by Tl Reeve
“He just left.” Hurt tinged her voice. “With no explanation.”
“He didn't want to leave.” He took her delicate hand in his. “Nothing would pull him from you, from us unless it was important. There was another murder. Another witch.” Cian allowed her to glimpse his sadness at the news.
“How do you know that? He didn't—”
“He didn't have to. I heard the conversation. Plus, I saw Zane. When you get to know him better, you’ll figure him out, too. He might not say a word, but one look in his eyes or twitch of his body as though someone hit him seconds before he tenses up, says it all. He’s upset. Way more than any of us.” He tried to figure out the best way to explain how being the Alpha was different than even being the beta or one of the other members of the pack or the witches they watched over. “Think of it this way, every member of our pack and those we protect are connected by invisible threads. All of those threads have a bit of magic woven through them. When one is cut, Zane feels it more than anyone else, even when it’s a witch.”
Jamie’s gaze dropped. “Oh. I didn’t know.”
“In this, you wouldn’t. You’re still learning about us.” Cian gave her a sad smile before clearing his throat. “We should finish eating. Today is going to be a long day for Zane. I’d like it if you came to work with me, so you’re not alone,” Cian stated.
“I have work in an hour.” Determination filled her voice as she straightened her shoulders.
Stubborn witch. “Jamie—”
“No.” She shook her head. “I refuse to cower; to hide because someone is out there hurting witches. Do the other witches have protection like I do?” Jamie picked up her dirty plate and walked it to the dishwasher.
Cian perked up, at least she didn’t continue to deny her status. “They have their families, their mates, or potential mates protecting them. Zane has patrols running constantly.” He followed behind her and put his plate in the dishwasher next to hers. “However, being a mate or having bodyguards doesn’t keep the target off a witch’s or warlock’s back. The young woman who died the other day, had a potential mate. Her family kept her near, but somehow she, too, ended up dead.”
She frowned as she grabbed Zane’s plate off the table. “I feel like you keep moving the goalpost on this. Either I’m safe with you or I’m not. If she had a family and mates, why was she chosen?”
He didn’t know. The only thing connecting the murders were the women being witches. “I can’t give you an answer to your question because I don’t have an answer.”
She closed the door on the dishwasher then headed back to her room. “Then I guess I’ll be going to work today.”
“So fucking stubborn. Zane won’t be happy with you.” Cian picked up the frying pan Zane had used to make breakfast and washed it. He suspected when Jamie arrived at work, she'd have a new deputy watching over her. Like himself, Zane was a possessive son of a bitch, and Cian realized the minute Blake admitted to being overwhelmed by the pheromones last night, he’d lost his position protecting their mate. He hoped Zane would have some tact when he explained to Blake why he was being removed, and the young deputy wouldn’t see it as a punishment.
Cian snorted.
Zane and tact didn't really go hand and hand. He made a mental note to speak to Blake later. The deputy was young, but not young enough not to understand the pull of the full moon. However, it was the first time any of the younger wolves would smell the mating of a pack Alpha, his beta, and their witch. If it was potent to Cian, he could only imagine how it affected others. At some point, they’d have to address it with the pack as a whole.
When Jamie emerged from her room, she grabbed her satchel off of the couch. “Well, the way I see it, anyone who is around me since we’re all going to believe this witch and wolf thing, can protect me. Even Ava, as much as she’s a pain in the rear. So, what’s the problem?”
“It’s not...” He sighed in exasperation. “I know you can defend yourself. Hell, Zane and I know you’ve done a pretty great job of not showing your abilities for years, but we’re still worried.” Why didn’t she understand? The simple fact remained, as long as the killer was out there, she was a target. Cian had no doubt about it.
“You can worry about me,” she said, coming up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his middle and breathed deeply. “I’m not hiding, though. I can’t be a prisoner in my own home.”
“No, I suppose you can’t,” he groused. “At least let me buy you lunch or something, so I can check on you later.”
“I’d like that,” she answered and placed a kiss to the back of his neck. “Maybe all three of us can have lunch.”
