Page 17 of Starlight Witch

I slung my purse over my shoulder and picked up my latte. “I’ll do my best,” I said.

Kyle led me into the living room, where Faron was pacing in front of the fireplace. “Elphyra’s here,” he said.

Faron turned around, leaning one shoulder against the mantle.

The flames in the hearth crackled, sending up a cozy glow, but the look on Faron’s face was anything but cozy. In fact, he looked anxious, his gaze intense. I could feel the wolf rising, barely under the surface. The feral side of him made me catch my breath.

Shifters were intensely sexual, and when they were disturbed, that musky scent came out even more. It was as if the animal nature crept through into their human side. I had never had the chance to see him turn into a wolf—we hadn’t been together that long—but I knew that one day I would. At least, if he remembered me, I would. Shifters were private about their transformations, and they didn’t change shape in front of anybody they didn’t fully trust unless they were triggered.

“Faron—” I started, but he stared at me, his gaze piercing through me like a blade. He crossed the room quickly, his boots sounding firmly on the floor, and he grabbed me by the shoulders.

“Shush. Let me think.”

I fell silent, my face inches away from his. I searched his gaze for some type of recognition, for some spark that told me he remembered me, that he remembered us.

“I know you… I know you. I know your scent.”

I couldn’t speak, in fact I knew better than to say anything. He was processing his memories, and one word might break the spell. One word might ruin everything.

At that moment, Kyle strode into the room, his voice ringing to break the silence. “Can I get you something to drink, Elphyra?”

The moment shattered.

Faron froze, his look shifting to confusion. He shook his head, bewilderment filling his eyes. “I… I…” And then, he seemed to realize how he was holding me. He let go abruptly. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to grab you like that. Please forgive me.”

“What did you remember?” I asked, so frustrated that I wanted to beat Kyle over the head.

“I thought for a moment… But everything is foggy again. I’m so confused. My head hurts.” He slowly lowered himself to the sofa, rubbing his forehead. I wanted to swoop down, to wrap my arms around him and make everything better. But I had no clue what that might trigger.

I glanced over at Kyle, furious. He glanced at me and I immediately knew that he had deliberately interrupted. But why? Why call me over if he was going to ruin everything?

“It’s all right,” I said, sitting beside Faron. “You didn’t offend me. I know you are on the verge of remembering something?—”

“Was I?” He searched my face. “Was I remembering something real? Or was it a dream?”

Kyle headed our way but I stopped him in his tracks, casting a look so cold that he might as well have turned into an icicle.

“You shouldn’t tire yourself,” he said finally.

I turned back to Faron. “It wasn’t a dream.” I was torn about what to say. On the one hand, I didn’t want to overload him. But on the other, he had almost remembered.

“Maybe not,” Faron said, confusion filling his face. “I… I’m tired. I need to rest.”

“Let me get you into bed,” Kyle said, swooping in before I could do or say anything. “My brother’s tired,” he said. “Why don’t you come back later?” His voice had shifted—he sounded abrupt and almost rude.

Fuming, I stood and retrieved my purse. I turned back to Kyle.

“This isn’t over,” I said, keeping my voice low so Faron wouldn’t hear. “I don’t know why you stopped him, but I intend to find out.”

I stopped by Faron’s side, knelt, and lightly touched his arm. “We can talk later. You rest. Just remember it wasn’t a dream.” And with that, I stalked out, restraining myself from keying Kyle’s truck on the way to my car.

I sat still, clutching the steering wheel for a moment as I tried to calm down. As I inserted the key into the ignition, Kyle opened the front door. He was alone. He headed my way, but before he could reach me, I started the car and peeled out of the driveway, unable to even listen to him at the moment.

I was close to home when I got a text from Kyle.

please give me a chance to explain. i know you’re angry with me, but i needed to know something. i had to call you over and i had to interrupt.

I was so angry that I ignored the text. I had forgotten my drink, so I pulled into the next coffee stand I passed and ordered another triple-shot latte. “I also want a brownie with that,” I said into the speaker. “Make that two brownies.” I paid for my drink and treats and decided to drive over to the bay. I couldn’t go home yet, I was so pissed. I needed to think for a while before talking to anybody else.

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