Emma Starr pulled the last book out of the cardboard box and put it on the shelf with the rest of the books she had just shelved. She stared at the romance books and sighed. Normally she loved stocking new books, especially romance books, and setting up the small displays throughout her bookstore. It gave her a chance to daydream about her future…a future just a couple of years ago she never dreamed she would have. But today she was struggling to keep her mind on the daily tasks needed to run the store and away from the nightmares she started having a few nights ago.

For several weeks her nights had been filled with wonderfully hot dreams starring a very sexy bear shifter—a bear shifter who was her heart’s mate. Emma smiled. The goddess hadn’t forgotten about her like her aunt and cousin were constantly telling her as she grew up in their house.

Emma was excited and couldn’t wait to finally meet her mate. She hoped he would be able to look past the scars running down the left side of her face and disappearing under her clothes. For years she had protected herself and her heart from the cruelty of others especially her aunt and cousin who she was forced to live with after her parents were killed in the car wreck that had left her with the scars.

But as much as she worried about what her mate thought about her scars, she had a much bigger worry that was eating away at her heart and soul.

Her mate was in mortal danger.

In her nightmares, Emma watched him die. Some nights she watched her sexy bear die as a result of black magic. Other nights she watched him get shot while trying to protect her and she held him in her arms, pleading with him not to leave her, yet knowing he was already gone and that her pleas were literally falling on deaf ears.

Emma quickly wiped away the tears running down her cheeks. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Tears wouldn’t save her sexy bear. That was her job.

Somehow she had to find her mate and save him from death.

Emma sighed as she rolled her eyes.

How was she going to find her sexy bear?

She had no clue what his name was. She wasn’t even sure if he lived in Bryant Station. What if he lived on the other side of the country or on a different continent?

And then there was her bookstore.

She worked long hours at the bookstore but after three years and a very rough start, the store was successful. Her business was finally making a profit. Emma sighed. The long hours at the store didn’t leave much time for her to do much more than some grocery shopping. By the time she got home and made herself something to eat, it was time for bed.

Emma glanced at her stomach. She ate less now than she did growing up, yet she couldn’t lose any of the extra pounds she carried. It didn’t help her daily routine was exactly the same every day and it didn’t include any extra exercise.

Yeah, she led a very boring life but it was her life and she was proud of finally having control of what she did and who she saw, not that she was dating or anything like that.

Emma touched the scar on the left side of her face. She thought about the nightmares. Somehow she was going to have to find her sexy bear. Even if he rejected her because of her scar and extra pounds, she had to save him. He deserved to live and have a family even if it was without her.

Emma picked up the empty cardboard box and turned it over as she reached into her back pocket for her box cutter. Carefully she cut the tape on the bottom of the box and then put the box cutter in her pocket. She unfolded the box and put it on the bottom shelf of the cart she was using.

She pushed the cart down the aisle and turned toward the back of the shop where the storage room was located. Just as she reached the door, the small bell hanging over the front entrance jingled.

“Welcome to the Tea Time Books. I’ll be right with you,” Emma called out to the person who had entered the store.

“I’m good. Take your time,” said a male voice.

Emma parked the cart against the wall next to the door leading into the storage area and walked to the front. “Is there anything I can help you find?” she asked the man who was studying one of the books from the display she had set up last night before she closed the store.

“I’m just looking. I’ll know what I want when I see it,” said the man. He put the book back on the table and looked at Emma with his cold brown eyes.

Emma bit the inside of her cheek to keep from gasping but she couldn’t stop the shiver that went down her spine. The urge to step back was overwhelming but she fought it. The darkness coming from the man was more evil than anything she had ever felt. She plastered a smile on her face. It wasn’t easy but she knew she couldn’t reveal anything to him. “If there’s anything I can help you with please let me know.”

“If I need any help, you will be the first person I ask.” The smile he gave Emma lacked any warmth.

Emma nodded but didn’t say anything. She wanted to get as far from him as she could without raising any suspicions. She kept smiling at him. “If there’s anything I can help you find, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Don’t worry. I will ask if I need anything,” said the man. He turned and walked down one of the aisles. Every so often he stopped and stared at the books on one of the shelves and then moved further down the aisle.

