Blood Magic

Chapter 6: Home Invasion

Birdie

My daily life was pretty boring and predictable most of the time, unfortunately this wasn't one of those times. I was in the store reshelving some books so I didn't notice much going on around me. Focused on my task I didn't know something was off until it was too late. A store that sold magic books, items and spells got a good bit of customers coming in and out. Since I wasn't at the counter I didn't have to pay attention. All types came here because all were welcome. Looking up from my stack of books and coming face to face with Steve wrecked my whole damn day.
Startled by his sudden presence I dropped the books and took a few steps back. I had hoped this was all in the past that I would never see him again. Unfortunately I never got what I wanted. It had been a week since the wedding and everything was back to as normal as things got around here. At the moment both Ash and Ace were out of the store. Could that be a coincidence or had this man been watching us?
"Sorry to startle you," he said bending down to pick up the books. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I should come apologize for what happened before. When I saw you again at that restaurant I was surprised especially since you were with a different guy. So I thought maybe you don't actually have a boyfriend maybe I still have a chance. You looked beautiful that day by the way."
"Um thanks for the apology though it wasn't necessary," I said finally finding my voice.
"Well I didn't want you to think I was stalking you or anything," he replied. Though didn't stalkers and killers generally deny that they were stalkers and killers?
"It's fine," I said feeling the need to flee from this guy.
Something about him told me he was a predator and he saw me as prey. So I couldn't run, predators liked the chase that I knew for certain. Nothing could happen to me here I had to remember that. Theresa was at the counter and just one word and my grandmother would be here. But I didn't need them I could do magic I just didn't do it as often as other witches. Mostly because despite the way it seemed I wasn't in fact a witch. That however wasn't common knowledge and life was easier when people thought I was a witch.
None of it mattered not really but it reminded me that I wasn't helpless. There were reasons I didn't do magic often so I wouldn't if I could avoid it. I also wouldn't hide behind my grandmother's skirts. Or behind the two tall strong muscled men whose sole purpose in life was to protect me. I didn't know what Steve really wanted a date wasn't it and it wasn't a coincidence. Not today when the guys were out and not at the restaurant. He was clearly watching me. But there was no way he could know what I am I just barely understood what difference between what I am and a witch.
I'm not special my stupid blood doesn't give me special abilities unless I'm willing to cut myself. Not special just rare and almost extinct. He couldn't know though most people thought we died out and I wasn't going to correct that fact. So what did he want from me? Did it really matter? Yes because it would help if I ever wanted this to stop and no because it wasn't an immediate concern. Getting him to leave without anything bad happening of damaging the store or customers was my goal. Ash was going to be livid about this, he took responsibility for way too damn much.
"Look I'm not interested as I told you before and I would appreciate it if you would just leave," I said firmly.
"At least tell me why, please," he said. He was holding on to the books I had dropped and if I wanted them back I would have to get closer which I wasn't about to do.
"I don't have to explain myself to you," I told him feeling rather pissed at this point. "You don't know me and I don't know you and I don't want to. I was trying to be nice but this is not ok. Now are you going to leave on your own or do I have to make you?"
Steve the Stalker, as I now thought of him, stood there looking at me. Then he smiled like I did something right. Only this smile wasn't like the one I'd seen before it was different more sinister. And maybe I was being crazy and seeing things but that smile brought on pure terror. Something wasn't right about this man and whatever he wanted me for would end with my death or worse.
Humans weren't the only traffickers in the world and the less human ones were way worse. The way he looked at me suggested that he liked me being defiant because it would be fun to break me. I'm a nerd that leads a pretty sheltered life but I wasn't stupid and I knew a lot of things. I could feel magic building inside ready to protect myself and I also felt the tingle in my spine that told me Ace was here.
"Calm down sweetheart, I meant no offense," Steve said taking a step towards me.
Before I could do anything else a big wolf was suddenly in between us growling at him. That surprised him so much that he didn't hide his reaction quickly enough. He dropped the books and started backing away. Of course that was when my Aunt Aggie appeared at the other end of the aisle. Customers in the store were looking over to see what was going on. I swear our patrons had to be the nosiest damn people in the world.
"Leave," was all Aggie said. He turned and took one look at her no doubt sensing the magic and knowing to be afraid very afraid.
While I was not a powerful witch I did happen to have a family full of them. Something I strangely neither envied nor resented. I didn't want to be a powerful witch I didn't want to be what I am either but only because it came with a death sentence. Another thing that didn't particularly matter in that moment. Ace growled again and started advancing and Steve got the point. But he did look back and smile at me one last time before going out the door.
"Attention shoppers, everybody needs to leave now. We are closed!" Aggie yelled while still watching the door.
"Are you ok?" Theresa asked when she came over. "Do you know that guy?"
"No," I shook my head unsure if that was an answer to both questions or not.
Ace came back to me and I kneeled down wrapping my arms around him. All that bravery I had a moment ago disappeared like it never happened. With one of my big bad wolves here I didn't need to be brave. Ash would be back soon I could feel it. For once I was very happy to have them. I tuned out my aunt and cousin ushering people out and just buried my face against Ace. Being home was supposed to make me feel safer, I didn't feel safe at all.