6. Ellis

6

ELLIS

W e were on a roll. We’d already picked up the pink Himalayan salt from the grocery store earlier, along with two glass jars for collecting the water and soil Maribel needed. One of them was already filled with water from Crescent Creek.

“I should bring Serenity here,” Rachel said as we walked back to my truck. “I’d almost forgotten about this spot until last night, when I was trying to think of the perfect place to get water Aunt Maribel would approve of.”

“Really? I used to come here to fish all the time,” I said, risking a glance at her.

This woman’s beauty captivated me.

“Why did you stop?” she asked, meeting my stare.

I shrugged. “Work, I guess. Being an adult. It doesn’t feel like there’s time for much fun anymore, you know? There’s always some sort of adulting to do.”

“Aunt Maribel would scold you for that answer. She doesn’t believe we should stop having fun just because we’re adults now.”

“I like her sentiment,” I said with a chuckle while we started walking back to my truck.

“I’m serious.” She glanced at me while we walked, her brows lifted. “She regularly dresses up to head into town to buy a cupcake from Sugar Sweets Bakery, stick a candle in it, and eat it with a smile like it’s her birthday when it’s not. When people ask what she’s celebrating she tells them life.”

“I knew I liked her,” I said, grinning. “But now I really like her. She knows how to appreciate life.”

“That she does.” Rachel nodded. “So, sage is next on the list. We need it to be fresh cut. There’s an elderly woman I know my aunt has gotten herbs from before that might have some. It’s a bit of a drive from here, but I know it will be the quality Aunt Maribel wants.”

“Alma?”

She blinked. “Yeah. Do you know her?”

“I do, actually. Her granddaughter is part of my crew. She mated with one of our members, Waylen,” I said. “I can send her a quick text to see if Lyra could cut some for us and have it waiting.”

“Perfect.”

I pulled out my cell and shot Lyra a text. She responded before we reached my truck.

“She said that wouldn’t be a problem and to head on over,” I said, reading the text.

“Great, then that only leaves the soil and the feather.”

“Exactly.”

We climbed into my truck, and I drove us to Alma’s cabin. The whole way there all I could think about was the pull my bobcat felt toward Rachel. It wasn’t just physical. There was something deeper to it, something that made him never want to leave her side.

Even though I knew it wasn’t smart because of the Xander situation—I realized I was beginning to feel the same about her.

Did she feel it too? The pull between us?

I knew she wasn’t a shifter, but she had to feel something.

When we turned down Alma’s driveway, relief washed over me. It felt good to have one more thing checked off Maribel’s list. I hadn’t realized it until now, but it felt as though there was an hourglass suspended above my head, like I was racing to gather all the things before Xander and Lucius’s spirit somehow figured out what I was doing.

A sharp, unsettling feeling twisted through me—this had to be the last item Rachel came with me to collect.

The thought hit me with a bone deep level of certainty. It wasn’t safe for her to be with me when I gathered the other two.

Hell, it wasn’t safe for her to be with me right now.

This needed to be a quick stop, then I needed to take her home.

My bobcat fought against the idea, not wanting our time together to end, but I ignored him, knowing it was for the best.

When Alma’s cabin and Waylen and Lyra’s camper came into view, the tension that had built in my shoulders eased. Alma sat on the porch, waiting for our arrival, and Lyra was busy in one of the garden beds.

“This place is amazing,” Rachel said. “I’ve heard Aunt Maribel mention Alma and her herb gardens before, but I never thought the place looked like this.”

I glanced around, soaking in the scenery. When Waylen moved his camper here so he and Lyra could live together, but still be close to her grandmother, they’d invited all of us Misfits out for a bonfire to celebrate. I had understood then Waylen’s pull to the land he’d kept talking about.

This place was beautiful.

It was what I wanted for myself—a space in the woods. I hated living in the apartment complex, but it was a place to rest my head and call home for now.

“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing,” I said, shifting into park and cutting the engine on my truck.

“Hey,” Lyra greeted us as we climbed out. “You must be Maribel’s niece. I’m Lyra. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I am. Rachel. It’s nice to meet you, too,” Rachel said with a smile. Her attention drifted to Alma on the porch. “Both of you. I love your garden.”

“Thank you.” Alma stood and made her way down the steps to where we were. “It’s been a labor of love.”

