Chapter 15 #2
“I’d not thought of it like that,” I admit. “What do you think of the festival? It sounds fun, but doesn’t inviting humans into town go against everything a sanctuary town stands for?”
“Who’s asking? You or the hotshot journalist.”
“A hotshot? Nobody’s called me that before.” I laugh—I’ve done that a lot today, more than I have in a long time. It’s not news to me that Selene’s kind, patient, and beautiful, but through spending the day with her I’ve discovered she’s also astute and has a dry sense of humour too.
“Not that you know of,” she teases. “But I hate to break it to you, Golden Boy, you were the talk of the town the day you arrived. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the big city reporter who made the move to our little town.”
“Really? And what did you think?”
“Honestly?” she asks, wincing. I nod. “Well, I was curious, but not nosy enough to actively seek you out. I knew we’d cross paths eventually—it’s almost inevitable in a town this size.” She shrugs. “Outside of my friends and family, I pretty much keep to myself.”
“Why?”
“Habit, I guess.” At my questioning look, she elaborates. “You remember me telling you how some witches approve of certain gifts more than others?” I bob my head in confirmation.
Of course I remember. I’ve been fastidiously collecting every detail I can about Selene, weaving each thread of information together to form the tapestry of who she is. I can’t explain it, but I know this woman is special.
“OK, well every witch has something called a Naming ceremony. The only human thing I can think to compare it to is a baptism, but even that doesn’t quite fit.
It’s called the Naming for two reasons—first, it’s when a witch’s parents announce the name of their child.
Second, and most importantly, it’s when a tarot card is drawn and the witch’s future magical speciality is revealed or, well, named. ”
“So, at your Naming, you got a bad card?”
“There are no bad cards, just idiots who can’t see past their own prejudices.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
Her anger deflates as quickly as it arrived. “It’s OK. You’re still learning about all this.” She sighs. “The card drawn for me was The Moon, meaning I have a gift for divination and insight.”
A bulb flickers on in my head. “That’s why Hux said we’d make a good team.”
She blushes. “Yeah.” Selene clears her throat, fiddling with the long sleeves of her dress.
“Anyway, while it’s not at the top of the list of cards certain small-minded but loud members of the witch community have deemed undesirable, even evil, it’s still on the list. The only reason moon witches don’t get as much grief as someone with The Tower, The Devil, or Death cards is because only a moon witch can successfully perform the Naming ceremony. ”
“So those arseholes need you even if they don’t like it.”
“Yep.” She smiles smugly. “And we make them work for it too. Any moon witch who performs a Naming ceremony is entitled to a percentage of the child’s family’s income.
Most of the time we waive the fee, but when the elite, who spend the rest of their time spouting a load of hate, come looking for a favour? You bet your arse we charge them.”
“Serves them right.” It’s the least those witches deserve for making anyone feel bad about themselves for something they have no control over.
“The attitude towards my magic is actually why I followed my sister here. She told me Crystal Lake was different.”
“And is it?” I swear to God if anyone in this town has made Selene feel bad about herself because of the kind of magic she has, heads will fucking roll.
“Mostly, yeah. I’ve never felt safer than I do here. But old habits die hard. There’s only so many times you can be told who you are isn’t good enough before you start to believe it.”
“Hey.” Gently, I place my hand over hers, waiting for her to look me in the eye. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re perfect.”
She gives me a watery smile. “It’s worth more than you think. Thank you.” Selene flips her hand so it’s holing mine, and straightens her spine. “Listen, Jared, there’s something I should tell—”
“Can I get you two anything else? The spiced peach pie is to die for,” our server says.
Cursing their timing, I force a polite smile onto my face. “I’m all good. Do you want anything?” I ask Selene, irrationally upset when she tugs her hand from mine.
“I’m full. Could we just get the bill, please?”
“Sure thing, I’ll be right back.”
The server scuttles off, and I scowl when Selene reaches for her handbag. “I know you’re not trying to split the bill with me.”
She freezes like a deer caught in headlights. “I’m not?” she squeaks.
“No. I wanted to share a meal with you, and I’m more than happy to pay for that privilege.” If I have anything to say about it, she’ll never have to pay for her own dinner again.
“Oh, that’s, um. OK then. Thank you?”
I smirk. “That a question?”
“What? No. I just… You’re not what I’m used to.”
She’s adorable when she’s flustered. “Well, I’d like us to share a lot more meals, so you should consider getting used to it,” I tell her, hoping my honest approach doesn’t scare her away.
She smiles. “I think I can do that.”
There’s a chill in the air when we leave behind the happy glow of the diner for the softly lit town square. Selene shivers, and I immediately slide off my chocolate-brown leather jacket and offer it to her.
“Here.”
She reaches out but hesitates before actually taking it. “Aren’t you cold?”
“No.” I shrug. “Must be another one of my demon traits coming through.” Hux and Garrett explained that both demons and shifters run a little warmer. Witches and fae are the closest to humans, vampires and mer run slightly cooler.
She shivers again. “Take the jacket, Selene.”
