“Beatrix already checked that out years ago. Moira had already moved by the time I found the courage to tell our story. I’d been afraid for so long that I thought it was better if I stayed quiet. I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.” Her tear-filled eyes stayed on me. “I’m sorry I didn’t speak up sooner.”

  I shook my head. “You have no reason to apologize. After everything that’s happened, I have a feeling we’d have ended up right here, in the same position, no matter what.”

  She twisted her fingers together. “Maybe.” Then her head perked up. “Wait. There might be something.”

  Reah stood from the table and headed toward the short hallway on our left. She opened a door, and there were shelves filled with blankets, books, and board games. She grunted through several rows of stuff before she made an “aha” sound.

  Another few seconds later, she pulled out a black metal box with a silver handle and lugged it over. “Junie brought me this years ago. I’d completely forgotten about it. She said that she and Aspen had added items inside and that I wasn’t to open the box until I knew when the time was right. Given everything that’s been going on, I’m thinking this might be that time, but I don’t think I’m the one who’s supposed to open it.”

  Reah set the box in front of me. Its thud echoed around us, and my hands hovered over the single latch. My hesitation only lasted as long as it took me to meet Foster’s gaze. His blue eyes saw into my soul, lifting me up and reminding me that no matter what we did or didn’t find out today, I could do this.

  I nodded, more to myself than anyone else, and flipped the latch. Tingles rose along my hands and arms as the lid lifted on its own.

  “Freaky,” Benjamin whispered.

  I absolutely agreed.

  My head began to throb from the energy coming out of the box.

  Reah stepped back to the other side of the table. “Now, I’m almost positive that I wouldn’t have been able to open the box myself, even if I’d tried.”

  Foster sat comfortably next to me.

  “Do you not feel that?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “What am I supposed to be feeling?”

  I looked back at the box. “A heaviness of some sort. There’s lots of power in here. Like, too much for one little box.”

  Reah nodded. “I’d have to agree with you, but this is Junie we’re talking about. She was the queen of magical tricks.”

  Reah’s words triggered something that Beatrix had said before. When I’d merged with Junie’s magic, Beatrix had said, “Sneaky, Junie,” or something like that. I’d forgotten about it then, but maybe we needed to revisit what Beatrix had meant and soon.

  When the initial wave of power calmed down, I pulled the box closer. My fingers itched from the extra magic around the box, but it was manageable.

  At the top were two envelopes, both with my name on the front, but in different handwriting. I pulled them out, and my throat burned. Mom and Aunt Junie.

  I held them close to my chest and glanced at the rest of the box. There was a flat, palm-sized yellow citrine stone that called to me, and I was pretty sure that was where most of the power was coming from. Underneath that were piles of pictures from my childhood and a few trinkets I could remember from the house.

  My attention went back to the letters, and I opened the one from my mother first. My shaking fingers tugged the sealed envelope open, and I nearly dropped the single sheet of paper when I pulled it out.

  My Dearest Andie,

  If you’re reading this, then I want to apologize for leaving you in whatever manner took me away. I’m doing my best to keep you safe, but I worry every single day that I haven’t made all the right choices. When I took us away from the coven and had your memories stripped, I didn’t realize what I would be taking from you. I only knew that my heart couldn’t stay in the same place where I’d loved your father so fiercely.

  Selfish as that was, I still believed that was what was best for you. Now, I’m wondering if it was wrong, but when I see your light-green eyes, so full of life and safe from the magical mayhem of the world, I pray that I wasn’t wrong.

  You are a special witch, Andie. If you haven’t already figured that out, then I hope this letter will help you understand. You are made from two strong families. One that stayed in the shadows and one that shined amongst their peers.

  Mine was the former and for good reason. The women in our generation learned long ago that we couldn’t trust others with our secrets. We ran and separated ourselves as best we could from the world, but then I met your father, and running was no longer an option for me.

  I fear you’ve been born with an ability that could cost you your life. One that others will hunt you down for, not only because you’re one of the last Bishop witches, but because you’re an Abbott witch.

  My family history has no rhyme or reason to it. For years, every woman born was cursed with this ability, then it began to skip generations until there was no way to tell until the witch reached full maturity.

  I begged Juniper to take your magic because you began showing signs of syphoning even human objects at such a young age. I don’t know what this means for your future, and I hope like hell that I’m there to help guide you, but if I’m not, your aunt will help you, and if she can’t, show this to Beatrix. She’ll know what to do. She’ll remember the Abbotts.

  Tell them I’m sorry. Most importantly, I hope you know how much I love you and that I would do anything to be with you right now. Just the thought of knowing I might not be there in your future takes my breath away, but I know you’re going to do great things, Andie Bishop. You are the light and soul of our family. Always remember that, no matter what obstacles you face, and don’t ever settle for less than you deserve.

  All my love,

  Mom

  My hand was covering my mouth while I attempted to choke down the sobs raging through my body. I should have known better than to read something so special in front of other people, but I’d been so eager to find information that I hadn’t thought my actions through.

  Foster was standing behind me and holding me together with his embrace. He stayed silent, even when I set the letter down.