“Let me run inside and grab your sage. I cut it when you texted,” Lyra said, before jogging up the porch steps and disappearing inside the cabin.

As we waited for Lyra to return, I noticed Alma eyeing Rachel and me with her usual sharp gaze. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she folded her arms across her chest.

“You know,” Alma said, her voice carrying that familiar, no-nonsense tone she always seemed to have. “There’s more to working with sage than tossing it into something. Intention matters. You have to be clear about what you’re asking of it.”

“What do you mean?” Rachel asked.

Alma’s lips quirked into a small grin. “Sage is a powerful cleanser, but it only works as well as the intention behind its use. The stronger the intention, the stronger the cleanse.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” Rachel said.

Alma waved her words away. “I’m sure it’s nothing Maribel hasn’t already told you.”

“We don’t talk a lot about herbs. Mainly intuition and how to listen to the wind—which I haven’t been able to do yet, no matter how hard I try.” Rachel exhaled a slow, frustrated breath.

“Your gift will surface, you just have to be open to it,” Alma said, her eyes twinkling with a mix of wisdom and mischief. “Don’t be afraid of it, and don’t be afraid of the things you’re not ready to admit yet either. The heart doesn’t lie.”

Before Rachel could ask her what she meant by that, Lyra came back with the sage.

“Here you go.” She handed me a bag with it nestled inside. “Is that enough for what you need?”

I glanced at Rachel.

“Yeah, that will work. Thank you.”

“How much do I owe you?” I asked.

“Nothing. Let’s just focus on getting rid of Lucius’s spirit,” Lyra insisted.

I nodded. “Thanks. Well, I wish we could stay and chat, but we should get going.”

“Understood.” Lyra nodded. “I’ll tell Waylen you said hi.”

As Rachel and I climbed back into my truck, I couldn’t help but notice the shift in her demeanor.

“Alma is one to never disappoint,” I said, starting down their long driveway. “She reminds me of your aunt in that sense.”

“I can see that.” She chuckled. “She’s smart, though. She nailed that I’m what’s holding me back. Here’s the honest truth: I’m not sure I want to talk to the wind like Aunt Maribel because it sounds scary.”

“I can see where you might feel that way, but I can also see where it could be useful.” I turned at the end of Alma’s driveway, heading for town. Before we could speak on the subject any longer, her stomach growled.

“Sorry.” She giggled. “I’m starving.”

My gaze drifted to the clock on my radio. It was almost one. While I’d wanted to take her home because I felt like being near her put a target on her back, there was also a desire to feed her, one my bobcat demanded I listen to.

“How do you feel about grabbing lunch at Mariam’s Diner? It’s the least I can do since you’ve been helping me gather everything your aunt needs today.”

“Lunch?” She seemed surprised. “Sure.”

While I drove to Main Street, I tried to think about how I could let her know that I planned to take her home afterward instead of having her go with me to grab the remaining items her aunt needed.

Nothing came to mind before we reached the diner.

Stepping inside, the hum of chatter and clinking silverware welcomed us as we entered. I led Rachel to a table near the window, just inside the door, and we settled into chairs on opposite sides. Mariam brought over two menus, greeting us both with a warm smile.

“Hey, Ellis. Good to see you back. And who’s this?” she asked, glancing at Rachel with curiosity.

“This is Rachel,” I introduced her. “She’s been helping me with some things today.”

“Nice.” Mariam raised an eyebrow, but didn’t push for more. “Well, welcome to the diner, Rachel. You’ve got yourself good company here.” She winked as she patted me on the hand and then walked to another table.

“I take it you don’t cook much,” Rachel said.

I smirked. “Not frequently, no. When you’re just cooking for yourself, what’s the point?”

“Good point.”

Mariam came back.

“Sorry about that,” she said. “What can I get you two to drink?”

We both ordered water and then burgers and fries.

“Is Dean working?” I asked Mariam before she walked away to put in our ticket.

“He is. I’ll tell him you said hello.”

“Thanks.”

“Who’s Dean?” Rachel asked.

“He’s part of the Misfits. If we have an alpha, it’s him.”

“Oh. Cool,” she said as Mariam came back with our waters.

She set them down on the table and then moved on to take someone else’s order. The place was busy, as usual.

