I waved her off and finished my mug. I headed to my bedroom, planning to shower and get started on some work inmy room. I grabbed my towel from behind my room door and pulled it open. I froze as Westley was on the other side. He was yawning as he stood there, looking like he had just woken up.
“Westley.”
“Morning,” he said. “Did you sleep well?”
My mind went back to last night. My face went a little hot as it replayed over in my head. “I did.”
“Good,” he rolled his shoulders, and I bit hard on my cheek. “And you?”
A small smile slipped on his face. “I slept really well.”
I felt my face go even hotter. I stumbled for words. “That… that’s good.” Seriously? That good? Come on.
He chuckled again. “I was just about to start breakfast. Do you want some?”
Before I could answer, his phone started to ring. He pulled his phone up, and all the charm drained from his face. “What’s wrong?” I asked, feeling my stomach drop.
“Shit, it’s Brandon.” Westley pulled his phone up and answered it. “Yeah?”
I watched his face shift around, his lips pulled into a tight frown. I knew instantly that something had happened. This was the face he had when danger was around the corner.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Westley ended the line.
“What happened?”
“Another attack. I have to go. Stay here.” Westley moved, hurrying down the hallway. I watched as he pulled his shoes on and was out of the house in a minute. I swallowed, chewing on my cheek, wishing he would stay safe.
I paced the hallways, feeling energy bouncing around through me. I heard and saw enough from our town to know that they were up against creatures that were cold-blooded murderers.
I froze, remembering that Hazel was out of the house. I quickly yanked my phone out and texted her. I stared at my phone waiting for her to respond, but she didn’t. So, I called her. I rang a few times and went to voicemail. So, I called again. Voicemail once again.
I chewed on my nail as I walked toward the front door. I grabbed the handle and stopped. Westley told me to stay still. I had no idea where this sighting was. No idea how many there were. I should stay here, but how could I?
I grabbed my boots and yanked on my jacket. I hurried outside to my car and once more tried to call Hazel. Voicemail.
I drove across town to the healing center. I parked in a panic now. I had never been here, so I was a little surprised to see how packed it was. Worry built up higher.
I hurried inside, only to find the front was packed. People were crying, and a mother was rocking her child in her arms. I looked past the counter and found rows of beds. I scanned them, looking for Hazel.
I took in a few other witches moving around. A woman was holding the arm of a little kid, healing a cut. Another was cleaning a man’s feet. I moved closer to the counter, leaning to the side to see further down.
“Are you needing help?” a small woman spoke up. She was maybe five feet, sitting in a chair behind the counter. She had her hair cut in a bob, and it was deep red.
“No, I ummm… I’m looking for Hazel. Is she here?”
The woman’s eyes lit up. “Hazel? Oh, she is so sweet. Are you her sister? You look exactly like her. She’s on the way back in the storage room doing inventory. Just walk all the way down and to the right.”
I gave her a nod and started down the row of beds. The air smelled different, like there was something in the air. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I listened as the witches moved quickly, talking about how everyone was going to be feeling better in just a little bit.
I made it to the back and took a right. I found Hazel on the ground, her hands in a box with a clipboard in her lap. She was counting. “Twenty two, twenty three…”
“Hazel.”
Her head snapped up, and she looked at me. “Gabriella. What are you doing here?”
“I called you several times, and you didn’t answer me. I was worried.”
She gave me a look. “Worried about what?”