  That was when I looked up to find we were alone at the table, possibly even in the house. I gave myself the permission to fall apart one last time, to miss my mother, and be angry at all I’d lost. Every tear shed helped ease the pain inside me, helped me to feel renewed, and I kept them coming until I couldn’t breathe any longer.

  When I was done, I turned sideways in the chair and Foster moved to meet me. He kneeled in front of me, holding my hands. “Better?”

  I swiped at a few stray tears. “Oddly, yes.”

  He nodded toward the front door. “They went outside when the tears first started to fall.”

  “We should bring them back in,” I said, but Foster handed me Aunt Junie’s letter instead.

  “Maybe read that first. Just in case.”

  Damn. I wasn’t sure I was ready for another emotional tornado, but it was better to do now instead of prolonging the inevitable.

  I took the envelope and chuckled at the dragon stamp on the backside.

  My Little Dragon,

  When I recommended your mom write one of these letters to you, I didn’t realize what I was asking of her. I never wanted to picture a world where I wasn’t helping you reach your full potential, but I see now that things aren’t going to work out the way I’d like.

  Knowing you, you’ve read your mom’s letter first. If not, go back and do that. I’ll wait.

  I laughed so hard, I snorted and had to hold my stomach. God, I missed her so much.

  Now, I love you, Andie, so I’m not going to pull any punches. You’re an adult now. Your mom is gone and you’re probably feeling pretty alone in the world, but you need not to worry. We’re always going to be there for you. Just not when you’re with company behind closed doors. No auntie or parent needs to see that.

  It was Foster’s turn to laugh now. “I can see why she and Beatrix were best friends.”

  Smiling, I nodded and continued reading.

  As you’ve just learned, after I’m gone, you’ll be the last Bishop witch, and you’re also an Abbott descendant. Your mother and father only ever told me, and it was the only secret I’ve ever kept from Beatrix. Please tell her I’m sorry, but I had no choice. We tried to prevent things from happening, but life doesn’t always go the way we want.

  Don’t try to hide from your powers. Use the citrine stone to control them. Pull your magic out of the moonstone and show the world who you are. Don’t be afraid of what’s coming, because your light shines too bright to be diminished. Trust Beatrix. She’ll guide you through what’s coming next, and I’ll be there as much as the afterworld will let me.

  Lastly, enjoy the items I’ve left for you. Most are from your mom and dad, but there’s a candle in here that I hope you’ll never use, but remember it in your darkest moments. When you bring life to the flame, things will seem a lot brighter.

  Love you always, my not-so-little dragon.

  Your Auntie Junie

  I was still smiling by the time I finished. My heart was full, and I was ready for whatever came next. This was the closure I’d needed, the kind that would allow me to believe in myself and those around me.

  I turned to Foster. “We need to go see Beatrix.”

  He reached a hand to me. “Then let’s go.”

  18

  FOSTER

  Andie was somehow holding everything together better than I’d imagined. Sure, she’d cried while reading the letter from her mother, but with every tear shed, I’d only sensed her resolve growing. She wasn’t afraid any longer.

  Then again, fear wasn’t always a bad thing. I hoped Andie wasn’t pushing hers to the side, thinking she needed to be brave for the rest of us.

  With our bond, I should have been able to read her better, but after last night, the wall was back up, stronger than ever, it seemed. I hated but appreciated it all the same, since it kept my wolf from disappearing on me.

  We’re going to figure this out. We haven’t come this far for everything to fall apart, he said.

  I fought a smile. I’d missed his optimism.

  I sure hope you’re right.

  After thanking Reah and Benjamin for their help and saying our goodbyes, Andie and I arrived at Beatrix’s house. She was waiting at the door, staring at me. “Is the spell still working?”

  “It is. Thank you again,” I said, squeezing Andie’s hand tighter.

  She glanced between us. “Well, if you’re not dying, then why aren’t you sticking to the schedule? Nothing has changed. We still need to be preparing.”

  Andie stepped forward, handing the letters from her mom and aunt to Beatrix. “Except something has changed.”

  Beatrix plucked the papers from Andie’s fingers. “I can read these?”

  Andie nodded. “I think you need to. Come to my house when you’re done.”

  Beatrix’s eyes glistened. The first sign of softer emotions I’d seen her display. She nodded and promptly turned around to shut the door in our faces.

  I looked down at my mate. “That was kind of you.”

  “I might not have minded breaking down in front of others, but Beatrix deserves to do that in private. Those letters weren’t addressed to her, but the apologies and answers were for both of us.”

  My lips pressed against the side of her head. “Let’s go home, then.”

  Andie teleported us back to her house without giving me any warning. My stomach churned, and the ground shifted beneath my feet for a moment. “I don’t like that.”

  She grinned. “Well, I won’t always have time to make a portal and if we need to leave somewhere in a hurry, it’s better you get used to doing so now.”

  I wanted to argue with her, but she made a valid point, one I should have thought of before. “We’ll use that method for now. Until my wolf stops complaining.”