“So, what is it that you do? For a living?” I asked, taking a sip of my water.

That desperate need to know her was gnawing at me again.

“You mean besides raising a little girl?” She gave me a look that said that was a job all in itself. “I have a little online shop where I sell intention candles and ritual perfumes.”

I wasn’t sure why this surprised me, but it did.

“What’s that look?” she asked, her eyes narrowing on me.

“Nothing. That just surprised me and I’m not sure why,” I admitted. “What are intention candles and ritual perfumes exactly?”

“Well, intention candles are designed to help someone focus their energy and intention to manifest a specific desire or outcome they want. I make each candle with herbs and oils that are chosen for their specific properties—like lavender for its calming scent or rosemary for protection. As the candle burns it releases the energy of the herbs and oils to help the person focus on their desire and support their manifestation,” she said, sounding so passionate and lit up. “Ritual perfumes are similar in concept, but they work on a more personal, everyday level. They’re blends of essential oils and botanical essences chosen for their symbolic or energetic properties. You apply them like any `perfume but hold a purpose in mind while you do—whether it’s to ground yourself, protect your energy, or feel more confident. It’s about carrying that intention with you and using the scent as a reminder and a source of support throughout the day.”

“Wow, okay,” I said, holding her stare. “And you don’t think that’s your gift? Knowing how to create these things and helping people in this way?”

She shook her head. “This is just something I’ve learned, not something I was born knowing.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“Aunt Maribel has always been able to hear the wind’s whispers and to talk with spirits. It’s her gift. Tarot is her tool that she’s learned over time to master, and being a shaman is how she brings everything together.” She paused to take a sip of her water. “Making intention candles and ritual perfumes are my tools. They’re not my gift. I wasn’t born knowing how to make them, it’s just something I’ve mastered over time.”

I nodded. “I see.”

Mariam brought our food over then.

“What do you do?” Rachel asked before popping a fry into her mouth.

“Nothing as exciting as you,” I admitted, flashing her a lopsided grin. “I fix small engines at a shop in town—lawn mowers, chainsaws, ATVs.”

“So, you’re handy,” she said, smiling. “Good to know.”

We fell into easy conversation, Rachel shared a few stories about Serenity, and I found myself laughing—genuinely laughing—for the first time in days. The weight of Xander and the danger he posed melted away for a while.

Until Dean made his way to our table. Then reality settled in again.

“Hey there,” Dean said when he reached our table. “How were the burgers?”

“Great, as always. Thanks, man.”

Dean’s gaze shifted to Rachel. He nodded to her in greeting. “Hey, I’m Dean.”

“Rachel,” she said, smiling.

“I hear you’re making sure Ellis is gathering the right things for your aunt,” he said. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Dean shifted his attention back to me. “How many have you gathered today?”

I knew he was only asking, because like me, he wanted this over with as soon as possible.

We all did.

“Three so far,” I said. “We just left Alma’s cabin. Lyra had the sage we needed all bagged up for us.”

“Good, good.” He folded his arms over his chest and rocked on his heels. “So what’s left?”

“The soil and the feather.” I took a swig of water. “I haven’t decided how to get the feather, but I know the soil will be a hike.”

“We’ll think of a way to get the feather,” he said with a nod of his head. “In the meantime, focus on getting the soil.”

“Will do.”

He gave me a slight nod. “All right, I need to get back to work. Nice meeting you,” he said, his attention dipping to Rachel.

“Nice meeting you, too.” Her gaze snapped to me once he was gone. “We have to hike to get the soil? Where is the hike at?”

Before I could answer, her cell rang.

“It’s Aunt Maribel. Hold on,” she said, putting her phone to her ear. “Hey, is everything okay?”

Her brows knitted together, and my bobcat went on high alert. Something was wrong. I strained my ears and was able to hear Maribel say something about Serenity having a fever.

“Is she okay otherwise?” Rachel asked, concern etched into her tone.

I waved Mariam down and asked for the check, knowing Rachel needed to get home to her daughter. As much as I hated hearing the little girl wasn’t feeling well, it did solve my problem about not knowing how to tell Rachel I didn’t want her coming with me to get the other two things her aunt needed.

“Serenity’s running a fever,” Rachel said, after hanging up with her aunt. “Aunt Maribel gave her something for it, but she’s asking for me.”

