Page 86 of The Librarian’s Familiar

“Yeah, it sucks. But for the moment, how about you stay in bed? Your phone is in the bag. And I can get you anything else⁠—”

“I want out. Tell the healer you’ll sit on me to make me stay in bed or something.”

August laughed. “Perhaps if I tell them I’m taking you home to my parent’s place, they’ll let you out.”

Charlie rolled his eyes. “I can’t be in a house full of polar bears when I’m unable to defend myself.”

August smiled. “If I told Mom that I took you to your place, with only me to help, she’d be inviting herself round to check in on you at all hours. You’re a part of the family now.”

“Ugh, I hadn’t considered that. Maybe I should break the bond again.” He gave August a small smile. “But seriously, I’m stuck here for the better part of three years, and you never planned on sticking around.”

“I never said that. I said I didn’t have any plans. If you’re here, so am I.” For the first time in almost twenty years, there was nowhere but Claw Lake that August wanted to be.

EPILOGUE

With the tables rearranged, all that was left was to get out the board games—some of which had been in the library forever, judging by their condition. He had ordered some new ones and was waiting for them to arrive, but there was no such thing as same-day or even next-day delivery in Claw Lake.

August was bringing some from his parents’ place.

At least he knew one person was showing up for the first-ever games night. Sure, some people would rather be at the bar, or at home, but he was hoping that a few people turned up and had a good time. It was also a way for him to meet new people.

The library door opened, and Charlie turned, expecting August. It was not—he had his first attendee. He grinned.

The tall dark-haired man glanced around. “I’m early…um, that’s okay?”

“Yes, come in. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie. I’m just setting out a few more games.” He sat the boxes down and offered his hand. “I’m Charlie.”

“Jesse.” The man shook Charlie’s hand. “I’ve heard a bit about you.”

Charlie’s smile froze. After the storm incident, plenty of people had heard all kinds of things. He now understood why August had been reluctant to step out into the spotlight—the town was so tight-knit it was a little hard to breathe. People had come to the library wanting to see who August North was dating.

“From my daughter, Shelly.” Jesse released Charlie’s hand. “She told me, while we were taking shelter.”

Relief swept through him. Shelly’s dad. Of course. “Oh, yes. How is Bob?”

“Bob is great, enjoying his new food.” Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. “There are no witches on my side of the family…as far as I know. We think it must be her mother’s, but there’s no way of finding out.”

He had learned, from Shelly, that her mother had died in the same storm that killed August’s grandparents. She’d been a nurse and had gone to the small town to see family and do some health checks.

For a moment, Charlie didn’t know what to say. It had been five years ago, so offering condolences didn’t seem quite right. “Her family was local?”

“Yes, from the town that no longer exists…”

“Witch magic is random. It doesn’t flow through families; however, it does seem to cluster in families, and there is no rhyme or reason about how it presents,” he lied smoothly. Jesse didn’t need to know that Shelly had lived with this magic in many lives. “The best thing you can do is support her as she figures it out.”

“I’m trying. I just wanted to thank you for being there when she needed to talk. I’m just Dad…so I don’t know anything.” He said with a smile.

“You had a father who also knew nothing?”

“Yeah. He didn’t want me to move here, but I had a job and a girlfriend, and it seemed like a good idea.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, eyes looking into the past. Would he choose differently if he knew what would happen to his perfect life?

“You stayed, so Claw Lake must really grow on you.”

“I guess it did. We talked about leaving when Shelly needed to go to college…but…” He shrugged. “Maybe she needs to be here instead?”

“She will be fine if she leaves. I grew up in cities where no one knew anything about witches and shifters. You would’ve run into plenty at college. What do you do?”

“Teacher. Primary school.”