Page 11 of Charmed and Dangerous

“That’s because you need to manage the PH of the soil correctly, Miss Whisper,” a crotchety male spoke from somewhere behind them.

Saul turned to see Cornelius Digby several feet away, peering around the corner of a tree. He wore a brown tweed suit, worn in several places, wire-framed spectacles, and an explorer’s hat to cover his balding head. He was watching them apprehensively, but clearly his need to impart his wisdom overcame his nerves around new people.

Saul stayed still so he wouldn’t spook the older man. “Maeve, this is Cornelius Digby, the owner of this place.”

She stared at him, aghast. “He’s not the owner. He’s so much more. Caretaker, curator, genius. Saul, he’s so much more than an owner.”

A nervous laugh burst out of Cornelius. “I like her.”

Saul grinned. “So do I.”

Cornelius peered around the corner, not coming much closer. “You have to plant the right things around the Thimbleberry too. Coakum, Milkweed, Wintercress, Garget. They keep the mantids away and enrich the soil.”

She stroked the leaves of the whatever plant it was. “It’s so healthy. I’ve only ever seen pictures in books. Saul, this is the best antidote for all poisons, especially for shifters. It doesn’t mess with their unique body chemistry. You should know about this herb. It might help cleanse you of the love potion!”

Saul shrugged. “Never heard of it. And I don’t need to be cleansed or whatever. The love potion has no effect on me.”

Cornelius stepped out onto the path, straightening to about five foot nothing. “A love potion? Bah. Love potions don’t create love. A true potions master would know that. All it can do is reveal what already exists. In the case of a bear shifter, a true mate can be revealed.”

Maeve ducked her head, touching the berries of the weird little plant. “But love potions can cloud judgment and make someone act in a way they would not normally act.”

Cornelius scoffed. “Bah, it only acts on what’s inside the person. You should know that, Miss Whisper, being an accomplished potions master yourself.”

Maeve looked startled, her face burning. “You’re thinking of my mother. She was brilliant with plants, herbs, and potions. I’m nothing like her.”

Cornelius gave her an odd look. “I taught your mother at the academy. She was one of the few students I could tolerate. A bright and nimble mind. I was sorry to hear of her passing. If you recognized Thimbleberry and its uses, then you know more than most potions masters.” He gestured to the area, warming to his subject. “I created this special spot just for the Thimbleberry. In the winter, I create a dome over it with special conditions to keep it dormant and safe, like it would be in Hungary, where it originated.”

She sighed and let her hand fall away. “Thank you. My mother was brilliant. I spent many days with her in her greenhouse. She would have loved your gardens. They’re beautiful. Thank you for letting us spend time here.”

He glanced at Saul and scurried around him, clearly intimidated by his size, even though he knew him. “Have you seen the Eytelia?”

Maeve’s lips formed a perfect O, and her eyes widened. Cornelius gestured to her and hurried along a side path with Maeve on his heels. Saul sighed and followed. Maybe this wasn’t the best date idea after all, especially if he lost Maeve to an elderly honey badger shifter.

Two hours passed before Maeve and Cornelius surfaced. Saul had scoped out a nice place to eat, and hadn’t exactly expected Cornelius, the hermit, the recluse, the man who professed to hate all people, to join them. But apparently Maeve had charmed him, too. Cornelius sat on the corner of the red plaid blanket and ate almost all the honey cakes and remaining baklava that Saul had hidden just for them. Damn that honey badger.

Though Maeve was glowing and completely forgetting to be quiet or shy. She even leaned closer to Saul, her thigh pressing against his and her hand resting on his leg. On second thought, if talking with Cornelius and giving the honey badger his food made Maeve this happy, well, he could live with it.

Okay, maybe not. Cornelius reached for the last piece of baklava and Saul growled. Cornelius hissed. “It’s for Maeve.”

Cornelius jerked his hand back. “Anything for Maeve.”

Saul handed Maeve the last piece with a flourish. “For you, mouse.”

Cornelius watched them for a few moments, then scrambled to his feet. “I need to go. I have to deadhead some of my plants. Enjoy your picnic.”

He disappeared rather quickly for an old man. Maeve turned and glared at Saul. “Did you chase him away?”

He shrugged. “How would I have done that?”

“You growled at him. I know how I feel when you do that to me.”

“Mouse, he’s a honey badger. He has long-ass claws that could disembowel me.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Not in grizzly form.”

He smiled smugly. “No, not in grizzly form. I’m pretty awesome. Now, try this baklava that got us into this amazing place.”

He broke off a piece and placed it in her mouth. She closed her lips over it and moaned. “Oh my goddess, Saul. This is amazing. Thank you for lunch. Did you make all of this?”

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