Page 10 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“Selfish?” I burst out laughing. I didn’t care that several passersby threw me curious looks as I walked. “Me? Really?! It was your family who cursed us.”

“I didn’t curse you,” he scoffed. “My parents didn’t curse you. I’m trying to undo something done generations ago.”

“Right.” What a piece of shit. I didn’t understand how I hadn’t seen it earlier. How I’d fallen for his act. It only made me angrier. “If you really cared, you would undo the curse without requiring my hand in marriage. I will not be marrying you.”

I promptly removed the phone from my ear and hung up, punching the button with more force than necessary.

“Everything okay?”

I whirled to find Frank, an older Black man, the owner of Pet Pantry, setting up an outdoor display in front of his shop.

“I…” I steeled myself. “I’m fine. Just an annoyance from my past life.”

“Sounded like more than an annoyance.”

“Yeah. I suppose it was.”

“You let me know if it becomes a problem.”

A soft smile pulled at my lips. Everyone here was so nice. I loved it—loved the change from living in a big city. “Thanks, Frank. I will.”

I said the words even though I knew there was nothing he could do to help, not against a powerful witch who came from an even more powerful bloodline. Not when he was human. Not when even I, a witch, could do nothing.

My eyes darted to the side and snagged on the display. “Are those on sale?”

Frank’s laugh was full-bellied. “I knew it would catch your attention.”

“You know my bunnies love those treats.”

“Twenty-five percent off all exotic pet treats, through this weekend. And we just received a delivery of those puzzle toys your babies like.”

“Stop it,” I said gasping, clutching my heart. “You did not.”

“Just for you, sweetheart. You can come on in and take a look.”

“I’ll be doing exactly that. Give me just a second.” He nodded, then returned to his work.

I fired off a quick text to Vera, letting her know what had just happened between Ambrose and me, then snatched up five bags of Basil and Sage’s favorite treats—the carrot and dill flavored ones in the shape of little hearts—before heading inside to check out the new merch.

The door chime sounded as I walked in.

“Hi Agnes,” I called when I spotted Frank’s wife behind the counter.

“Becca. I knew it was only a matter of time.”

“You know me and my bunnies,” I teased. Since moving to Redding, I’d already been in here three times. “They are going to bankrupt me.”

Her expression softened.

Between the special-order Timothy hay, the treats they consumed, the fresh organic greens, and all their toys, I spent more money on them than I did on myself. That didn’t even include their vet bills. Which reminded me, I needed to give the local vet here a call. Get them on the roster so that in case any emergencies came up, they already had all their info from my previous vet.

“So, Frank said something about puzzle toys?” I grinned at Agnes.

“Wait until you see them. They’re over in the enrichment section. Just let me know if you have any questions.”

“Will do,” I said, breezing by. I dropped the treats on the counter as I went.

When I saw the new toys, I squealed. Basil and Sage loved their cups. But I also made a point to do some DIY forage activities for them. I’d been wanting some of the more durable options, though. Things to keep their little bunny brains sharp.