Illusory Moon_A Passion Moon Romance

by Renee Jordan

  “Oh, well, maybe it was an earwig or something.” I let out a forced laugh. “Or maybe just lint. I'm just jumping at nothing.”

  “You're not the kind of woman that jumps at nothing.” He stepped closer. He towered over me. “Was it in your drawer? I can check. Make sure it's gone.”

  “No!” The word came out far too forceful. Far too strong. I laughed again. More sweat broke out on my forehead. My blouse stuck to my back. “You can't look in a girl's dresser. You'll see my unmentionables. I...I need to have some surprises for you.” I had to regain control of the situation. “Now you get back in the living room, I'll put on one of those surprises, and you'll have a night you won't forget.”

  That had to work. I put enough sexy drawl into my voice.

  “But you're scared. Panicked.” His eyebrows furrowed. “I can smell it coming off of you. It wasn't a bug. You wouldn't be on the verge of hyperventilating over a cockroach. What is it, Penny?”

  His hand reached out. A strong hand. Comforting hand. It stroked my cheek. My insides twisted. He loved me. He imprinted me. For a shifter, that was a powerful bond. He wouldn't turn me in. Right? But he was a cop. What if he would do the right thing? He was a good man. He would be conflicted. No matter what he did, help me cover up the crime or arrest me, it would tear him up inside.

  “Nothing,” I said. “Just a little fright. I overreacted. Now skedaddle back to the living room and get ready for me to make your blood boil.”

  He shook his head. “No. You're scared. Talk to me.”

  “It's sweet that you're concerned. It really is.” I wanted to reach up and stroke his cheek, to hug him, but what if I moved away from the dresser? I couldn't do that. In any other circumstance, I would be excited by his action. I wanted him to hold me in strong arms and soothe my fears.

  But he was a cop.

  “But it's personal.” I took a deep breath. “Alright?”

  “You can tell me.”

  “We've been on a few dates,” I huffed. “That doesn't mean I'm gonna lay bare my entire life to you.” I swelled up. “We had fun.”

  “We've had more than fun.” His voice was a growl. His eyes grew darker. “Don't pretend this is a fling. You know it's real. You let me into your heart. You accepted the imprint. You yearned for this. Let me help you. What could possibly scare you so bad? Does it have to do with the robbery?”

  My breath caught. My heart stuttered in my chest. I had to breathe. My face grew so red. The jewelry was right behind me. I pressed back into the dresser. It rocked. Metal tinkled. I winced. Did he realize what that sound was?

  “W-why would you think that?” I choked out.

  “Because you reacted weird to it.” His eyes bored into me. “I know a witch did it. Do you know who it is? Are you covering for someone?”

  “Kotie's the only other witch I know who lives in the area.” It was the truth. Lexie didn't live here. “You don't think she did it?”

  “No.” His eyes bored in. “But you know something. Tell me. It's important. It's my job.”

  “I don't know anything!” Fear transformed into anger. Why did he have to pry? “Okay. I don't want to talk about the robbery or why I let out a little scream. Just drop it.”

  “I can't.” He shook his head. “I love you. I want to help you.”

  “Well, it would help me if you stopped asking me questions about my personal life.” I raised a finger and poked him in the chest. “It is none of your business.”

  An emotion flickered across his face for only a heartbeat. I couldn't tell if it was anger, hurt, or annoyance. His eyes grew steely black. The hairs on his arms bristled. He leaned closer. His musk filled my nose as I trembled before him.

  “I can tell when you lie, Penny. I can read it across your skin, smell it in your scent even with all the perfume you're wearing. What is your involvement in the robbery?”

  “Nothing.” I slapped him. My hand ached. His jaw was lead. “How dare you!” The false indignation burst through me. I embraced it. I had to get him away from the jewelry. I had to do something with it. I couldn't let it stay in my house. “How dare you accuse me of being a thief!” I was a thief. I stole so much once. “You claim to care for me, and then you accuse me of being involved in a robbery? Get out!”

  I wanted to blurt out, “I'm so sorry,” as he straightened. His face darkened with fury. He breathed in deeply. I trembled. My stomach twisting. I didn't want him to leave. I wanted his help, but it would tear up his soul. He was too good of a man, of a cop, to be with a criminal.

