Once I get out of the car, Seb says, “You should know, Gordy.” Kai and I turn to him. “I, um…don’t know that new guy. But Lisbeth says he’s cool. He’s just a witch trying to learn and be part of the community, much like you. I don’t think he meant anything harmful or possessive.”
Tell that to the desperate look of longing in Loxley’s eyes. I know he wanted me; I have no doubt in my mind that he sees me as his witch’s pet.
“Um, okay,” I murmur.
“But if you’re not comfortable with him, that’s your right.” Seb approaches me and raises a hand before deciding against touching my arm. “You can talk to us about anything. You’re safe with us.”
“It is true. I am still your uncle, after all.” Kai shoots me a loving grin, and I give a small bow.
“Thank you both, but um, I’d like to just rest after a long night.”
Seb looks up at the barely azure sky. It isn’t nighttime yet, but he seems to get the hint. I want to forget tonight ever happened. “Alright. Goodnight, Gordy.”
With that, the three of us go our separate ways in the house. Once in my room, I sit at my leather rolling chair and let myself spin. No amount of solitude can scrub the memory of Loxley gazing up at me with shock and reverence. Those pretty brown eyes and smooth skin must be why I can’t stop thinking about the way it felt to be near him. That magical whisp from his palm sent a spark of energy across my body.
I hate that stranger, but the mere thought of him makes me want to get closer to him. I probably just want to yell at him some more and tell him I’ll never be his familiar. Yeah, that’s why I want to see him again.
With another deep breath in and out, I strip off my hoodie and pick up my gaming controller. Video games are my escape, and I can only hope my favorite player is online right now. As soon as I log on and see his username, a grin breaks out on my lips.
I message him, asking if he wants to play, and he promptly accepts. Username Speakeasy makes me feel less lonely, so online is the only way I’ll be making any friends for now.
CHAPTER 5- LOXLEY
A KNOCK ONmy bedroom door wakes me up, not that I slept very well. After wiping my eyes and putting my glasses on, I walk to open the door, and, to no surprise, I find Auntie standing there. She plays with her long, curly brown hair and beams at me. “Top of the morning, nephew!”
I give her an unenthusiastic nod and scratch my thigh. It’s too early for this, whatever time it is.
“Come. Get dressed. We’re going for a walk.”
“Where?”
“To the big backyard. You haven’t even perused all our flowers.”
I think I know what she’s trying to do. I try not to whine when I reply, “Auntie?”
“Hurry up, Loxley. The morning awaits us!” She claps, ignoring my protest. After a moment of studying me, her smile falls. “There’s much to discuss. I’ll even conjure you some coffee.”
I huff in defeat. “Let me get dressed.”
Minutes later, I’m walking through our backyard in a hoodie and pajama pants. The coffee in my hand only slightly quells the pain in my heart. Less than twelve hours ago, in this very spot, I made a fool of myself in front of everyone.
My familiar. He was before me, in arm’s reach. My magic reached out to his. He’s a?tall, built, broad-shouldered?turtle man.
“I’m NO ONE’S familiar!”
Gordy’s words echo through my mind as I stroll through the very spot we met. Shame floods my cheeks. The horrified look on his reptilian face is one I won’t soon forget. How could I be so reckless with my approach?
How could I hurt and push away the man I believe to be my familiar?
“And these trees are new,” Auntie says. Her words pull my attention, and I try to act interested.
“Ah.”
“That way, the mortal neighbors several yards away can’t see us do magic. They didn’t even notice that we transported these huge trees basically overnight! Ha!” Auntie cackles and sips her coffee.
I smile and nod as we continue walking to the edge of the yard near the woods. The crisp spring morning air fills my lungs, and I try to focus on the beauty of nature.I wonder if Gordy likes long walks through the woods and spending time outdoors?
Everything about Gordy is a beautiful mystery, one I’ll never get to unravel.
