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I’m starting to think they have some type of code of silence. Like an unspoken rule that witches don't rat out other witches to a stranger who is clearly desperate.

Maybe drinks will get them to loosen up a little.

It sure is loosening me up as this is my fifth beer.

With that thought, I stand on the bar with a mug and thrust it in the air, beer sloshing over the rim. “I’m paying for a beer for every witch in this bitch!”

Everyone screams, thrusting their own drinks in the air. I start dancing, but Rowan wraps his arms around my legs and lifts me off the bar. I’m careful not to spill any of my beer as I slide down his body.

Once my feet touch the floor, I pat his chest. “I actually lied. The drinks are on you.”

His eyes narrow.

I pat my chest and pockets looking for a wallet that doesn’t exist then I give him a cheeky smile. “Can’t take it with you.”

“Ha ha,” he flicks my nose, “you’re so funny.” Then, he pulls out his wallet and hands it to the bartender. “You know. My sister loves this bar.”

His parents must have had another child after I moved, because I don’t recall him ever having a sibling.

“Does she live in New Orleans?”

“Yeah with her boyfriend.”

“So,” I say, hesitantly. “Where’s your mom at?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. She has always been traveling since I was a child. She was always more of a witch than a mother.”

“Are you and your sister her only kids?"

“Yes.” He chuckles. “Which I know is crazy considering she has lived for more than a hundred years.”

“Why did she decide to have kids?"

“She met my father and fell in love…” He hesitates. “But he was killed by someone seeking revenge against her.”

My eyes widen. “That’s aweful.” I can’t imagine loosing a parent

He nods, seeming to struggle with what to say next. “And after he died, she blamed herself for his death and pulled away emotionally from my sister and I. I think part of her believed that if she hadn’t loved him, he would still be alive.”

That’s…heavy.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly.

He gives me a small smile. “You don’t have to be.”

I smile softly. “I know. But I am.”

For a moment, neither one us says anything. Just letting the music and drinks wash over us.

“Okay,” he says. “Enough of the depressing family drama for tonight. We need to get you one more drink and find that witch.”

I laugh. “Agreed.”

We’ve got things to do, people to see, and a witch to beat up.

I glance at the clock.

Shit, time is passing by way to quickly.