Page 30 of Realm of Dreams & Shadows

I’ve never had a boyfriend. And other than Chase himself, I’ve never even had a crush. And since the boarding school Uncle Finn shoved me into was all girls—another reason that dick move on Uncle Finn’s part incurred my wrath—I haven’t had a lot of practice talking to guys.

This guy, though…

Well, Chase, I genuinely like. As a friend and—maybe—as something more.

At the same time, though, I can’t help but wonder—is it Cora the freshman he’s interested in? Or is he somehow truly the guy in my dreams?

Chapter

Eleven

There’s a charming little garden fenced in on one side of the store, a fun fact I learn when Griffin tells me that my duties include watering the plants. It’s full of color and smells like spring—a lovely oasis of raised beds with rosemary, sage, lavender, and a bunch of other herbs I don’t recognize at all.

I find the watering can and fill it from the rain barrel tucked in the corner. The repetitive task of watering each section is soothing—at least until I spot movement by the back gate.

Chase slips into the garden with the ease of someone who’s been here many times before. He looks startled to see me, then nods before squatting down in front of the herb bed and starting to clip off some leaves.

“Um, does Mr. Griffin know you’re taking his herbs?”

He glances up. “I think it’s fair to say that Griff knows pretty much everything that goes on in this town.”

He’s probably right about that. But he didn’t actually answer my question.

As he kneels by a bed of something with delicate yellow flowers, I decide not to press the issue. After all, the plants will grow back.

“What are they for?” I ask as he pulls a small pouch from his pocket.

He ignores my question, carefully harvesting several sprigs. His movements are precise, almost ritualistic. He murmurs something under his breath with each cutting—a prayer? A spell? I put down the watering can, using the movement as an excuse to get closer, trying to hear.

“Protection freely given, freely taken. Guard against the dark, shield against the shadow.”

A shiver runs through me. “What are you doing?”

He tilts his head to look at me, then shrugs. “This town has a high crime rate. I figure every little bit helps.”

I tilt my head. “Seriously?”

“Yes,” he says, and though I search his face for any sign that he’s bullshitting me, I don’t see a single hint.

“Okay, then,” I say, squatting across from him. And before I can talk myself out of it, I blurt, “Are you making that for me?”

His brow furrows, and I wonder if I’ve totally missed the mark here. “Why would you say that?”

“Well, I mean…you know. Before. With the freaky wolf mugger.” Am I a smooth liar, or what? “And,” I add before I have time to talk myself out of it, “because of the way you’re always saving me in dreams.”

I search his face for a reaction—some sign that he knows exactly what I’m talking about. But there’s no reaction at all. Neither recognition nor confusion. Just blankness.

Then he says, very quietly, “In your dreams?”

I shrug, my cheeks burning as I desperately wish that one of those freakish creatures from my dreams would swoop in and cart me away, because hello? Could I be any more lame?

“Sorry,” I finally manage. “I guess I was young and impressionable back when Wolfie jumped out at me. Kinda makes you the man of my dreams.”

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. Did I really just say that? Seriously, why is the earth not swallowing me whole?

“That’s quite a responsibility,” he says, and it’s probably just wishful thinking, but I think his words are underscored with heat. “In that case, I guess I’d better make you a ward.” His eyes twinkle with what might be amusement. “Have to keep you safe in this world too.”

“Oh.” I can’t seem to conjure any more words. For that matter, if I’m not careful, I’m going to lose myself in the gold of his eyes.