Chapter 22: Panic in a Chevy

Seeing her brought back horrific memories, things I'd long shut out of my psyche. I took a deep breath and tried to exhale, but I couldn't. The weight of it all closed in on me. The lies she told. The ones I'd believed. The rituals and preparation. The false love and promises.

All the nights I'd lain in my bed wishing on the stars.

I'd loved her once. Long ago.

Looking back in the rearview, I studied her features. She looked the same. Tall and foreboding, her lips pressed in a rigid line as she looked around. I slunk lower in my seat as we drove away.

A coven member came over to her. She bent down and engaged them in conversation before looking up directly at our vehicle.

A moan of foreboding bubbled up. Cane reached over and squeezed my arm.

"Everything is fine, Aspen. You're with me."

It wasn't fine. It would never be fine again.

His touch was warm against my clammy skin. I shivered as I watched her. The woman's gaze never wavered, never blinked.