“Thank you.” Her fingertips brush mine, sending sparks racing up my arm. Unaffected, Selene slips on the jacket.
I’ve never been the possessive sort, but something about Selene being wrapped in my scent fills me with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Her cheeks and the tip of her nose are rosy with the cold, and she’s practically drowning in my jacket, the leather falling to mid-thigh on her short but perfectly curved form.
“It looks better on you anyway,” I croak. “Let me walk you home.”
She chuckles. “You know this is Crystal Lake, not London, right? I’ll be perfectly safe on my own.”
“Maybe. But what if I’m not ready for the evening to end? What if I’m looking for any excuse to spend more time with you?”
She slides her hand into mine, her striking blue eyes searching my face.
Whatever she’s looking for, she must find it because she gives me a cheeky smile, stepping back, tugging me along by our joined hands.
“Then I’d say you don’t need to waste your energy looking for excuses to be near me because I want that too.
Now walk me home, Golden Boy. Play your cards right, and I might even let you come in. ”
I practically trip over my feet to follow her lead.
“So…” Selene swings our linked hands between us as we walk.
“How was your first week in town? Have we scared you off yet?” Her tone is teasing, but there’s an underlying seriousness in her expression that tells me my answer means more to her than she’s letting on.
Happiness bubbles up in my chest. This is good.
If she wants me to be happy here, it means she already wants me to stay.
“It’s been eventful, as you know,” I tease.
“But I’m glad I moved here. Crystal Lake already feels like home.
” Giving voice to the words makes me realise how true they are.
It’s amazing how much can change in such a short time.
This town was only ever meant to be a detour off the road to the future I wanted.
Now when I imagine my future, I imagine it here in Crystal Lake with my friends. With Selene—if she’ll have me.
Her hand squeezes mine. “I’m glad.”
As I watch her battle with her rickety garden gate, I make a mental note to stop by and fix it for her.
I’m not the handiest guy, but, just like the human internet, there are video tutorials for everything on the supe network—I’ll figure it out.
She shouldn’t have to deal with this hassle every time she leaves the house.
Selene pauses at her front door, fiddling with her keys. “Thank you for today. Seriously, sorting through all the new stock would have taken way longer without your help.”
“Don’t mention it. I had fun.”
“You’re not what I expected.” Disappointment weighs on me like a heavy stone. I thought today went well, especially tonight. The laughter, the flirting. I thought I was in with a chance.
Don’t ask. Don’t do it to yourself. Don’t—
“What did you expect?” Too late. Clearly I’m intent on torturing myself this evening.
“You’re more complicated.” Right. Of course she thinks I’ve got too much baggage—and that’s before knowing about my serial killer fuelled nightmares. “You’re better.” Wait, what? “I’m looking forward to getting to know all the different sides of you, Jared.”
“Oh. I mean—yes. I want that.” Taking a steadying breath, I reach up to cup her cheek. “I want you, Selene.”
Her hands grip the front of my cream henley, tugging me down to her level while she rises on her tiptoes to seal her mouth to mine.
This. This is what I’ve been missing my whole life.
Selene’s soft lips move against mine, rearranging my very soul until there’s a space carved out just for her.
It’s unlike any first kiss I’ve ever had.
There’s no tentative exploration, no hesitation.
Selene’s laying claim to me, and I’m revelling in the feeling.
The frame of my glasses knocks against her. She pulls back slightly, and I chase her lips with mine, needing her kiss like I need oxygen.
“Do you want to come inside?” she asks, chest rising and falling heavily. Good to know I’m not the only one affected.
“I…” My forehead rests against hers, and I release a frustrated sigh. “I want to. Believe me, I want nothing more.”
“But?” She strokes my cheek reassuringly.
“Since moving here, everything’s been changing so fast. I’m happy. Happier than I’ve been in a long time, and you’re a big part of that, but I…” Desperately, I search for the right words. God, am I screwing this up?
“I get it, Jared. You want to take things slow, that’s OK.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Of course not. You’ve been through so much since coming here, and I can tell there’s even more to your story you’re not sharing—”
“I’m sor—”
“Don’t you dare apologise for being honest about what you need.
You never have to be sorry for that.” She presses a gentle kiss to my lips.
“We’ll go at your pace. As for the rest of it, your secrets are yours to share whenever you’re ready—I’m not going to push or pry. Just know I’m here for you, OK?”
I wrap my arms around her, burying my face in her neck. Her orange blossom scent comforts me with each inhale. “How did I get so lucky?”
“Maybe it’s fate,” she replies, toying with the strands of hair at my nape.
“I think you might be right.” I press a kiss to her neck, then step back. “Get some rest. I’ll see you soon.”
“Count on it.” She tosses my jacket to me with a cheeky grin, then disappears behind her front door.
I stare, frozen to the spot, warring with the desire to go after her but knowing my head needs time to catch up to my heart and… other parts of me. Exhaling slowly, I shake out my hands and turn back down the path towards the garden gate. “Walk it off, Jared. Walk it off.”