I let my hand drop and don’t meet Carl’s eyes even though I can feel them on the side of my face. He hurries behind her, and I follow at the rear with the cat, who’s leading a happily panting Shrimp.
I’ve visited the library a handful of times, mainly to say hi to Bo, so I’m familiar with the interior that’s been taken over by bookshelves and cozy reading nooks. The savory scent of bacon emanates from the rear of the house, but Ame is in a room to the left, fluffing throw pillows before arranging them strategically in an armchair.
She faces Clementine and points to the seat. “That’s for you. You can fall asleep if you want. I believe Selena is going to ask us to contact our sister-in-law Zara to come over to draw something. That’ll take a bit.”
“I don’t need to sleep,” Clementine claims, staying standing, even as she grips the scruff of Shrimp’s neck.
“You want to.” Ame picks up her mug and breathes in the steam. “You want a safe place to rest. This library has its own wards. Dragon made. Nothing will hurt you here.”
“Stop telling me what I want,” Clementine snaps. “It’s creepy.”
Ame drops her stare to her mug, and I can see a flash of regret flicker in Clementine’s eyes.
There’s a shift in the air, a powerful presence entering the space, and I know by scent who it is before I turn.
Jack stands in the doorway.
The werewolf is tall but more lean than muscular. His eyes are dark and hooded, his features closer to the East Asian heritage of his mother rather than his white father. Jack is the son of Baron, alpha of the Folk Haven pack, and he could easily become the next alpha if he wanted.
But the only claim he wants is on his mate, Ame.
You do not insult his mate.
Despite knowing I’d probably lose in a match against him, I shift myself in front of Clementine. Protecting her from the fallout of her defensive words. Carl mirrors my move, aware that his role in law enforcement holds no sway over the wolf.
“Ame,” Jack says, voice low, a hint of warning in the tone. Not for her, but for us.
The red-haired witch crosses the room, unhurried. She pauses in front of him, her chin tilted up. “Kiss?”
His focus shifts entirely to her, and he bends over to place a quick kiss on her mouth. Even in the small display of affection, I can read an epic love.
One I wish I could have for myself.
Not with Ame. Coveting her would be a good way to get my intestines ripped out through my ass. But I’ve longed for apartner most of my adult life, and dating in a small town isn’t getting me anywhere.
Ame’s hand that’s not holding her mug rests flat on Jack’s chest. “I was being pushy because she has a sweet dog and I wanted to be friends. It’s my fault.”
“I’m sorry.” In a voice husky from exhaustion, Clementine speaks to Ame through the gap between my and Carl’s shoulders. “I’ve been living among humans for nine years. I’m not used to casual magic usage. And you’re right; I’m tired.” In a version of a peace offering, Clementine settles herself onto the pillow throne Ame made for her. “My dog’s name is Shrimp, and he’d love to be your friend.” She sinks back, eyes closing with a sigh. “Don’t bother with me though. I’m not worth the effort. I’ll only fuck it up.”
Then, as far as I can tell, she passes out.
Her words linger in the air, and when I glance Carl’s way, I can see the worry in his furrowed brow. I know if he could fix every single one of his sister’s problems through sheer force of will, he would. But instead, he has to watch as she suffers and rebels and hurts.
Before my resentment toward her can return, I step out into the hall and ask Ame in a hushed voice, “Where’s Bo? And Mor?”
With her hand in Jack’s, she leads the way deeper into the house. Carl wavers in the doorway, obviously torn between watching over his sister and joining the group trying to fix things.
“I can tell you what we talk about,” I offer.
Carl glances between me and the slumbering Clementine. “Actually, could you stay with her?”
“Me?” The idea of being alone with her in this room, which doesn’t have enough airflow to properly clear out her scent, has my body heat notching up in an uncomfortable way.
Because I dislike her, obviously.
He nods. “I want to hear all the details. But I can’t leave her alone.” His eyes lock with mine. “I trust you.”
Of course he’d pull out the trust card.
