Page 55 of Curses & Cold Brew
“Yes,” Naphula admitted, hanging her head. “She said she could help me block out any remaining, uh, feelings I had for . . . someone.”
“Naphula, no.” I groaned, rubbing my eyes in frustration. “You opened up your mind to a cloaked vampire for that? Why didn’t you just come to me instead?”
A sheepish expression crossed my friend’s face. “The circumstances were too embarrassing to tell you about. Not again.”
“This is about Eloise?” I said, exasperated. “You’d rather wipe your crush from your memory than be honest with her?”
“See? This is why I didn’t tell you!” Naphula snapped back. “You don’t understand what it’s like to be in the thrall of alesbian werewolf, okay? Also, talk about hypocritical, accusing me of being afraid to admit my feelings.”
Shame chased away my anger. She was right. Worse, I’d failed my friend when she’d needed me the most, and my sanctimonious judgment had left the perfect opening for Esme to attack.
Remorse softened my tone. “I’m sorry I ever let you doubt that we could’ve figured it out. Together.”
“I was desperate, Mona.” She shook her head as she looked between Iris and me. “Iknowyou know what it feels like when someone hijacks your emotions like that. I thought it was the out I needed.”
“Well, you having to deal with Wyatt will be punishment enough,” I reminded her. “Especially if he finds out that the reason for breaking my sigil was because of your feelings for his sister.”
“Agnes is going to feed off this gossip formonths,” Iris muttered.
“I didn’t know I was going to be forced to attack anyone!” Naphula barked. “I tried to resist Esme, but the curse was too strong. The second I shook her hand, I welcomed her into my mind, and she did more than just erase the feelings.” Her throat bobbed. “I lost so much time. At first, I thought it was a few too many drinks, but then things weren’t stacking up. I’d wake up in bed with dirt beneath my fingernails, blood in my hair . . . I have no idea what she made me do.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“Two months.”
“Twomonths?” I howled. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because after I realized who she was, I couldn’t. I couldn’t bear the thought that you’d see me as weak.”
“I’m supposed to be your best friend,” I countered. “I’m the person that helps you bury the bodies, Naph. No matter what you’re going through. Friends kill our enemies together, always.”
“That is both very sweet and very upsetting,” Iris murmured.
“And the feelings for Eloise are really gone?” My question brought her attention back to me.
“They were. Until I saw her again. When we?—”
“You’re fucking the baker!” Iris whisper-squealed. “Jordyn’s gonna die when I tell her.”
“I’m sorry, Mona.” Naphula ignored my elated witch. “I knew I should’ve never agreed, and by the time I summoned the courage to tell you, Esme had caught on and her magic wouldn’t let me get the words out.”
I looked down at Iris. “Can you break this curse?”
“Not alone.” She jutted her chin at all the bruises and cuts on Naphula’s face and jaw. “We need to gather the whole coven to have any chance. This is very dark magic. It would be faster to kill Esme.”
“I like that idea better. Quick and dirty,” I said with a wink.
“You better stop winking at me,” she warned, and I could see flashbacks of the night before strobing behind her eyes.
“Maybe just kill me,” Naphula grumbled. “I can’t take this anymore.”
“Alright, alright.” I snorted. “Is there a way to bring Esme here?”
“There is,” Naphula replied. “I can contact her through my mind, tell her that I’ve got Iris, and we can rendezvous to deliver her.”
“I’m not using her as bait.”
“Oh, come on,” Iris countered. “Look at me! I make great bait. I lured you here and I barely had to try.”
