Page 14 of The Monster's Desire

I doubt I want to know. Her glimpses into the future almost always have life-or-death consequences or life-changing repercussions.

“I thought you were leaving?” Nan blinks several times and heads over to make herself a cup of tea.

“I am,” I agree. “I have to stop by The Den and let Aline know I need some time off. She’s going to be pissed.”

“You best get to it,” Nan says, swirling her spoon around with her magic.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t stick around? With everything going on with Emerson? Are you sure you’ll be safe without me?” I texted both Emerson and Dread, my boss, to see if they need anything before I head out of town, but I haven’t received a response.

I’ll only be a few hours away.

If they need something that badly, then I’ll just drive back.

“You’re procrastinating again, my dear.” Nan chuckles a low, throaty sound. “You know I’m capable of looking after myself.”

I nod.

I really do know that. She’s old, and with age comes more control over our power. That’s true for most witches, but my magic is different. I’ve spent a lifetime considering it a curse, especially since the paranormal council discovering my gifts would be a nightmare I don’t think I could come back from.

“You love to drag your feet.” Nan laughs. “I imagine that’s why you’re still working at The Den.”

“I love my job.” I jab a finger at her chest. “And I love you. Don’t be a pain in the ass.”

“I love you too,” she assures me, coming closer, so she can pull me in for a hug. “The gods don’t give someone the type of magic you’re blessed with unless there’s a very clear purpose...”

I sigh, giving her a tight squeeze. “Yeah, I know, but you’ve seen how witches with blood magic are treated.”

Pretending to be a fertility witch is the perfect cover. My magic is perfectly capable of making women ovulate or fixing up damaged sperm, but it has much darker possibilities.

Blood magic can heal and give life, but it can also take it to convert into pure energy, which can then be used for anything I’d like. That’s why I’ve spent most of my life pretending it doesn’t exist.

I use small amounts for spells when someone needs something, but I’ve purposely avoided using large amounts of it. After all, the first person who learned what type of magic I have tried to kill me. It didn’t take long to realize it doesn’t really qualify as a gift.

“I think you’ll have a fine trip.” Nan gives my forearms a squeeze before stepping back. “But you need to get moving.”

“I know.” I sigh loudly. “Fine, I’m going to grab my bags, but promise you’ll call if you need me?”

“I do, but I won’t need you. I might give Thornton down the road a call.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

I snort.

Thornton is a warlock. He’s handsome enough, considering he’s in his fifties. I’m pretty sure he’s Nan’s fuck buddy.

“I’ll never be able to mentally will away that image.”

“Don’t make me recount my days of working at The Den,” Nan taunts, moving over to grab her tea.

“On that note...” I give her a final kiss on the cheek and move to head out before she can traumatize me even further.

* * *

I complete Aline’s fertility treatment, and we settle at her desk. She isn’t pleased when I inform her that I need an undetermined amount of time off.

“You couldn’t have given me any warning?” she grumbles, swiping long pinkish-blonde hair back from her face. “This place is falling into shambles.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Feeling a little overdramatic today?”

“Do you really want to try me right now? You’re already on my shit list.”

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