Page 19 of Wicked Witch

“So besides your penchant for kink is there anything else I need to know about you? Like you're not going to make a skin suit out of me are you?”

My breath halts, and I choke on my coffee. Sputtering, I grab a napkin. She can’t think that I’d hurt her right? She’s my mate, I’d skinmyselfbefore ever causing her harm.

“No, I would never do something so barbaric to anyone, especially you. I plan to marry you and be your partner, Wynter.”

Coughing, I clear my throat and wait for her to accept my answer.

Leaning closer, she drops her voice to a whisper just for me.

“You’re totally bat shit crazy, but it’s kinda growing on me. Like a fungus, but for now I wouldn’t mind the company as I try to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do.”

Reaching for her hand she lets me hold it for a few seconds before moving back and drinking her coffee.

“The night at the bar, what we saw… What do you think it meant?” she asks me and I sigh.

“That this is where we are meant to be and you Wynter are my future. Not sure you noticed… But the little girl looked just like me…”

Shaking her head she groans. “Cirrus, that’s impossible. Maybe the vision was a tease of things I crave. Yes I agree I had to come here to find out the truth, but having a relationship with three men and a baby with you is ludicrous.”

“Why? I would make you very happy. Treat you like the future queen you are.”

“I gave up on love and marriage and kids a long time ago. The night of my third wedding to be exact. When I stood up on that platform with a priest. Only to be left behind again.”

“Those men were idiots. I would never do that. We’re mates, Wynter. You’re mine, and I am yours. And from the looks of it, you belong to two others as well. Do you have any idea who they could be? It wasn’t clear.”

Ruth chooses that moment to bring us some of my food, and Wynter digs in. I don’t mind sharing, but rude!

“No, I haven’t had a date in years. I’m always canceled on or passed over. It doesn’t bother me anymore, so don’t pity me, Cirrus. If it is because of this curse, then maybe after it’s gone my two dream men shall appear.”

Or maybe I just need to arrange a meet and greet, my little hopeless romantic.

ARSEN

Today has been a massive drag.I am never this busy, but kids keep coming and going. I guess it’s because the semester is about to end, and my seniors are worried about starting college.

I get it, I really do, but I’ve been spacey all day and I blame it on Rus and whatever we did the other night.

Waking up in my bed with Astor on the couch was a surprise, but the weird dream and taste in my mouth wasn’t.

I have been suspicious for a while now about magic and if it exists. When Wynter was dating Erick there were a few times I’d noticed funny things she would do.

She’s told the world she’s psychic, but I think it goes deeper than that and though Rus has tried to hide himself, he’s slipped up a few times after a night of drinking.

Talking about his home with unicorns and dragons and whatever other nonsense fell from his inebriated lips.

At first I just thought he was crazy and my inner psychologist wanted to study him, but then he started to do things that stood out to me.

A lot like Wynter did. For instance, one night he made it rain in my shower because he didn’t like the type of shower head I had installed.

How do I know it was raining? Because there was thunder and lightning accompanying the light summer storm, plus Rus left the door wide open. After he saw me peeking, I woke up in my bed, so it could have been a dream, but I doubt it.

My grandmother always said she could see people’s auras and I had a friend or two growing up that supposedly were imaginary, but I think they were spirits.

Groaning, I close the file on my desk and open the drawer, slipping it inside. My phone rings, but I’m done for the day. I think it might be a night to grab a few drinks with Astor.

Locking my office, I pull out my cell and dial his number. He doesn’t answer, so I leave him a message telling him to meet me at Brews & Books. I wonder if Wynter’s there again.

Seeing her the other night I didn’t realize how much I missed her. She was always meant to be mine, but Erick swooped in and stole her the weekend I was home sick with the flu.

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