Page 55 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“He said he’s not good for me, Elle. He doesn’t want a relationship, casual or serious. Physical or otherwise.”

“Males will say all sorts of things to put you off.”

I blew out a breath. “I’m not sure it matters anyway.”

“Oh, here we go.” Elle snorted.

“I’m serious. I’m here to find the knife. I can’t afford to get distracted.”

“I’d hardly call it a distraction. Find the cave, drag him inside, fuck him. Find the knife, fuck him again. Break the curse, victory sex.”

“I just got out of a relationship with Ambrose. If things don’t work out—let’s say I fail to find the knife—then I’ve got to go back to that asshole and marry him. The last thing I need is heartbreak in the process. Especially from someone who isn’t interested in reciprocating.”

“You are not marrying Ambrose.” Elle’s voice turned hard. “I will kidnap you before I ever allowed that.”

“Elle. I am not passing on the chance to break my family’s curse. Not when someone is literally offering to do it. In case you forgot, blood curses can only be broken by the blood that cast them. Ambrose’s blood. His family’s blood. He’s willing to end the feud if we marry. Tying our families together.”

“It’s bullshit. You’re going to find the knife. So what if you have a little fun along the way?”

But it was already more than that—more than just fun.

“I can’t afford to get attached,” I said, more firmly this time.

The thought scared me. Because I was already falling for him. It was annoying, since I barely knew him. But I knew enough. He had a big heart hiding under that gruff exterior.

“Becca. You literally sent me a block paragraph text detailing exactly how he arranged the salad for Basil and Sage yesterday.”

Heat crept up my neck. “Okay, well, he did a good job. Considering he practically wants to eat them.”

“My point is, I think you’re already attached. That ship has sailed.”

“Well, regardless of how I feel, he made his point.”

“Give him time.”

“All right.” My voice was low.

We spent a few more minutes catching up. The water was cooling by the time I climbed out. It was as the tub was draining that I caught the faint sounds of Axel’s voice.

Quickly dressing, I crept to the door and cracked it open.

It would have been better if I hadn’t. Because then I wouldn’t have heard him talking to my bunnies. Cooing at them as he presumably engaged them with one of their toys.

Yeah. I was definitely already in trouble.

15

Ileaned back, stretching to ease the ache in my neck. It was Wednesday. The Roost was bustling as the late afternoon rush came through. Everyone getting their end of the day pick-me-ups before dinner. I’d been here grading papers for the last hour, having finished my final lecture of the day.

I’d already texted Axel to let him know where to find me. He was scheduled to pick me up in about fifteen minutes. I was anxious to end my day and relax, even if relaxing at Axel’s cabin was still a little…tense.

We’d fallen into a pattern over the past few days, one that utilized a good deal of avoidance. Besides mealtimes, or driving me to and from town, Axel made himself scarce. He hid away in his workshop or went out for runs in his wolf form.

It didn’t change what had happened, though. The kiss hung between us like a constant reminder. Every time our eyes met and held for a beat too long. Or when a silence stretched. It was there.

It was tempting, fighting the urge to return to my bungalow. Just for a little while. It was only a ten minute walk from campus.

But it wasn’t worth the risk. Ambrose could easily corner me there, outside the public eye. Whereas here, he’d be less inclined. If anyone was against making a scene, it was him.