“She’s an embarrassment to us all,” Lolly said. “So is Elsa. They always suffered from entitlement issues. I always said so, but no one listened.” The disgraced mother and daughter were currently serving time for their respective crimes.
“You have good instincts,” I said.
“Anyway, I would never use my abilities to bring pain and sorrow into the world,” Lolly continued, rubbing my calves vigorously. “There’s enough of that without help.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I said. The gods knew I’d had more than my fair share. I refused to complain, though, especially when I had so much to be grateful for now.
“I see what you’re doing,” Demetrius said under his breath. “You’re really convinced this issue with Begonia is…unnatural?”
“How can you not be?” I replied softly, not wanting Lolly to overhear. “She’s the sweetest witch in the world. There’s no way her behavior is influenced by anything other than magic.”
Demetrius’s dark eyes flickered with hope. “I want to believe that. It took me so long to commit to someone. To worry that I’ve made a mistake…”
I cut him off before he could finish the dreaded statement. “You haven’t.”
“You don’t have any answers, though,” he murmured.
“Not yet, but I will,” I promised. “Trust me, Dem. I’ll get to the bottom of this. For your sake, as well as hers.”
He adjusted the belt of his Barbie disco ball robe. “Assuming there’s anything to get to the bottom of, I know you will, Emma.”
Assuming. So Demetrius still wasn’t convinced. There was only one way to get him on board, and that was to prove it.
Chapter 10
The Horned Owl was more crowded than I’d ever seen it. There was a line outside that stretched into the parking lot. Begonia, Sophie, Millie and I joined the end of the line right behind Alex Ricci, a friend and the future leader of the werewolf pack. Personally, I couldn't wait for the day when Lorenzo Mancini passed the torch to someone decent like Alex.
"This is crazy, right?" Alex asked, turning around when he spotted us.
“I guess all the new paranormals have figured out it's the best pub in town," Sophie said.
Alex peered at her. "Isn’t your boyfriend a bartender here? Why are you waiting outside?"
Sophie blushed. "I didn't know I was coming tonight. It was a last minute change of plans."
Change of plans was her polite way of saying I dragged her along. If Demetrius and Begonia were in danger of having a huge blowout, I didn't want to be the only friend in the fallout zone.
“What brings you here, Alex?" I asked. The werewolves tended to prefer the Spotted Owl down the street.
"There's a band here from a place called Starry Hollow," Alex said. "They’re called Drunk Pandas, but the band is all werewolves." His dark eyes shone with excitement. "It'll be my first time meeting werewolves from another pack."
“That is exciting," I agreed. "We’re here for a send-off. Killian is leaving Spellbound for good, so the vampires are throwing a big party here tonight. Between the band and the party, I guess that explains the unusually large crowd."
We inched our way forward as more paranormals were allowed entry. We passed the time chatting until it was finally our turn. By the time we got inside, the festivities were in full swing. The band was mid-set, and the ale was freely flowing. It was even more of a party atmosphere than normal.
Demetrius spotted us straight away. His brow creased when he caught sight of Begonia by my side. He was clearly apprehensive about having her there. I felt awful. I didn't want this affliction to destroy their blossoming romance. Like Daniel, Demetrius had been a known playboy in town until he settled down with Begonia.
"There's room at our table," Demetrius said, appearing beside us in a heartbeat. His vampire speed was unimpeded by the throng of bodies.
“That's a relief," Begonia said. "It's bad enough I've been standing outside all this time. I don’t want to come inside and stand some more.”
We followed Demetrius to the other side of the room where the vampires had an entire section cordoned off for their guests.
“Killian," I called. The handsome vampire sat in the middle of a group, clearly enjoying being the vampire of the hour. It didn't surprise me that he’d decided to move on from Spellbound. He was desperate to meet someone and had never found the right match here. I hoped he didn't have to wait too long to find the right partner. He was incredibly nice and attractive. There was no reason he should live out his extended life alone.
