“What is it?” I ask.
Bastian licks his lips, sparing a quick glance at Drew. “Imustgo.”
I give Drew an apologetic wince. “Sorry, but we’re gonna take off. I’ll say bye to Renee on the way out.”
Drew looks at Bastian, then at the man talking to Renee, suddenly donning a suspicious glare. Renee is talking loudly, her hands on her hips. I can’t catch what she’s saying, but she’s defensive, for sure.
Drew looks back at me and nods as he gets up. “Sure. Thanks for bringing the food.”
I gather up what’s left of the veggie tray and then groan. “I don’t have a fridge.”
“We’ll keep it for you,” Drew says. “I can’t promise the carrots won’t disappear before you see it next, though. I love carrots.”
I chuckle, despite Bastian’s tense atmosphere. “Finish it if you want. They’re only good for a few days anyway.”
Drew rips off one more chunk of turkey for Oscar and bids us goodbye as he carries the veggie tray toward Renee. Bastian and I walk to the parking lot, moving at a diagonal path from where Renee and the newcomer are talking.
The man has dark, cropped hair, and amilitarylook about him. Cargo pants, thick nylon belt with a K-Bar, ankle high boots, and a camo jacket.
Bastian grabs my free hand. “Don’t make eye contact.”
I suck in a breath and grip him back. “Why not?”
“He’s a warlock.”
“What?”
“He has magic, and I don’t know what it is. Best to not look at him. Don’t give him your name and most certainly don’t let him get any of your blood.”
“—Just moved in down the street is all,” the warlock says. “Wanted to say hello.”
“And you’ve said hello to us, your neighbor,” Drew says.
I spare a sideways glance and lock eyes with the man.
“Yes, I have,” he says, stepping away from the two and heading toward us.
“Cait,” Bastian hisses, squeezing my hand.
I release him and pull out my keys as I increase my pace.
“Hi there,” the man calls, his footsteps grinding faster on the gravel drive.
“Slow down a second,” he says with a disarming laugh.
It’s rude to just run away from people, isn’t it?
What the hell…why would I think that?
“C’mon, I just want to say hi,” the man says and my pace slows.
“Fuck,” Bastian whispers.
I unlock the car and pass Bastian the keys. “Get in, I’ll clear this up.”
I turn on my heel with a bright smile. “Hello.”
The man stops his pursuit, his eyes dropping to Oscar’s kennel, then back up to me. “Hi. I’m new around here and wanted to introduce myself,” he says, his voice sounding less confident than before.
