AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She laughed, shaking her head. “We’re atmyplace, remember?”
I smiled as I caressed her cheek. “I’m usually a pretty light sleeper and you got out of my loft without waking me. I’m learning to respect all this magic.”
“It was a short sleep spell.” She shook her head. “I was protecting myself. You had a mate out there someplace, and I knew if you found her, I’d be forgotten.”
“Impossible. You’re unforgettable.” I pulled her close to kiss her lips and whispered, “I love you.”
And I meant it. I would die for this woman, and I wouldn’t have a single regret.
When we wokeup, reality broke through the spell we’d been under. Tonight, was the full moon. She had a big ritual and I’d be a wolf running with my pack. Winter was on the phone with Ruby and Lillian, making final preparations for their Full Moon ritual tonight, and then I brought her up to speed on my hunt for Ashleigh. I’d cross referenced the names and checked birthdates to be sure the elementary teacher was the same missing baby Winter had seen in her vision with the ghost.
The tricky part would be recognizing her. Witches didn’t have a certain scent like shifters. I wouldn’t be to sniff her out. According to Winter, Lillian had some kind of magical witch finder broach, but it was too dangerous if someone with bad intentions got their hands on it, so tonight they’d be using the full moon to free the magic.
And I was back at square one. It wasn’t like we could just ask her. She probably had no idea magic and witches were real.
My phone buzzed with a text. I expected to see Zeke’s name, but instead Jim Bloodstone filled my screen.
I need my talisman tonight.
I’d be a wolf tonight, so that wasn’t happening. But I figured Jim already knew that.
It’s Christmas Eve. I’ll touch base after the holiday.
A couple minutes went by before it finally vibrated again.
Your services will no longer be needed. Please forward your final invoice.
I rolled my eyes, grumbling under my breath as I jammed my phone back in my pocket. “Fuck you, asshole.”
“Don’t let Santa hear you talking like that.” Winter poked her head out of the closet. “What happened?”
I smirked. “The pack’s been trying to get on the inside track with the Hinterland and Bloodstone law firm. I thought I had found an in, but the door just slammed in my face.”
She came out in black jeans and a blue sweater. “They’re the ones who had someone following Ruby, right?”
I nodded slowly. “Yeah. We still don’t know why.”
And that bothered me. I tracked her every move around the room. If anyone ever tried to hurt Winter, nothing would stop my vengeance. I ground my jaw against the wave of aggression. My wolf was front and center in my consciousness, eager to take over once the sun set.
“I’ve got to pick up a few things from the Crow’s Nest.” She left the bedroom and went to the table for her keys. “I guess I’ll see you at the farm tonight?” She hesitated. “Will I see you?”
I followed her into the living room. “You mean the wolf?”
She nodded.
My gut twisted at the thought. Not a good idea.
I shook my head. “Probably not. I don’t have as much control during the full moon and the wolf’s instinct will be to bite his mate and change her. We don’t know what that would do to your magic. That’s why Ruby’s not bitten yet.”
“Good to know.” She came over and kissed me. “The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can be under the covers naked again.”
The corner of my mouth quirked into a smile. “I’m a fan of that idea.”
CHAPTER 11
Winter
As the covencame together, the wolves were already howling in the woods around the farm. Jackson was out there. I tried to focus on our ritual, but as the moonlight cast our circle in her eerie glow, all I could think about was what he might look like right now.
