bring myself to go anywhere near anyone in that cult.
Yeah, I said it.
I couldn’t help but wonder if Sammy had anything to do with him leaving. I hadn’t met the witch, but there had been a woman coming out of the administrative office at the hospital last week who definitely had a different energy around her. It was almost like I could sense people now. The announcement of Anthony taking his leave came shortly after I saw her there at the hospital. So, here we were, almost two weeks he’d been gone, and I’d settled my heart to believe it was eighteen years ago all over again. I tried to pretend I wasn’t grieving. I knew he was probably off finding out what happened to those people in Washington, but he hadn’t checked in, hadn’t called or even texted. What was I supposed to think except that he’d gotten bad news and any day now I was going to have my memory wiped?
I didn’t want to think that way. My mind just kept going to it, kept getting darker and darker. I left the hospital for lunch, as I had most days since Anthony had left. The last thing I needed right now was to run into Bret. That would’ve been the icing on the cake.
My new favorite place was this small café that I knew wouldn’t be crowded during lunch. I’d be able to eat alone and in peace. I got my fancy sandwich and coffee and sat down in the corner, then pulled up a book on my phone. I hadn’t been able to read any of those damn romance books, either. I was on a murder mystery. At least there were no fucking dragons in it.
Halfway through my sandwich, a woman flopped down across from me. Holy shit. It was the same woman who left the administrative office that day. And she still felt off somehow. I didn’t have to guess. “Hello, Sammy.”
She smiled. “Skye. You’re as smart as you look.”
“Are you here to wipe my memories?” I asked.
Sammy sat back in her chair. “I was ordered to.”
My heart broke. Tears sprang to my eyes. I tried to keep them away but knowing that Anthony was going to make all the knowledge disappear, and all the feelings for each other, all the love I had in my heart for him, even though I was mad at him for disappearing again.
“Anthony didn’t give the order,” she said. “It came as a message from him.”
I tried not to let the tears spill over. Blinking hard, I stared at the witch. “What do you mean?”
“I received the order second-hand. The clan isn’t too keen on him disappearing with Jace.”
I hadn’t realized he’d taken Jace with him. Maybe he would be coming back eventually, then. I’d just assumed he’d gone alone.
And if he’d contacted me at all, I might’ve known differently.
“I’m feeling a little guilty,” she said. “I gave them the nudge they needed.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Anthony was looking for more couples like you, with no luck. Clans are very secretive and their witches are protective. If a secret as big as human pairings got out, it could send clans into a frenzy. Anthony seemed desperate, though. And he’s my friend before he’s my alpha, since I’m not a dragon. And so I used my power and resources and sent him to what I think, and hope, are the answers he seeks. Anthony’s dad isn’t happy with this news, but I was called by another member of the pack who claimed to be acting on Anthony’s behalf. She wants your memories wiped before Anthony returns.”
Why did this bitch hate me so much? “Tessa?” I asked.
Sammy cringed. “You’ve already had to deal with her?”
I nodded. “I don’t know if it’s jealousy or what.”
“Fear,” she said. “She’s scared that human women will start taking all the dragons. If I have my way, she won’t end up with anyone. She poisons anyone she comes near.” She sighed. “She’s also scared of change, but in that, she’s not the only one.”
“So, are you going to do as she’s said? Are you obligated to?” I asked. I still had half my lunch in front of me, but my mouth was full of sawdust. No way I could’ve taken another bite.
Sammy shook her head. “Anthony is my alpha, and I don’t see you as a threat. It’s a part of my witchy gifts.” She gave me a secret smile and stood. “I’m sure I’ll