Page 42 of Protected By the Wolf

You mean, my love? The one I’m pushing away? “Every night. But I also saw that you would make me brownies tomorrow.” I winked back at her.

A smile creased her old face. “I will make you brownies, provided you practice focusing your thoughts. You can will these visions to life when needed if you wanted.”

I had this argument with Charli on a weekly basis. Why would I want to will these visions to come about? They freaked me out every time. But she was holding home baking over me. “Okay, brownies for practicing; that’s my deal. Take it or leave it.”

“Fine.” She snorted. “I can’t believe my nose betrays me again. I’ll use the edge pan so you get more crunchy sides. How’s that?”

I smiled at knowing the scent of brownies was enough to satisfy Charli’s cravings. “Okay, thanks.” She knew me well, and she was making an effort. I sighed. I should make more of an effort too. If not for Charli, I would still be thinking I was crazy.

Lira

I thumped down the stairs to the front door, mumbling obscenities under my breath at Charli for waking me up at the crack of dawn. Who could be so important? The sun wasn’t even up yet!

Fuming, I pulled on the door handle too hard, and the door swung open, hitting my face. This day just can’t get better soon enough! Rubbing my face, it took me a few seconds to realize that someone was standing in front of me. When I did, I froze.

“Hi, Lira,” a familiar old woman said.

“Hi . . .”

“I’m Miti. I believe you know my grandson, Bruno.”

All I could do was nod.

“I saw you at the meeting yesterday and thought I’d stop by before heading home. Sorry this is so early, but I wanted to see you before Bruno came.”

“Bruno’s coming?”

She ignored my question and instead said, “May I come in?”

Oh my goodness! I’m the worst host. And to Bruno’s grandmother! “Yes, of course.” I stepped aside to let her in.

I led Miti into the sitting room. Right when we were sitting, I saw Charli swoosh in and place a platter of tiny cucumber sandwiches on the table. Two teacups appeared next to it, and they filled up with tea on their own.

“Charli, it’s so good to see you again,” Miti said.

“Likewise, Miti. It’s been too long. Will you be staying for a while?”

“Unfortunately, no. I must get back to my family.”

“Certainly.” Charli floated out of the room, and all I could do was stare at Miti.

Thankfully, she started talking. “Charli and I go way back.”

“But how?—?”

“Witches sometimes live for a very long time.”

I swallowed. “How long is very long?”

She stared at me, cocking her head to one side and seeming to evaluate me. “Longer than you can imagine.”

“Thousands?” I guessed, trying to remain calm.

Miti shrugged. “They can. Sometimes they come and go.”

“Reincarnated?” I squeaked.

“Yes, but usually as the same person.”

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