Free Love Charms by Multiple

and
frustrated with the situation, but more than anything, I’m hungry.”
    “Let’s go in the kitchen. I’ll make some
pancakes.”
    Heading into the kitchen, they found
Benji at the table. “Hey, I’m going to make pancakes. Do you want some doggy
treats?”
    “Can I have some pancakes, sis?”
    “Not good for your doggy tummy,” she
answered.
    “Come on! Just one or two. It’s been so
long since I’ve had pancakes.” He pleaded with his puppy dog eyes.
    “Yeah, just one or two, Raven…” Derek
played along with him. Shaking his head, he marveled, “Shit, your brother is a
dog.”
    “You should have seen him when he was a
toad,” she started. “It’s a long story for another day.”
    “It’s a lot to take in, but I’m going to
give it an honest shot. I can’t promise anything. This isn’t exactly a normal
circumstance.” He was being as truthful as he could be. It was more than he
ever thought he’d have to consider.
    “I know.” Raven lowered her head. She was
afraid of losing him.
    Ziara walked in carrying a brown bag. Her
stomach clenched seeing Benji and Derek discussing ball players. “I guess he
knows.” She couldn’t hide the ice in her voice. It’s not that Derek was a bad
guy, it’s just that mortals weren’t the answer when it came to her sister.
    Raven looked away. “He’s learning the
details today, and will make his decision tonight.”
    “He knows the choice he has to make? Why
now?” Her jaw was tight, as she cast daggers with her eyes. Somebody else
knowing meant bad things.
    “He asked me to marry him.” A smile
spread across her lips remembering the moment. “And then he saw Benji talking
in his sleep. It’s been an eventful morning.” Raven was emotionally exhausted
and not ready for an inquisition. She already had enough on her mind.
    Ziara looked at Derek. “Nothing personal.
It’s just that it’s bad news to get tangled with a mortal.”
    Raven jumped in. “What brings you here?
What’s in the bag?” The last thing she needed was for Ziara to stir up trouble.
    “I stopped at the farmer’s market and
picked up a few things for you.” She placed the bag on the counter.
    “Thanks.” Raven was hoping that her
sister wouldn’t spin into a lecture. 
    Ziara sat down at the table, with no
interest in leaving yet. “Don’t you think it’s a little soon to be proposing
marriage?” Her stare left him unsettled. This was no simple question; it came
loaded, and he knew it.
    Derek bit his tongue. “It was an
impulsive decision, but not one I regret. I love your sister.”
    “I see,” was all she said.
    “We’re going to need some privacy. Could
you take Benji home with you today?” Raven wanted control of the conversation.
She knew her sister could come on a little strong and be difficult.
    “Yeah, come on. I’ll roll the windows
down for you.” She got up slowly, watching Derek. “I don’t like this, Raven.”
    “I’m an adult, Ziara. I get to make my
own choices.” Raven reminded her, not that it seemed to matter. Being the
youngest, everybody was always watching over her.
    Ziara grunted and turned to leave the
kitchen. “Let’s go, Benji.”
    Raven felt the chill in the air, but knew
Ziara was truly looking out for her best interests. She couldn’t help being
overprotective of her little sister.
    “I don’t think she likes me.” Derek had
met her sister once before, for a short moment in time, but it was a heck of a
lot friendlier that this.
    “She’s just worried about me. It will be
fine.” Raven hoped they were true words. 
    “I’ve got a request. Can we continue this
conversation up in bed? If this is the last day I get to hold you, I want to
know that I held you for as long as I was allowed to.”
    Raven cleared the table. “I guess so.” It
felt like rubbing salt in the wound, knowing she might never get to hold him
again. She knew his memories would dissolve if he left, but hers never would.
She’d always remember the