Page 211 of Blue Moon Mistress

It’s too early for her to use any tricks, and I’m definitely awake, but still.

I watch the shifting darkness outside.

The lock hasn’t been turned.

It shouldn’t be necessary, but it’ll make me feel better.

When I stand, I don’t get that far.

The door blows open and Aphrodite’s specter rushes toward me.

There’s a clatter of noise and someone grabs me to haul me back, but it’s not necessary.

She bursts like a bubble the second she slams into the protections of the threshold.

“It’s okay,” I squeeze Johnny’s hand hoping he knows I’m not just saying it. “We’re safe from her inside the house. She’s just trying to freak us out.”

“Well, it’s working.”

The sharp ding of the oven timer makes them all flinch, but Thomas is back on his feet a moment later. He goes to the doors, shutting them and snapping the lock closed.

“The cards are normal again.” Joshua holds up Miss Scarlet, her teased 80s hair perfectly in place.

“It was just an illusion.”

“All the same…” Johnny sets the pizzas on the counter. “I’d rather switch to cards.”

While they clean up the board and get the cards out, I slip into the kitchen and start pulling down jars.

“What’s that for?” Johnny asks, when I come back to the table, sewing up the tiny sachet full of coarse salt, lavender, and a few chips of amethyst.

“It’s a dream pillow. Hopefully it will help keep her out of my head tonight.”

None of them look happy, but Thomas pulls me into his lap and slides my cards to me. “I’m sitting this one out.”

I’m not surprised when I see we’re playing hearts.

Twelve

There’sa clatter of a pan in the kitchen and it jolts me awake.

“Sorry,” Joshua whispers from behind me. “Johnny wanted to get a head start.”

The smell wafting into us tells me whatever he’s making will let me gladly forgive any sins.

Thomas’ head is next to mine, while his feet are the other direction, and he watches me through sleepy eyes. “Did you sleep well?”

I nod. “I think the pillow helped with that.”

But they don’t look particularly happy. “Did I try to go somewhere last night?”

“You didn’t fight to get away from us, but you probably would have walked out that door again if we’d let you.”

“This doesn’t feel like a very Merry Christmas right now, does it?” I hold out my hands, and Chase helps me to standing. “We’ll get it figured out. Soon.”

I don’t ask them not to worry.

I pull more books, letting Joshua inspect the newest hidden shelves I’ve revealed. And I finally find something useful.

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