Cars whizzed by in the distance. I was getting closer. Yet I still didn’t have a solid plan. Where would I go? What happened when my tío suddenly remembered to restrict my movement? Would the bracelet force me back? Dismissing my doubts, I continued.
Salty sea air stirred around me as I paused before the main road. Left would take me back toward Javi’s house and straight across would lead me to the beach shack. I turned to go right.
My body froze. No.
I tried to take a step, but my legs wouldn’t move. I tried left. It worked that time. A shaky breath escaped me. If I kept walking that way, I had no doubt, I’d find myself back at the mansion—trapped with my tío.
Hot tears pricked my eyes. Idiot. Did I really think it would be that easy?
Anger swirled inside me. I couldn’t go anywhere until I figured out a way to destroy the bracelet.
I yanked at the thin metal, but it didn’t budge. Still angry, I didn’t feel like returning to the dorm. The blue ocean line in the distance caught my eye. Beach it was then.
More cars drove by as I waited. A cool breeze swept over me, making me shiver, but I refused to go back. Not yet.
I pulled up my long skirt, looked both ways, and stepped out onto the road. So, I was allowed to wander the beach at least. Pushing down the dark emotions threatening to rise I took off my shoes and made my way toward the water.
The sand was colder than I’d thought, but so soft against my skin. My eyes swept across the endless beach and crystal blue waves crashing against the shore. It was beautiful. I’d been to Newport Beach before for summer break with friends, but that was nothing like Malibu. No wonder the rich and famous swarmed here. It was paradise.
A cold paradise with the waning sun, but as I stared out at the ocean a sense of calm filled me. As if Papi was sending me a sign. Telling me to hold on.
I sighed and rubbed my arms. I’m trying.
My stomach rumbled, reminding me I’d skipped dinner. I glanced back at the shack.
Fried shrimp sounded amazing, but would Gloria accept my student ID for payment? I’d yet to use it to pay for anything, but tía put more than enough money on it. I snorted. Did I really try to escape with no money? Not my smartest move.
I headed toward the shack, my shoes still in my hand. Night was coming and sitting in a warm restaurant was sounding more and more appealing.
The shack could have been packed full or completely empty, either way I couldn’t tell. I squinted, trying to pick out a strange ripple or something out of the ordinary. Did the invisible wards work differently than glamour?
Shrugging it off, I went up to the shack and tried to mimic Javi. I tried the door handle. It didn’t budge. I flushed.
Terrific.
“You need a hand?” a familiar voice startled me.
I jumped with a squeal. My cheeks reddened as I turned to face the intruder.
Grayson stood there with an amused smirk. Instead of his usual uniform, he wore dark wash jeans and plain gray tee that showed off his tanned, muscular arms. If his brown hair was long and not cut so severe, he’d be the epitome of a surfer boy, with the sun kissed skin and…
My eyes snapped to his, heat spreading across my face. “The ward’s broken,” I blurted.
He gave me a funny look and stepped in front of me. “Patefio.”
The door swung open.
He glanced at me. “What are you using as a conduit?”
I gaped at him.
He frowned, his gaze raking me. I flushed under the weight of his blue-gray eyes.
“Is it that?” He pointed at the medallion.
I held it up and nodded. “Uh. Yeah. Why?”
His lips pursed in thought. I forced my gaze away from them. No way was I getting caught staring at his lips.
“Have you been having trouble casting? That medallion should be a strong enough conduit.”
Since I had no idea what he was talking about, I just shrugged. “It’s… a little wonky sometimes.”
Grayson’s eyebrow arched. “Wonky?”
My face was on fire at that point. I pushed past him, throwing him an irritated glare. “Whatever. It’s fine now. Thanks.”
What was it about him that flustered me? I wasn’t used to falling over myself like a bumbling idiot. I was supposed to be the sharp-witted one who made them stumble.
The shack was nearly empty. I ignored Grayson’s stare and made my way to a booth in the back. Away from him and his unnerving eyes. I slunk into the seat and picked up a menu.
“Back again?”
I looked up to see the same curly-haired woman from before.
“Uh. Yeah. The shrimp is amazing. Can I pay with my student ID?” I held up the card.
She smiled. “Don’t worry about it, chica. It’s on the house. You look like you could use a pick me up.”
I blinked in surprise. “Oh. Thank you…”
She laughed. “Gloria. Sorry, I’m Gloria.”
The witch. I stared at her, unable to find anything out of the ordinary. How did we tell the witches from the ordinary? Her eyes dipped to my pendant, eyebrows furrowed.
“I’m Rose.”
Her freckled nose crinkled. “I know, sweetie. Your cousin, Javi, is one of my regulars.”
I snorted. “Yeah. He’s obsessed with food.”
Her smile widened, putting me at ease. “Nothing wrong with that. Let me bring you some water and then I’ll put your order in, kay?”
“Okay. Thanks.”
My shoulders relaxed. She didn’t seem to be the bunny-killing type of witch I’d seen in the old book. Questions raced through my mind as I watched her go. If the GRIMMs were so strict about magic, what was a witch doing working right near the school? And she wasn’t the
