Page 16 of Witch of My Heart

“Hello?”I thought hard in his direction.

He flinched and Daniel laughed.

“I don’t think you need to shout,”Starry said over the group link before either of the Alphas could speak.

“Hello?”I tried again, but it was still louder than I meant it.

“Hi,” Blithe said aloud. “I’m right here.”

I glanced over my shoulder at Starry who stood with one hand on the doorknob ready to close it.

“They can’t hear us when we’re inside the house unless we ‘think’ it at them,”Starry reminded me and I let out a long slow breath.

“What did Liam give you?”I thought at Blithe again.

I expected him to say that I’d have to come find out, but instead he said, “A message from a spirit apparently.”

“Huh?” I blinked, pushing my way out of my cat and taking control back.

“Yeah. From a spirit. I think I know what it’s pertaining to, but that’s a long story,” Blithe called back.

“In or out,”Starry said again over the group link.

Shit! I sat crossed leg in the doorway still. I managed to push myself upright, praying I looked half as graceful as I would’ve in my feline form.

“The door’s unlocked if you want to come back inside or bring him inside, okay?” Starry said. “I’m going ‘round the other way to head back to the meeting hall. Going that way because I don’t want to get between you two.”

I nodded and Starry kissed my cheek before shutting the door behind me.

“Cord?” Daniel called.

“Yeah?” I called back.

“Are you going to be okay if I go back to the meeting house? Shepard is starting to get antsy. He has both of the kids on his own.”

“Go on. I think we’ll manage,” I nodded.

He leaned in and whispered something in Blithe’s ear before taking off. When we were alone, I wished more than anything I had remained in my cat form. Everything in life is simpler when you’re a cat.

Chapter Nine

Blithe

I reached out with my sticky note free hand to properly introduce myself to Cord when familiar footfalls echoed up the street. After years of hearing it all over our family’s homes, Duke’s walk was unmistakable. I swallowed down a groan. Now wasn’t the time for an interruption.

“Don’t groan at me,”he said over the pack link.“I come bearing food. That’s my responsibility now that you’re ready to shack up.”

“Don’t say shack up. It’s tacky,”I said.

Cord didn’t shake my hand. He reached for the sticky-noted hand and turned it palm up.

“The one you seek will find you. Wait here. An old, dead vampire,” he read aloud. “Is this a joke?”

“That’s what I asked Liam,” I shrugged, trying to ignore Duke’s approach for a bit longer. “Only he doesn’t joke about spirits.”

“Do you think this is about me?” he asked, still holding my hand.

“Maybe?” I said and bit my lip.

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