  Accepting the imprint was a mistake. I would only destroy him.

  My heart beat so fast. I ached inside. I trembled, my fingers clenching, wanting to grab him, to hold him. He turned and strode out of my bedroom, his feet thudding. My knees weakened. My front door yanked open then crashed closed.

  My knees failed.

  I slid down my dresser onto my butt. I shuddered and sobbed, “I'm sorry, Thomas. I'm sorry. I'm a terrible person. Y-you never should have f-fallen for me.” I hugged my knees to my chest. I pressed my face into them. My tears burned as they fell down my cheeks.

  “I'm sorry, Thomas!”

  My fingernails scratched against my shins as I clutched my ankles hard. I embraced the pain. I deserved the pain. I didn't deserve happiness. Not after I abandoned Lexie. Not after Axel died. I closed my eyes, fighting against the memories. Recriminations screamed through my head. I rocked against the dresser.

  The stolen jewels jingled and clinked, mocking me.

  I deserved this. I was a terrible person.

  Chapter Eleven

  My throat ached. My eyes burned. My shoulders throbbed. I had wailed and sobbed until nothing more could come out of me. I betrayed Lexie and Axel. I hurt Thomas. I was a terrible person. Why would anyone care for me?

  Miss Maggie never should have helped me when I stumbled off the bus into Moonrise.

  Kotie never should have saved me when her father captured me.

  Thomas never should have danced with me.

  Axel never should have trusted me.

  Lexie never should have left home with me.

  I squeezed my eyes shut. Lexie. We had been as close as sisters once. And I abandoned her. How could I do that? Was being scared good enough of an excuse?

  No.

  I should just call Thomas and confess. I had the jewelry. The blonde was there. It would make Lexie happy. I would finally be punished for my sins. I grabbed my phone, held it in my hand, and trembled.

  My eyes burned as I stared at the screen. Every time the screen went black, I swiped my thumb across it and stared at Thomas's number. It would be so easy. I would confess to it all. I knew the spells Lexie used to break into the shop.

  But I was scared. A coward.

  Maybe I should run? Leave Moonrise behind. There were other places I could go to. Other small towns. It would be morning in a few hours. The bus would leave and take me away from all my problems.

  Running away is what landed you in this mess. The voice of Miss Maggie rose in my mind. Stupid girl.

  I squeezed my eyes shut.

  If I didn't run away, what could I do? I could return the jewelry. Put it in a bag, leave it before the store. No note. No fingerprints. I could be careful. In an hour, I would be back at home. Then, at least, I wouldn't have to be afraid of being arrested.

  And then what? I would have to find Lexie. I owed her. I needed to—

  My phone rang.

  I let out a frightened squeak. The phone vibrated in my hand. The screen lit up and displayed a blocked number. My heart raced. I licked my lips as my phone hummed and rang, begging me to answer it.

  I swiped the screen. My hand trembled as I brought it to my ear. “H-hello.”

  “Penny,” a woman's voice purred, “how have you been?”

  “Lexie?”

  “So you remember me?” A sneer entered her voice. The vibrant, cheery voice I remembered had been replaced by a bitter caricature of my friend. “I'm t
ouched.”

  “I...I never forgot.”

  “Right. That's why you made a nice life for yourself here. Thought you could leave me behind?”

  “I'm sorry.” My voice tightened. I thought I was out of tears, but fresh ones formed in my eyes. I licked my dried lips. “I...I panicked.”

  “Sorry?” she growled. “You're fucking sorry? Is your apology gonna bring him back?”

  “No.” The tears fell. “I said it was—”

  “He's dead because of you. You ran. You left us. How? Why? You were supposed to look out for me. We were in it together! We always were. Why did you leave me?”

  “I was scared.”

  “Scared.” I pictured the curl of her lips. “Fucking bitch. I watched him die. I held him on my lap. And you were scared? I was terrified! I was alone. I needed you and you ran. You're such a cunt, Penny. My mom always said it. She told me time and again to stay away from you. I should have listened. I never should have been your friend.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. “No, you shouldn't have been.” I shuddered. “What do you want from me?”

