A timer goes off in the distance and Iris curses.
“Twenty minutes. I’ll be right back!”
Violet and I give each other a look, one that clearly shows that we’re both worried about our friend.
Violet clears her throat, neither of us verbally addressing what’s going on with Iris. “So…A few new shifters joined the Walker Pack.”
“Oh?” I say, trying to spur some excitement, placing my fist on my chin and resting on the arm of the chair.
I’ve wanted a boyfriend for a long time now, even more so that Violet has paved the way by getting married, changing the rules about relationships within our coven.
Yet, every guy I try to make it work with is lackluster. There’s always a missing spark, and I don’t know what it is.
None of them compare to what I fantasize about, how could they? Every now and then I drink a little too much and let what those fantasies are slip out, but only ever to Iris and Violet. They always laugh it off, thinking I’m joking or talking a big game. Which is fine, because what I dream about will never become a reality. Even if the coven has become more accepting, there’s no way they would approve of the type of man I’ve been craving.
He doesn’t have a face, not in my dreams, but the things he does to me, no human man or wolf shifter could compare. My visions of him feel so real, that sometimes I think I get reality and fantasy confused.
“What’s his name?”
“Bobby,” she says with a smile as I grimace. “Okay, maybe you can give him a different nickname? He’s really nice, cute too. He was a nomad and has no issues with witches. I was thinking maybe we could set something up?”
I smile at Violet. “How tall is he?”
“Six foot five,” she says with a smirk.
“Alright, I’m in. He’s cute?”
“Yes, and very nice, too. I’ll give him your number.”
I nod at her with a smile, grateful that she wants to set me up with someone. Maybe he could replace this mystery man of my dreams.
I can’t even lie to myself convincingly.
“How are things at home?” I ask her, not wanting to get her too excited about this guy, if I wind up not liking him, it’s no one’s fault but my own.
“Good, really good. I’m happy, Ember. I want you and Iris to be happy too,” she says softly.
I grab her hand and squeeze. “I’m happy, I promise.”
She gives me a weak smile as Iris walks back into the room. Starting with Violet, she casts a quick spell, drying the potion on her hair.
“Well, damn. It didn’t work,” she complains and Violet shrugs her shoulders. “Let’s take a look at you,” she says, casting the same spell, and as soon as she does, they both gasp.
“Oh, Hecate, is it that bad?”
“No, Ember, it looks stunning,” Iris says, handing me a mirror. What used to be a mix of red and strawberry blonde locks is now nearly completely pink.
My mouth parts as I look at myself.
Somehow this feels like an omen for more change to come.
“I love it, Iris, thank you.”
She lets out a relieved breath. “Phew. Good. Well, I have to get back to some potions. I’ll see you two at the ritual later this week?”
It feels like she’s kicking us out, but we both agree as we leave the shop.
“I’ll make sure Bobby gets your number. The hair really does suit you, Em,” Violet says, her light blue eyes shining with happiness as she gives me a hug before going the opposite direction.
