The Witch Who Cried Wolf: Cry Wolf, #1

By Sarah Makela

Be careful what you wish for…

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she's being pursued by werewolves—that she didn't even realize existed…

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia's brother's best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia's not only hiding from werewolves, she's trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she's been nursing a long-time crush…

The power of love: Things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he's been denying what he really wants? Mia...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kissa Press LLC
• Release date: Nov 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9780991046911

Book preview

1

Mia

Jessa’s New Age shop, Eternally Magick, was empty. Usually Jessa was around, but right now, I didn’t see her anywhere. I leaned against the front counter, resting my forehead against the cool glass and staring at the athames, crystals, jewelry, and really cute dragon statues locked inside. While I enjoyed hanging out at the shop and seeing what new potions were available, I wished Jessa had given me some kind of clue as to why she wanted me here. But she was my best friend and mentor. The reason had to be important. If nothing else, we could spend some much-needed time together.

I glanced over my shoulder at the wall of ingredients lining the shelves. It had been a while since I’d made a new potion. Maybe I could stock up on a few things...

Not what you’re here for, I whispered to myself. The urge to see what she had nearly pulled me away from the counter, but I held myself in check.

Making potions was one of my hobbies. I loved the creativity that went into building something from nothing, and the excitement of the brief connection with my power.

Tapping my fingers on the counter, I stared at the curtained-off backroom. Worry crept into my chest. Why wasn’t Jessa here? The shop was unlocked, and she never stood me up. This wasn’t like her.

Jessa? Usually she came right out when the bells on the door chimed. Biting my lower lip, I considered going into the back. Someone could steal things without her keeping an eye on the store.

Coming, Jessa called. The black-haired, blue-eyed beauty swept into the front of the store in a hurricane of flowing skirts. She always looked like she’d just come from a Renaissance faire.

I loved the way she dressed, but I knew that would never be my style. My parents would think I’d flipped my lid, and my older brother... I shuddered to think about his reaction. Nolan would laugh at me, probably joking with his best friend—and my crush since forever—Ethan Parker.

Where have you been? I was getting concerned. Stepping around the counter, I wrapped my arms around her and she gave me a hug that smelled of lavender and honey.

Just in the back. I had to wrap up a call and I guess I didn’t hear you come in. Jessa smiled, but I thought something was up. She appeared a bit too eager to pretend everything was fine.

What’s going on? Are you okay? I placed my hand on her shoulder, trying to be comforting.

The door chimed, and we turned in unison toward the shop’s new arrival.

I blinked in surprise.

The man towered in the doorway, over six feet of pure muscle. If his shirt were a little tighter, I probably would’ve been able to see six-pack abs through it. What was a guy like that doing here?

He strode in as if he owned the place. There could be no doubt: ladies would drop their panties at his command. If I didn’t have a boyfriend... Stop it, Mia!

I’m looking for the owner, the man said, his deep voice as smooth and sinful as his looks. But despite his delicious exterior, something about him put me on edge. The hint of arrogance in his eyes and the sharp flare of power as he walked in the room were instant triggers. This guy wasn’t a mere mortal. He was something else, but I couldn’t put my finger on what. Aside from Jessa, I’d never met anyone with this level of power.

Maybe I needed to get out more.

Jessa cleared her throat, looking as captivated by him as I was. I’m the owner, she told him in sultry tones, and she swayed her shoulders. Can I help you?

I wished I could pull her aside and tell her I had a bad feeling about him, but that would look awkward.

We spoke over the phone. I’m interested in the potion. He leaned his hip against the counter, only a couple feet away from us. Too close for comfort.

Seeing that Jessa had business to take care of, I sidestepped toward the wall of ingredients, but Jessa grabbed my wrist, keeping me beside her. I cast her a dirty look, but she didn’t pay me any attention, focusing her gaze on Mr. Way-Too-Sexy instead.

Right. I don’t have any of that in right now, but this woman makes some of the best healing salves I’ve seen. Jessa nudged me forward, nearly throwing me into Mr. Sexy’s arms.

Glancing up his body to his eyes from so close strained my neck. My five-foot-six frame probably looked tiny beside him. An overwhelming feeling of lust and intimidation washed over me.

Hi. I fought against a shiver.

Mr. Sexy’s lips twitched. The potion? Or...salve? Can you help me or not?

I looked behind me, noticing that Jessa was making herself look ‘busy’ tidying a few shelves that were perfectly fine. A small smirk tugged at her lips.

Sure, I can help. What exactly do you need? Healing potions? This was great, just great. It sounded like he didn’t know what he needed, or even what the differences were between potions, salves, and poultices. To be fair, not that many people outside of the metaphysical community did, and there were plenty of ways to do them. It didn’t help to say ‘healing potion.’ I knew some concoctions that cured the flu, some that helped with burns, even some that eased migraines.

