Page 61 of The Mating Claim

Her pretty smile dropped. “Even those of our people who have turned todarkness.”

The shop seemed filled with good, gentle light and energy. Still, an undercurrent of darkness lingered, much like a bitter aftertaste. He hated that Tara’s shop seemed tainted now due toWillow.

“I should have known Willow was not a shifter,” hemuttered.

Gideon waved a hand and repaired the damage to Tara’s teacups and shelf. “Do not blame yourself, Drust. It takes many years to detect a clever demon disguising itself as aninnocent.”

He did not have years, nor months, he suspected. Darkness edged its way into the fabric of the mortal world and he needed to hone his powers and his intuition. Nodding at them as they set about chanting and weaving good, light magick into the coffee shop, Drust headed into the backroom.

Like Lacey’s shop, it was stacked with supplies – boxes of tea and cups, and in the middle of a circle of salt sat an unhappy dog. Lucky woofed and wagged his tail upon seeingDrust.

He crouched down and rubbed the dog’s ears. Lucky whined and rested his head on Drust’sknee.

“I know you miss her, boy. But you’re in excellent hands here. It would break her heart to see anything happen toyou.”

The pup’s woebegone gaze met Drust’s. He gave the dog a final pat, his chest hollow. “I know, buddy. Fear not. I’ll findher.”

Tara and a much younger woman emerged from behind a door, carrying jars of salt and herbs. His nose gave an appreciative twitch. Good herbs, filled withlightness.

But witch magick would not be enough to fend off a demon attack, not when the demons could vanish faster than wizards could fire atthem.

The younger woman had red hair and a sprinkling of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her merry expression turned into fear. Boxes of tea spilled to the floor. Drust sighed and introducedhimself.

“I am here to help you, not hurt you,” he said in his gentlest tone, for this girl looked ready to bolt outside. “Gideon and Alia are in your front room, warding it with powerful magick to keep out demons and keep you and all your clients fromharm.”

“Danica, stop staring,” Tara chided. “Drust, this is my daughter. She’s not accustomed to our ways. She is a hair stylist and works mainly withSkins.”

“You’re very… intimidating,” Danica blurted out. “Are all wizards likeyou?”

Arching a brow, he thought of how Caderyn would terrify this young woman. Probably she would think her judge and guardian was the type to eat witches for breakfast and use their hair as dental floss. “Not quite. I’m the bestlooking.”

Tara laughed, and Danica’s mouth quirked upwardslightly.

“Caderyn will be here soon to aid you. I must leave, but before I do, does the dog need anysupplies?”

Without waiting for answers, he waved a hand and five hundred dollar bills appeared in his palm. He handed them to a stunned Danica. “For Lucky’s care. I am certain Lacey would appreciate all you are doing forhim.”

“We don’t need the money. But thank you.” Tara took the money and started to hand itback.

“Keep it. Consider it a down payment in good faith for all the business you will lose this week from lack of humancustomers.”

Tara’s mouth compressed but she nodded. “Very well. Should we close our shop since it seems this is turning much worse than I hadanticipated?”

Normality was important in a situation like this. Not running away in fear. “Not necessary. However the Shadow Wizard may have other opinions. Listen tohim.”

Barely had he finished speaking when Caderyn materialized inside the back room. Tara gulped and bowed low, but Danica stared athim.

“Who are you?” sheasked.

“I am Caderyn, the Shadow Wizard, youngDanica.”

“Your hair,” she murmured, her gaze turning from terrified to fascinated. “I have never seen such amazing colors before. Do youmind?”

Amused, Drust watched this timid witch set down her jars and approach the tall, scowling Shadow Wizard, touching his hair as if he were nothing more threatening than a poodle in need ofgrooming.

Danica picked up a strand shaded in gray shadows and frowned. “Do you know you have splitends?”

Caderyn looked helplessly at Drust, who silentlylaughed.