Romani Witch (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 2)

by Frances Trilone

  I heard a sound from the hallway and glanced over at my bedroom doorway as Kaleb entered the room.

  “Do you need a hand?” He crossed the room.

  “No. I’ve got everything I need.” I stuffed my phone charger into the bag and zipped it shut. Hopefully, my cell phone worked by tomorrow, or I’d have to beg Uncle Henry for a new one. Not something I wanted to do.

  Kaleb double-checked the window locks and scanned the woods outside. I gave a sigh as the last of my reservations fell away. He was one of the few people I felt safe around, and I knew he was telling the truth about Tessa. We could move past this, but I needed to tell him about Calandra. I just didn’t know how to.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  I nodded, deciding I couldn’t wait any longer, but that easing into the topic might be wisest. “I was just thinking about Victor and Markus. It’s funny how Victor used to insist he could never be friends with a wolf, but he left tonight, trusting Markus to protect Drina and their baby.”

  “Is this really about Victor and Markus?” He sounded irritated. “Or is this about you and that warlock and whatever happened in his hotel room?”

  “I told you nothing happened. I drank too much and crashed in his bed. Alone.” I bit my lower lip, not wanting to admit I’d woken up naked. That was one minor detail Kaleb didn’t need to know.

  “Fine. I believe you,” Kaleb snapped. “But I forbid you to see him again.”

  “You can’t do that.” My eyes narrowed. How dare Kaleb think he could tell me what to do. “Garrett’s a friend.”

  “You can’t be friends with a warlock.”

  “The hell I can't.” I took a deep breath. This was not what I wanted to talk about. Somehow, I needed to try a different angle and get off the subject of Garrett. “Before you met me, you didn’t like Romanies. It’s the same thing. Why can’t you—”

  “It’s different with the witches.” He shook his head and ran a hand over his face. “Why are we even talking about this?”

  I shrugged, not wanting to answer his question truthfully. “I talked to Calandra at the kris. She seemed okay.”

  “She’s a witch. Her kind doesn’t belong here. That’s why I gave her three days to leave town.”

  My stomach twisted. Had Calandra dropped any hints as to the real reason she’d come to Woodlake? “When did you talk to her?”

  “Earlier today. No one knew where you were, so I tracked her down,” he replied. “She and Garrett either leave town, or I’ll drag them out myself.”

  “Did she say anything else?” I stared at the floor, not wanting him to see the hurt on my face. I’d have to wait to reveal who I truly was.

  “She made some idle threats. Nothing we need to worry about.” He took my duffel bag. “You should come with me to Norwood Isle. You’d be safer there until we find this tatcho vampire.”

  I stared at him. No way could I go to Norwood Isle if he didn’t know the truth. “I can’t.”

  “Is it because of Victor and Drina?” His brows knitted. “I invited them to come, but they refused.”

  “That’s not it.” I exhaled loudly. “There’s so much going on. First the witches show up, and now, there’s this tatcho vampire roaming around. I’m afraid to even ask how your meeting with Vaughan went. Ever since you claimed me, it’s been one bad thing after another. Maybe it was a mistake.”

  “Are you saying no to me?” Sadness crossed Kaleb’s face. “I know you and Carmel talked about rejecting my claim. If that’s what you’re doing, then do it. Don’t string me along.”

  “That’s not what I’m doing.” I shook my head, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut. He deserved to hear the truth, but I was too much of a coward. I hadn’t even told him about his mark disappearing from my waist. “I just need some space to figure a few things out.”

  “Are you guys ready?” Drina appeared in the doorway, holding my cell phone in its plastic bag, and a glass container filled with chocolate chip cookies. “Markus is waiting for us on the porch.”

  “We’re ready.” Kaleb stormed out of my room with my duffel bag.

  I wanted to take back everything I’d said. I loved him, and I wanted to be with him, but I couldn’t go to Norwood Isle. Not when everything was such a mess.

  “Is everything okay?” Drina asked.