An unfamiliar troll came by our section, wearing a Horned Owl T-shirt. He seemed to be taking orders. Eventually, he turned to us. "It looks like you’ve just arrived. What can I get for you?"
“Do you work here?" Sophie asked, confused.
The troll nodded. "I'm a new hire as of last week. The name’s Dale. I moved here recently, and the owner was kind enough to give me a chance."
"Well, he certainly needs the help right now," I said. "This place is heaving."
"You're telling me," Dale said. "It's just as crazy behind the scenes. They’re trying out two new ale suppliers, and it's wreaking havoc on the system."
“New ale?" Demetrius’s interest was piqued. "What am I missing? I placed our usual order. I'd love to try something new.”
Begonia eyed him suspiciously. “What's wrong with the usual? Bored already?”
Demetrius inhaled sharply but didn’t respond.
“We've got ale from New Brew and What Ales You," Dale said. "I can bring you a menu or a couple of their flights to sample.”
"Flights would be perfect," Demetrius said. "As many as you can carry."
Dale flexed his muscles. "They didn't hire me for my looks. Is that what you ladies will be having, too? Or can I get you something else?"
"I'd like a Nasty Woman," Begonia said, with a pointed look at Demetrius.
“I guess you would,” he mumbled.
"I'll try the new ale," Sophie said.
"Me, too," I said. I was usually more of a cocktail drinker, but I wanted to support the new businesses in town. I missed the free samples at Spellbound Day, so now seemed like a good opportunity to check them out.
We approached the tables where everyone else was gathered. It seemed like all of Gareth’s friends were here. I should have encouraged him to come. Even though he couldn't interact directly, it would have made him feel part of something. I had a feeling he planned to return to the cemetery tonight to dance with Igor.
Edgar waved me over. The older vampire bordered on fussy, but he’d been a good friend to Gareth and treated me well as a result.
“Emma, just the woman I wanted to talk to,” Edgar said.
Uh oh. “What’s up, Edgar?”
“Tell me, dear. What's going on with your friend, the mayor?" Edgar asked.
My guard immediately went up. "Why do you ask?"
"I hear the job is going to her head," Edgar said. “A friend of mine saw her berating someone for parking too close to her jalopy. He says they were nowhere near each other. Maybe you should have a talk with her before it gets out of hand."
I squeezed in beside him so that I could lower my voice. "I'm working on it. But it isn't what you think." I didn't want anyone to think Mayor Lucy's judgment was compromised by whatever was influencing her behavior. I had to be careful about what I said. I also had no proof. Not yet, anyway.
The tempo of the music changed as the Drunk Pandas began their next set. The music became livelier, more rock 'n' roll. Paranormals with wings took to the air to dance, leaving more room on the floor for others. I spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd.
Dale returned with our orders, accompanied by Ty. They carried as many drinks as they could handle and immediately began distributing them. Dale set a few flights on our table and quickly gave us the description of each small glass.
“This is a honey wheat," he said, pointing to the first class. "It's a recipe from the human world, a
pparently.” He reeled off the rest, all magical names that sounded fun and inviting.
“Thank you, Dale," I said. I selected the pale one in the middle and began to drink.
"Are you sure about that?" Killian queried. "I don't think I've ever seen you drink ale. Is this what happens when you get married? Your tastes change?"
“I hope not," I said. “Maybe it’s given me more confidence to challenge myself and try new things. Everything seems possible with Daniel as my safety net." The other vampires made cooing noises. "Oh, stop it. One of these days you're going to meet someone, and your whole world will change."
Killian gave me a faint smile. "Promise?"
I patted his hand. “Definitely. They don’t make many vampires like you.”
“There’s a reason for that,” Edgar said, and the others laughed.
“Come on, guys,” Killian complained. “This is my last night to hang out with you all. Don’t make me feel too happy about going.”
