Page 46 of How to Flirt with a Witch

“Sorry,” I call back, the guilt of being caught snooping heating up my face.

“Let’s step over here.” Freddie motions behind me toward an alley. We walk further from the commotion and into the quiet darkness, until the flashing lights and shouts fade around the corner of a brick building. Wyatt heels with his snout pointed upward, his gaze never leaving his handler’s face.

When we’re two steps into the alley, Freddie faces me. “You working with Nat now?”

The twisting inside me intensifies, hot and acidic. “No.”

His mouth falls open. “She’s letting that kind of talent go to waste?”

I lift a shoulder, my teeth clenched. Freddie’s incredulity sparks my anger all over again.

Around the corner, shouts erupt. It sounds like someone tried to cross the yellow tape and is getting yelled at for it. The argument spikes my pulse, making me want to back away.

Freddie doesn’t seem to notice the chaos. His wide eyes are on me, half his face cast into shadow, the other half lit by the distant red-and-bluelights. “You know, a person with your gift shouldn’t be sitting on the sidelines. We could use you.”

My heart skips, his offer catching me by surprise. I glance around, the alley’s shadows clinging thickly, the pulsing lights failing to penetrate the darkness. Between the chaotic scene we left behind and the smothering isolation of the alley, it’s hard to think. “Um…”

He steps closer. “Your ability is unique, Katie. I’m sure you know that.”

A warning bell goes off in the back of my mind, telling me to say no. I don’t know why, and maybe it’s this whole situation making me uneasy, but something feels off.

“I’ll think about it. I’m going to school and don’t really have time for much else.” I shuffle sideways, nearer to the street we came from.

“I get it. Totally.” He moves with me. “Can I give you my business card so you can call me when you come to a decision?”

Relief trickles through me as this conversation heads toward a close. I should go back to the restaurant and away from here. “Sure.”

He pats his pockets. “Shoot. I left them in the car. Come with me and I’ll get one for you. I’m just at the other end of this alley.”

The warning bell gets louder. I don’t care how nice this guy is or what he claims about knowing Natalie. He’s a stranger inviting me down a dark alley to his car.

I pull out my phone. “It’s okay. Why don’t you tell me your number and I’ll type it in?”

He waves a hand. “It’s our office number. Family business—I run it with my parents and little sister. I can’t remember it off the top of my head. Come on, we’ll be fast.”

I back up. No, this is definitely weird. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not interested.”

He tilts his head, his smile less warm. “Katie.”

An iciness fills me, threatening to freeze me in place.

The dog turns his focus away from Freddie for the first time, his sharp eyes piercing through me. And while I’ve always loved dogs… something about this one sends a shiver right down to my toes.

I glance at the street, hoping to spot an officer who I can edge toward for safety. But we’ve turned the corner, and we’re out of sight of the nightclub and cop cars.

As I step away, Freddie follows, Wyatt heeling so closely that he’s leaning against his thigh. Claws click on the pavement.

Freddie’s lips curve upward again, but it’s not a friendly smile anymore. “Katie, stop.”

Wyatt snarls at me, exposing a glint of deadly canines.

My muscles freeze, the fear of being bitten by a hundred-pound dog bringing me to a halt. Cold sweat prickles under my jacket.

“Good.” Freddie grabs my arm, his grip as firm as an iron shackle. “Come with me, and we’ll keep this simple.”

Pain jolts through me. I gasp, panic surging. “No!”

The dog looks from me to Freddie, tense, his teeth chattering—waiting for the release command.