Page 35 of Spellbound & Speechless
Rude.
I cut in before they can start with small talk. “We have to discuss something more serious than ice cream.”
“I’ll, um… maybe it’s best for my son to take care of this.” Mr. Sprinkles looks away. “Dave?”
Dave fixes me with a look of concern, clearly overhearing the conversation. “What’s the problem, Aspen?”
While the older owner works on our cones, we’re left talking to his son. Dave was an acquaintance of mine back in high school, but I haven’t spoken with him in years. He treats me like a stranger now, like most people do.
“Well”—I clear my throat—“it’s not a problem with the shop, I promise.We’rethe problem. There was an attack at the tavern last night. I’m not sure if you’ve heard about it.”
“I certainly haven’t.” Dave’s dark eyes widen. “Is everything okay? You’re all safe? Yoursisters?—”
“There were no injuries—unless you count bruised egos.” I laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
It doesn’t work. No one laughs. No one smiles.
Tough crowd.
“Do you know anything about corrupt witches?” Mac asks, finally getting to the point.
Dave’s jaw tightens. “I know a thing or two.”
Dave is a witch himself, with a witch mother and a human father. We’ve all heard tales of corrupt witches, even if we rarely meet them. The stories are cautionary tales of what happens when one becomes hungry for power.
“They’re after something the Hawthornes have,” Mac says.
“So, you should be fine.” I beam. “We’re only letting you know so you can up your wards. Stop by Oz’s shop if you need any supplies. He’ll have you covered.”
“Gods.” Dave lets out a long, slow sigh. “Well, thanks for letting me know.”
We collect our ice cream and leave for the next stop, but even the colorful cone can’t lift my spirits. Starbrook is changing, and I realize now, after years of avoiding the little place, that I took it for granted before. There’s no saying what it will look like now that corrupt witches are sweeping through our peaceful place. I may never get to live in the same Starbrook again.
Chapter 13
Mac
I padacross the pavement with my nose to the ground. My paws make soft thudding sounds with each step. I inhale, checking for any hint of rotten magic. While my senses are good in my human form, they’re fucking fantastic when I’m the wolf. If there’s any hint of the corrupt witch, I’ll know.
As far as I can see, we’re safe. That means the Hawthornes are, too.
For now. I won’t put it past the witch to show up again, even if her latest attack was the evening before.
The air changes, but it’s not with the scent of rot. I smell fear before I see who it’s coming from, and far before I hear a loud squeal.
Aspen.
I turn slowly to meet her petrified gaze. I guess not everyone in Starbrook is comfortable around wolves.
Most are. I’ve run into a few people who don’t think twice about my wolf form, and I’ve even seen a few other wolves prowling around. Now that news of the corrupt witch is out, I’m not the only one keeping a nose to the ground.
That’s one good thing about being in Starbrook. The magical population here is large enough for me to fit in. It’s not always easy in other towns, big or small.
Aspen stares at me with an ashen face. She’s trembling.
I chuckle to myself as I prowl closer.
“Shoo!” She waves me away. “Come back when you’re standing. We don’t serve animal forms here.” She hesitates. “Not because we, like… I mean, there’s nothingwrongwith it; it’s more about the frustration of vacuuming up the fur. No offense. Your fur looks super clean and shiny.”
