Page 53 of Wicche Hunt

My phone buzzed. When I pulled it out of my pocket, I saw I had missed calls and texts. Groaning, I got back to my feet and went out to Gran’s patio, overlooking the ocean.

“Hey. Sorry I missed your messages.”

“Oh, thank God.” Declan’s voice was grumbly and concerned. “I thought that creep had come back and taken you.”

“He’s human. He can’t hurt me.”

“Except if he touches your skin, puts you in a trance, and steals you while you’re out. A lot of damage can be done to an unconscious person.”

“That’s the stuff I try not to think about or I’d isolate myself even more. I’m sorry you’ve been worried, though. I’m at my gran’s. Mom called and said Gran was feeling a dark presence lurking around her home.” I explained the rest, including the fact that we’d just completed our work here.

“Are you safe outside?” Poor guy. I’d really scared him.

“Sure. When we create the wards, we’re not just creating a magical seal on the house. We’re extending the protections to her property. All bets are off out on the main road, but on Gran’s property, we’re fine.”

“I can run it for you, see if I pick up her scent anywhere. She may have planted curses in other spots.”

I was about to say we had it, but this was Gran we were talking about. We needed her protected. “Yes. Thank you. That would settle our minds.”

“Good. I’m on my way.”

I went back in and explained that Declan was coming to check the grounds. Mom thought it unnecessary, but Gran was grateful.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Sybil. We need to know if she and her demon planted more curses on my property, and we have a Quinn in the family who can check. You say thank you when he arrives,” Gran said.

“He’s not in the family,” Mom protested.

Gran pushed back and began to rock in her chair, seeming to catch a second wind. “You keep telling yourself that, if it makes you feel better.”

The next few minutes were tense, but when I heard Declan’s truck, I headed out to the drive. The first thing he did was pull me into a bruising hug, kissing the top of my head.

“You had me worried.”

“Sorry. I know we had a date. I forgot to contact you before we got started.” I shrugged in his arms. “I’m not used to anyone besides Mom and Gran looking for me.”

“That’s something we’ll both need to get used to. And it’s not your fault. I was the one letting my mind run away with what could have happened.” He kissed my lips. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” I grinned into his chest. This was nice.

He gave me one more squeeze and then let go. “Let me get undressed and I’ll shift.” He went back to the far side of his truck, opened the door, and started to strip, dropping his clothes on the seat.

“Gran’s getting her security checked and I get a show. Win-win.” I was trying hard to play it cool and not ogle him, but he was built like a god, so it was tough.

He bent down to unlace his boots, step out, and then lose his jeans and boxers. He gave me a wink and then shifted. Just like that. In the span of a blink, a huge black wolf was shaking out his fur and rounding the truck to me.

TWENTY-TWO

Clearing the Air

Goddess, he was gorgeous in either form. “Can I?” I held out my hand. He chuffed and then ducked under my fingers. He’d been standing there talking to me two seconds ago and now he was this incredible animal, letting me pet him. He rubbed his head against my leg and then trotted off, around the side of Gran’s house.

Eventually, the front door opened and Mom and Gran came out.

“Declan’s checking the property.”

Gran nodded and then they both sat on the bench at the end of the porch. “Tell us about this grimoire you saw on Calliope’s table,” Gran said.

I walked over and waved my hand—a small spell to clean off any dirt or pollen on the porch—and then sat, leaning against a thick wooden pillar.

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