I moved to eat him, but Willow got there before I could. I went still, stunned to feel hunger flare from her. The link we’d shared before was a pale comparison to what was between us now.
I could feel her deep primal craving to eat, almost as if it were my own.
Jina moved close to me as we watched Willow disappear before she reached Alex. Then Alex’s body looked like he was melting. It reminded me of the scene fromIndiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Arcwhen the Nazis open the Arc.
Their end was as satisfying as Alex’s.
He opened his mouth to scream, but only gurgling came out. Smoke or steam rose from the body as he dissolved. Nothing hit the ground and when Willow was done feasting, all that was left were his clothes.
A new wraith was born.
She re-materialized, this time still wearing my hoodie. She looked shocked and a little disgusted.
She put a hand on her belly and belched. “I can’t believe I just did that.”
Jina made a soft, strangled sound, and I was fast enough to catch her before she hit the ground in a dead faint. I couldn't blame her; it was a lot to take in all at once.
Willow rushed up as I eased Jina to the ground. “Is she okay?”
“I think so,” I said. “But you’re going to have a lot of explaining to do when she comes around.”
The sound of distant sirens rushed toward us. It was inevitable that someone had heard the gunfire and called the cops. By the sound of it, it was too late to run and hide.
“Gather your clothes,” I ordered. “Put your pants back on, but shove everything else in your purse. When the police get here, follow my lead.”
Willow nodded. “I’ll stay quiet and let you do all the talking.”
I snorted and grabbed the front of the hoodie to pull her to me for a quick kiss. “I doubt that, but try your best.”
She slapped my hand away with an annoyed huff and rushed off to do as I asked. I grabbed Alex’s clothes and both guns, then quickly misted to drop them onto the building's roof. I wished I could carry a full-sized human when I misted. Putting us all on the roof would be a quick and easy way to avoid dealing with the human authorities.
When they arrived, I was quick to guide them to Jina. I made sure to push my magic out so everyone around mewas uncomfortable and eager to leave. Willow played her part perfectly, clutching Jina’s hand and looking deeply worried.
My conversation with the authorities was predictable, and my answers didn’t give them anything. I could tell they were frustrated but also desperate to get away from me.
Finally, an ambulance arrived. Jina started coming around as she was loaded onto the gurney.
“Wha…” She blinked, saw the cops, and shut her mouth and closed her eyes again.
“Good girl,” Willow whispered, holding Jina’s hand tightly in her own.
The paramedics loaded Jina and let Willow ride with her. The cops had already wandered away from me to examine the alley. I was sure they wouldn’t find much except a few drops of blood. It wouldn't be enough to bother us unless they decided to go up on the building’s roof, which was highly doubtful.
“I’ll see you at the hospital,” I said as the paramedics started closing the door. He paused to tell me which hospital they were taking Jina to, but I didn’t bother to listen.
I didn’t need to. I’d be able to follow Willow anywhere.
Chapter 17
Six Months Later
Vie
I floated into Willow’s new shop, enjoying all the bright colors perfectly displayed on racks and shelves. She’d only opened a few weeks ago but was already doing well. The new neighborhood loved Unique Finds, and most of her old customers were willing to drive a little farther to buy from her.
I’d left her alone to do everything exactly as she wanted. The only thing I’d insisted on was that she hire help. No more working ten-hour days and then spending more hours cleaning and stocking. With two full-time employees and many more part-time ones, that gave her the ability to have the story open longer hours but she didn’t always have to be there.
The important part was that it allowed her plenty of time to spend with me. I liked that part the best.