“Sure,” Cian replied. He wouldn’t tell her the likelihood of Zane being free were slim and none. Not with another murder. Not with another witch leaving behind two potential mates. “If you give me a minute, I’ll be ready to go. I’ll walk you out.”
“Okay.” She slipped out of his arms and stepped away, allowing him to finish up.
“What if you stayed with us tonight?” He wrung out the rag he’d been using for the pan, laid it over the sink, then faced her. “We could have dinner and spend some quality time together.”
Jamie laughed. “You’re insatiable.”
“Only for you and Zane. You’re my mates, and I’d do anything to keep you safe and happy.” He dried his hands on the towel and grabbed his keys. “Come on, you’re going to be late if we don’t go now.”
“Why?” she whispered, taking a step toward the door.
“Because, I have every intention of stripping you naked and keeping you in bed all day today to keep you safe.”
Jamie sat at her desk and stared out the window toward the middle of town. People were out enjoying their chilly Saturday decorating the town for Halloween. From the ride into work with Cian, she realized Salem really did get into the holiday. Of course, anyone who saw Hocus Pocus would have known that. But, because she’d been a bit older when she saw the movie, she’d actually asked one of the librarians when she first arrived, about the Sanderson Sisters. Embarrassing and stupid to think about now, but hey, who could blame her? The lore behind the sisters fit with all of the history of Salem and the trials. Okay, okay, she’d been a little too overzealous, and she’d been trying to mask her pain over losing Mary.
Didn’t take away from the magic of Salem, though, especially as she watched the town come to life with its decorations. A sense of longing filled her, like she’d missed so much not being there, with everyone. Cian’s words tumbled through her mind. What if he was right? What if Zane was right? They were wolves, and she was a witch. It would be pretty easy to prove some of it. If they were wolves they could change or... or shift or whatever they called it, and she could, what? Do a spell?
Well, Zane did get coffee on his lap when you got angry in his office... Jamie bit her lip. He’d been a klutz and dropped it on himself. The bookshelf? Faulty construction. She didn’t care what he said about it being all tongue and groove construction, it broke.
For no reason.
This is so stupid. Why am I even thinking about this? She glanced out the window again and spotted one of the Sheriff’s Department vehicles. She frowned. Cian told her Blake wouldn’t be back. She blamed herself. Why? She didn’t know, but guilt was stupid, and she felt completely guilty. Since she’d been by herself, she decided to go outside and find out who was there. Might as well get the introductions out of the way. As she stepped outside, she inhaled the crisp air. The smell of drying leaves and cinnamon from the bakery next to the travel agency filled her lungs. She smiled. Fall. Her favorite time of the year.
She tucked her hands into her pockets and headed across the street. There in the car sat one of the deputies. She had her head bent as if she read something as Jamie approached. When the deputy didn’t look up, she approached the car slowly then rapped her knuckles on the window and waited. The glass slid down, and finally, the woman glanced up at her.
“Hi!” Jamie waved then g
ot right to the point. “I’m sorry you have to be in this vehicle when it’s such a good day.”
The woman tilted her head.
“You know, fall-ish, pumpkin lattes, apple cider, and spooky movies?” When the deputy didn’t say anything, Jamie cleared her throat. “Anyway, I thought I’d say hi, I’m Jamie Bishop.” She stuck her hand out in greeting.
“Jacinda Barns.” Jacinda accepted Jamie’s hand and gave it a quick shake. “Blake had other things to do today.”
“Yeah, Cian told me. I feel horrible.” She frowned.
“Well, it happens.” Jacinda shrugged. “Are you off work now? Should I call Sheriff Adock or Cian?”
Jamie shook her head. “No, I’m here for a few more hours.”
“I’ll make a note of it,” Jacinda said, grabbing her clipboard.
“Can I get you anything? A cup of coffee or tea? Maybe a cinnamon roll from the bakery, they smelled so good when I stepped outside.” Jamie pointed over her shoulder to the butter-yellow store with the large hand-painted sign over it that said Sweet N’ Treat.