  “Why, to make sure you're enjoying your share of the robbery.” She giggled. “Huh? I left a tiara in there for you. I know how much you like to pretend you're a princess. You can put your little crown on and be queen of the pigs, Penny.”

  “That's it?” I asked. “You want me to go to prison?”

  “I really don't care what happens,” she laughed. “I just want you to know that I never forgot you. I thought about you all the time, Penny. My dear friend. I never abandoned you. I'm here to make sure you are taken care of. I'll watch your back.”

  “Lexie—”

  “Shut up, bitch. Listen for once.”

  I swallowed.

  “It was a close call with Thomas. He almost found your jewels. Maybe you should pick a better hiding spot than your panty drawer.”

  I trembled and looked around my bedroom. In the corner, a pair of light spirits danced in a slow circle. I hadn't noticed them. I rarely paid attention to the spirits around me. Most witches filtered them out of the world. Otherwise they were a constant distraction.

  “You've scried me?” I asked, shuddering in revulsion. What had she seen? Thomas and me making love? “How long?”

  “Just looking out for you.” Lexie let out a purring moan. “That Thomas is quite the catch. A shifter cop, huh? Boy, you really need me, Lexie. A thief should be smart enough not to date a cop. But you always were a dumb bitch, Penny.”

  I closed my eyes. “I don't need you to watch out for me.”

  “But I want to. You're my dearest friend. My only friend.” She let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, Penny, we're gonna have fun again. Don't you worry.”

  “You don't have to be a thief, Lexie. I can help you. You can start over in Moonrise. Your past doesn't matter here. People won't care.”

  “Do they know about your past?”

  I hesitated.

  “That's what I thought. They don't know that you're wanted for a string of robberies or that you got him killed. You never told them.”

  “No.” I shuddered at the admission.

  “Because they would hate you. That's why. You know it. They would turn you in. Especially Thomas. He would slap the cuffs on your skank ass and haul you off to jail without breaking a sweat, wouldn't he?”

  I closed my eyes. “We don't have to tell people about your past. Let me help you, Lexie. I owe you.”

  “You'll help me,” she said. “I'll be in touch. Enjoy your loot. Your house could use a remodel. Whatever possessed you to paint it that shade of red. And your furniture, Penny? Jesus, it's terrible. You deserve better than shopping at Goodwill.”

  She hung up.

  I leaned my head against the dresser and trembled. I was such a terrible person. Why did I ever abandon her? Why did I run? I should have at least taken her with me. I closed my eyes. Why did I ever let Axel and Lexie talk me into the plan? It was so stupid.

  If I had been stronger, if I convinced them it was a mistake, none of this would have happened. But I failed Lexie and Axel.

  I forced myself to stand. I had to do something for her. I had to undo the mistakes of my past. First, the jewelry had to be returned. I rushed to my kitchen and pulled on my bright-yellow dishwashing gloves. Then I grabbed a fresh garbage bag and headed to my bedroom.

  As I filled the garbage bag with the stolen jewelry, I pondered. There had to be a way to help Lexie, explain this to Thomas, and make it all go away. I didn't want to lose my life in Moonrise. Or Thomas. He was wonderful. He did love me. If I fled, I would abandon him the same way I abandoned Lexie.

  I had to be a better person than I was.

  Chapter Twelve

  Five years ago...

  “The police still have no leads after a week of investigating the Hollywood Bandits' latest robbery of the Goldman & Bell Jewelry Store,” the female anchor said. I sat on the couch, my eyes fixed on the news. Since the robbery, I couldn't stop watching the coverage. A pair of witches robbing a jewelry store had caught the imagination of the local news and even CNN had covered us. My stomach roiled all the time.

  What if someone figured out the two witches living in the penthouse were the two from the robbery? Who else knew Lexie and I were witches? Anyone in our building? I sensed no other practitioners. We weren't all that common outside certain communities. Like the community Lexie and I came from. What if someone from Jefferson, Kansas realized the two wayward troublemakers who went to LA to make it big were the same pair of witches caught on security camera using magic to commit robberies and overpower the police?

