Page 73 of Blood Match

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady. “Nothing’s got me hot and bothered, Poppy. I’m just…cleaning.”

“Uh-huh. I’ve been watching you for five minutes, and all you’ve done is stare down the drain,” Poppy retorts, her tiny paws crossing in a very human-like gesture of disbelief.

I move abruptly, embarrassed to realize that she’s right. “I was checking the waste disposal,” I lie.

Poppy snorts in disbelief. “Spill it, Ro. You’re practically glowing.”

I turn away, busying myself with wiping down the already spotless counter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh please, I can smell the magic on you from a mile away. It’s different… stronger. What have you been up to?”

I bite my lip, memories of last night flooding back. The sacred grove, Darick’s intense gaze, the exhilarating rush of power as he… No. I can’t think about that now.

“Just… I’ve been practicing, that’s all,” I mutter lamely.

Poppy snorts again, a sound that shouldn’t be possible for a squirrel. “Practicing what? Being a terrible liar?”

I sigh, knowing I won’t be able to shake her off easily. “Look, I’ve just found a way to boost my magic, okay? It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal? You, Rowan ‘I-can’t-even-light-a-candle’ Blackwood, suddenly boosting your magic? That’s a pretty big deal if you ask me.”

I can’t help but smile at her sarcasm. “Maybe I’m finally getting the hang of things.”

Poppy narrows her eyes, clearly not buying it. “Uh-huh. And does this ‘getting the hang of things’ have anything to do with that bite mark on your neck?”

My hand flies to my throat, cheeks burning.

Shit!

I sigh, knowing I can’t keep everything from Poppy. She’s been with me through thick and thin, even if she’s a pain in the ass sometimes.

“Look, Poppy, I am working on something. Something important. But I can’t share the details yet, okay? It’s…complicated.”

Poppy’s tail twitches, her beady eyes narrowing. “Complicated? That’s code for ‘I’m doing something stupid,’ isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not stupid,” I insist, though a part of me suspects she may be right. “I just need you to trust me on this. Please, don’t say anything to anyone. I promise I’ll tell you more when the time is right.”

Poppy lets out a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes. “Fine, fine. I’ll keep your little secret. But if you end up turning yourself into a newt or something, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I can’t help but smile at her sarcasm. “Thanks, Poppy. I appreciate it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she chatters, waving a paw dismissively. “Just…be careful, okay? Whatever this is, it’s got you all worked up. And that bite on your neck? That’s not nothing, Ro.”

Her concern touches me, even if it’s wrapped in her usual sass. “I will be. I promise.”

Poppy nods, seemingly satisfied for now. “So, what’s next in this mysterious plan of yours?”

“I’m going to see Kara,” I say, grabbing my purse and scarf. “There’s something important I need to talk to her about.”

“Let me guess, more secrets?”

I pause at the door, looking back at her. “I’m going to tell her I want to try the Circle again. I’m feeling…more confident in my skills now.”

Poppy’s eyes widen slightly. “Well, well. Look who’s finally growing a magical backbone. Just don’t blow anything up this time, okay?”

I laugh. “I’ll do my best. See you later, Poppy.”

As I head out, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for not telling Poppy everything. But I push it aside. This is for the best. For now, at least.

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