Page 75 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

She grins and winks at the camera, and I wrinkle my nose. Then she calls for her followers to boost the post and send it to me if they want to see us working together—which explains why I have hundreds, if not thousands, of unread messages and requests. I click into the comments and see a pinned comment at the top from one of her followers. My eyes widen as I read it.

You both live in Michigan, you could totally meet up! I’ve seen that you’ve both done content in Traverse City, I bet you’re close! DO ITTTTTT

In response, Helen has confirmed that she wants to meet near Traverse City and tags my account, challenging me to agree.

“Ugh,” I grumble and plop onto a seat as my fingers fly, trying to do damage control.

I search my messages for the online friend I’d previously sent her “healing” video to, wanting to see if she replied while I was busy guzzling cum like my life depended on it. Sure enough, her response confirms what I suspected.

Her: Yeah girl, that’s not right. She’s definitely mixing weird ingredients that are going to counteract each other, and her incantation feels off too. Nothing overt, but it gives me the creeps.

You need to make sure you have some protection runes up. Ideally some jewelry you can wear. I don’t know what she’s up to, but I don’t like it.

Let me know if you want me to do any counter spells, I can send you a protection spell jar if you want.

Me: Thanks Lida, I appreciate it and I might take you up on that! I don’t know if I can get out of this collab now though, not with how much traction it’s gotten. Her latest went viral and my followers are all clamoring for me to do it…

Her: Oof, yeah you might have to. Send me your PO box and I’ll get a spell jar sent tomorrow.

Me: Thanks, you’re amazing. I already bought some extra crystals and have cleansed and recharged them. I’ll be sure to wear some protective runes and jewelry, anything else you’d suggest?

Her: Keep cleansing your space and your mind, no knowing what nefarious shit she’s getting up to in private or if she has it out for you

Me: I think she just wants to ride on my coat tails, but I hear ya. Will definitely do that

Her: Moon blessings!

When I drop my phone with a sigh, I look up to see three pairs of eyes locked on me. They’re all frozen, muscles tense, staring at me with varying degrees of concern.

“Uhh…” I say, shrinking back from the unwanted attention. “What’s with the weird vibes?”

“Why are you stressed?” Jayce growls, and I pin him with a disapproving look.

“Didn’t we just talk about that attitude?” I say, exasperated.

He licks his teeth, then stalks towards me. “We did, but when your scent starts broadcasting distress, and your side of the bond flares with anxiety, irritation, uncertainty? That’s not the strong, independent omega I know. So I’m going to question why.”

Okay, so. He has a point. I wrinkle my nose. “Fine, there’s some online work drama happening in the witchy content creator world.” I take a few minutes to explain the backstory with Helen, and they’re so invested they hardly blink as I talk through it. “The weird thing is that there’s been no direct contact between us. I’ve checked my email and messages for anything from her, but there’s nothing. It’s so unprofessional and really strange.”

“You think she wants something?” Hayden says, perceptive as always.

I nod. “I think she wants to use me to grow her own following.”

Jayce growls and Aury scoffs. Hayden hums thoughtfully, giving nothing away in their expression. I hate how hard they are to read sometimes.

“It just feels icky to me,” I sigh. “But I don’t think I can say no. I don’t have a good reason and I don’t want to badmouth someone without cause. Plus, saying no to this could backfire spectacularly. I’ve been trying to ignore it the last few weeks, hoping it would blow over. Unfortunately, the idea has been gaining traction with my followers instead.”

“What can we do to help, Moonbeam?” Aury strokes his hand down my spine. The comfort is welcome, even if part of me still rebels at leaning into it.

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do,” I say, tipping my head to rest it on his shoulder. “I’m going to reach out to her, see what she has to say and what her plan is.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Siobhan

I decide to eat first so Jayce doesn’t have an aneurism, and after a solid brunch of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, I take my phone into the reading room to figure out next steps. Hayden follows, and I glance at him.

“Do you want us to leave?” they ask.