Page 45 of Protected By the Wolf

She liked Rosey’s Diner. The memory of watching her eat her French toast made me smile. She had an appetite that could rival any wolf. But I could do better than a diner. Or was this more of a meet-and-greet date I was planning? I stopped walking at the realization I couldn’t come on too strong today. The last thing I wanted to do was to scare her off again.

Sandy had made me read a romance book once; said it was educational for me to learn how to treat a woman. I’d thought it was silly, but I could use all the guidance I could get right now, and as I wasn’t about to call my sister for help, the book’s recommendations would have to do. The hero had bought the love of his life flowers and chocolates as a peace offering. So, I went to the nearest chocolate store and picked up some dark chocolate truffles, then I headed to the florist shop Ray’s mentor owned.

The bell rang as I opened the door. Looking around, I didn’t see anyone on the shop floor, but the plethora of flowers on display rivaled Ray’s. The store seemed to stretch on forever. Every turn I made took me deeper into the perfumed oasis. Near the back of the shop I found a counter where a group of photos were taped to the back wall. They were pictures of an old couple, with what looked like their adult children and grandkids around a dinner table.

I made another round of the store, but I still didn’t see the owner, and it wasn’t until I was looking at a pink lily that I noticed movement to my right. There was what looked like a flash of pink hair and a waft of lavender came across my senses. I followed the smell; it was enticing and very calming. There must have been something else mixed in the scent because lavender had never calmed me down as fast as whatever it was that I had just breathed in.

I kept walking around the shop, now feeling a little lightheaded. At the first stab of pain to my stomach, panic shot through my system. The next stab of pain made me remember this was how I felt at Rosey’s Diner after consuming Suzy’s drink, only to wake up and learn I had attacked Jacob in full view of his mate.

Frantic now, I turned to look for the entrance, but all I saw were aisles of plants. The room started spinning, and I had only taken two steps before I felt my knees hit the floor. Next thing I knew, I was out.

Lira

All dressed up with nowhere to go. Why was I silly enough to believe Miti when she said that Bruno was going to come by this morning? Why would he come see me when I was always running away from him?

But the smoldering look he’d given me yesterday filtered through my mind, and I clutched the mantlepiece to steady myself. I couldn’t deny it—I wanted him. I needed to be with him, even if Millie said he could turn into a wolf. This was not something my brain wanted to comprehend. Though, me being a witch was also bizarre.

I slumped into the nearest chair, overcome by the weight of everything on my mind.

My phone rang, and I looked down to see Millie’s name illuminated on the screen. I released a deep sigh and picked up. “Millie, hi.”

“Oh, thank goodness, you’ve had me so worried, Lira! If it wasn’t for Miti saying she’d seen you in the flesh, I’d have thought you’d gone and disappeared for good this time.”

“I’m here and doing well,” I said calmly.

She paused at my tone. “Where are you?”

“Miti didn’t say?”

“No, she only told me you’re fine and that you had some things to sort out.”

“She’s right.” I didn’t elaborate because I wasn’t ready for my family to find out where I was.

“You’re not going to tell me where you are?” Millie pushed.

“No, Millie, I need some time alone. Like Miti said, I have some things to work through.”

She was silent for a bit, then said, “Bruno said he saw you too.”

“He did.” When the silence dragged on, I continued, “Millie, I really need some space right now. I’m not doing so well.”

“Lira—” She sounded close to tears.

“I love you, Millie. I promise I will explain everything once I figure it out in my own head. I really do want to tell you what’s going on, but it’s just all too crazy right now. I’ll talk to you later, okay? I promise. I’ll get back in touch when I’m ready, and I won’t do anything I’ll regret.”

“I love you too, Lira.” I could hear the disappointment in her voice.

We hung up, and I placed the phone in my lap. Rubbing my hands down the black-and-white polka dot dress I was wearing, I shook my head, wondering what in the world I was thinking. Miti had been wrong; Bruno wasn’t going to come. And my stupid heart had decided to go along for the ride only to be disappointed again.

I might as well get back to the focus exercises Charli had me doing.

I stood up to head to my room to change when the doorbell rang. Hoping it was Bruno after all, I walked over to open the door, only to find Trixie, Piya, and Mod standing on my doorstep with mischievous looks on their faces.

“We want you to come out with us today and explore your family’s grove,” Trixie said.

“We thought you’d be more comfortable doing so with witches your own age,” Piya added.

Trixie jumped in quickly with, “And we won’t be in a tight space like the club the other night. We’re going to the woods, but really, we’re just going to be in your backyard.”

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