Chapter 2
Istepped outside into the frigid afternoon air and immediately regretted not wearing thicker gloves. Deciding I deserved a warm pick-me-up, I made a left and headed toward the bakery on Main Street. With Valentine’s Day only one day away, the sidewalks were busy with last-minute shoppers.
The bell chimed as I walked in, and Elwyna turned and waved. Elwyna was an elderly elemental witch who owned Mystic Cove Bed-and-Breakfast. Just seeing her brightened my day.
“Hey, Elwyna.” I stepped into line behind her. “I hope it’s not too cold out there for you.”
“Heavens no, dear. I’m used to this weather.” She patted my arm. “How’s that handsome fiancé of yours?” She waggled her brows at me. “Yes, I’ve heard the rumor you two are engaged now. Congratulations.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
Elwyna stepped up to the display case and placed her order, giving me one more wave before moving down to pay. I scanned the display case and decided on a hot-chocolate truffle and a small mocha. Sliding down the counter, I greeted Cassidy Spires, the empathic witch who owned the bakery.
“You look cold but happy,” Cassidy said as she waved her hand clockwise over my mocha. “I’ll give you a little boost in warmth and health.”
“Thank you, Cassidy.”
I paid for my sweet treat and drink and stepped again into the cold.
Blowing on the warm mocha, I headed down the alley behind Double Trouble.
I always parked in the back, near the twins’ staircase that led up to their apartment.
They only had one vehicle between them, so there was always a place for me to park.
Zane’s Aston sat where I’d left it, and I was almost upon it when I realized I wasn’t alone in the alley.
An expensive-looking SUV was parked a few spaces down from Zane’s vehicle.
Two women stood at the back of the SUV. And while they weren’t exactly shouting at each other, they weren’t exactly whispering, either.
The taller woman, a sea witch, had long dark hair and looked annoyed.
The other woman, a fire elemental witch with shoulder-length blonde hair and a curvy build, looked upset.
I slowed my steps. I was pretty sure I knew the dark-haired witch, but I couldn’t place her.
When they noticed me, their conversation slowed.
I opened the passenger-side door of the Aston and set my bag from Double Trouble on the seat, moving slower than necessary. That’s when I noticed a third figure hobbling down the alley from the opposite direction.
A curly-haired vampire, leaning heavily on a cane, nodded politely at the two witches. “Hello, ladies. Cold out here today, isn’t it?”
The blonde witch brightened immediately. “Hi, Eliza. Yes, it is. I hope this cold snap doesn’t last long.”
The dark-haired witch remained silent, and the situation became awkward.
“How have you been, Eliza?” the blonde witch asked, trying to get the conversation started.
Eliza grimaced and tapped her cane against the pavement. “You know how it is, Mari. This time of year is always difficult for me.” She forced a smile. “Well, I’m running late. Need to get back to the bank before my lunch ends.”
Eliza continued past them, the steady tap of her cane echoing down the alley.
I slowly rounded the back of the Aston, pretending to fumble with my keys. Instead of getting in, I stopped at the trunk, popped it open, and rooted around as if I’d forgotten something important.
I waited until I heard the fading tap of the cane behind me before shutting the trunk and moving to the driver’s door.
“Have you befriended her, Mari?” the dark-haired witch snapped. “Are you crazy? You can’t be friends with Eliza.”
Mari shrugged, looking sheepish. “What? She’s the assistant coach for my daughter’s cheerleading squad. What do you want me to do, Rayna? Ignore her?”
“Yes,” Rayna hissed. “I want you to not speak to her.”
Mari sighed. “I’m not sure how much longer I can—”
“Shut up.” Rayna tossed her dark hair over her shoulder as her gaze swept the alley...and landed on me.
I slid behind the wheel of the Aston like I hadn’t heard a word, keeping my door open.
“Did you get one?” Mari asked. “A Valentine? I got mine earlier this week on Monday.”
“Yes, I got one on Monday as well,” Rayna said. “So did Reed.”
Mari’s eyes widened. “You’re talking to Reed again? That’s great. He and I speak a couple times a year, but nothing serious.”
“No, it’s not great I’m speaking to him,” Rayna leaned closer to Mari, and I had to strain to hear. “He and I both think Eliza sent them. So keep your mouth shut, Mari.” Rayna grabbed Mari’s arm. “For everyone’s sake. Your daughter’s included.”
Mari jerked free and scowled. “That’s enough, Rayna.”
“For what it’s worth,” Rayna said as Mari opened her car door, “I’m sorry to hear you and Hunter are having problems. You two were always the perfect couple.”
I could tell by the way Mari’s head jerked that Rayna had hit her mark.
“I’m sure we’ll work it out,” Mari said as she hopped up into the SUV.
I started the Aston and adjusted the mirror, watching as Mari peeled out of the alley, tires spitting gravel. Rayna stepped back, arms crossed, watching her go.
Then she turned sideways and looked straight at me.
I averted my gaze, closed the door, and fiddled with the mirror, as if it required intense concentration.
After a moment, Rayna turned and walked away.
“That was weird.” I took a sip of my mocha and pulled out of the alleyway. I didn’t have time to think about the exchange...I had a Galentine’s dinner party to get ready for.