Page 14 of Pledge Of A Bobcat

Before Rachel could ask her what she meant by that, Lyra came back with the sage.

“Here you go.” She handed me a bag with it nestled inside. “Is that enough for what you need?”

I glanced at Rachel.

“Yeah, that will work. Thank you.”

“How much do I owe you?” I asked.

“Nothing. Let’s just focus on getting rid of Lucius’s spirit,” Lyra insisted.

I nodded. “Thanks. Well, I wish we could stay and chat, but we should get going.”

“Understood.” Lyra nodded. “I’ll tell Waylen you said hi.”

As Rachel and I climbed back into my truck, I couldn’t help but notice the shift in her demeanor.

“Alma is one to never disappoint,” I said, starting down their long driveway. “She reminds me of your aunt in that sense.”

“I can see that.” She chuckled. “She’s smart, though. She nailed that I’m what’s holding me back. Here’s the honest truth: I’m not sure I want to talk to the wind like Aunt Maribel because it sounds scary.”

“I can see where you might feel that way, but I can also see where it could be useful.” I turned at the end of Alma’s driveway, heading for town. Before we could speak on the subject any longer, her stomach growled.

“Sorry.” She giggled. “I’m starving.”

My gaze drifted to the clock on my radio. It was almost one. While I’d wanted to take her home because I felt like being near her put a target on her back, there was also a desire to feed her, one my bobcat demanded I listen to.

“How do you feel about grabbing lunch at Mariam’s Diner? It’s the least I can do since you’ve been helping me gather everything your aunt needs today.”

“Lunch?” She seemed surprised. “Sure.”

While I drove to Main Street, I tried to think about how I could let her know that I planned to take her home afterward instead of having her go with me to grab the remaining items her aunt needed.

Nothing came to mind before we reached the diner.

Stepping inside, the hum of chatter and clinking silverware welcomed us as we entered. I led Rachel to a table near the window, just inside the door, and we settled into chairs on opposite sides. Mariam brought over two menus, greeting us both with a warm smile.

“Hey, Ellis. Good to see you back. And who’s this?” she asked, glancing at Rachel with curiosity.

“This is Rachel,” I introduced her. “She’s been helping me with some things today.”

“Nice.” Mariam raised an eyebrow, but didn’t push for more. “Well, welcome to the diner, Rachel. You’ve got yourself good company here.” She winked as she patted me on the hand and then walked to another table.

“I take it you don’t cook much,” Rachel said.

I smirked. “Not frequently, no. When you’re just cooking for yourself, what’s the point?”

“Good point.”

Mariam came back.

“Sorry about that,” she said. “What can I get you two to drink?”

We both ordered water and then burgers and fries.

“Is Dean working?” I asked Mariam before she walked away to put in our ticket.

“He is. I’ll tell him you said hello.”

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