Page 69 of Ensnared
“I wish you’d tell me where you are,” she says. “I feel like you’ve joined a cult. And that’s saying something, considering who we are.”
I force a laugh. “Nope. Everyone’s pretty normal here.”
It’s not a total lie. Apart from being sea dragons, the people of Amber Bay are surprisingly down-to-earth and practical. And I, for one, don’t care that they become big scaly mythological creatures. I don’t know a lot about them yet but I want to.
“It’s a really beautiful place,” I add, almost pleading. “The nature is incredible. People in Alaska just like living off-grid. It’s…nice. Quiet.”
“And you’re practicing magic? You told them about being a witch?”
I didn’t exactly tell them—Aiden found out on his own, then I blew my own cover with Jack and Ty. But it all amounts to the same thing.
“Yeah. Not all of them, though. Just…the important ones.” Before she can criticize me, I barge on, “It’s a safe space here. No tech to ruin for miles if I hike out into the woods. And I’m learning, Allie. You can’t imagine what a relief it is.”
I peer down at my right hand and move the fingers in wonder. It still hasn’t completely sunk in that the bone fused back together without issue.
She clicks her tongue. “You have to be careful. You could never get your spells to work.”
A flash of annoyance sparks inside me, and I smother it with difficulty. I want to yell at her to be happy for me, gods damn it. Then I glance at Jack who’s still snoozing on the couch, and incredible calm descends. It doesn’t matter. I’ve found a home, and the people here accept me.
Still, I try to explain to Alice. “That spell you sent me? It totally healed my arm. I’m being careful, I promise.”
I don’t tell her about pulling the magic from others, of course. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t have performed the spell on my own, but with their magic, everything’s possible.
She blows out a long, audible breath. “Okay. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Ah, man, she’s only trying to protect me. Shame fills me at the thought of how close I came to exploding.
“I know,” I mutter. “It’s just…there’s so much to learn.”
“Okay. I sent you the books, by the way,” she says, her voice growing warmer. “They should be in Anchorage soon.”
Kneeling, I peer down into the box of knickknacks. “Thanks, Alice. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She scoffs. “Eh, you’re Skye freaking Jones. You would have figured it out.”
It’s so good to banter with her again. She asks about my mystery guy, and I inquire about the coven’s upcoming Mabon celebration. I want to prepare a small ritual with the guys for the autumnal equinox, since it marks the descent into the darkest part of the year, especially in Alaska. We say goodbye, and my voice cracks. I really wish I could hug Alice right now.
I’m almost finished with packing when Jack wakes up, grumbling on the couch. He takes one look at me and sits up straight.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
I sit next to him, sinking back into the pillows. “I spoke with Alice.”
He growls. “And she made you cry?”
His vehemence is adorable.
“No, I just miss her.” I lean my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
He puts his arm around my shoulder and hugs me close. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”
This man. What did I ever do to deserve him?
I peer up at him. “I love you, you know?”
His eyebrows shoot up, then he breaks into a most beautiful smile. “Yeah. I know.”
I poke him in the ribs, blushing furiously, and he restrains my hand, then squeezes me tight.
