“I’m sure he does,” I said. “Heaven knows my family would struggle to afford such a spot at this time.” I bit my lip, realizing what I’d just revealed and that my thoughts had even gone there.
Marge’s gaze turned gentle. “It’s a tough time, that’s undoubtedly true. But it’s always helpful to have loved ones around.”
My eyes stung, and I blinked hard to clear my vision. “Do you have loved ones nearby?”
“I have friends, and my cat, Rufus. He can be a comfort… when he chooses to be, that is.” She let out a soft chuckle. I glanced at Duchess, who gave me an lofty glance as if to say,Don’t expect too much from me.
“What about you, my dear?” Marge asked.
“I have family… and Frank.”
“Ah, that handsome man I’ve seen in the vicinity of the church more often.”
I gazed at her in surprise. She didn’t seem like the type who used social media. “How did you—”
“I hear things, and what’s more, I see things around here.” She gave me a clever smile. “Being old is pointless if you can’t vicariously relish the adventures of youth. You enjoy your Frank. He looks like a real catch.”
“Um, thanks.”
The woman laughed her cackling laugh and waved goodbye. “I’ll talk to you later, my dear.”
“Bye.”
I walked into the church. I spent my childhood in this town, and despite a couple of friends, they’d both moved from Austen Heights after high school. Since then I’d been a self-proclaimed loner. At least until Brexton started working as the assistant pastor and got me my internship. Now it appeared I was able to add Frank and a little old woman named Marge to the list.
The room in the basement filled with newspapers was dark and unwelcoming. I turned on the light and uncovered the potion hidden there. I took a slow breath. Today was the day. If the potion hadn’t changed from a forest green to a clear liquid, then something was wrong.I regarded it and frowned. The liquid was as dark green as the pine trees in a mountain wilderness. I sat back in defeat. With only one more day until the full moon, I needed to find a way to get it right.
I pulled up my phone and scrolled to Kitty’s name. I tried begging Lydia’s help that morning, but she flatly refused. She wanted nothing more to do with werewolves and illegal potions.
Can you come to the church?
I’m running the shop with Lydia.
I’m desperate. Please come?
Just a moment.
…
Okay, on my way.
I breathed a sigh. Surely Kitty could solve this problem. To calm my nerves while I waited, I pulled out the book on werewolves and other creatures of the dark while Duchess chased dust motes nearby. I found it interestingthat the text didn’t list dragon shifters. The fae maintained an almost envious relationship with the shifters. Nobody ever considered them a disease.
I’m here.
Shutting the tome, I rose, hurried to the top of the steps, and went outside. Kitty stood witha large puffy coat, a scarf, and earmuffs. She always dressed like it was the middle of winter, even at the slightest hint of cold.
“What is this about?” she asked.
“Come with me.” I grabbed her arm.
I dragged her down into the little room and showed her the potion. “You can’t tell anyone about this,” I said.
“What is it?”
“Wolfsbane potion. Well, it’s supposed to be wolfsbane potion, but it should have changed color by now and it hasn’t.” I twisted my fingers together and shifted from one foot to the other.
Her eyes narrowed. “Why are you doing this and who is it for? Wait, is this for Frank?”
