Page 64 of Secret Pucking Unicorn

My hands tremble. “I…I’ve never liked almonds, Mother.” I look up through my lashes to see her face darkening in anger.

She slams her fist against the table, and I jump. “Don’t lie to me, Miranda. You’ve always loved almonds. Why are you being cruel? I came here for you, ordered your favorite dinner, and all you’ve done is lock yourself in your room and refuse to eat what I order for you. You have always been ungrateful. I don’t know why you hate me so much.” She snatches both plates from the table, storms into the small kitchen area, and dumps both meals into the garbage, plates and all. “No wonder you don’t have any friends. You’re a selfish, miserable human being.”

She stomps out of the room and slams her bedroom door shut. Her weeping carries through the door. What happened? How am I wrong? I didn’t ask her to come here or order dinner. I put down the fork I’m still holding. Should I apologize? I’m uncertain what I’m saying sorry for. Rising from the table, I walk to the window to look out on the view as I finish my tea.

It’s evening and I can’t see the ocean, but I can see a few brave souls walking along the Boardwalk. I wish I could join them, leave this room and have time to think. But I know I need to stay here. If Mother comes out and finds me gone, there will be more yelling and guilt. I don’t know why it’s like this. What I keep doing wrong. I need to try harder. I look into my empty mug and the bits of tea leaves left at the bottom of the cup. This I remember having during my childhood and when I’d see my parents at school, not chicken with almonds.

Mother’s sobs have quieted. I get ready for bed because I’m exhausted again. Hopefully, everything will be better in the morning. Maybe today is a nightmare and I’m going to wake in Declan’s arms. Maybe all of this isn’t real. I wrap my fingers around the clover pendant he gave me yesterday and wish with all my heart.

24

DECLAN

We are meeting Teagan in the private dining room of the steakhouse in Devil’s Den. It’s me and Sophie at a large table, dark wood decorated with a large floral arrangement at the center and elaborately folded cloth napkins. Are those…wolves? And a unicorn? Bloody hell. I’ve never noticed this before. Next team dinner I’m taking notes to see if they do antlers for Stone’s moose.

I took Carter back home and packed a bag. If Miranda is staying here tonight, I am too, even if we aren’t sharing a room.

“Where’s Miranda?” I ask.

“She’s not coming down for dinner,” Sophie says. “I spoke with Doreen and Miranda wanted to stay in their room and get room service. She doesn’t want to see you, Declan.”

I know that’s not true. Miranda loves me. As I love her. I turn to exit the steakhouse.

“I gotta speak with her. I’m going to get her.”

My parents have walked up with Teagan in time to hear me. Dad puts a heavy hand on my shoulder and squeezes.

“Declan, calm down. Have dinner and we can talk things over. It may be for the best to leave things be for tonight. You will see her at the rink tomorrow and can talk then.”

Shaking my head, I try to shrug off his hand, but he doesn’t remove it. Instead, he uses it to guide me to a chair like I’m still a boy and not a grown man almost seven feet tall. I reluctantly sit as everyone else takes their places around the table.

I look at my mother. “Something is wrong. She loves me. Why doesn’t she want to see me? This morning we were blissed out and talking about getting married. About our future. Now she won’t talk to me at all.” I shoot a glare at Sophie. “If she didn’t have all of this sprung on her, we would still be okay.”

Sophie glares daggers right back at me. “Oh no, this isn’t my fault. You’re the one who fell into bed with her without talking about important things like the fact you’re a fricking unicorn. And how has the fact she’s a witch never come up through the years? It’s always poor, poor Miranda. You know I love her like a sister and consider her one of my best friends, but it’s always a crisis with her.”

“Are you on drugs? Seriously? Why are you being such a bitch?” I can’t believe she can say she loves her like a sister in one breath and be vicious in the next. This isn’t like my sister. She’s outspoken and spunky but she’s loyal.

She lays a gentle hand on my forearm. “I know you love her, Declan. You’re a kind man with a loving heart, but she’s going to break it.” She looks at our parents. “You know it as well as I do. Tell him. Don’t make me look like the bitch here.”

“Sophie, Declan, language,” Mother chastises. “I love Miranda like she’s one of my own. Always have. I believe you are fated for each other, but fate isn’t always kind. I understand she’s had a shock and I hope tomorrow she is back to the woman you love. But Declan, you have to accept your love may not be returned.”

“She loves me.” I pound my fist on the table, making the silverware rattle. I rarely display fits of temper. Everyone describes me as a quiet and even-tempered man. But this isn’t an ordinary situation. My future—my heart—is at risk.

Teagan clears her throat. “Let’s have dinner and discuss how we can help Miranda learn what she needs to if she embraces her witch powers. We can also guide her if she chooses to renounce her gift. It is rare, but there have been those who chose to deny their birthright. If it is her choice, we will help her. No matter what, she is part of my family now. Both the Devil Birds and also the Sisterhood of Witches.”

We eat dinner. I’m sure it’s delicious, but it all tastes like ash to me. As soon as we are done, I race from the dining room and upstairs to Miranda’s room. I knock on the door. Okay, maybe I pound on it. I’m showing restraint because I could easily break it down. I’m about to knock again, harder, when Doreen opens it.

She’s smiling, but it’s all teeth. Like a rabid honey badger. “Good evening, Declan.”

“I need to speak with Miranda.” It’s rude not to return her greeting, but I’m a desperate man.

“I believe she’s gone to bed. You can speak with her in the morning.”

“Miranda,” I call out as my family and Teagan approach.

“For god’s sakes, Declan,” Sophie says. “What is wrong with you? You’re in a hotel—you can’t be bellowing like you’re calling sheep back to the barn.”

“Declan,” Teagan says. “Is there a problem here?”

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