The smile disappeared from Emma’s face as she watched the man. There were too many similarities between him and the man who showed up a few months ago and almost killed Forrest Durant’s mate, Audrey Thomas.

The bell over the door jingled again. Emma looked at the person and smiled. “Miss Martha, it’s good to see you. What can I help you with?”

“You were right about the book you recommended yesterday. I couldn’t put it down.” Miss Martha smiled. “I ended up reading the entire book last night. I loved it and the author. Do you have any more books by MJ Whistler?”

“I do. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where they are.” Emma felt the man’s eyes boring holes into her back but she didn’t dare look at him. Relief flooded through her when she finally had a bookshelf between her and the man. He was definitely more evil than the other man.

“Emma, are you okay?” asked Miss Martha. Concern filled her voice.

Emma looked at the elderly woman and put on her best smile. “I’m fine.”

Miss Martha frowned. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

The elderly woman put her hand on Emma’s arm. “Everything will be fine. Trust your instincts because what you see or hear may be influenced by darkness.”

Emma nodded. She wasn’t sure how to respond to the elderly woman’s words but they fit the evil vibes emanating from the man.

“The man of your dreams is closer than you think. Just be ready to go after what you want,” said Miss Martha.

Emma stared at the woman. “How—”

“Let’s go find me another book,” said Miss Martha as she patted Emma’s arm before she walked away from Emma.

Stunned by Miss Martha’s words, Emma could only stare at the older woman with her mouth hanging open. After several seconds Emma blinked and closed her mouth before an unwanted fly flew into it. She tried wrapping her brain around what her instincts were telling her, but it was having trouble making the jump. She knew from the first time she met Miss Martha there was something different about the woman, yet she never expected…

Emma shook her head. At that moment she was at a loss for words. Her instincts told her that Miss Martha was the goddess of all witches but her brain kept saying it wasn’t possible. Why would a goddess be living as a human in Bryant Station for years? Why would…She took a deep breath and slowly let it out as she trailed after the almost too energetic elderly woman.

Before Emma reached the aisle Miss Martha went down just as the woman reappeared carrying two books. “I found book two and three in the series but I didn’t find any other books by the author.” She waved the books at Emma. “Are there any more books in this series?” Her eyes sparkled with youthful merriment, a direct contrast to the wrinkles etched across her face.

More evidence for Emma’s brain.

“I can order them for you.” Emma’s voice was softer than normal. She avoided looking at Miss Martha in the eyes. The urge to drop to her knees was difficult to ignore.

“Order them along with any other books the author has out. I really like her style and ability to tell a good story.” Miss Martha touched Emma’s arm. “Look at me.”

Emma couldn’t ignore the command in the older woman’s voice. Her hands felt damp. She rubbed them against her jeans as she slowly looked at the woman.

“Now, that’s much better,” said Miss Martha. “There’s no reason to be nervous. Let’s go to the register so you can ring up these books.”

“Yes ma’am.” Emma took the books from her and walked to the cash register at the front of the bookstore, and scanned them.

“Here you go.” Miss Martha held out a credit card before Emma could give her a total price for the books. “When the other books come in, give me a call.”

Emma took the card and finished the transaction. “I will,” she said as she handed back the credit card and a receipt. She picked up the books and put them into a plastic bag. “How did you know about my dreams?”

Miss Martha’s eyes twinkled as she laughed. “I believe you already have that answer.” She winked.

Emma’s eyes widened. Her hands shook, causing the plastic bag to make a rustling noise.

“I know a lot of things. I know you are stronger than your aunt and cousin ever gave you credit for. I also know you will meet your mate very soon. Listen with your heart and you will know what to do. Your strength, your heart, and your brain are what you will need to protect yourself and your mate,” she said in a soft voice meant only for Emma. Miss Martha took the plastic bag from Emma. “Don’t forget to call me when the other books come in,” she said in a much louder voice.

“I’ll place the order this afternoon. If my supplier has them in stock, the books will be here by the end of the week.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting for your call. Don’t forget.” Miss Martha winked at her and then walked out of the store.

