But they all knew.
Moira, a selkie and the Of the Fin representative.
Juan, a werewolf and the Of the Claw representative.
And Georgiana, a siren and the Of the Wing representative.
She knew this curse breaking was happening. Did she know the freed mythic would ask for her?
Whether or not she did, when Levi gets her on the phone and says a mythic named Bo is asking for her, we all hear the clipped, “I’m on my way.”
While we wait, I head back to my truck and rummage around in the passenger seat. My siblings might have gone into their curse breaking with only the basic planning, but I’ve always been the prepared one. Bossy, some might say. In addition to clothes, I’ve got a whole load of other supplies that I left on the front porch, which I retrieved and shoved them into my truck before following Bo, and I grab the bags now before returning to the monster, who looks entirely too lost and confused for my comfort.
“Are you thirsty?” I ask Bo. “I’ve got water, coffee, and Gatorade.”
He blinks down at me, and I can’t help comparing the snarling form he was frozen in to this soft-eyed look of contrition.
“Water, please.”
I hand him the bottle.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
I snort. “It’s going to take some time to break you of that habit, huh?”
The muted chocolate-colored splash of embarrassment seeps through his aura. I decide to give him a break from my ribbing. He uncaps the bottle and swallows the entire thing in three long pulls, the muscles of his neck flexing with each swallow.
“Impressive. I’ve got two more. Also some granola bars if you’re hungry.” I hold out the foil-wrapped snacks. “And the blanket if you’re cold.” I hold up the fluffy knitted number I made myself. Nothing better than turning on an audiobook and settling in with a nice big knitting project.
“You’re very kind,” he murmurs, as if it’s a secret.
Which isn’t too far off. I’m not exactly the caregiver type, though I did basically raise Ame since our parents were … let’s just say, if I never see Helena and Alistair Shelly again, it’ll be too soon.
So, I knowhowto take care of someone. But I’m not the type to seek out wounded birds in need of a new nest. I’m not baking cookies for neighbors or volunteering at retirement homes.
But when I do have a charge, I take my responsibilities seriously. And Bo is mine.
Well, notmine, mine.
Bo was trapped as a statue on my property for far too long, and I feel a certain kind of duty to make sure he gets back on his feet in the community.
But I’m not about to claim him as my mate. That’s for my siblings, not me.
Thank the gods he didn’t try to kiss me.
“Glad you think so.” I smile up at him. “Doesn’t hurt to have a good reputation around here.”
He gazes down at me, and I can’t read his expression. I’m also trying my hardest not to read his emotions because the guy has already bared plenty of himself tonight. He deserves a bit of privacy.
But I guess Levi has other priorities. “Bo, can you tell us what you last remember? Before the curse was broken?”
The man at my side stiffens, his hands freezing on the granola bar he was in the middle of opening.
“I—” His voice is strained. “I remember the house.”
“The library?” Levi asks.
Bo’s browse dip in confusion.
