Tessa regained consciousness with the sound of wind chimes. When her eyelids opened, she saw the ceiling of her flower store, the painted wooden beams that she had always intended to renovate. She briefly believed she had imagined the entire experience. However, she gasped as pain shot through her ribs as she attempted to sit up.
What took place? Her hurting cranium echoed with the inquiry. She looked around the room, taking in the mayhem with a sinking heart. Soil covered the wooden floor like a battlefield, and pots were broken. The trail of trampled flower petals led to the back door, which swung open and swayed softly in the wind. She was unable to determine whether the faint metallic tang of blood was hers or someone else's.
Tessa braced herself on the counter to stand, her hands shaking. Under her, her legs were unstable and felt like jelly. The shop's wall mirror gave her a sight of herself. Her hair was unkempt, her face was white and smeared with filth, and her eyes were wide with dread and bewilderment. Her reflection was that of a stranger.
Bits and pieces of memory came flooding back. The hunters. The glaring light. The wolf. She felt a chill go through her body. The wolf It had been quite near. Even now, she was still disturbed by the almost human intelligence in its gaze. However, it was nowhere to be seen. There were no signs that it had ever been there, not even pawprints or claw markings.
She hugged herself as though to protect herself from the chill that seemed to sink into her bones and mumbled, "This can't be real." However, the devastation all around her was sufficient evidence that something had occurred, something she was unable to explain.
She froze as she heard a faint creak coming from the back door. Her breath caught in her throat as she spun around. "Hello?" Her voice faltered, almost audible above a murmur.
No answer. Only a bird's chirp here and there, and the distant buzz of cars passing. She swallowed hard and took slow, deliberate steps toward the door. Half expecting to see the hunters waiting for her, she looked out. Except for a few stray leaves rustling in the breeze, the lane was deserted.
With her knees on the verge of giving out once more, she leaned against the door and locked it. A subtle ache reminded her of the battle when her fingers brushed over her ribcage. Where could she begin to find the answers, she needed? She was referred to as a witch by the hunters. The unfamiliar, meaningless word kept repeating in her head. She wasn't a witch. All she was was Tessa. A florist who is attempting to stay afloat.
Nevertheless, the recollection of that force and light erupting out of her persisted. What had she done? Who was she?
Even though the following day was bright and unusually pleasant, Tessa's attitude was as gloomy as storm clouds. She had cleaned the store for hours, preserving everything she could. Her hands were injured from handling broken glass, and her back hurt from bending to pick up ceramic fragments. But at least she had been able to bring some order back, enough to open for business.
The bell above the door jingled as she finished arranging a bouquet of white lilies. Putting on her best customer service grin, Tessa turned, but it faltered a little when her eyes fell on the man who had come in.
His broad shoulders seemed to take up more room than they should have, and he was tall. His dark brown hair was styled in a way that appeared natural yet deliberate. She felt a strange flutter in her chest as his piercing golden eyes met hers. Despite his casual attire of jeans and a leather jacket, he had an air of authority, as if he were accustomed to commanding attention without trying.
His voice was velvety smooth and rich as he said, "Good morning." "Is your name Tessa Moonridge?"
Her stomach grew constricted. With an undertone of caution, she answered, "Who's asking?"
It was unnerving and disarming when he grinned. Greystone, Lucas. For a business function, I'm searching for flowers. Your store was suggested by a friend.
Tessa calmed down a little. She wasn't taking any chances after last night, even though he didn't appear to be a hunter. "Well, you've arrived at the ideal location. What sort of gathering is it?
"A formal dinner," he remarked, moving in to look at the arrangements. He appeared unthreatening, but his movements were smooth and almost predatory. Something sophisticated without being intrusive. Do you have any suggestions?
She nodded, pointing to an orchid and rose arrangement nearby. "These could be effective. Although they are timeless, I can add some foliage to make it seem more contemporary.
His face unreadable, he inspected the flowers. "Your eye is good. I'll have faith in your judgment.
She berated herself for the reappearance of the flutter in her chest. Before making a commitment, I'll put something together and let you look it over. When is it needed?
"Tomorrow night."
Tessa's eyebrow went up. "That's not much notice."
Pulling out a sleek black wallet, he added calmly, "I'm willing to pay extra for the inconvenience." Her fingertips touched his as he handed her a business card. Despite the brief contact, she felt an odd warmth rising up her arm.
As she read the card, she whispered, "Lucas Greystone." "You are the owner of Greystone Enterprises?"
He smiled again and answered, "Guilty as charged." However, don't be fooled by the name. I'm not quite as scary as people claim.
She responded, "Right," but she had a gut feeling that he wasn't to be taken lightly. He had an energy about him that she was unable to fully identify. It was both exhilarating and risky, like being too near to a lightning storm.
He looked back at her as he stopped at the door on his way out. You ought to think about locking your back door, by the way. Leaving it open at night is not safe.
Her blood froze. How was the rear door known to him? She started to ask, but he had already left, leaving the bell jingling behind him. Unease hung over Tessa like a thick mist, and she stared after him, her heart racing.