  “I really don’t know.” I walked past her, not giving her the chance to ask another question because I had no answers, and I wasn’t ready to talk about it. If I couldn’t tell Kaleb the truth, I couldn’t tell Drina either.

  Chapter 18

  The very next day, Uncle Henry drove Aunt Norma to Dover and dropped her off. Mom had extended her trip so they could do some shopping. So, I spent the next two days watching movies, helping Drina with her online baby registry, and baking endless chocolate chip cookies for the Norwood wolves.

  When Bill called on Monday to ask if I’d work the lunch shift—promising I’d be safe, as vampires only come out at night—I immediately agreed. Even though I loved hanging out with Drina, being cooped up in the house all day was not my idea of fun.

  Of course, Victor insisted on driving me to work. At least Mom and Aunt Norma were coming home later today, so I didn’t need to stay at Victor and Drina’s house anymore.

  After work, Victor would take me home, and I’d have to face Mom. Something I wasn’t looking forward to as I hadn’t told Kaleb the truth yet. Not that I’d had the opportunity. We’d not seen each other since our conversation on Friday night when I’d asked for space to think. With each passing day, I regretted what I’d said and wished I had a time-travel device so I could go back and fix things.

  “I’m surprised Kaleb hasn’t come by,” Victor said as he parked in front of the café. “Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s fine.” I glanced at the café, surprised to see Carmel helping Bill pull the chairs down off the tables and set them on the floor. She looked over at us as I added, “He’s been busy patrolling with the other wolves.”

  “Is that what he told you?” Victor cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “The Elders talked to Garrett, and he said you were wrong. The wolf you saw didn’t have red eyes. There’s been no sign of a vampire in town, so they’ve called off the patrols.”

  I shook my head. No way had I imagined the wolf had red eyes. Why had Garrett lied? “I know what I saw. Its eyes were red.”

  “I believe you about the wolf,” he replied. “But I know everything’s not fine between you and Kaleb. What’s going on with you two?”

  I clutched the door handle and glanced over at Carmel again. She had to be listening. “We’re having a few issues right now.”

  “Issues like that Garrett?” He took a deep breath. “You can’t expect Kaleb to be okay with you hanging around a warlock. No one’s okay with it.”

  “It’s not Garrett.” I shook my head, refusing to say anything more.

  Victor rubbed his chin. “Why don’t you invite Kaleb over to watch a movie with us tonight? It’ll give you two a chance to talk. I’m sure your mom won’t mind.”

  Inviting Kaleb over sounded like a terrible idea. Mom and I needed to talk even if I wasn’t sure what to say. She’d lied to me; after we’d promised to be honest with each other.

  I tilted my head, suddenly realizing Victor had suggested I invite Kaleb over for movie night. He’d never done that before. Victor and Markus getting along was one thing, but Victor extending an invitation to Kaleb without me begging, that was weird. “I thought you didn’t like Kaleb.”

  “He’s okay. He loves you, and I know he’d do anything for you,” he replied. “There is something else, but promise not to tell Drina. I don’t want her getting upset.”

  “I promise.”

  “Kaleb’s assigned a wolf to watch over Drina and the baby. He asked my permission first, and I agreed, as long as the wolf keeps its distance. You know how Drina feels about the shapeshifters. She might be okay with Markus and Kaleb, but I didn’t want to worry
her.” He glanced over at a group of tourists standing across the street. “Nothing in the alliance agreement says Kaleb has to do that. The wolves are required to patrol the community, and they’re sworn to protect you. But not your family. That he’s offered to do this, proves he’s not so bad.”

  I couldn’t help but smile, as Kaleb’s offer didn’t surprise me. The wolves were very protective of mothers-to-be. “I won’t say anything, but you should tell Drina. She’ll freak out if she sees a wolf following her.”

  “You’re right.” He started the car as I got out. “Talk to Kaleb. I’ll tell Drina we’re having movie night at your house.”

  Inviting Kaleb over for movie night was not going to happen, but Victor was right. I needed to sort things between Kaleb and me. If Victor could learn to trust the wolves, then surely Kaleb could accept Calandra as my biological mom. It wasn’t like I planned on having a relationship with her. Nothing had to change.

