had been reversed instead of lifted. Was she unable to resist him now? You couldn’t before, why should that change?
    “Even if what you said was taken out of context, can we really overcome our past? Our families despise one another, and we both know they’re a huge part of our lives. I don’t want to have to fight them at every turn.” She sighed.
    “Lift up the lid.”
    “What?”
    “Humor me.”
    She rolled her eyes, but complied with his request. The block she’d placed on her heart broke, and a damn of emotions flooded through. It was her gran’s fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and sweet cornbread. The only way he could’ve done this was to go and make peace with her grandmother.
    “How?” she whispered. His face wavered in front of her as her eyes filled with tears.
    “I went and talked to her. She gave us her blessing. She might not love the idea of us together, but she knows we’re happy and I’m sincere.”
    “I-I don’t know what to say.” She shook her head as she sniffed and blinked to hold back the tears.
    “Say you’ll give us another chance, a real one. This time there won’t be anything between us. We can go as fast or as slow as you want.” He reached across the table and took her hand in his own. “What we have is special, Avalyn. We’d be fools to just throw it away.”
    Her throat grew dry and constricted. Had she always been this terrified of commitment to Colton? Maybe their blow-out was more about the potential for failure and less about his callous words. Amazing, how hindsight is always fifty-fifty. “I- don’t know.”
    “Yes, you do. I see it in your eyes. You’re still just as in love with me as I am you.”
    She moved her gaze away from his penetrating green eyes.
    If you walk away from this now, you will always regret it. It’s not like you to be scared. Don’t let that emotion rule you now.
    She opened her mouth to tell him yes, and a chill crept down her spine. If Viola was around, it was possible Joseph still lingered too. Irritated by the thought of the scoundrel who’d caused both of their families pain, she squeezed his hand.
    “You’re right. I want this to work, Colton. I do. Only, I’m scared. I’ve never gone into a relationship where the other person knows what I am; except for the time I tried to date a warlock.” She shuddered at the memory. “It didn’t end well. The truth is my reaction wasn’t right. I shouldn’t have assumed the worse and stormed off. Of course your family was ready for the curse to end. I think we all were. After I heard you on the phone with Randy, I was just so caught up in the notion that you played me I couldn’t think straight. That was selfish as hell, and I’m sorry.” She glanced down, embarrassed by how swiftly she’d forgotten her vow to heal. I should be asking if you could forgive me for my bad behavior.”
    “We’ll figure things out together, Avalyn. I promise you that.”
    The air around her grew lighter, and she smiled at Colton.
    “So, is that a yes?” he asked.
    “It’s a hell yes.”
    “That’s my girl.”
    “With one condition.”
    “Name it.”
    “No more secrets between us.”
    “Deal, with one addition to that statement.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “No more family members between us either.”
    She chuckled.
    “You have yourself a deal. Now let’s eat. I’m starving.”
    As they conversed and ate their meal, she felt a slow relief relax the tightened muscles throughout her body. She