Page 112 of Witch Unexpected
“Hey, calm down, buddy. You don’t want to bust the stitches.” I took the chair by his bed, noting the bandages taped to his chest.
He followed my gaze. “Wren can’t heal too quick.”
His eyes welled and I would have hugged him if I was sure it wouldn’t hurt him.
“Hey, no crying.” I plucked a tissue from the box by his bed and handed it to him. “You are the bravest mogwai I know.”
“Wren’s the only mogwai Cora knows.”
“That’s also true.” I took his paw in my hand. “You saved my life, Wren. You’re my hero.”
“Wren is?” His mouth turned down and he shook his head. “No, Wren not brave. Wren scared—all the time. Wren was so scared of the monster.”
“Yeah, I know, but you jumped on its face to save me anyway. Being afraid and doing something anyway is the definition of bravery. Now, I need you to get better so we can hang out.”
“Most fae can heal their wounds pretty fast,” the nurse said. “Wren seems to be an exception.”
Wren pouted. “Pippa won’t let Wren eat cake.”
The nurse smiled. “You can’t eat too much right now, and you know why.”
Wren patted his belly. “Pippa says if Wren gets bloated, the stitches will pop.”
I gave his paw a gentle squeeze. “You have to do as Pippa says if you want to get better quickly.”
Wren’s eyes brimmed again. “Wren misses Cora.”
“I miss you too, buddy.” I stroked his head. “I’ll be back to see you again tomorrow, and I’ll bring you a small cake.” I looked to Pippa. “If that’s okay?”
Pippa smiled. “That will be fine.”
Wren wiped at his eyes with the tissue. “Chocolate? Wren likes chocolate.”
“Yes, chocolate.”
I sat with him until he began to doze and then pressed a kiss to his cheek and snuck out.
* * *
It was strange but liberating,walking through the woods solo. With Pen locked up, The Order’s advantage was gone. They couldn’t get to me on the grounds, so there was no need for an escort. I strolled leisurely, backpack of clothes slung over one shoulder and bag of boots dangling from my fingers. My worldly possessions in two bags. What did that say about me?
The air fizzed and Jasper appeared beside me.
I should have known not to revel in my solitude. I bit back a sigh. I didn’t have the energy for the confusion of emotions Jasper’s presence evoked.
He’d saved my ass today though.
I owed him a little courtesy. I sighed. “Thanks for coming to the rescue today.”
He snorted. “You need to practice your grateful tone.”
I smiled sweetly up at him. “Thank you sooo much for coming to the rescue today, Jasper.” I fluttered my lashes at him.
He gave me a flat look. “Don’t you get sick of me saving your pert ass?”
He thought my ass was pert? “Pfft, you don’t always have to save my ass. I do fine alone.”
“You did, before that amulet.” He aimed a sneer at my neck. “You need to call Fee. Ask her about The Sons of Adam.”
