“Hey,” Boone said as he walked out of the kitchen. “You’re early.”
“Can’t keep my main man waiting,” I said with a smile.
He leaned over the bar and gave me a kiss, lingering a little too long for Maggie’s taste.
“Eww,” she declared. “Get out of here, and take your sickly sweet lovey-dovey talk with you.” She flicked Boone with a tea towel as he darted around the end of the bar.
He grabbed my hand and dragged me from the stool, and we made a quick getaway, the old boozehounds of Derrydun bellowing with laughter as we went.
It was already dark outside by the time we approached the hawthorn in the forest. Overhead, a fine layer of clouds obscured the stars, and the moon was a waxing crescent. The night was almost absolute as we walked along the well-worn path into the forest. The way was familiar, even though I couldn’t see it very well, and I felt the presence of the ancient hawthorn long before I laid eyes on it.
It was always like that, though. The more in tune I became with my magic, the easier it was to sense what was around me. I could even sense Boone across Derrydun if he were tapping into his shapeshifter-ness. Was this how Aileen had felt? I wished she were here so I could ask. It was a little bittersweet in the aftermath of last week’s misadventures.
The hawthorn loomed before us as we stepped out into the clearing, its branches stretching over us. I sensed the power in its leaves and was glad for its protection. Hawthorns guarded words and magic, so whatever we did tonight would be a private affair.
“I should’ve brought a torch,” Boone said, his voice loud in the silence.
“I have something a little better than a torch,” I murmured, holding up my hand.
Focusing, I worked my magic down my arm and into my fingers, fashioning a little ball of golden light in my palm. Willing it to hover, I sent it into the air. It spun and glowed brightly as I stepped back. It looked like a firefly as it began wandering the clearing.
“Pretty badass, huh?” I declared proudly as the forest glowed with warm light.
“Much better than a torch,” Boone agreed.
I turned to the hawthorn and said a silent prayer. I didn’t know what was going to happen tonight, but I asked for something good. If the universe couldn’t give me that, then something half decent. Boone needed something to hold onto. Eventually, there would be a chapter in our story when I wasn’t going to be enough. Not with this.
“It’s not a coincidence,” he said as I placed my hands on the tree. “The wolves were chasin’ me the first night. A wolf was stalkin’ you when you first arrived. Then I changed into one meself. I might know somethin’ that could help you fight Carman. At least, understandin’ what I did to break through that barrier…that could help. The risk is worth it.”
“It’s a can of worms,” I said with a frown when the Crescents didn’t answer.
It didn’t mean anything. Sometimes, they weren’t there at all and only came through when the moon was at its brightest, though I suspected they only spoke up when they had something to say. Not a bunch for small talk, then.
“Aye, I know I’m takin’ a risk.” He shrugged and raked his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know what else to do. I’m limited in me powers. What can I do to help you against another witch? Nothin’.”
My shoulders sagged, and I grasped his hand. Boone had reached breaking point.
“You’ve done a lot already,” I murmured. “More than you realize.”
He grasped my shoulders, his eyes shining in the semidarkness. “If I knew how I changed into that wolf, then maybe I can do more.”
“Boone…” I didn’t like where this was going.
“I want to try to change,” he said, voicing my fears. “Will you help me?”
“But you… Boone, you were almost feral.”
“It was me emotions,” he argued. “You were dyin’, and I was desperate.”
“I don’t know.” I shied away, knowing he was probably going to try changing anyway. If I were here or not, it didn’t make a difference.
“I have to figure it out, Skye. It may be the key to unlockin’ me memories.”
“So that’s what this is about?”
He let me go, his brow furrowing.
“Then change and find out,” I said. “I’d rather be here while you did, than not.”
He nodded and began stripping. I folded his clothes into a neat pile as he shed each piece, setting them on a squishy patch of moss so they would stay clean. Glancing up, I got the perfect view of tonight’s full moon.
“Strange, I thought it was a waxing crescent tonight,” I quipped.
“Stop lookin’ at me ass like that,” he complained.
“I can’t help it. It’s a good ass.”
“Good?” He glanced over his shoulder.
“Amazeballs?” I offered.
“Now you’re just gettin’ filthy.”
“You knew what I was like before you got involved.” I smiled, thankful for the mood lifter. “I’m here. Do what you’ve gotta do.”
His shoulders tensed, and he knelt in the center of the clearing. I took a step back, giving him the space he needed to attempt his change. The muscles in his back rippled, and I winced as his bones began to snap, and his flesh began to distort.
I never liked watching Boone change. If I were being honest, I tried not to witness it at all. The pain came with the ability, and he’d developed a tolerance for it. He’d assured me—which was often—but tonight…something wasn’t right.
Boone grunted, holding onto a cry as his arms and legs grew. His knees snapped backward, and he lowered his head, trying to hide his change from me best he could. His snout was growing, his skin was sprouting fur, and the beginning of a tail was appearing, but his change was slow and cumbersome.
He was struggling and attempting to force the shape to come forth.
“Boone, stop!” I exclaimed, wanting to touch him. It