“No, Ma'am. I'm fine.” Jacinda shifted, and the leather seat of the patrol car creaked.
“It's Jamie. Not ma’am,” Jamie said. “It was nice to meet you, Jacinda.”
“You to, ma—” Jacinda cleared her throat. “I mean you, too, Jamie.”
Jamie started back for the travel agency but made a detour for the bakery first. The smell of sugary goodness was too much to pass up. As she stepped inside, she inhaled and moaned. Her mouth watered as the gooey goodness of the shop assailed her. Immediately, she wanted one of everything in the case and whatever the owner, Alicia, was baking as well.
“Good morning, Alicia.” Jamie called out as the woman in the kitchen popped her head up. She’d been one of the first people she’d met besides Ava. “It's a bit blustery out there!”
“It means the snow is coming.” A bright, warm smile floated over Alicia's lips. “I hope you had a pleasurable night, last night.”
Jamie didn't miss the look of mischief glinting in Alicia's hazel eyes. How did she know about her night with Zane and Cian? Yeah, they’d gone to Mass Hysteria, but the guys had dropped her off and left last night—at first. No one would’ve known about the peeping Tom or the fact Zane and Cian came back to her place. Nor would anyone have heard about her having sex with them. We can smell it... Zane’s words floated through her mind. Was she a wolf?
“I enjoyed myself,” Jamie stated. “It was... interesting. To say the least.”
Alicia chuckled. “Always is around the full moon.” She lifted a tray to the window that separated the kitchen from the main area of the shop. “Are you excited for your first Halloween here?”
Jamie grinned. “Very much so.” She pointed toward the park. “What’s going on over there?”
The woman winked at her. “We’ll be having a fall festival. There’ll be a baking contest, costume contest for all ages, food, music, crafts, and games. Everyone gets into it. All of the businesses participate in some form or fashion.” Alicia walked out of the kitchen and grabbed the tray, so she could put it into the case. “I’ll be one of the judges for the baking contest.”
“Figured as much,” Jamie said. “When does it start?”
“All day,” Alicia answered. “It’ll be going strong even as the children trick or treat. It’s our busiest time of year.”
“Tourists?” Jamie hedged.
“Mostly.” Alicia wiped her hands on her apron. “So, what can I get you?”
“I’ll take one of your caramel pumpkin lattes and a cinnamon roll,” she answered, grabbing her wallet out of her pocket.
Alicia held up her hand. “The mate of the Alpha doesn’t pay for anything here.”
Jamie frowned. “I’m not... Well, you see, we’re not mates.”
“You sure do smell like the Alpha and beta,” Alicia announced as she grabbed one of the still-warm cinnamon rolls.
“Well, if it’s all the same, I really do wish to pay you. I won’t take advantage of your kindness.” Jamie opened her wallet and took out a twenty.
Alicia paused on her way to the coffee machine. “Tip jar is empty.” She pointed to a medium-sized crystal cauldron.
“Perfect.” Jamie walked over to the counter and placed her money into the glass pot while she waited for her order. “Is there a timeframe for us to enter the baking contest?”
Alicia glanced over her shoulder. “No. You can enter the morning of. It’s a ten-dollar entry fee. The winner of the baking contest will have their dessert featured in my bakery for one week and a two-hundred-dollar cash prize.
“Impressive,” Jamie murmured. “I believe I might have to enter as well.”
Alicia brought over her order. “I look forward to tasting your entry, even though it’s blind.”
“James!” Ava strode toward her.
“Uh-oh, I’ve been found,” she murmured. “I’d better get back to work.”
Alicia laughed. “Good luck.”
Jamie met Ava halfway across the bakery. “Good morning, Ava. I thought you had the day off?”
Ava crossed her arms. Her bottom lip poked out in a pout. “Were you not going to tell me, your best friend?”
Jamie continued out of the bakery and headed back to the travel agency, Ava following behind her. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, James,” Ava said. “I smell them on you.”
“Jesus, does everyone know?” Jamie asked, pausing at the door of her work. “Stop saying you can smell me. It’s weird and gross and makes me think I need another bath!”
