It was Milton’s revised edition.It had taken me months to track down the right one. Not just rare—but meaningful. Zane already owned a ridiculous collection of old books, but I knew what this book would mean to him.
About as symbolic as the feather he’d given me for Yule. The very last white feather left over from his wings before The Fall.
“It’s not in perfect condition,” Bettina said, “but with your price point, it was the best I could do.”
“No, it’s perfect. He’s going to love it.”
Even in the well-used condition, it had set me back quite a bit. But I had it to spend, and I wasn’t going to worry about the cost.
Bettina carefully rewrapped the book, then placed it in the bag alongside the cookbook.
“See you tonight at your place for Galentine’s Day?” Zahara mused.
I grabbed the bag’s handles. “Seven o’clock. I can’t wait.”
“No boys!” Bettina added sternly.
I laughed. “No boys.”
Zahara winked at me, tucking a strand of her purple hair behind her ear. “Boys are for tomorrow night.”
2
Istepped outside into the frigid afternoon air and immediately regretted not wearing thicker gloves. Deciding I deserved a warm pick-me-up, I made a left and headed toward the bakery on Main Street. With Valentine’s Day only one day away, the sidewalks were busy with last-minute shoppers.
The bell chimed as I walked in, and Elwyna turned and waved. Elwyna was an elderly elemental witch who owned Mystic Cove Bed-and-Breakfast. Just seeing her brightened my day.
“Hey, Elwyna.” I stepped into line behind her. “I hope it’s not too cold out there for you.”
“Heavens no, dear. I’m used to this weather.” She patted my arm. “How’s that handsome fiancé of yours?” She waggled her brows at me. “Yes, I’ve heard the rumor you two are engaged now. Congratulations.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
Elwyna stepped up to the display case and placed her order, giving me one more wave before moving down to pay. I scanned the display case and decided on a hot-chocolate truffle and asmall mocha. Sliding down the counter, I greeted Cassidy Spires, the empathic witch who owned the bakery.
“You look cold but happy,” Cassidy said as she waved her hand clockwise over my mocha. “I’ll give you a little boost in warmth and health.”
“Thank you, Cassidy.”
I paid for my sweet treat and drink and stepped again into the cold. Blowing on the warm mocha, I headed down the alley behind Double Trouble. I always parked in the back, near the twins’ staircase that led up to their apartment. They only had one vehicle between them, so there was always a place for me to park.
Zane’s Aston sat where I’d left it, and I was almost upon it when I realized I wasn’t alone in the alley.An expensive-looking SUV was parked a few spaces down from Zane’s vehicle. Two women stood at the back of the SUV. And while they weren’t exactly shouting at each other, they weren’t exactly whispering, either.
The taller woman, a sea witch, had long dark hair and looked annoyed. The other woman, a fire elemental witch with shoulder-length blonde hair and a curvy build, looked upset.I slowed my steps. I was pretty sure I knew the dark-haired witch, but I couldn’t place her.When they noticed me, their conversation slowed.
I opened the passenger-side door of the Aston and set my bag from Double Trouble on the seat, moving slower than necessary.That’s when I noticed a third figure hobbling down the alley from the opposite direction.
A curly-haired vampire, leaning heavily on a cane, nodded politely at the two witches. “Hello, ladies. Cold out here today, isn’t it?”
The blonde witch brightened immediately. “Hi, Eliza. Yes, it is. I hope this cold snap doesn’t last long.”
The dark-haired witch remained silent, and the situation became awkward.
“How have you been, Eliza?” the blonde witch asked, trying to get the conversation started.
Eliza grimaced and tapped her cane against the pavement. “You know how it is, Mari. This time of year is always difficult for me.” She forced a smile. “Well, I’m running late. Need to get back to the bank before my lunch ends.”
Eliza continued past them, the steady tap of her cane echoing down the alley.