The man cocked an eyebrow at me as if I was stupid. A...healing salve. Are you serious? I just told you what I need.

Jessa placed her hand on my shoulder. What she means is, what does it need to heal? She pursed her lips, running her gaze over the man. On the phone, you said that someone you know has some kind of...poisoning?

While I enjoyed making potions and other healing remedies, I couldn’t help but wonder why this guy wasn’t taking his friend to a hospital or doctor instead.

Mr. Sexy scratched the back of his neck, causing his shirt to lift. My gaze skimmed his navel and part of the defined six-pack I’d known was hiding there. Somehow, knowing how hot he was under his shirt calmed my nerves a little. Surely, he was fine.

Maybe it’d just been a long time since I’d met a nice-looking guy who wasn’t a jerk, or who didn’t just storm off to join the military when I needed him. Nope, I was so not going to think about Ethan right now.

Right. Not food poisoning. Lead poisoning. Something flickered in his eyes. What was he hiding? My friend was injured when the metal got into his system, so if there’s something you could put in to help with that, too.

Jessa nodded, a frown tugging at her lips. We can help. Have you taken him to the hospital?

Mr. Sexy narrowed his eyes at her, then slid his gaze to me. He’s more into the holistic, alternative approach to medicine. He’s assured me that if this doesn’t work, he’ll go to the doctor. His gaze caressed my body once more, and he crossed his arms over his chest. Think you can handle it, princess?

My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe he was checking me out and insulting me at the same time. Yeah, I know a recipe. I’ll just get the ingredients and head home. When do you need the salve by? That was a stupid question. He’d just told me his friend was injured. There wasn’t time for me to mess around. Sorry. I can drop it back by a little later.

Why can’t you do it here and now? Irritation hardened the set of his jaw.

Jessa jumped in before I could say anything. While we have most of the ingredients to make the salve, she would need her own supplies as well. She waved her hand around the store. I don’t have everything here. Usually—

That’s fine. I’ll be back before the store closes. That’s a couple hours from now, correct? At Jessa’s nod, Mr. Sexy turned on his heel and was gone before she could say anything, the bells chiming in his wake.

I ran a hand through my hair, staring at the door. Shock radiated through my chest. A man I didn’t know, with an injured friend who he wasn’t forcing to go to the hospital, wanted a potion from me. Too much about this situation was weird. And one person had set it all up.

Jessa widened her eyes. "Don’t look at me. I had no idea it would turn out this way. Besides, you never really do anything with your magic. I figured you would be happy to explore more of your power. That’s what you want, or else you never would’ve sought me out. She tapped her chin, mischief sparkling in her eyes. I’ll share the profits with you, fifty-fifty."

Sighing, I shook my head. I want your help with my power, but you threw me under the bus. You didn’t even ask me if I wanted to do this or not! You decided for me. This day could end whenever, sooner rather than later preferably. My bullshit limit was rapidly approaching.

If things weren’t bad enough, I had a date with Greg tonight, on top of needing to make a healing salve. It would take time to get right. If this guy’s friend really was in bad shape, then I needed the proper blend of herbs and supplies. If I rushed it, I could end up doing more harm than good.

What? Oh, come on, honey. Don’t be that way. You know I have the best of intentions. Jessa sounded hurt, and I couldn’t stay mad at my best friend. That would just make the whole situation worse.

Fine. Your intentions were good, regardless of how they came across. Now help me get the ingredients. Ugh! I’ll have to put this together quick. I’m so glad my date isn’t until late. If Greg had wanted to pick me up when he gets off work, I’d be majorly screwed. I opened a jar of lavender, sniffed the relaxing scent, and felt a hundred times better.

Jessa placed a few jars in a tan tote bag with her store’s logo on it. I can’t believe you’re still seeing him. Doesn’t your brother hate his guts? She glanced at me, a look of disapproval in her eyes.

Geez, you too? Can’t a girl have relationship bliss without even her best friend disapproving? Why does everyone have to second-guess me and my decisions?

Honey, it’s not you we’re second-guessing. She wrapped her arms around me, stroking my back gently. I rested my head on her shoulder. It’s your choice in men.

I jerked away, not happy with the direction this was going. "That’s not fair! Everyone has their moments of.... Fine. I’m not thrilled

Reviews for The Witch Who Cried Wolf

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While the contemporary romance is an important part of the story, the urban fantasy is more compelling. There are plenty of plot twists and some really humorous situations. The characters are very well thought out, and I enjoyed it very much. Except that now I have to get more of the series to answer those questions left unanswered!