  He growled. Not cool throwing me under the bus like that when I can’t correct you.

  I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not.

  Andie and I entered the house, but before I could make it to the couch, my wolf stopped me in my tracks.

  I’d like a moment with her.

  Andie had seen his physical form. She’d touched him and talked to him, but he’d never requested to have her attention before. Not like this.

  Of course, I replied, then I grabbed Andie’s hand. “Do you mind if we go to the backyard?”

  She tightened her jacket around herself. “As long as it doesn’t rain, then let’s go.”

  I laughed. “I told you it wasn’t going to.”

  She gave me a “yeah, right” look, then headed to the back door. I followed after her and walked out into the grass. “My wolf wants me to shift.”

  Andie’s smile pierced my heart. “Then what are you waiting for?”

  Taking several steps back, I called my wolf forward, shuddering as the magic of the shift overcame my body.

  The change was slower than even the day before, and I attributed that to Beatrix’s spell, but once he was on all fours, a surge of energy rolled through us, allowing me to ignore any unease.

  He stepped slowly toward Andie, and she met him in the middle of the yard, sinking her hands into his thick coat. “Good morning,” she cooed.

  He rubbed his head against her stomach, and a shock moved between them. I worried for a moment when Andie gasped, but as their eyes locked, I only saw the joy radiating from hers. I continued to sit back and let them have their moment.

  “How did you do that?” she asked, tears falling from her eyes.

  He nudged her again, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  What did you do? I asked.

  You biting her last night created a new connection, one that allows her to feel me separately from you. I still can’t talk to her, but she knows I’m here in a way she didn’t before.

  “Happy” didn’t even begin to describe what I felt for him. I’d known there was a sliver of disappointment he’d had when accepting that Andie wouldn’t have a wolf for him to bond with, but seeing how they could share something like this, that was an option I hadn’t known would exist.

  Andie continued to talk to him, and she seemed to accept his changing emotions as answers that had her laughing and crying all at the same time.

  He lay in the grass, and she snuggled right into him, gazing up at the cloudy sky. We stayed that way until Beatrix showed up an hour later.

  “Well, this is different,” the old witch muttered.

  Andie glanced up, grinning widely. “I don’t think anything is supposed to be normal around here.”

  Beatrix scoffed. “Not with you around.” Then she held up the letters and Andie got off the ground, walking toward her.

  Thank you for that, my wolf said just before I shifted back to two feet.

  She’s as much yours as she is mine. You never have to thank me for spending time with our mate.

  She’s even more special than I thought.

  I know.

  I just hoped that “special” wasn’t going to be our downfall.

  Andie and Beatrix were hugging, so I stayed back. I hadn’t thought I would ever care for the old witch, even after she’d apologized, but seeing her walls lowering, proving she wasn’t a heartless bitch, changed my opinion.

  They parted, and I expected Beatrix to go back to being guarded, but she met my stare with unguarded eyes. “I’m glad it was you. I don’t think anyone else could have been trusted with her.”

  “Thank you, Beatrix. That means a lot coming from you,” I said sincerely, and I stepped forward finally.

  Beatrix held Andie’s hand and glanced between the two of us. “I know what we need to do, but it’s not going to be easy. We still need Andie’s magic back first and we still only have nineteen days left to get it.”

  Andie’s shoulders straightened, and she stood a little taller. “We can do it. Moira doesn’t stand a chance against us.”

  I nodded, pulling on her resolve. “She’s right. We have the pack and coven and each other. Moira only has herself.”

  Beatrix shook her head. “She still has two family members locked away. One I’ve learned today is her sister. We don’t know how keeping these two people hidden benefits Moira, but there must be a reason why she’s going to the trouble to do so. Though, with the restraint she’s shown, the witch doesn’t know that Andie is also an Abbott witch. Otherwise, this would have been a bloodbath weeks ago.”

  A sinking feeling hit me in the chest. “Why? Besides this syphon ability, what does being an Abbott witch mean?”

  Beatrix glanced around. “Let’s head inside. I’ve already said too much out here.”

  Andie waited for me and grabbed my hand, whispering, “I have a feeling about the sister. She’s the key to all of this. Moira told me we’re more alike than I knew, and I had a feeling she was talking about wanting to save her family. Only, at the time, I didn’t know I had family to keep safe, so maybe my thoughts are just grasping at straws.”

  “Try not to overthink things until we hear what Beatrix has to say,” I said, more because I needed to hear it, but I knew Andie did as well. Maybe things would seem brighter once we knew what Andie was supposed to be capable of. Then we’d know what defenses we had going up against the dark witch.

  Not that I was okay with Andie being the one to face Moira, but I also knew my mate. She wasn’t going to let anyone fight this battle for her, and I wouldn’t try to take that from her.

  Beatrix was sitting in the chair in the living room when we walked in, so we took the couch. Her expression was calm, and I wasn’t sure that was a good thing.

  She closed one hand into a fist, muttered words I didn’t understand, and then spread her fingers out. A cloud of silver magic formed over her palm before quickly expanding and covering the walls of the room, then disappearing seconds later.