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Prue gave us both a generous helping of ketchup before she returned it to the fridge and sat back down. We ate without speaking, just watching the show and enjoying the moment of reprieve.

When the next episode started, Prue stood up and started to tidy the trash from lunch. As she moved closer, I reached out to touch her but pulled my hand back before our skin met. It wasn’t even a conscious thought. The draw to her was something that was hard to ignore. The need to be closer to her was a natural instinct.

“I’ve got this, you’ve done so much for me already,” I said quickly, offering what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’m sure there are more important things that need your attention.”

“Thank you,” she said right as the front bell chimed. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want or need to, and not just today. I better go check on that customer.”

“I may take you up on that offer,” I said before she headed out of the room. I glanced up at the clock on the wall. It had been over an hour since I shifted and being that I was inside city limits that had to be a record.

Was it my little omega soothing the curse or just the potion that she had given me? Either way, I needed to repay her kindness. And possibly buy several more bottles of that potion.

I picked up then settled in for another episode while I thought it over.

When the credits started again, I decided that I was going to clean up her little break area. It wasn’t in disrepair, just needed a little TLC and dusting.

I peeked out of the door and heard Prue talking with a customer in the front. Their voices were a little distant, so I opened the door across the hall in hopes of finding a utility room.

Jackpot. It was stacked with cleaning supplies.

I busied myself with a deep clean, losing myself in the process. I was wringing out the mop when my body went rigid. A familiar pain washed over me as my mind and body fought against the curse.

It was never pleasant. My bones ached, muscles tensed, every cell fought what should have been second nature.

I gritted my teeth, trying not to let the scream building in my throat burst free. The transformation only took seconds but to me, it was an eternity of agony every time.

Prue walked into the room in the midst of the shift. Instead of looking at me like a circus sideshow freak, her face displayed amazement and worry.

“Merrick, are you okay?” she asked, her hand hovering between us like she was hesitant to move any closer.

My mate was afraid to touch me. That was a punch in the gut.

“Aren’t you afraid of me?” I countered, getting ready to run if she said yes. I was used to the rejection but I knew if I heard it from her it would be different. I’d be devastated.

“What? No. You had a look of pain on your face as you shifted. I didn’t want to cause you more harm,” she said, taking a step towards me. The lack of hesitation now sent a pang through my heart. This was a new feeling for me.

“Could you make that face again? I want to remember it,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood. As far as first encounters went, this one was a semi-disaster.

She snorted out a laugh as footsteps approached.

“Well, this is strange,” a deep voice said from behind Prue. “Why does he have my face?”

“I have more than that,” I said with an eyebrow wiggle in Prue’s direction.

She laughed as she understood what I meant and the man gave her a questioning look.

“Shapeshifting curse,” she stated simply.

“Wow, I’m handsome, aren’t I?” the man said as he moved in close enough to touch her. She didn’t flinch away and the familiarity between them had me curious just who he was to her. When she turned, he froze, nostrils flaring. “You smell incredible, Prue.”

“Good try, Rook. But, I think I like his face better,” she teased, giving me a wink while deflecting. Rook seemed stunned but shook it off quickly as if he were picking his battles at the moment.

I chuckled at her words. Just having her smile turned toward me had the familiar wave of magic melting away. Transitioning back was always less painful, at least.

“Ah, I see I have competition.”

Prue rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Rook.” Then her eyes were back on me, softening slightly. “He’s a curse expert and is helping me find a way to break curses.”

“They can be broken?” The hope that rushed through me had them both giving me a pitying look.