  As I entered the café, a wave of dread washed over me. Bill stood by the register, his attention focused on a stack of papers, while Carmel talked to a young couple at a nearby table.

  “Sienna, I’m glad you’re here,” Bill said as I placed my purse under the front counter and pulled out my black apron. “Kaleb told me about Tessa. I should’ve guessed something was wrong when she kept disappearing every time he showed up. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault,” I said. When Kaleb said his father ordered everyone not to tell us, I’d assumed Bill knew who Tessa was. He had hired her.

  “Well, it won’t happen again. Kaleb and I have agreed he’ll meet every new employee.” Bill nudged his head toward Carmel. “His sister offered to help out until we hire someone new. She used to work here a few years ago, so you won’t need to train her.”

  “That’s great.” I glanced in Carmel’s direction. I couldn’t believe she used to work at the café. Definitely not something I’d expected to hear about her.

  I looked at Bill again as it dawned on me where his loyalties lay. He and Kaleb’s family shared the same bloodline. I had assumed he was loyal to Asher. But I’d been wrong. Bill was like Markus—loyal to Kaleb and not the Norwood Pack. That’s why Kaleb had always said to contact Bill if I needed to get hold of him.

  “How are you and Kaleb?” Bill asked.

  “Good,” I replied.

  Carmel glanced at me, rolling her eyes. She’d clearly expected a different response, which meant she already knew what had happened or she’d listened in on my conversation with Victor.

  “Glad to hear. If you need me, I’ll be in my office.” Bill picked up the stack of papers, poured coffee into a mug, and headed to his office.

  I put on my apron and made a fresh pot of coffee. Today was going to be a long day, especially with Carmel watching my every move. At least I only had to work the lunch shift, but how long until Bill hired someone new?

  “Someone looks tired today,” Carmel said.

  I looked up to find her standing in front of the counter and the young couple gone. “Where are the customers?”

  “I told them to go,” she replied.

  “You can’t scare away the customers.”

  “I didn’t scare them away. They’ve lost their camera lens, so they’re retracing their steps. They’ll be back soon.” She folded her arms. “I need a favor.”

  I raised my eyebrow. This couldn’t be good. “I’m listening.”

  “You need to make things right with my brother.”

  That didn’t sound like a favor, especially coming from Carmel. Why the sudden change of heart? “Did Kaleb ask you to talk to me?”

  “I’m the last person he’d ask, and you know that.” She ran a hand through her long brown hair. “I’ve never interfered in his girl problems before, but I don’t like seeing him upset. You can’t keep ignoring him.”

  My chest tightened at the thought of Kaleb upset. Was he also having restless nights and wishing he could take back his words? “I’m not ignoring him. We just haven’t seen each other recently.”

  “And whose fault is that?” she asked. “I told him to come by the café for lunch, but he refused. He won’t come unless you ask. What kind of crap is that?”

  “You don’t understand. We—”

  “Oh. I understand. It’s you who doesn’t understand how things work around here.” She shook her head. “You heard Victor. My brother loves you, and he’d do anything for you.”

  “Then you also know we’re working through a few issues, and it’s got nothing to do with Garrett.”

  “Is this about Tessa?” she laughed. “You can’t get angry every time a girl hits on my brother. He’s an alpha. It’s going to happen, and if you don’t like it, then you need to stand up for yourself. You can’t go crying to him, saying you need space to think. There’s nothing to think about. He claimed you. Now kiss and make up.”

  “It’s not just Tessa.” I bit my lower lip. “There’s something I have to tell him, and it might make him angry. He might even hate me. I don’t know.”

  “Well, you won’t know until you talk to him.” The café’s front door opened, interrupting our conversation. Carmel glanced over her shoulder and grabbed a menu as the young couple reentered the café. “Look, I know he can be difficult, but he loves you. Whatever secret you’re hiding, tell him. I’m sure everything will work out.”