  “And the authorities are no closer to explaining how the thieves appeared as famous movie stars or how they blinded and restrained the two officers who arrived to arrest them.” The female anchor turned to the man sitting beside her.

  “All sorts of rumors are flying about the trio,” the male anchor continued, a too-handsome smile on his lips. His teeth were perfect. “We're joined today by a woman who claims to know exactly how they did it.

  “Magic.”

  “As outlandish as it sounds,” the female anchor nodded, “many believe the two women, and possibly the man, are witches. After the break, we'll be joined by Mother McCready, a witch who lives in the everglades of Florida, who promises to tell all. So stay tuned.”

  My stomach twisted. Was this Mother McCready a real witch, or one of the many fakes that were out there? Could she cast a spell to figure out who Lexie and I were? I rocked on the couch in our expensive penthouse.

  Why did I ever listen to Axel and Lexie?

  The commercials were interminable. I wanted to get back to the news report, but I had to suffer through pretentious car ads, unfunny household cleaner ads, two separate commercials for antidepressants, and a trailer for a boring superhero movie. Who cared at all about a hero called Captain America? And I didn't get at all why tagging him the First Avenger was important.

  The jingle for the news played. I hugged my knees tighter and rocked on the couch, my eyes glued to the TV. A clammy chill settled across my skin as the anchors appeared, both smiling vapidly as they stared into their teleprompter.

  “The Hollywood Bandits have seized our imagination,” the female anchor said, “so we are joined via satellite with Mother McCready, the Swamp Mother of the Everglades. She is a practicing witch who claims she can explain everything that happened.”

  I leaned forward as an image of an old woman appeared, her face wrinkled and weathered, a toothless smile creasing her lips. She only had one eye open, the white yellowed by jaundice. She appeared to be in a rickety shack with the skulls of small rodents hanging from the ceiling.

  I frowned. No witch would need skulls or other devices to cast spells, just her totem tattooed on her body. Maybe she was a fraud.

  Just as the old woman opened her mouth to speak, keys rattled in the lock. My heart beat faster. Lexie and Axel had left earlier to meet with the fence and sell the jewels. Once we had
the money, Axel and Lexie would realize we didn't need another score. We would have millions to retire on.

  The door opened and Lexie and Axel strolled in, Lexie struggling with a duffel bag, Axel carrying two more. Lexie tottered into the room, her face red from the strain. She moved before me and shook her head as she dropped the duffel bag.

  It landed with a thud.

  “Have you been watching the news again?” Lexie asked.

  “Yes,” I said.

  She turned around and shut off the TV. “You need to stop that garbage. No one knows we robbed the jewelry store and it's all gone now. See. Even your tiara.” Lexie shook her head. She thought I was an idiot for insisting we unload every single item. “Okay. Relax. We're fine.”

  “We're not,” I insisted.

  “Well, here's your share,” Lexie said, pushing the duffel bag across the beige carpet to me. “Boy, it's heavy.”

  “How much is it?” Despite my fear, greedy excitement surged in me. I fell off the couch onto my knees and unzipped the bag. Stacks upon stacks of twenties looked up at me. I gasped. I had never seen so much money.

  We were set for life.

  “It's a hundred thousand,” Lexie said.

  I frowned. “What? That's it?”

  “I told you,” Axel said, setting down the other two duffel bags. He fell back onto the couch. “We wouldn't get close to market value on stolen jewels.”

  “But the news said we stole ten million,” I said. “This is nothing.”

  “Jewelers mark up their shit,” he shrugged. “Babe, could you fetch me a beer? Those were heavy.”

  “Sure, honey.” Lexie scurried out of the room.

  “But...”

  “I told you, Penny, the fence wouldn't give us anywhere close to their value. And he won't make much more. They're hot jewels. You have to be careful where you can sell them. But this is good. It gives us the money we need for our actual score.”

  “Not that again,” I sighed. “We almost were killed on the last one.”

  “Don't be a drama queen, Penny,” Lexie said as she strolled back in, a pair of green beer bottles in hand. She fell on Axel's lap and handed him one. His arm went around her slim waist, his hand resting on her stomach, his fingers brushing her star tattoo. “We weren't almost killed.”