Page 55 of Witch Unexpected
He scrambled up my leg and wrapped his arms around my neck to give me a hug before hopping down and scampering away.
“He thinks you’re his master,” Bramble said.
“I know. I just don’t understand why.”
Pen looked down at my boots. “It’s quite a trek. We should get you some more comfortable shoes.”
“Whoa. Do not underestimate my boots. These are uber comfortable. Trust me, I’ll be fine.”
Pen didn’t look too convinced, but she didn’t argue. “We’ll take the main track as far as we can, and—”
A phone trilled.
She reached into her back pocket and retrieved her cell phone, then checked the caller ID. “Excuse me.” She walked off to answer it.
Speaking of cell phones. “Bramble, did you get me a phone?”
She winced. “Haven’t had a chance to get into town yet.”
I put my hands on my hips. “In that case, unless you want Fee and the Reapers descending on Grimswood, I suggest you get metoa phone now.”
“Here, you can use mine.” Pen held out her mobile. “Your friends need to know you’re okay.”
“Thanks.” I dialed Fee, and she answered almost straight away.
“Cora?”
“Yeah, babe, it’s me. Look, I don’t have a phone yet, but I’ll check in again as soon as I do.”
“What’s going on there? Are you okay?” She sounded worried.
It was my turn to walk off with the phone. “I’m gonna do this anchor thing.”
Silence greeted me.
“Fee?”
“I’ve been trying to find out about it,” she said. “No one knows anything about how that coven works. It’s all shady and hush-hush. Cor, I’m worried.”
“I know you are, but I’m fine. This anchor thing is legit, and I have to do it.”
“Oh, fuck. Please don’t say it…”
“Fate of the world, babe.”
She groaned. “I’m coming down. I’ll get cover for the Reaper’s duties, and I’ll—”
“No.” There was a snap to my tone that I instantly regretted.
Fee’s silence was saturated with hurt.
Fuck, I hated hurting her feelings. The woman was all heart… And me, I could be harsh without realizing it. “I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to snap. I just… I’ve got this.”
“I just want to be there for you,” she said. “Like you’ve always been there for me.”
“I know. But this is something I need to do solo. I promise you, if I need back up, I’ll call.”
“Okay. Okay. Just…call and check in soon, okay?”