Emma sucked in a quick breath as the bell above the door jingled when the elderly woman left. Oh my…the goddess hasn’t forgotten me. She’s been here giving me advice and support ever since I moved to Bryant Station. Emma closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, hoping it would help slow down her racing heart. When she finally opened her eyes, tears of happiness threatened to spill over her eyelashes. She blinked several times and dabbed the corner of her eyes with a facial tissue she pulled out of the box sitting next to the register.

“Am I interrupting or did someone actually die?”

The scathing tone of the man’s voice jarred Emma out of her thoughts. She looked up to find the man, who had come into the store just before Miss Martha, staring at her. The intensity of his cold stare sent an icy chill through her. The sooner he left, the happier Emma was going to be. “I’m sorry. What can I help you with?” She plastered a fake smile on her face.

The man’s eyes narrowed. The muscles in his jaw jerked. “I need some information. I’m looking for this man.” He held up a photograph of him and another man standing in front of a truck. “Have you seen him?”

Emma looked at the picture. Slowly she shook her head. “I don’t recognize him. As far as I remember, I haven’t seen him.”

“Are you sure?” The man’s fingers tightened causing the photograph to bend under the pressure.

“I’m very sure.”

The man put the picture into a pocket just inside his jacket. “What kind of people live here?”

Emma kept the fake smile glued to her face. “I’m not sure what you’re asking? If you could be a little more specific, I could direct you to the section you’re looking for.” She figured playing dumb was her best course of action.

The corners of the man’s mouth curled into a sneer. “Have you seen or heard talk about people living in town who aren’t exactly human?”

“Are you talking about the people you would find in one of the old freak shows that used to be part of many carnivals?” asked Emma. She wondered if he could hear the wild nervous thumping of her heart.

“Something like that,” said the man.

“Over in the history section I have several books about the carnivals and freak shows that used to travel from town to town in the Southern states including Texas.” Emma started to go around the counter. “There’s actually a growing interest in the subject. I can’t keep the book on the shelf.”

The man cursed. “Did that scar leave you stupid too?”

Emma’s face turned several shades of pink. “I’m not sure what you’re after but I think it’s time you left my store. I not in the mood to have my intelligence questioned because you’re not sure what you’re looking for, nor am I going to listen to you make ugly comments about my scars.”

The man muttered something under his breath, but Emma couldn’t make out what he said. She watched him turn and walk out of the store. As soon as he was gone, she let out a relieved sigh. The thick feeling of evil surround the man left with him and once again the store felt light and airy like it had before he came into the store. Emma wondered if Miss Martha had felt the evil presence.

Emma picked up the portable telephone she kept by the register and tapped the numbers. She nervously watched the door, half expecting the man to return as she listened to the rings. “Pick up. Pick up,” she chanted. Emma was about to hang up with someone answered. “Sheriff Anderson,” she asked before the person on the other end could speak.

“Sheriff Anderson speaking.”

“This is Emma Starr from the bookstore.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Sheriff Todd Anderson.

“A man just left my store. He was asking questions similar to the ones the man who attacked Audrey Thomas, but this man was also looking for the other man. He had a photograph of the two of them standing in front of a truck.” Emma’s voice shook.

“Did you see which way he went?”

Emma shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I was just glad he left. There was something really dark and scary about him.”

“Did he hurt you?” asked the sheriff.

“No. He just scared me,” said Emma. And made a nasty remark about my scar and my intelligence. She shook her head. The sheriff didn’t need to know that.

“Are you alone?”

“I am, but I don’t think he’s going to come back. I’ll keep the telephone near me just in case I have to call 911.”

“I’ll let the dispatcher know to notify me immediately if you call. I’m also sending a patrol car over to your store,” said Todd Anderson.

“Thank you.” Emma ended the call and put the telephone on the counter. She closed her eyes and held out her hands. She whispered the words to a simple spell she had taught herself a long time ago. She felt the protection guards as they appeared in their designated spots around the store.

She sighed. If it would only be that easy to protect her sexy bear.