“Only the wolves know,” Ava answered while holding the door open for Jamie. “Plus, Zane is my brother. I know his scent. Same with Cian. Plus, people like to gossip. You were seen leaving your dingy apartment this morning with Cian.”
“My apartment isn’t dingy.” She stormed over to her desk and sat, losing her appetite. Her apartment wasn’t so bad. It’d been perfect for her since she’d been in a pinch. All it needed was a little TLC and paint. “Why is everyone so interested in me now? Why only the wolves?”
“They smell Zane and Cian on you.”
“Both?” Jamie pushed the cinnamon roll away from her. “I told you I took a shower.” What she didn’t say was, Cian joined her. Nor did she tell Ava about the kiss Zane planted on her before leaving.
Ava took a sip from her cup. “Won't matter if you took a hundred of them. The wolves detect Zane and Cian's mark on you.”
“Zane didn't mark me.” Jamie pulled down the collar of her shirt to show Ava her bare neck. “And I didn't think Cian would mark me. But I could be wrong.”
“Right. When Zane marks you, your scent will change and become a combination of all three of you. It will also warn other males away from you. But this isn’t the mark I’m talking about.” Ava pulled up a chair beside Jamie and sat.
“What mark then?”
“How can I say this without being crude.” Ava fiddled with the stirrer in her cup. “First, do you believe what Zane and Cian told you last night?”
“When has being crude ever stopped you?” The corner of her mouth kicked upward.
Ava stared at her.
“Fine.” Jamie blew out a breath. “I’m trying to believe it all. I’m taking it a piece at a time.”
Ava sat there for a moment. “Brace yourself, James. We can tell when you’ve had sex with one of us—wolves.”
“What?” A warm flush washed over her chest and cheeks.
“I warned you.” Ava opened Jamie’s box and groaned. “Alicia makes the best cinnamon rolls in the world. Can I?”
“Knock yourself out.” Jamie frowned. Her stomach churned as embarrassment burned through her.
“You shouldn’t be so uptight. I get they’re your first, but we’ll all smell like our mates, eventually. It’s how stuff works around here.” Ava took a bite of the decadent treat and moaned. “So good. Better than a wet dream org
asm.” She pointed her fork at Jamie and swallowed another bit of the cinnamon roll. “You smell like Zane and Cian.”
“Fuck me,” Jamie muttered.
“Nope. Zane would have my ass. He's a possessive wolf.” Ava smirked as she took another bite.
“I didn't mean it that way, and you know it!” Jamie snapped while rubbing the ache at her temples. Dealing with members of the Adock family wasn't the easiest thing she’d ever done. She had a sneaky feeling it wouldn’t ever be, either.
“Details, James. I want details.”
Jamie rolled her eyes. “Not happening.”
“As long as you leave out the descriptions and size of my brother’s dick.”
Jamie choked on her coffee.
Ava continued, unconcerned by Jamie’s sputtering. “Oh, and if he is good in bed. That goes under the category of shit I don't want or need to know. But, feel free to get nitty gritty with details of Cian.
“I'm not getting nitty gritty with anything,” Jamie stated, dabbing the tears from her eyes as she choked.
“Listen,” Ava leaned forward, putting both elbows on the table, “the days are long, and the nights are cold. Give me something juicy to sustain me. I'll buy you lunch.”
“Go find your Trinity,” Jamie whispered. “Then you won't need to harass me for details.”
Ava shook her head. “I'm never mating.”
There’d been a genuine sadness in her friend’s tone. Whatever had drawn her to the realization she wouldn’t become part of a Trinity—God, she felt weird even thinking such—bothered Jamie. “Ava.”
“No. This conversation is about you, not me.” Ava lifted her chin in defiance. “At least tell me this. Were they gentle? Did they make you feel good?”
Gentle wasn't really a word she would have used to describe how Zane had made love to her. He’d been rough and hard when he took her, while Cian had been soft and slow. A perfect mix as each man gave her exactly what she needed. Both experiences were amazing, and she looked forward to the next time they would be together. She just hoped it was sooner, rather than later.