Summer Cursed

Jocelyn broke down first. Her slight accent told me her southern roots wouldn’t allow for her to be rude to a new acquaintance. Score one for southern hospitality. Pamela followed suit but was stiff as a rail. I tried to tell myself their discomfort wasn’t because of me, that it was because of the reason behind the meeting. Maybe it was both. I was betting it was mostly because of me though.

I took a chair opposite them so I could see them and to put some space between us. Maybe make them feel a little more comfortable, more willing to talk. “Thank you for agreeing to speak with me.”

“You’re a writer, right?” Pamela asked.

“I am. If you’re worried about me using this information in a book, I can assure you I won’t. I just want to know what happened, that’s all.”

She nodded and glanced to her Alpha. “She’s telling you the truth,” Liam said with a reassuring smile I never expected to see on his lips.

I nibbled my lip as I decided how to start. I caught Liam studying me. He smirked but didn’t look away. What the hell? I thought as I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Before we start,” I said to the women, “I just want to set some things straight. I know what everyone says about me behind my back. They’ve said most or all of it to my face. More than once. First, I am not cursed, and I’m not bad luck. Being near me will not cause you harm. I will not lie to you. Everything you say here today stays with me and only me. If either of you cannot take me at my word or are uncomfortable, please feel free to leave. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

I shot Liam a look in case he was making them speak with me.

“They are here of their own free will,” he answered.

“Good. So, Pamela, Jocelyn, are you okay to continue?”

They looked at each other as though they were having a telepathic conversation. After a few moments Pamela nodded. “We are good to go.”