Free Bewitched, Bothered, and Bitten by C.C. Wood Page B

brewed coffee didn’t taste as good as perked. I still make my coffee that way when I come here. It…reminds me of her and makes me feel closer to her.”
    He nodded, his expression serious. “Belinda called.” Whatever he saw in my face made his jaw tighten. “I didn’t answer. She left you a voicemail message.” He held my phone out to me.
    Surprised he hadn’t listened to the message, I took it from him and murmured, “Thanks.”
    Finn didn’t respond, merely turned on his heel and headed back upstairs. I watched the muscles play in his back as he ascended as I fought the urge to go after him and apologize for whatever I’d done to upset him. Frowning, I shook my head when I realized the direction my thoughts had taken. Since when did I worry about hurting a vampire’s feelings? I preferred to be direct. I often tried to be tactful, but I never sacrificed my honesty, even with my friends. No wonder I only had a few.
    With a sigh, I selected my voicemail app and listened to Belinda’s message.
    “Kerry, Finn called Lachlan last night and told us what happened. I need to speak to you as soon as possible, preferably in person. There’s something….” She paused. “There’s something you need to know before things go any further.”
    The message ended. I noticed the coffee was ready, went to the stove and turned off the burner. Then I called Belinda.
    After one ring, she picked up. “Kerry. How are you feeling this morning?”
    “I’m fine.” My voice caught and I cleared my throat and repeated, “I’m fine.”
    “You’re sure?” she asked.
    My voice was stronger when I answered. “Yeah, I’m okay.”
    Though she probably knew better than to believe me, the High Priestess didn’t push me for the truth. Instead, she said something that shocked me. “I had a vision but I don’t think we should discuss it over the phone. Are you still at your mother’s house in Farmersville?”
    “Yes. Are you sure you can’t tell me now? Won’t it be dangerous to come out here?” I asked, my heart beating faster.
    “It will be easier if I talk to you in person. Lachlan and Calder will bring me in a couple of hours and we can discuss it then.”
    “Okay.”
    “I’ll see you soon, Kerry.” Belinda paused. “Be sure and tell Finn we’re coming, okay? I don’t want to surprise him.”
    I doubted that would happen, but I knew she was right to remind me. I was so used to being alone, I often forgot my manners. “I will.”
    “Good-bye.”
    I disconnected the call without responding, curious as to what Belinda had foreseen.
    “Is everything okay?”
    At Finn’s question, I gasped and whirled around, clutching my chest. “Dammit, you nearly gave me a heart attack! Can you make at least a little noise to let me know when you’re around?”
    He smirked. “I’ll try.”
    Grumbling under my breath, I grabbed the mug of coffee I’d poured and handed it to him. “Belinda, Lachlan, and Calder are coming by in a couple of hours. She had a vision and she wants to discuss it with me.”
    “That sounds ominous,” he muttered.
    Without saying anything else, Finn went to the fridge and began to rummage around inside. A few moments later, he emerged with bacon, a carton of eggs, and butter in his hands. I watched as he placed them all on the counter and reached into a cabinet for a bowl.
    “I’ll make breakfast while you take a shower,” he stated, without turning to look at me.
    I didn’t argue. Finn might be right that I was stubborn, but I wasn’t stupid. If I could have a meal that I didn’t have to cook myself, I’d take it. Though I would probably bite my tongue off before I admitted it, it was nice to be taken care of from time to time.

Chapter Nine

    A fter I took my shower and discovered that I had dried mud in places I could barely reach, I dressed in a pair of jeans and a incredibly soft navy sweater that brought out my blue eyes. I didn’t bother with shoes, just a pair of fluffy, warm