“Don’t be disgusting,”Maverick grumbled.
I ignored them both.
“So where’s Willow now?”
“I told her not to come here, as I wasn’t sure whether she’d be welcome. If you are agreeable, I’ll take you to herso you two can talk.”
Did I want to see her? Part of me said no, but then I recalled all the happy times from my childhood. Like when she comforted me after nightmares and taught me to read.
Perhaps I’d been harsh.
With me gone, Willow had to deal with Tally’s bullshit. That would be enough to send any sane witch loopy.
Poor Willow.
“Okay, I would like to talk to her.” We’d clear the air and all would be right in the world.
“Then let’s go.” Adam took a teleportation potion from his pocket and tossed it on the floor. Before I could protest, we blinked away from the garden.
My stomach rebelled when I landed in an alleyway off a busy street. This was insane. Without a glamour spell, people would recognize me!
“What are you doing?” I hissed. “I’m a wanted fugitive!”
With a murmured incantation, my streaky hair turned blonde and I gained a few inches in height.
“Little mate, where are you?!” Maverick’s alarm at my sudden disappearance filtered down the bond.
“I’ll be back shortly. Just talking to Willow.” I’d stay long enough to hear her apology and then insist Adam took me straight back to the mansion.
I followed Adam down a narrow passage until we reached what looked like an abandoned warehouse. Was this the right place?
He opened a graffiti-tagged door. “She’s in there.”
Ignoring my misgivings, I stepped inside the building. Magic brushed over me, and immediately, the interior changed from derelict to cozy. There were tables and chairs, several comfortable-looking sofas, and a wide counter serving coffee and light bites.
“It’s spelled to keep humans out,” Adam explained, waving a greeting at the witch behind the counter.
“Wow.” It was impressive how the owners of this cute coffee shop had hidden it from non-magical eyes. I supposed it was safer that way, given the anti-magical species sentiment shown by many humans.
I hadn’t forgotten the attack on me when we passed through a small town on our way to the islands. Alaric had saved me that time.
I hoped he was safe. Then I shook my head. I couldn’t think about Alaric right now. He could take care of himself.
Willow sat at a corner table, nursing a mug. Her smile seemed forced when Adam led me over. “I’ll let you two talk,” he said, dropping some cash on the table. “Stay here where it’s safe and I’ll be back in an hour.”
“Wait! I can’t be gone that long!”
“I’ll be as quick as I can,” Adam assured me before leaving.
“Can’t yourmatessurvive without you?” Willow’s snippy tone made me wonder why she’d wanted to see me. It didn’t sound like an apology was in the cards.
“Of course they can,” I snapped. “But it’s not safe for me away from the mansion.” I gestured at my fake blonde hair. “Even with a glamour.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Nothing in her words sounded genuine.
“For being a bitch now or back at the farm?” My patience was about to expire.
The hum of conversation around us faded as I focused on the witch who’d been like a sister to me. Only there wasn’t a trace of warmth or affection in her eyes.
