Page 67 of The Librarian’s Familiar
It was everything beyond Claw Lake, even if it was easy to forget that the rest of the world existed while he was home. He heard the knock on the door and knew he wouldn’t make it before his mother.
Damnit.
But they didn’t stop him from trying, bounding up the stairs and only slowing as he walked into the living room at the same time as Charlie. Charlie gave him a tight smile.
His mother beamed like Charlie was her new favorite person for putting up with him. She glanced at August and then at Charlie. There was an entire living room between the two of them.
“I’m going to finish setting the table. You’ll stay for dinner? There’s no point in you going home and cooking for…” Her gaze flicked between them again. “One.”
August sighed. “Very subtle.”
Charlie’s eyebrows knitted together.
“I told them that we’ve been seeing each other.” There had to be a better way to say it. He wasn’t used to introducing partners of any description.
Charlie’s shoulders eased. “Okay. Honestly, least of our problems. Um…” August’s mother hadn’t moved. “I’m a Coven Agent.”
She smiled. “That position is always Coven. The birds have gone, so something is going on, and it doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s not. I need a moment to assemble my thoughts, and then I’m hoping that you will be able to assist with planning.” He glanced at August as if there was more he wanted to say.
Fortunately, Mom took that as her cue to leave—not that they had any privacy, as his parents would be able to hear from the kitchen. August put his finger on his lips and pointed in the direction his mother had walked. “Come and clean up before dinner.”
Charlie glanced once in the direction of the kitchen. “Thanks, I came straight around.”
August led him down the hallway to the bathroom. “Keep your voice soft.”
Charlie turned on the tap and washed his hands. “Do they know about the bond?”
“No, only that we are dating?” He hated that he didn’t sound sure.
Charlie’s eyebrows flicked up. “I don’t recall any dates.”
“I want to take you out.” He offered Charlie the hand towel.
“I should unravel the bond instead of waiting.”
“What? Why.”
“Because if the next two days goes badly—”
“Then we are better off strengthening it. I can help you.”
“You’re a hockey player, not an agent.”
“So? I’m used to taking hits. I’m a polar bear, and I know this area and how to survive in the cold. All things you need.”
“And my magic will be working against us,” Charlie hissed.
August smirked. “Only if we don’t maintain it.”
Charlie thrust the towel at him. “If we have the time to do that.”
“What’s going on?”
“Over dinner. Maybe by then, I’ll have some more information.”
He’d never seen Charlie look so grim. “Are we fucked?”
