Page 2 of The Wolf's Bullied Pregnant Mate
“But the wolves—”
I shook my head. Greta had strictly informed me to not incite hatred against the wolves, no matter my own view of them. I was not to sway the thoughts of others.
“They have a right to be here,” I sighed. “And there’s no proof that the wolves are the reason for the demons. How about I throw in a handful of extra crystals for further measure?”
At that, Yvanna grinned. At only seventeen years old, she was fresh, allured by the sparkle and darkness of it all. I rang her up without any more questions—thankfully—and when she was gone, I brewed another coffee. As I walked around the store, cupping my hot mug that readThis witch is a bitch—a gift from Harper last year for my birthday—I listened out.
The store had fallen into a peaceful hush. It was the sort that made me know thatsomethingwas amiss about the island. The hush of a held breath. I had learned to ignore warning signs that didn’t prove to be anything dangerous, and this was one of those, but I made triple sure of that before averting my attention elsewhere.
Books surrounded me, shelved against the walls. Around the store were glass cases of crystals. Specific containers grew herbs that I would sell later on in the week. Greta’s store sold everything: witch history, island lore, and even the wolf lore that I liked to pretend wasn’t part of my history.
For the next hour, I went about the general tidy-up I had already done the night before, but it kept me awake, my hands busy, and my mind off Zephyr Brent. Zephyr, with those gorgeous green eyes that haunted my sleeping hours.
My grandmother wasn’t due to arrive for another couple of hours, so I had time to do my own thing. As a younger witch with no parents who guided my teaching, I relied on catching up on my grandmother’s lessons. Some days, I felt like the most powerful woman on the island. On other days, I felt weak and like a disappointment to the legacy my coven had created in years gone by.
But I was a witch. I was a Lindell witch. Adalyn Lindell. Nobody could take that name from me or the powers it came with. I had a strong ancestry and lineage. A group of wolves wouldn’t change that. Even wolves I liked—aside from Zephyr, who took every opportunity to get under my skin.
Stop, I told myself.You have bigger worries than a naked Zephyr in your dreams. Like demon attacks. Like adding to the shields on the north side of the beach.
I needed to do a spell to figure out where the attacks had come most, and I would go to that spot to work on the defenses next.
But then the bell above the door of the store rang, and in walked the very problem I was trying not to focus on.
He and another man in front of him.
Zephyr and Hector.
I paused. Seriously? I had just managed to escape Zephyr in my dreams—did he have to plague me while I was awake, too?
“Morning,” I called out to Hector, ignoring the green-eyed shifter behind him who watched me with distrust heavily in his gaze. He then flicked his attention coolly to the trinkets and books around them, his eyes narrowing. His discomfort became palpable.
“Are you lost?” I joked. My attention strayed to the tight-fitting black tank Zephyr wore beneath a black plaid shirt.I felt his heartbeat beneath my palm in my dream. What would it feel like in real life?God, I needed to knock it off.
“No,” Hector answered, completely missing the joke. “I need a map of the island.”
“Tourist shop is…” I pointed right. “That way.”
“Not ofthisisland as we know it,” he muttered. “Of the demon world. Wherever they come from.”
I scowled. “I’m sorry, what do you think this is? A demon Drive-Thru? Wolves, witches, weird shit. That’s what I sell.”
“But demons are part of the island’s history, no?”
“Of course they are, but that doesn’t mean we know their world layout. I’m sorry, but I don’t have what you need.”
Behind him, Zephyr snorted. “Let’s not pretend like your whole fucking store isn’t a gimmick, anyway.” He clapped a hand on Hector’s shoulder. “Hec, let’s get outta here. Breakfast is calling from that waffle place around the corner. This place is a load of bullshit.” He looked at me, a sarcastic smile on his face. “Sorry.”
I breathed in slowly. I reminded myself that tonight, I could switch off. I’d have a glass of wine with Harper, I’d hug the little beasties she and Alex had, and things would be okay.
I looked right at Zephyr. “If you think it's bullshit, go right ahead and take one of those crystals.” I dimmed the lights in the store, letting them flicker. “And at midnight, you take out those crystals, place them right at the shoreline, and—”
“Enough, witch,” Zephyr spat. He scowled, rearing back. “Fuck right off with all that.”
I shrugged. “I’m only saying. I respect your space. You respect mine.”
Zephyr snarled. “I willneverrespect you or your fancy coven with your parlor tricks. Witches have done fuck all for this island, from what I hear. If witches are enough, why aren’t you taking down the demons yourself?” He cocked his head. I seethed quietly. “Why are theystilla problem?” He laughed, dry and mocking. “Witches haven’t done anything but hide away in their little covens, light candles, and braid each other’s hair.”
I slammed my palms into the counter. The whole store shook. “Get. Out.”