Samson punched the younger vampire’s arm. “You’ll be sorely missed, old friend. Let us know when you’re settled so we can plan a visit.”
“Still seems incredible to say phrases like that, doesn’t it?” Edgar said. “Plan a visit. Go on holiday.” He shook his head in disbelief.
“I think it’s really smart of Lyra Grey to start that vacation company,” Samson said. “Spellbounders don’t know where to start in planning a vacation.”
This was news to me. “Wait, what? Lyra is opening a travel company? That’s brilliant. Where?” No wonder she hadn’t been around to see Gareth recently.
“Rented the space behind the Wish Market, near the bookshop,” Samson replied. “It’s called Outbound.”
“I have an appointment next week,” Edgar said.
His friends turned to stare at him.
“You’re planning a trip?” Samson practically sputtered.
Edgar sniffed his ale before taking a sip. “Why the shock? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the world. I figure I should make the most of this curse-breaking situation.”
Samson appeared genuinely hurt. “Were you going to tell me or simply wave adieu on your way out?”
“I intended to invite you, once I had the specifics,” Edgar said.
Samson downed his ale in one gulp. “That’s more like it.”
“It wouldn’t be unreasonable to want a break from each other after all these years,” I said.
Samson and Edgar exchanged glances.
“Truthfully, there isn’t anyone else I could stand long enough to complete a trip with,” Edgar said. “Even Gareth would have driven me to stake myself after too long.” Edgar glanced at me quickly. “Don’t tell him I said that.”
I crossed my heart. “What about Demetrius?”
Edgar’s gaze flitted to where Demetrius and Begonia seemed to be involved in an argument. “I expected him to travel somewhere exotic with Begonia, but the way things are going, perhaps we’ll include him after all.”
My heart sank. I had to get to the bottom of this. “Have you noticed anyone else acting strangely aside from Mayor Langtree and Begonia?”
Samson inclined his head toward the bar. “I’d say her, but I know for a fact that’s typical behavior.”
I craned my neck to see Phoebe Minor dancing on top of the bar with two paranormals even older than her.
Edgar shuddered. “Instead of dancing on graves, it’s like graves dancing.”
“You should talk,” Killian said. “You’re older than Phoebe.”
“Yes, but at least I have the decency not to look it,” Edgar replied primly.
Someone slid another flight of ale in front of me, and I sampled another glass.
“You should slow down, Emma,” Killian advised. “They’re more potent than they look.”
I stared into the amber liquid. “I don’t think so. They taste really light.” I burped, and they laughed. “Excuse me, I need the restroom.” My bladder was ready to burst.
On my way to the restroom, I ran straight into the hairy arms of Lorenzo Mancini. He was trailed by a group of werewolves. “Alex said you were here,” the alpha said, unsmiling. “I’d hoped he imagined it.”
“I guess you came for Drunk Pandas, too,” I said.
Lorenzo nodded crisply. “It isn’t every day we have the chance to meet members of other packs. It turns out I have cousins in Starry Hollow.”
“How disappointing for them,” I said, and promptly burped.
Lorenzo’s smile resembled a snarl. “Your insults are very hurtful, Ms. Hart. I shall cry all the way home in my brand new Italian sports car.”
I pointed a finger close to his face. Well, I thought it was close to his face until my fingertip actually bounced off his nose. “You’re not supposed to be importing larger items yet. You’re on the council. You know better.” My words were slurred even to my own ears.
“I can afford whatever fine the council decides to slap on me,” Lorenzo said coolly. “Not that I believe they will. They’re preoccupied with more important matters at the moment.”
“And you’re taking advantage,” I said. “Shame on you.” I pressed my palms flat against his chest and pushed. My actions elicited a low growl from behind the alpha. His werewolf cronies were seemingly unhappy with my drunken gesture. “Don’t get your fur all matted.”
Alex appeared between us. “Is that a real expression?”