“Not a problem.” I laid enough cash on the table to cover the bill and a tip for Mariam before standing. “Let’s get you home.”

“I’m sorry to cut the day short,” she said as we walked toward the exit.

“Don’t be. Family comes first,” I assured her. “What’s Serenity’s favorite ice cream?”

Rachel blinked, clearly caught off guard by my question. “What?”

“Ice cream,” I repeated. “What’s her favorite flavor?”

A small, confused smile tugged at her lips. “Strawberry. Why?”

“Ice cream makes everyone feel better when they’re sick.” I winked.

She gave me a look as I headed toward Celestial Scoops across the street instead of back to my truck.

“You don’t have to buy her ice cream,” she insisted, following me. “You just bought me lunch.”

“I want to,” I said. “I’ll buy you ice cream, too. Do you want some?”

“No. I’m good. Thank you, though.”

We stepped inside the ice cream shop, and my nose immediately filled with the scent of waffle cones and sugary sweetness. I took in the colorful decorations and cozy ambiance of the place as we made our way to order.

“Hey, I’m Ava,” a woman with long, wavy auburn hair greeted us. “What can I get you today?”

I glanced at the flavors, noticing a strawberry cheesecake option.

“Will she like that one?” I asked Rachel.

“She’ll love it.”

“I’ll take a scoop of strawberry cheesecake in a to-go cup, please,” I said.

“Sure thing.” Ava nodded.

Once I paid, I handed the cup to Rachel. She took it from me with a big, beautiful grin on her face that I knew would be etched into my memory forever.

This woman was stunning.

“You didn’t have to do that, but I know Serenity will be glad that you did,” she said, her expression softening.

“I hope she enjoys it.”

“Oh, she will. Trust me, she’s going to love you forever now.”

Warmth spread through my chest at her words, and my bobcat stirred, responding to them just as deeply. There was something special about this woman and the way she made us feel.

When we pulled up in front of the cottage, Rachel climbed out, wasting no time heading inside. I knew it was because she was concerned for Serenity. I followed, wanting to make sure everything was okay before leaving.

Inside, Serenity was curled up on the couch, looking flushed. She smiled when she spotted the ice cream in her mom’s hands.

“Look what Mr. Ellis bought for you when he heard you weren’t feeling well,” Rachel said. “What do you say?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, kiddo.” I smiled, and then walked to where Maribel stood. “I have all the items you need except two of them in my truck. Do you want them now?”

Maribel tipped her head to the side as though listening to something I couldn’t hear.

“The wind’s whispering again,” she murmured. “The soil—it needs to dry out. Best to wait until tomorrow before you gather it. The earth is still too wet.”

I wasn’t sure how soil could dry overnight without any sunshine, but I didn’t question her. “All right, I’ll wait, then.”

“Serenity should be feeling better by then,” Maribel insisted. “Which means Rachel can go with you.”

I smoothed a hand along the back of my neck. “Actually, I was planning to gather these last two items on my own. It’s too risky bringing her with me.”

“Exactly why she needs to come with you,” Maribel said in her soft, whimsical tone.

Before I could respond, she walked to where Serenity and Rachel sat on the couch, leaving me standing there wondering what she’d meant.

“Thanks again for lunch and the ice cream,” Rachel said, standing. “I’ll walk you out.”

“No problem. I had a good time today. All things considered.”

We paused on the porch, and she locked eyes with me. “Me too. Swing by tomorrow afternoon and I’ll head out on that hike with you for the soil.”

“I was thinking I’d gather that on my own.”

The front door swung open before Rachel could respond and Maribel poked her head out to glare at me. “She’s coming with you,” she said firmly, and then closed the door.

“All right,” I said, eyes wide. “I guess you’re coming with me.”

“Aunt Maribel can be pretty stubborn about things, and this seems like one of them.”

“I see that.” I grinned. “Guess I’ll swing by tomorrow afternoon. Maybe I’ll have a plan for the feather by then.”

“That would be good.” She opened the door to slip back inside. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ellis.”

“See you tomorrow.”

I turned to leave, a smile tugging at my lips that I couldn’t hold back. I knew having her come along might put her in danger, but the thought of spending more time with her excited me.

Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.