Touch of Evil - Cecy Robson Page 0,5

The weres in the neighborhood took charge to defend their territory and telling them will only pull them away from the uh, unique evening they planned.

It wasn’t that long ago we took on a necromancer and an army of zombies. They can use the rest and private time.

“I can still come getcha,” Shayna offers. “We can stop for ice cream on the way back. All the butter churning made me hungry if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, and please don’t elaborate,” I beg.

I lower the volume, embarrassed someone might hear her only to grimace at the multitude of texts Taran sends.

Did you burn that shit up?

You should have burned that shit up.

I would have burned that shit up.

Son of a bitch.

Who does he think he is, waving his junk like flags in the wind?

Hell, he didn’t wave those flags in your face, did he?

That’s just nasty.

I text back, no, and thank Taran for that rather descriptive visual. I groan and push away a strand of hair away from my face. “Shayna, you told Taran?” I ask.

“Totally,” she admits. “Texted her as soon as you told me all the dirty deets, Em.” Her voice quiets and grows a little sad. “We still tell each other everything, don’t we?”

No. Not anymore.

“Em?” she says.

“Yes, I’m still here,” I assure her.

“You want to do me one and go for ice cream together? I could use the calories since Hot Lifeguard Shayna resuscitates Sexy Virgin Werewolf in Red Speedo is up next.”

“I’m not ready to go home,” I blurt out over Koda’s embarrassed snarls.

I round the corner and look down the street. The upscale restaurants have begun to shut down as the bars and clubs come to life. No, I’m not ready to go home.

Just as I’m not ready to spend the night alone.

Chapter Three

Emme

My phone slides nicely into its designated pocket. Shayna wanted to come for me. Mercifully she didn’t press. She realized I needed time away from the house.

Out of all my sisters, I’m closest to Shayna. As hard as she tries though, it’s difficult for her to relate to what I’m going through. She doesn’t have to trudge through the muddy waters of dating. I do, and my flowery galoshes continue to stick to the gross floor.

My mind wanders, picking through the shift of events. The evening spun from nice to nightmarish as quickly as a top. If I didn’t possess the power I do, I would have walked away a victim. Ted would have moved on to the next female he felt worthy of his presence and attempted to wow her with his juggling expertise. He wouldn’t have given me another thought. Now, he will, and perhaps think twice about mistreating another female. Oh, and that sinister presence, whatever it was, could have harmed me. I never would have thought to go after something so vile if my abilities couldn’t fend off an enemy.

I wince when a pang of pain reminds me there’s still healing to perform and magic to call upon. I lift my right hand, my expression softening as pale-yellow light forms on my palm and spreads along my fingertips, soothing away the residual ache from slapping Ted.

I surprised myself by striking him. Violence and aggression aren’t attributes I possess. Please don’t misunderstand, I’ve killed in defense of myself and others, but doing so hasn’t assuaged me from guilt. Despite my gentle touch, there’s blood on my hands, and all the good I’ve done won’t wash the stains from my skin or mind.

“Don’t do this to yourself,” I whisper.

I shake out my hand as well as the remorse that haunts my dreams. I need to focus on the present if I’m ever to have a future, and if I’m to help protect Celia.

Celia. My oldest sister and my hero. She and Aric are expecting their first child. Of course, like with everything life has given us, there is nothing simple about her pregnancy. The baby she carries is prophesized to save the world from an uprising and evil. That’s a startling expectation to aspire to. Poor baby. And poor Celia.

After months of worrying whether her baby was growing, the little bundle of joy grew in a magical burst. Celia went from a barely-there baby bump, to really showing. It was beautiful and frightening all at once.

As if on cue, my phone buzzes, and a text from Celia appears.

Hey, sweetie. Shayna just texted me and told me what happened. Aric isn’t familiar with this wolf, but he will be and