Lucas lingered longer than he ought to have, standing just outside the flower store. The faint, elusive vestiges of enchantment that clung to the air blended with the aroma of blooming lilies. As he examined Tessa through the glass window of the store, his amber eyes narrowed. She arranged a bouquet with meticulous precision, her gestures elegant yet underpinned by a strain.
Even if that alone had caught his attention, it wasn't simply the subtle magical aura that shrouded her in a shimmering cloud. No, it was her demeanor, as if she was still unaware of the strength that pumped through her. That wild, unbridled energy had exploded the previous evening, sending the hunters reeling, and Lucas had witnessed it. He had witnessed her unleash something both beautiful and dangerous, and the recollection was still fresh and clear.
She had no idea who she was. That much was obvious. She wouldn't be here now, attempting to act as though nothing is wrong, and she wouldn't have been shaking in terror as she confronted those hunters. Lucas cocked his head, his face contemplative. Her skin had subtle traces of magic that were nearly imperceptible to the naked eye, yet they provided him with all the information he required. Whether she wanted it to or not, her heritage—which she was unaware of—was coming into its own.
Beneath the surface, his wolf was restless and protective. He forced himself to keep his composure and pushed the inclination aside. The truth didn't sit well with her. Not quite yet. It wouldn't help anyone if he told her now because it would simply make her more afraid. Nevertheless, the hunters would return, and they wouldn't give her a chance to defend herself.
With the bell jingling quietly above his head, Lucas entered the store. Tessa's weary eyes met his as she looked up from her task. He briefly noticed a glint of doubt in her eyes, as if she recognized something in him but was unsure of what it was.
She said, "You're back," in a steady voice that lacked the warmth of a sincere greeting. "Have you forgotten anything?"
"Not exactly," Lucas said in a light-hearted tone. "I came to the realization that my event might require more than one layout. I figured I'd return to see what more you could do.
Despite her troubled brow, Tessa nodded and put down the bouquet she had been assembling. "All right. What sort of plans are you considering?
Lucas moved purposefully, almost too casually, toward the counter. "I'll let your experience handle it. You appear to be an expert in your field.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she paused. The majority of people know what they want at least somewhat. Are you certain you're not merely attempting to pass the time?
She was so observant that it made him smile. "Caught me," he acknowledged. "I thought I'd stop by since I was in the area." I hope it's okay with you.
With a sigh, Tessa brushed a flyaway hair behind her ear. It's alright. Don't get in my way, please. I need to get to work.
Leaning on the counter, Lucas's keen eyes absorbed every detail. Around her, the dim glimmer of magic appeared to beat like a heartbeat. She wasn't simply unaware of it; whether intentionally or unintentionally, she was repressing it. He needed to be careful. He would have to be nearby to make sure the hunters didn't exploit her lack of knowledge since she needed time.
With a calmer tone, he stated, "You have a lot on your plate." "Please let me know if you ever need assistance."
She gave him a doubtful glance. "You want to assist a florist? That's... out of the ordinary.
Lucas shrugged, a little but sincere smile on his face. "Let's just say that I enjoy staying busy."
Tessa's small kitchen was covered in long shadows as the sun sank low in the sky. Her thoughts were diverted from the task at hand as she stood at the sink, doing the final dishes of the day. Her mind was a jumbled mess of terror and uncertainty that kept returning to what had happened during the previous two days. She didn't know how to start solving the mystery, and none of it made sense—the hunters, the wolf, the odd man with golden eyes.
She almost dropped the plate she was carrying when she heard a knock at the door. After gently putting it down and wiping her hands on a towel, she went to answer the door. Her best buddy from high school, Landon Ashford, was standing on her front step. His ever-present leather jacket fell carelessly over his shoulders, and his sandy blond hair looked a little unkempt. He had the effortless smile of someone who had never let life to get to him.
He entered without waiting for an invitation and said, "Hey, Tess." "You appear to have seen a ghost."
With a groan, Tessa shut the door after him. "I'm all right, Landon. Simply exhausted.
"Yeah," he responded, obviously not convinced. Additionally, I am the king of England. What's going on, please? You haven't been around lately.
She walked back to the kitchen and avoided his stare, saying, "Nothing's going on." A lot of work at the shop, that's all. You are aware of the situation.
Landon crossed his arms and leaned against the counter as he followed her. "You realize that you're a horrible liar? I can tell you're upset about something. Leak."
Tessa gave him a sour glance. Landon, it's nothing. Really.
"Tess." His mocking smirk vanished, and his voice grew softer. "Your best friend is me. You can let me know what it is.
She pondered for a moment. She hesitated, even though the words were on the tip of her mouth. How could she describe what had transpired without coming across as crazy? And what could he do even if he did believe her? She forced a smile that fell short of her eyes and shook her head.
"Thank you, Landon, but I'm all right. Actually. Simply exhausted.
He looked at her for a long time, his face displaying a mix of worry and annoyance. At last, he let out a sigh and moved away. "All right. However, you know where to find me if you decide to change your mind.
"I understand," she said, her voice almost audible above a whisper.