Chapter 16 #2
“Yes, well, hopefully the price is lower than my grocery bill this week.”
I defrosted the chicken and started cooking dinner for one.
Three Little Beans was hopping the next morning. I spent a solid three hours on my feet without stopping, G sending out drink after drink after drink. The tip jar was overflowing and yet the customers still kept coming.
I loved days like this. Every problem disappeared in the simple act of work.
There was no time to think of anything other than money exchanging hands, the burn of steam against my fingers when they ventured too close to the spout, the greetings and smiles, the small talk you made with strangers you may never see again, and the deeper conversations you had with the regulars.
Every time I thought there might be a lull, the bell would ring again, announcing a new round of customers, and a new round of busyness.
Quinn had made herself scarce lately. After Alric’s visit to the shop, she didn’t come out much anymore, preferring to keep herself covered in the canopy of pothos leaves. I took more care when I watered the plant, ensuring I kept clear of Quinn’s wings.
Today, I slipped her a tiny cup of lavender-flavored syrup. The pixie gasped when she spotted it, her wings buzzing rapidly.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“It’s okay to come out,” I murmured back. “Alric probably won’t be back.”
She shook her head. “I’ll come out when I’m ready.”
I gave her a sad smile. “Fair enough.”
She passed the cup back when she finished, and I tucked it into my apron pocket.
Guilt filled me at her fear. While I knew I wasn’t totally responsible, I also knew only time would help her.
For several blessed hours, my mind was filled only with simple things.
Addy came out once the lunch crowd died down, wiping her hands on a bright blue towel. “Wow,” she said, looking at the carnage of the seating area.
“I know. I’ll get to it as soon as I wipe the counters down.”
Addy waved my concerns away. “I know you will.” She watched the last person walk out the door before turning to me. “How are you?”
I had not caught her up on the events at the Prime’s house or even told her I was going, and I wasn’t sure I should. The less Addy knew, the better for her. Plausible deniability and all that.
“I’m good. The Prime has an excellent chef.”
Addy’s eyes narrowed. “That’s it?”
I snorted. “Well, I’m alive. The Prime is intense. Dangerous. I still have no idea what he wants from me.”
Addy grunted. “Nothing good, I promise you that.” She stepped closer and touched my cheek with the back of her knuckles. “Your magic still feels off, but not as badly as it did the other day. Did you do something?”
“A lot of sage and a cleansing ritual.” Addy didn’t know about the implant or the mysterious necklace, and I had no plans to tell her. “I’m feeling better.”
“I noticed none of the customers made you look hungry.”
My grin was sheepish. “Sorry about that. I think that’s under control now.
” I resisted the urge to fiddle with the wolf necklace tucked under my shirt.
After a good dinner, I’d gone to bed early and slept better than I had in weeks.
The gift might come at a cost, but I planned to enjoy the perks while I could.
“Good.” Addy nodded. “Cora’s been out of town in case you tried to call her.” She grimaced. “No ETA on a return. She does that sometimes. Eclectic witches are a different breed. I’m still trying to reach another contact. I’ll let you know when I hear back.”
I didn’t mention I’d forgotten about Cora in pursuit of Marinka’s lead. “I appreciate it. I’ll take all the knowledge I can.”
Addy untied her apron. “I’m heading out soon.
” She leaned closer. “If the Prime is close, the door will flash red three times. Have one of the other baristas come up to help him. They’ve all been instructed to deny all knowledge of your shift schedule.
” She gave me a toothy smile. “He’s well aware of what might happen if he tries to use magic in here. Not even the Prime is immune.”
I swallowed down the lump of emotion in my throat. “Thanks, Addy. I don’t expect him to come around here anymore, but if he does, it’s good to know there’s a plan.”
She reached over and squeezed my arm. “Take care of yourself.”
My boss slipped out the back, leaving me standing there feeling guilty. I hated keeping things from her, but this was for her own good. And mine. If she knew I’d stabbed the Prime in the heart, that might be a fireable offense just to save her own skin.
Surely she wouldn’t do that, though? I grimaced. I actually didn’t know if she would, and that sent a shiver of unease down my spine.
I turned back to the register and picked up the towel. I’d deal with the problem if it ever happened. Until then, I’d do well not to make up trouble that didn’t yet exist.
My heart dropped as soon as I pulled into my driveaway. A large man sat on my front porch.
A familiar man.
Silas Ward lounged on my porch swing, pushing himself back and forth with his foot. He stilled when he spotted my vehicle but didn’t rise. Instead, we stared at each other.
In the daylight, the Shifter King was larger than life. I wasn’t even close to him, and I could practically feel the magic radiating from his body through my car windshield.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
Part of me wanted to put my vehicle in reverse, peel out, and start a new life somewhere in a small town where no one knew my name. That seemed easier than dealing with whatever was about to happen.
But Silas made no move to approach me. Instead, his lips twitched as if he knew where my mind had gone and what I was currently deciding.
I turned off the car and grabbed my purse.
Might as well get this over with.