“I’m not participating in the rites tonight, but I’d be happy to help anoint them,” I offered, gaining an enthusiastic nod in exchange. Glowing tubes floated over from the bar, and witches summoned them to their palms before chugging them down in a gulp. Ivy and Jade each grabbed neon-blue ones, their lips smacking from whatever potent elixir swirled within.
“None for you?” Aurora asked smoothly, striding to stand next to me.
“I prefer not to imbibe while nursing. Personal choice,” I added, not wanting to offend her or anyone else who might be listening. It was easier than explaining I didn’t want it pulling the little magic I had. I’d already given some over when we’d planted our intentions, I didn’t want to overdo things. At least not until I’d replenished my magic supply at the full moon.
That decision now felt less like a burden and more exciting.
“What is it anyway?” I asked, nodding to the neon-blue tubes.
“Full moon formula. Have you ever had any?”
“I actually used to brew it all the time, but mine normally turned out more bright teal. What’s in yours?”
“No clue,” she said with a small shrug, “I get my elixir cups in the mail by a renowned potions mistress and bubble them up in my Brewrig.”
Atlas had a Brewrig too, though he had rarely used it when we were together. It had a personal-sized cauldron situated in the middle of it, filling into two-ounce tubes, depending on how big of a batch you wanted. I preferred to brew from scratch, knowing everything that was going into the potions I was making, but I understood the convenience of having one.
It didn’t surprise me that the Wellses used and loved theirs. Everything in their house screamed luxury and top-of-the-line. Even the temperature started to feel warmer on its own as more people disrobed to get skyclad, either through something Aurora was controlling on her phone or whatever gadgets had been created with their elaborate home system.
“I’m sorry you won’t be staying for the new moon rites tonight. We will do an extra blessing for Hazel’s safe return.”
I half believed her.
“Another time,” I said, graciously. “In fact, I should probably get this little one to bed since things look like they are going to be getting wild here soon enough.” Jade and Ivy were dancing along with about seven other witches, twirling around themselves in the moonlight.
“Yes, she’s gonna walk me back,” Ruby said, looping her arm in mine. “I prefer to pay homage to the acolytes from my own backyard. So many sisters up there.”
Sisters.The word seared into my chest.
Once we’d said our goodbyes and had headed down the driveway, my gaze darted directly to Luna’s. The lights were dimmed to the point of looking nearly off through the darkened service window. But I knew better.
“Go on,” she said, nodding toward the truck. “He’s waiting for you.”
She winked, and I stared at her, dumbfounded. Did she know I was with Lynx? Had she seen us under the full moon at our windows?
There was no freaking way I’d ask for clarification.
“I’d like to walk you home first,” I insisted.
“Fine, but I’ll be watching you til you get to the truck. Even the safest haven can house the deadliest presence.”
“There’s no arguing with you on that,” I continued, escorting her to the edge of the cul-de-sac, waiting until she’d gotten to the top of the drive and made it into her house before turning and heading toward Luna’s.
My breasts tingled, getting fuller but not to the point of discomfort. Adjusting my bra, I situated them back into place.
“Everything okay, Midnight?” Saros’s stern yet concerned voice filtered into my ear. I’d nearly forgotten they were listening in.
“Yeah, it’s fine.”
“The line was cutting in and out.”
I grimaced. I’d probably messed with the wire cord. “My boulder holder needed a little adjustment.”
Silence. Radio fucking silence.
Lynx would have laughed at that, and when I opened the coffee truck door, I instantly knew why he hadn’t. Only Saros was there with his lips clenched together in a stern line. Was that what kept his skin so tight and steely? Despite the harshness of his jaw, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes were soft. “You had me worried for a second.”
“Sorry. I know you don’t need to hear or understand this but these”—I nodded down to my breasts—“don’t stay in one place for me anymore. I’m just hoping Aspen remains asleep before you have to get flashed unnecessarily or pistoled with some Oakley original.”