“No idea,” I said, and made a circular motion next to my ear. “That means I’m drunk.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s the universal sign for crazy,” Alex said, “but I’ll let it slide.” He faced his pack leader. “I need a word with Emma, if you don’t mind.”
“By all means,” Lorenzo said.
“You should stop scowling so much,” I said, and touched my fingers to my forehead. “Your skin is going to freeze that way.”
Alex gripped my elbow and steered me away from the werewolves. “Where’s Daniel?”
“He’s supposed to meet us here, but I haven’t seen him yet,” I said. “He had to empty more of his boxes before Gareth went all poltergeist on him.”
Alex shot me a quizzical look.
“Human world reference,” I said dismissively.
Sophie and Millie hurried toward us, wearing matching concerned expressions. “Emma, I think you should talk to Begonia,” Sophie said. “She and Demetrius don’t seem to be on speaking terms now.”
I couldn’t answer her. My head was swimming, and a wave of nausea rolled over me. It was worse than any broomstick lesson I’d ever endured.
“Are you okay, Emma?” Sophie asked.
“She was one insulting sentence shy of incurring Lorenzo’s wrath,” Alex said.
Millie groaned. “He already hates you. Do you have to provoke him?”
My hand flew to my stomach. “They were right. Those samples were more potent than they looked.”
“I tasted one on Spellbound Day, and I didn’t find it potent at all,” Millie said. “Disgusting, but not potent.”
“I think one is the key word in that sentence,” Sophie pointed out. “Emma’s far exceeded one.”
“They were…light…and refreshing,” I said, struggling to get the words out. “Daniel…”
“You want Daniel?” Sophie asked, concerned. “I’ll find him.”
“He’s there.” Thank the gods. I motioned toward the bar, where he was engaged in conversation with Dale.
Sophie waved frantically until she got Daniel’s attention. He threaded his way through the crowd, his wings bumping every patron he passed.
“There you are. I’ve been looking all over.” He frowned, quickly zeroing in on my appearance. “What’s going on? Emma, you’re sweating.”
Sweating? Ugh, I was in worse shape than I thought. I grunted. My husband understood grunting, right?
Daniel put an arm around me. “Of course, I’ll take you home.”
Phew. He did.
I didn’t manage to say goodnight to an
yone, but I was too uncomfortable to care. Daniel guided me outside, and I inhaled the fresh air.
“How much did you have to drink?” he asked, laughing.
“I lost track,” I said. “The glasses were small, and the ales were so interesting. I wanted to be supportive of the new suppliers.”
Daniel hugged me to his chest. “Emma, sometimes you’re supportive to your own detriment, but that’s one of the things I love about you.”
“Sophie drove,” I said. “No Sigmund.”
Daniel flexed his white wings. “Who needs Sigmund?”
I groaned and clutched my stomach. “Flying is a bad idea.”
“You’re already in dire straits,” he said. “Let me get you home as quickly as possible, and I can make you a hangover tonic.”
I nodded mutely as Daniel scooped me into his arms and took to the sky. We didn’t make it past the parking lot before I suffered the indignity of overindulgence.
“Oh no,” Daniel said, glancing down.
My brow creased. “What did I hit?”
He picked up speed. “You don’t want to know.”
“It wasn’t an actual paranormal, was it?”
“That might have been the better option,” Daniel said.
The wind whipped through my hair, and I was glad it was the end of the evening or I’d have to do a spell to make myself presentable.
“Tell me,” I insisted.
“Let me put it this way,” Daniel said. “I’d steer clear of Lorenzo Mancini for the next week or so.”
Stars and stones.
“His new car?” I asked, hoping the answer was no.
Daniel’s silence was the only answer I needed.
“I’ll fly faster,” he finally said.
“Good idea.”
Chapter 11
Despite Daniel’s well-meaning hangover cure, I was in desperate need of a morning latte before I braved the office for my appointment with Micki. Even though I knew Althea would bring me my usual drink of choice, she had no clue I was suffering from last night’s poor judgment.
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