Page 147 of Blue Moon Mistress

“I love you too mom.”

I hang up and set the phone down before pinching the bridge of my nose. I know she means well. I know why she worries. But it would be nice to not have to think about a random group of other people’s feelings and opinions.

That was part of the reason I left.

It only takes me a few minutes to get dressed, and I pick up my phone as I pull my coat on. A quick text later—letting them know I’ve just woken up and will be at their place after I run some errands—and I’m in the car, headed for town.

I needed the sleep, but leaving them without the extra protections in their home makes my skin itch.

And it doesn’t stop itching until I start unloading my basket full of protection items onto the counter at Wexxon’s.

Anthony looks at the assembled purchases and his brows pinch. “Everything okay?”

“Someone’s just trying to take what’s mine.” I don’t elaborate. Partially because it’s none of his business, and partially because I don’t feel like dealing with his potential reaction right now. But mostly, I assume anything I say to him, he’ll relay to Aphrodite.

“Do you need any help?”

“Thank you, no.” Asking for help would both require explanation, and invite him to think I wanted something beyond this vague and distant friendship.

“I have no idea why anyone would try to mess with you. You’re the second most powerful witch in the area.”

“And it’s certainly not Gena who’s trying.” Though I might want to try to find my way out to the lighthouse road and see if the sea witch has any theories.

“Oh.” He looks at the package he’s wrapping up… “I’d forgotten about her. I meant Aphrodite.”

As he says it he stands a little straighter. Blinking. Like he, too, doesn’t really know why he said it.

Then again, maybe he knows something I don’t, or maybe… I watch his eyes, looking for any sign of enchantment. He knows how to protect himself, and his shop is filled with items that should protect him by their simple presence. But that look…

“Did she invite you to her full moon festivities last night?”

“She did. It was really great to participate with other witches again. I haven’t done that since I left home.”

There’s a sourness in his words and I know it’s at least partially related to the fact I’ve declined invitations from him in the past.

“I was sad you weren’t there.”

“I have my own rituals.”

His smile tightens. How many times has he heard that, I wonder. The seemingly universal words for a polite way to say “I don’t want you around.”

“But I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

This time, his smile is genuine. “Yeah, me too.”

“Hey, Scarlette?” He scowls down at the counter, brows pinched sharply.

“Yes?”

“Why did you leave your coven?”

I’ve thought of a dozen ways to skirt that question, but Anthony’s looking for information, not dirt.

“When you have that many people together, there will always be at least one who wants power. And if you have more than they do… The politics of a coven, especially one as large as the one I was in, can be easily abused if the right people aren’t paying attention.”

“Someone wanted to take control?”

“More like someone wanted to cultivate he other witches powers for their own gain. I refused to play a part in it.” I look him in the eye. “Don’t ever let another witch use you for your power, Anthony. Protect yourself first.”

---