Page 48 of Dark Moon Secrets

“I’m fine.”

The ache in my arm started up again. What did this mean? A wolf attacks me in a dream, and now my arm hurts. A sign? Witches believed in shit like this, right? It wasn’t like I trusted Luna enough to tell her this, which was why I needed to get downstairs and read.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’ll stay here and check out the place while my car is being fixed.” I stopped short of saying more.

Would I be going back in a few weeks? I didn’t want to make promises I wasn’t about to keep.

“Caleb and I can come down and see you.”

No, I didn’t want that. Not now, not yet.

“That would be great. Just give me a week to settle in and sort out a few things.”

“You know we don’t need much. We can sleep on the floor.”

“I know, but Luna is doing my head in. Let me get to my feet, and then you guys can come down.”

I held my breath. Would Mia be offended by this fob-off? I couldn’t handle learning magic and keeping it from my friends.

“As long as you haven’t found a guy, and that’s the real reason.”

“Course not.” Al immediately came to mind.

“I don’t believe you. That would be right… you go away, plan to come back, then fall in love, and we won’t ever see you again.”

“Settle down, Mia, it’s nothing. I’ve had a long trip to get here, my car is being fixed, and I’ve got this shop to sort out.”

“Fine, I’ll take your word this time.”

The bells of the front door downstairs clanged loudly.

“Tanjie, you up?” called out Luna.

“Coming,” I yelled, moving the phone away from my mouth.

“I got to go… the witch is here.” I clamped my jaw closed. I can’t believe I said that.

“That’s a novel name.”

“I meant to say Luna. Gotta go.”

“Pick up the phone next time. Bye.” Mia hung up.

I could tell she was annoyed with me.

“I got the kettle on… come down after your shower,” yelled Luna.

How did she know I hadn’t had a shower, let alone that I wanted one? Was it because she was a witch and had that sixth sense or something? I wasn’t sure.

Would this mean I would have this skill soon? I hoped so.

I grabbed clean clothes and took a quick, hot shower, the heat soothing my arm enough that I didn’t worry so much about it.

Refreshed from the shower and dressed in clean clothes—denim shorts and a tight black top—I carefully descended the narrow, steep staircase. Hand on the whitewashed wall to steady myself, I remembered to duck below the wooden beam.

For a moment, I could see myself having a peaceful life here. Then I stepped into the shop, and a weight of responsibility landed on my shoulders that I didn’t understand.

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