No, I wouldn’t think of that shifter now.
Where was that witch?I needed answers.
The Moonlight Siren rocked gently underfoot as I resumed my search.The low thrum of the engines vibrated from below.I scanned the deck for any flash of silvery curls or the towering shadow of her bear shifter mate.Nothing.I exhaled in frustration as I passed a cluster of tipsy passengers wearing ugly Christmas sweaters.
Staff bar?No.Dining venues?All but empty.The smell of baked bread and garlic drifted from the kitchen, smelling delicious, but I had bigger priorities.
Where was she?
Next, I circled the main entertainment decks.The casino rang with the clatter of machines.The theater was dark save for the performers on stage.I couldn’t call out for her without causing a scene.
I searched the best I could tonight to find answers.
Still no witch.
The hum of bass and crash of drums pulled me into the Nocturnal Lounge where Luna Blue Shadows were on stage playing Van Halen.Damien’s fingers flew across the guitar strings with his vampire speed, his dark hair spilling over his forehead.When he glanced up, he caught my eye, and gave the slightest nod.I nodded back before scanning the crowd.When we’d met, we’d had a fling that was shorter than a verse in this song.Just like all the others.
Which was why I needed to shake this nonsense about a mate out of my head.
It’s not nonsense.It’s true,my panther interrupted.
I huffed.Maybe Maribelle was in her cabin or Roan’s.Or did they share one?I didn’t know which was hers, and I couldn’t bang on every door in the staff’s quarters.
I let out a resigned sigh.The search would have to wait until tomorrow.
The ship’sslow rocking should have lulled me to sleep, the way it usually did, but every time I closed my eyes I saw golden eyes and felt phantom heat brush my skin.When sleep came, it was interrupted by countless delicious dreams of a gorgeous dragon.
CHAPTERFIVE
BRIA
Five days before Christmas
I faced the next morning with a long shower and a strong cup of coffee.Then I rushed up the stairs to the spa, which now held a faint scent of eucalyptus.
Charlotte, a fae with lavender hair who worked at the spa, said, “Maribelle’s busy with a client.”
Grr.“When will she be done?”
She looked at the clock.“Forty minutes or so?”
I tapped my fingers along the side of my leg.“All right, I’ll get some steps in.Tell her I’m looking for her and will be back.”
One podcast and thousands of steps later, I returned to the spa and waited at the reception desk.I tapped my foot on the floor while I waited.
Maribelle finally breezed out, her signature silvery curls surrounding her like a halo.“How did you like the snowflakes last night?”She grinned, clearly pleased with her work.
“Oh, those were wonderful,” I said, trying to keep my voice from rising.“One teensy problem.”I squeezed my forefinger and thumb together.
Maribelle’s brows drew closer.“Oh no, what happened?”
“Me.”I pointed to myself, circling my hand in front of my chest before bringing it up to my temple.“Something went wrong because my panther thinks we found our mate.”
Maribelle clasped her hands together and beamed.“How wonderful!”
“No.”I shook my head.“Not wonderful.It’s a mistake.”I gestured toward her.“Your little jingle spell had an unfortunate side effect.”
Her mouth dropped open.“So I had one spell-gone-wrong that tethered me to my mate, and you think I’m casting love potions across the ship like ocean spray.”
