Page 39 of Wicked Witch of the Wolf

“No, I work alone. Well, notalone.” I stepped aside so she could see the boys behind me. Cecil had scampered up while I was talking. “These are my partners, Fennel and Cecil. We’re here to help.”

“Thank you all. And thank the gods for Bronwyn,” she whispered in reply.

I glanced at the cheap digital watch. “We need to get moving. Do you want to pack a few things?”

“No. I’d shipped the important stuff to my sister’s before all this happened.” She yanked her wedding band off her finger and tossed it over her shoulder back into the house. “To be honest, I’m terrified to go back inside.”

“You don’t have to be. The charm will keep you clearheaded. Besides, I won’t leave here without you.” I flicked a glance at Fennel and Cecil. “Neither will my partners.”

“Thank you, but there’s nothing I—” A sly smile tipped up the corners of her mouth. “Well, there isonething. I’ll be right back.”

Ten minutes later, the four of us were in Ida’s car heading for my trailer. Maya sat in the passenger seat silently weeping, a grocery bag between her feet. I wasn’t sure she even realized she was crying. The tears ran unrestrained down her pale face as she stared out the windshield.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“For now, my place. You’ll be safe at the Siete Saguaros. There’s aprotection spell on the trailer park and a ward preventing anyone from the coven from entering.”

“Only the coven?”

“We have history,” I said. “But, no, notonlythe coven. The park keeps out anyone it deems a threat to the residents.”

“Would it be okay if I shift once we get there?” Her voice was as fragile as spun glass. “I feel so sick.”

A big part of me wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her out of this meek, submissive state, but I didn’t want to send her into shock, either. I went with a gentle reminder.

“Maya, you can do anything you want to do. You’re a free woman.”

“I keep forgetting that.”

“Don’t worry,” I said softly, “I’ll keep reminding you.”

Chapter

Nine

The drive out of Desmond’s neighborhood went smoothly. No pissed-off witches chased us, no thwarted husband popped up around the corner, and no hex bag curses followed us.

On the other side of town, I pulled into a fast-food drive-through and turned to Maya, who’d leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes.

“Are you hungry? I pay Cecil in French fries and chocolate sundaes, so it’s no trouble to pick up a burger for you.”

“I’m pretty nauseated at the moment.”

“Understandable. Will the food smell make it worse?”

“No. Actually, I could use a Dr. Pepper. Feels like I haven’t had one in ages. Desmond disapproved of soda.” She said through clenched teeth. “I don’t have cash on?—”

“I’ve got it. Don’t worry. I’ll grab an extra order of fries in case you feel up to having something in your stomach. Don’t eat unless you want to, though.”

“Maybe I’ll have a couple. The salt might do me good. I haven’t eaten much in the last few days.”

I had Cecil put in the order through an app on my cell and pulled into an unmarked parking spot since the others were filled.

“They’ll never see us here.” I scowled at the busy restaurant. “What’s everyone doing here so late? Was there a football game at the high school or something? It’s a weeknight.”

Cecil made an impatient noise.

“The drive-thru is packed.” I unhooked my seatbelt. “I’ll just run inside and grab the order. Cecil, Fennel, keep watch. Maya, keep your head down and stay in the car, okay?”

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