Page 46 of Lost Girl

“Tigerlily.”

“Wow that’s such a pretty name, very unique. You know, I don’t think I’ve never seen a Tiger lily in all my life, not in the flesh anyway.”

“Dad and I planted a garden full of them one year for her birthday. They’ve grown there since. I’ll take you tomorrow,” I promise with a grin, until I see the worry lines settling on her face.

“Can I even, you know, be out like that?”

“We’re not hiding you, Wendy.” I’m almost offended she thinks that’s what I’m subjecting her to. “Yes, tonight we are because everything has its time, but after I fill my father in on what Hook’s been hiding behind closed doors, we’ll do whatever you want. I didn’t break you out of there to keep you imprisoned elsewhere. You’re free now. We just gotta get you home.” The last bit grates more than I intended. I’m trying not to think about that little detail but…

She wants to leave.

What did you really expect after what she’s experienced here?

I know.I know,trust me—I fucking know, butIfound her and she’s just—

A series of quiet howls sound from the thicket just as a few of the boys come speeding through.

Wendy lights up before me, a hand popping up to her mouth. “Are they…?”

“Yup. They’ll be back in a few too, don’t worry.”

They’ll definitely be back, the nosey bastards.

“I can’t believe you...” she trails off, watching as they disappear on the trail to our village.

“It’s weird.” I laugh, knowing exactly what she meant. “Some days I love it more than anything. There’s this sense of freedom to it. Power. Yet such simplicity, too.”

“I’m kind of jealous actually. All this time I thought vampires, and wolves,” she motions at me, “and witches were nothing but a fantasy, and here you all are, tucked away in a different realm my world knows nothing about.”

“We’re notallhere. Rosewood isn’t the only island off the Toltara Sea. There’s other territories nearby, other realms, too. Not to mention some of us dare to walk the streets of your world permanently.”

“Do they really?”

“Of course. The modern world holds a certain appeal. Technological advances are a novelty over here, a luxury even. Your world has that in spades.”

“That’s true.”

“Is there a species intrigues you most?” I ask, earning me a subtle nod.

“Witches,” she answers surely.

“Ah, Wendy The Witch. I should’ve known.”

Wendy crinkles her nose and shakes her head briskly. “I’m the furthest possible thing from a witch.”

“Well,” I tap her nose, “I like little wolf better anyway, so…”

“Yo, Tav!” Soren’s voice echoes in the night.

Wendy and I pivot in tandem just as he, Niko, and Cortez come running up. “We’re clear.” Soren is grinning a full-on grin as he clocks in Wendy at my side.

Niko and Cortez sport matching ones as well.

They’re finally getting to see the girl I’ve been losing my shit over for days and I’m willing to bet they’re going to act like giant jackasses about it. I’m already irritated just looking at their dumb mugs.

“Soren.” He extends his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Wendy.”

Wendy blushes just slightly and takes his offering. “Nice to meet you, too, Soren.”

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