“Not personally. I think he’s in a band, though. The Grey Doors? This was his first order. But yes, I remember setting up a meeting with him. He asked for essence of foxglove.”
“What does that do?”
“Aren’t you a witch? And you don’t know this?”
“Humor me.”
“Essence of foxglove counteracts blood lust.”
I stared at her. “Blood lust, like in vampires?” Was it possible someone bit Isabella, anticipating the blame would fall on a werewolf because of the full moon? It could be a clever cover.
“Vampires aren’t the only creatures that experience blood lust,” Isabella said.
I leaned back on the bench, the paper trembling in my hand. “Werewolves,” I whispered. Werewolves that hadn’t taken their wolfsbane potion.
“Yes.”
I placed the paper in the book and closed it. “Okay, I will look more into this.” I rose and stuffed the journal into my bag.
Isabella wrung her hands and again looked at her gravestone. Her eyes were wide and sad, as if she were realizing she was actually dead. “Hey, Mary. I know I can be a bit… demanding. But I appreciate you doing this.”
I gripped my strap, wanting to offer her more than my condolences. “You risked everything to help all these people who needed it. It is time that someone helped you.”
I left the cemetery and headed up the front steps of the church. As I opened the door, I almost struck Brexton, who was standing directly inside, observing Collins with an amused expression.
“No, I refuse to watch that little hellion again.” Collins was shouting into a cell phone I hadn’t realized he owned. “Are you aware of the torture that monster put me through last time? Nearly took off my arm.”
Brexton shifted out of the way to let me enter. “Hey, Mary.”
“Hey, Brexton.” I stared at the pastor pacing back and forth, fighting the slight sweat that broke out over myskin at the sight of him. I might be in the presence of a murderer. “What is Pastor Collins doing?”
“Phone call from his sister. She has a child that Collins occasionally cares for, more or less successfully.”
“Sounds like less successfully.”
Brexton emitted a sound of agreement in his throat. “I found out about him the same week you started interning here.”
I turned to face him, a question simmering within me ever since he helped me to secure my position. “Why did you talk Collins into giving me an internship? I’m a half-fae witch. It might have caused you to appear questionable in front of the other fae.”
“Collins believes a lot in the old ways. But I prefer to see everyone as having a bit of light inside us. For me, it’s less to do with the magic’s origins and ability, but what you choose to do with it.”
“I don’t really practice witchcraft.” At least I hadn’t.
He smiled at me. “That wouldn’t have influenced my desire to help one way or another. I vouched foryou, Mary, because you are a good person.”
Warmth rose in my cheeks, and I pushed my glasses up my nose. “Thanks.”
“You’re most welcome,” he mumbled. He eyed my beach bag. “That’s pretty large. Moving in?”
I clutched it shut and smiled. “I have a lot of books to return today.”
Brexton didn’t question further, but he stared at the bag a moment longer, enough for my nerves to spark.
Without warning, he spun around and lifted a plate of brownies. “I’m going out to visit people. My sister and I made these, and I prepared some for you.”
“That’s very thoughtful.” I took it from him, surprised.
“They’re chocolate with peanut butter swirls. I believe you said those were your favorite.”
