Page 111 of Bad Witch

I covered my ears, unable to move. Frozen, as his hateful voice came at me over and over again. I couldn’t go inside, my legs wouldn’t work. I wanted Fender, but I couldn’t do that either. I had nowhere to go. Nowhere.

Magnolia wasn’t my friend anymore, Jack didn’t want me anywhere near him or the clinic, and I’d run out on Fender. I’d screamed at him to let me go. But I didn’t want that, I didn’t want him to let me go.

He wouldn’t want me to come back now, why would he? Like everyone else in my life, he wouldn’t want anything to do with me.

Why would anyone want such an ugly, pathetic little thing like you?

My father was right.

I was all alone.

And it was exactly what I deserved.

When I woke next, it was still dark. Glindy was curled up beside me, tucked under my chin, and my arm was curled around her small body. I listened for what had woken me, because something had woken me. I was sure of it.

My phone.

I grabbed it from my pocket and checked it.

Messages. There were so many messages from Fender.

Outside your place, peaches. Please, baby, talk to me.

That one was right after I left. He must have ridden straight to my door behind All the Herbs.

Ten minutes later: I fucked up. Please, Temp, we can work this out.

Fifteen minutes after that: I know I’m fucking up again, aren’t I? Sitting out here like this. You left to get away from me, and I ignored your wishes and your boundaries and followed you. I put my own needs ahead of yours again. I’m sorry, Tempest. I’ll leave.

Another came an hour after that: I’m at the clubhouse. I’ll be here if you want to talk.

And he’d sent a voice message eight minutes ago. I hit the button to replay it. “I’m gonna give you the space you want, peaches,” he said in that wonderful deep, raspy voice. “But just so we’re clear, I want you. I want to be with you. I want my mate by my side. I know you have secrets…whatever they are or whatever you’ve done, I don’t care. Nothing could change what I feel about you. I know you, Tempest, and, baby, you are everything I have ever dreamed of. I’ll be here waiting when you’re ready to talk.”

Then he disconnected.

My cheek tickled. I swiped at it and realized I was crying.

He still wanted me.

I stared down at my phone—it started ringing, and I quickly answered it. “Fender?”

“T-Tempest?”

A frail voice came down the line. “June?”

“I…I need your help.”

She didn’t sound right. “June, are you okay? What’s going on?”

“Please…please, I need you to come to the store.” Then she hung up.

Something was seriously wrong. Jumping to my feet, I ran inside, grabbed my bag, and used the door handle to get to her. When I walked out behind her shop, I shivered.

It was dark back here. The light above the door at the back of her shop was out, but I knew something was wrong before that, when the smell of sickness, thick and cloying, hung heavy in the air.

Oh gods, June. Her door was ajar. Shoving it open, I ran inside and found her on the floor. Her skin was gray, her eyes bloodshot. Her body was emaciated, as if she’d been starved for weeks, when that was impossible.

I dropped down beside her. “When did this happen?” I pressed my hand to her clammy skin.