Page 55 of Wolves & Watercolors
“With a supposedly human mate suddenly displaying magic.”
The tea gets caught in my throat and I almost spew some of it out as I cough. “She’s not, what? We aren’t even dating,” I splutter.
“Drink your tea, son.”
I blink at her. Why would she say that? She can’t know that I kissed Aurora. Besides, it can’t go anywhere. Clearly there is no real relationship between us.
Sable ignores me, setting her tea aside and tidying up some of the supplies on her work table.
“I was hoping you would have some guidance on helping Aurora develop some control over using her magic so she can go home.” I emphasize the last words.
Sable snorts and turns to face me with her hands on her hips. “What was happening when she used her magic?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s not true.” Her eyes narrow, cutting into me.
I rub the back of my neck, trying to think. “She grew plants when Hazel was in labor. And when she was scared and upset. So those are high emotion times. But she also planted seeds when she was calm and those later grew. And the other time, she was in the shower.”
“Interesting.”
“I don’t see any connection.”
“Interesting,” she repeats.
Blowing out my breath, I stand. “Do you have any other advice?”
“Talk to her.”
“I have been,” I say, trying to keep the frustration out of my tone.
Sable is unbothered. “Unless you want to help me with making more salve, go away. There won’t be room for you in here once my nephew arrives anyways.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I may be one of Sable’s favorites because of the ingredients I grow for her, but I know better than to get on her bad side. She ignores me as I move to the door and close it behind me carefully.
On the walk home, I run over the incidents in my mind.
First, the seeds we planted together. She was calm, maybe happy. It certainly wasn’t a high emotion moment. Perhaps she was excited about being in a new place and seeing her sister, but that can’t compare to the out of control emotions that spurred later magic.
My cabin is empty. I flop down on my bed, feeling dissatisfied. The empty room bothers me. Maybe my mother is right and I should get my own place.
Aurora’s face fills my mind. The way she shook as she ran through the forest after I lost control. That plant growth was from fear. But what happened right before, when she was in the shower? Why was it different from the other showers she’s taken since arriving?
With a sigh, I roll over and bury my face in my pillow. I’ll have to talk with her tomorrow, and maybe together we can untangle this.
I’m up with the sun. It’s my routine, though I would be lying if thoughts of seeing Aurora didn’t motivate me to move faster.
Standing in front of the mirror, I stretch my arm across me and twist, feeling my sore muscles protest. With a measured exhale, I brush my fingers through my unruly hair. What does Aurora see that made her want to kiss me? She’s beautiful and surely has her pick of men wherever she goes.
I’ve never considered myself handsome. I don’t have Onyx’s confidence or charm. Turning my head, I consider the way my olive skin has turned bronze in the sun. It’s nice, I guess. But now isn’t the time to turn vain. With a shrug, I head to the kitchen.
Cinnamon wafts through the air, along with butter and caramelized sugar. “Good morning, sweetheart.” My motherholds up her mug of coffee in greeting. A tray of cinnamon rolls sit on the stovetop.
“Morning. Can I take a couple of these to go?”
“Of course.” She goes back to solving her crossword puzzle while I dig in the cabinet for a to-go container.
Cinnamon rolls clutched in hand, I head toward my garden. When it stands empty, I backtrack to Heath’s cabin. Aurora is my priority today and I see no reason to pretend otherwise.