  She pasted a smile on her face and walked over to the couple’s table. They chatted about the menu and what time the next ferry left for Norwood Isle.

  I put the other menus in a pile and wiped the counter, trying to keep busy and my mind off everything Carmel had said. Although, the more I thought about Kaleb, the more I realized I was ready to talk to him. Maybe inviting him to movie night wasn’t such a bad idea.

  The café’s front door swung open, and Victor rushed in, his eyes wide and his face as white as a sheet.

  “Victor, what are you doing here?” I tossed the cloth into a bucket and wiped my hands on my apron. “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s your mom and Norma. They’ve been in a car accident,” he said. “Drina’s outside in my car. We need to get to the hospital.”

  “No. That’s not possible.” I shook my head. Mom and Aunt Norma weren’t due home until late afternoon. They couldn’t have been anywhere near town. “She’s not—”

  “Go.” Carmel pulled off my apron and pushed me toward the front door. “I’ll tell Bill.”

  “C’mon. The ambulance has taken them to the hospital.” Victor wrapped an arm around me, leading me outside to his car.

  In a daze, I got into the backseat and closed the door. “How bad is it?”

  “Apparently, they were conscious when the ambulance arrived.” Drina wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I’m sure it’s not too bad.”

  As Victor sped to the hospital, I crossed my fingers, desperately hoping Drina was right. I couldn’t lose Mom.

  Chapter 19

  After Victor parked the car, we rushed into Woodlake Hospital’s emergency room. The waiting room was empty except for a nurse who sat behind a desk, typing on a keyboard. First aid posters covered the wall behind her, and to her right was a short hallway with double doors at the end.

  “Can I help?” she asked as she looked up from her computer screen.

  “We’re looking for…” I couldn’t get the rest of my words out as an image of Mom dying flashed through my mind. We’d been through so much already with her cancer. She couldn’t die today.

  “Our family was in a car accident,” Victor said. He gave me a reassuring look and wrapped an arm around Drina.

  “What are their names?” The nurse looked back at the computer screen as she typed on the keyboard.

  “Nells and Norma Stanescu,” Victor replied.

  “Yes. They’re both here. Let me get the doctor.” The nurse pushed a button on the wall and the double doors opened. “Wait here.”

  I leaned against the wall and watched the nurse walk through the double doors; they closed behin
d her, preventing me from seeing where she’d gone. As the minutes ticked by with no sign of her or the doctor, my stomach twisted itself in knots.

  Victor and Drina sat in the waiting area, where a television in the corner displayed the local weather. Whispering in her ear, Victor wrapped his arms around her. Drina laid her head on his chest, tears pouring down her cheeks.

  “Sienna, come sit with us,” Victor said. “I called Henry. He’s on his way.”

  I shook my head, unwilling to leave my spot. I wanted Kaleb here to tell me everything would be fine. But after I’d rejected him on Friday night, I couldn’t expect him to drop everything and come running. I didn’t even have any way of getting in touch with him unless I called the café and asked Carmel.

  No. I’d wait to see what the doctor said. Mom was probably fine, and I didn’t want to drag Kaleb away from whatever he was doing.

  The emergency room’s glass doors slid open, and Garrett entered. Spotting me, he hurried over. “I stopped by the café to see you and heard about the accident.” He gave me a quick hug. “Have you heard anything yet?”

  I shook my head. “We’re waiting on the doctor.”

  “She’ll be okay.” Garrett wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

  “We haven’t talked since our fight. What if…?” I wiped away the tears that rolled down my cheeks. I couldn’t remember if I’d told Garrett about my fight with Mom.

  “It was just a fight,” Garrett replied. “You had every right to be mad. She knows that. Trust me; she’ll be okay. My mother tells me Woodlake has great doctors. She’s in good hands.”

  I closed my eyes, wanting to believe his words. “Is there anything you can do? A spell or something?”

  “I wish there were, but it’s beyond any training I’ve had. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” I mumbled.

  “Kaleb’s here.” Garrett gently squeezed my shoulder. “Out of all the Norwood wolves, you had to pick him.”