Page 129 of Untraced Magic
Coming to my brother’s house with her in tow was not part of my plan, but Morgan being Tyler’s new neighbor meant he had a special interest in who she was. Orwhatshe was or wasn’t, rather.
I didn’t waste time, keen to see Tyler for the first time since my move back to Cutters Cove three weeks prior. Between unpacking and the casual shifts I had picked up at the local cafe, it just hadn’t happened.
With each footfall, the hair on my arms lifted, an unexpected shiver climbing my spine as I descended the stairs. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hesitant to see everyone again after many years. Especially since...
I shook my head, pushing the thought from my mind.
Deep breaths.
I forced myself to calm. They didn’t know. And they wouldn’t unless I told them.
As I hit the bottom step, the feeling became stronger. I pulled my denim jacket tighter around me, trying to dim the unease in the pit of my stomach.
Ignoring it, I forced a smile, my chest releasing as I sighted Tyler inspecting the grill outside. I closed the distance between us swiftly, hugging him from behind.
“Hey big brother, thought fixing the grill would be your jam,” I said, giving him a knowing look.
Tyler turned to me, his dark hair and steel gaze reminding me of my father’s, a flash of annoyance creasing his forehead. I bet it had something to do with the gas bottle perched on his thigh.
“Hey sis, long time no see.” He landed a peck on my cheek, his frown lines dissolving.
Tyler and I were born with the same gift in our bloodline: the element of fire lingered in our veins. I knew he could easily light the grill with his thermo magic, but give the guy something that needed fixing and he would happily head to the garage.
We had always been close, and he had made the effort to keep in touch through my years away, even coming to visit a few times, while mine back home had been nonexistent.
He motioned to my now-brown hair, a brow arched high. “No more blonde?”
I laughed, tugging at a strand, remembering my 'blondes had more fun' stage. “Yeah, thought it was time for a change.”
He gave a low chuckle, his mouth pulling into a tight smile. “Suits you.” He adjusted the gas bottle on his thigh. “Sorry, let me get this sorted and I’ll be back.” He left, heading inside, no doubt to the garage.
I rubbed my arms as an evening breeze whipped through the backyard. I rarely felt the cold, but tonight I wore my favorite cropped tee, and it seemed even my fire element was not enough to warm my exposed midriff.
I scanned the room of people, spotting a familiar face. Scarlet, my best friend. She walked toward me, having come straight from the apothecary she owned, her black knit dress hugging curves I could only dream of having. She was the local herbal witch, and with dark brown hair tinged a shade of red, a black choker chain around her neck, and subtle eyeliner, I had to admit she looked the part. When I messaged her about returning to Cutters Cove, she instantly asked me to move in with her, so I did.
“Hey.” She nudged me playfully in the ribs, a large smile creasing the corners of her hazel eyes.
“Hey yourself. How was work? Any more humans thinking your special brews will fix their hemorrhoids?” I joked.
She leaned against the doorframe, a light laugh lifting her shoulders. “Today it was warts,” she said dryly.
I shook my head, my face contorting in disgust. “So gross.”
Scar’s attention turned to Morgan, watching as she spoke to Tyler at the bottom of the stairwell. “I just spoke to the new girl,” she said.
I followed her line of sight before quickly turning away so as not to make it obvious we were talking about her. “That’s Morgan, Tyler’s new neighbor. She seems really nice,” I mused.
Although I had only just met Morgan, the few times I’d spoken with her had felt natural. Friendly even. But I also knew not to take anyone at face value, because I was privy to the supernatural that walked unbeknownst to the humans in Cutters Cove daily. Witches, vampires, and wolves were my everyday normal.
Hence Tyler’s interest in his new neighbor.
Morgan’s beauty had not gone unnoticed in the room, and I eyed a guy with a cap on, stealing a glance in her direction. Her dark brown eyes matched her hair, with a natural beauty about her that didn’t need an ounce of makeup. My bet was she didn’t see it that way.
Scar’s middle finger grazed over her thumbnail. “She seems legit, but I guess Wes will find out for sure.”
Of course. Wesley’s sensor gift.
There were many things Scar had filled me in on over the years, one thing holding my curiosity the most. Namely that Wesley, my childhood best friend, had become quite the ladies' man of late. I couldn’t see it, myself. I had known him as the humble boy next door who was my brother’s best friend, and I could not imagine him any other way.
