Ty sat in the darkest corner of the lounge and nursed his bourbon and Coke. He felt both shame and confusion. Leaving Sol was necessary because he could not become his other form with her. She’d pulled on his bear, drawing his animal to the surface, and he’d barely stopped himself from shifting. As his passion for Sol burned bright, he felt the rise in magic. Her power pulled on him like a leash. This demonstration of Sol’s true power had left him shaken to the core. Ty hadn’t been able to get out of the stairwell fast enough. After fortifying his nerves by draining the alcohol, he called Myron Gray.
“Yes, Ty.”
“I found a witch on the reservation. She’s staying in the casino.”
“Is she the one?”
“I don’t know.” Ty’s gut clenched. “She’s powerful.”
“A sorcellarie draws power from other worlders. If she is your murderer, you need to tread lightly. Keep the talisman on you at all times. Do you need back-up? Destan can be there in a few hours.”
“No,” Ty said. He didn’t want his dragon shifter friend anywhere near the witch. “If she’s guilty, it is my duty as a tribal protector to mete out justice.”
Gray was silent for a long moment. “You are conflicted.”
Ty wasn’t sure how to give voice to what he was feeling. “I don’t feel any evil in this witch. Yet, I’ve found no other sorcellarie.”
Gray seemed to consider Ty’s words. “There is more going on with this situation than I first believed. Consult Red Sun.”
As well as being his Great Uncle, Red Sun was also the tribe’s shaman and an aural with the ability to project his spirit into other beings. Ty wasn’t sure what insight the old man could give him, but Gray usually didn’t suggest something unless it was important. Surely Red Sun knew more details about the witches since he was last known tribe member to fight and defeat one.
“Be wary, my friend,” said Gray. “And no matter how you feel, do not trust the witch.”
Ty said good-bye and ended the call. No, he didn’t trust Sol.
But he wanted her.