Page 74 of Rafe

Skylar blew out a breath and shook her head. “What am I doing?”

A knock startled her and she peeked into the bedroom. Her mom poked her head inside and waved.

“Hey, can I come in? You dressed?”

“Yeah, yeah. Come in.” She gave a tight smile.

Her mom made her way over to the end of the bed, sat down and patted the one side.

The warmth of her childhood washed over Skylar as she sunk onto the mattress next to mom. She wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and Skylar hugged her mom tight, holding back the tears that threatened to fall. With a tidal wave of emotions flooding through her, she sucked a breath and pulled away.

“My bluest Sky. Is everything okay?”

This was the moment. Lying was no longer a viable option.

“I am okay.” Technically true depending on the definition. “But, well. Mom. It’s about Rafe.” For a second she recalled their first dance. Their only dance, his body heating hers as they moved together as one. “It’s just…there’re a few things I want to tell you, but I really can’t explain it all at this time. I don’t want to lie to you guys but…there’s been some trouble.”

A concerned expression settled onto her mom’s face. “Honey, you know you can tell me anything. Whatever’s going on with you and your friend.” Patty raised an eyebrow, a corner of her lip ticking upward. “I feel like it’s going to be okay.”

“He’s great isn’t he?” Skylar mused.

“He seems so, but I just met him. I do know you though, and something’s wrong.”

“Rafe’s not human.” The confession slipped from her lips, relieving the pressure in her chest. In for a penny in for a pound, she rambled, her secrets on display. “He’s a wolf. A vampire. He’s both. And the people he’s with. They’re also not human.” Skylar lowered her head in shame. “I took a job in L.A., and it ended. Thought I had another job in Vegas, but I was drugged and attacked by vampire.”

“Oh my God. Skylar. When did this happen? Why didn’t you call us? Are you okay?”

“Yes, yes. I’m fine but there’s something out there…something paranormal. And it’s after me. I’ve got to leave because I can’t put you and Dad in danger. And I don’t want to argue about it. I know Dad wouldn’t believe a word of this but I’m betting you believe. Ilsbeth. She’s not just blessing the house. She’s protecting things. With magick.”

“Remember when I let that woman read my cards in Jackson Square?”

“I do.” Skylar laughed.

“I’m just saying that I do know a little about the paranormal. Take the vampires. They once were people too. And wolves and witches? We’re all just people. So Rafe, the witch and the others? They’re here to protect you? They’re your friends?”

“I don’t know if I’d say that. I hardly even know any of them. But I know Rafe.” Oh how I know Rafe. Skylar sighed.

“Your dad and I will be fine here. We’ve got protection. Silver too.”

“What?” Skylar’s eyes widened.

“Sweetie, do you really think we don’t know what’s happening in the world? Besides, we all have a little magick in us.”

Skylar smiled at her mom. “Did you hear what I said though, mom? Rafe. He’s a wolf. And something bad is happening. I’m leaving because whatever this thing is, it wants me. And maybe Rafe. I don’t know. I just know I don’t want it here.”

“You don’t have to leave, Sky. You can stay right here and we’ll keep you safe. Trust me on that. But you’re an adult and Rafe seems like a good guy. I see souls not labels. And his soul, he’s a keeper.”

“Mom. You seriously just met him.” Skylar’s eyes widened. What is happening?

“I am aware I just met him. I’m a good judge of character.”

“But we didn’t tell you the truth.”

“I knew you were lying about the just friends part.” Her mom laughed. “Who are you kidding?”

“How can you be so calm about all this?” she asked. “And it’s true about us. We’re just friends. We have to be.”

“Honey, sometimes you have to take life just one step at a time. Now is one of those times. And besides, your dad and I don’t tell you everything either.”