“I know.” He stood, coming back around the stroller and pushing it himself as I walked next to them. “But look at Hazel. You know she’s not okay, even if she says she is.”
“She’s the strongest person I know.”
“People are only strong because of the traumatic shit that made them that way.” He kept his face forward. “Don’t write him off just yet.”
What didn’t I know?
A lot, considering how little Saros seemed to want to let me in.
Ifhe even wanted to let me in.
A buzz came from Lynx’s pocket, and he grabbed his phone, swiping to see whatever message had come through. “They’re done. Wanna head back?”
“Sounds good,” I replied, ready to check if Hazel was okay, especially if whoever had killed Acacia was still out there.
* * *
“How’d it go?”I asked after the guys left, unsure if I should or if Hazel would jump on me for being nosey. With Acacia’s murder, I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d witnessed.
“Good, I think.” She stood from the couch, heading toward the fridge and pulling out a few charcuterie boards that had been sent from a local shop. “I like him.”
“You do?” My response came off more stunned than it probably should have.
“Yeah.” She laughed, then added more seriously, “He doesn’t treat me with kid gloves.”
Point taken.“I’m glad it went well.”
“Me too. And that this part is done at least.”
She seemed genuinely relieved, and I was grateful she’d let Saros look at her memories. It was probably easier than having to recount it all, though I understood why some people would be against it.
Stuffing a few pieces of cheese in her mouth, she wandered over and stuck out her hands. “Now, give me my bestie and tell me more about what I’ve missed. Not the few things you’ve said since I’ve been back between asking me how I am and hovering over me.”
I passed Aspen to her, then headed over to the tray of food, grabbing some olives and popping them in my mouth, unsure of what to say or where to even begin. “I don’t know. Not much.”
“Bullshit, Oaks,” she said, covering Aspen’s ears as she swore. “You are not the woman that was hiding away before—I saw you unpacked everything. Your supplies are starting to take up space in the garage, and the ring light is put together, along with your other gear.”
Pride bloomed in my chest but also stuttered a bit with nerves. Nerves that she’d think I was trying to do too much; that I should wait until Aspen was older. Nerves that I’d fail and everyone would know. What if I tried and couldn’t build back the brand that once had hundreds of witches and supernaturals ordering daily?
“I’m going to get the shop up and running again. Figured I’d start with some of the potions and talismans. I’m also thinking of incorporating a new nursing-friendly lingerie line…”
I held my breath, waiting for the business-minded big sister to come out. Instead, Hazel broke into a wide smile. “Nursing-friendly lingerie? I am here for this!”
Exhaling audibly, I grabbed a few pieces of prosciutto and shoved them in my mouth.
“Does that mean your magic is back?” Hazel asked.
I nearly choked.
She obviously knew about my Desire—we weren’t secretive about our sexuality or romantic life, and we’d grown up knowing about each other’s gifts. Still, I wasn’t expecting that question. She hadn’t even asked me about my gift once since I’d allowed it to dwindle.
“Only a little bit. Which is why I’m just doing little things for now so I don’t burn out. But I have decided to recharge this full moon.”
“Get it, sis,” she said, shimmying her shoulders and giving her hips a subtle seductive twist. “I can watch Aspen for you.”
“What about recharging yourself? You already missed the last one.” I didn’t want her to feel obligated to watch Aspen when she could probably use the magical boost. “Plus, you normally go out on full moon nights…all night.”
“I love a full moon fuckfest as much as the next single witch, but there will be plenty more. Honestly, I’d rather get in the extra baby snuggles I’ve missed out on. I can go out earlier in the evening for a quick bit, see if any witches are up for a reading, then come back to watch him for the night. The magic I have will tide me over until the next one. I can always test-drive the lunar panels on the windows.”
