Everett swallows discreetly before answering me, but I pick up on it. “Residents,” he pauses, “and, ah, visitors are approved and registered through the Court of the Sun and the Moon. It’s their way of keeping tabs on everyone and everything that goes on in this town.”
I let go of a sigh because it’s apparent that he isn’t telling me everything—more secrets.
“How do you know all this? It can’t be just because you’re a gargoyle.”
His eyes narrow at me before he looks away. “I can’t share that with you.”
“Can’t? Or won’t?”
“I’ve taken an oath, and part of that includes a certain . . . withholding of information.”
I close my eyes and suck in a deep breath. “This all sounds insane.”
When I reopen them, I’m unable to make out the expression on his face, but it’s intense.
“If Roman personally approved your stay, it means he has a reason to keep a close eye on you.” He maintains his stance, his scrutiny still focused on me. “The real question is why.”
I look down, trying to ignore the burning sensation his gaze sends into my skin.
“The sheriff and his pack said they sniffed magic in the air the night the lights popped,” he says.
“Pack—as in wolf pack?” I ask. “Forget it. You said sniffed. I’ll assume you mean wolves.”
He ignores the remark. “It could have been a warning, meant to scare you off,” he suggests.
I rub my forehead. My mind is reeling on information overload. “Well, it didn’t work. Roman will just have to try harder.”
“He will.”
“I look forward to his attempts then.”
A small smile plays on his lips, and I become aware of something different about him. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I can feel it like electricity. Pride, maybe. Or more freedom to be himself. And those green eyes are getting to me. Like magnets clinging to my every move.
“That so, city girl?” he poses.
“Yes.” The word is quick. “That is so. So, can you return me to the inn, please?”
“No.”
“No?”
“If you’re going to keep doing this, you need help, guidance, and protection.”
I bristle and turn away. “I’m not an assignment.”
Everett steps to my side. “Hey.” He grabs my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I know that.”
Heat fills my cheeks at the way he’s looking at me.
“Who better to help you investigate a fire than a gargoyle whose mark is the phoenix rising?”
Chapter 6
Ancient Legends
In a blink, Everett teleports us back into the Cook’s Corner park. The instant we’re standing in the garden, the fragrant smell of flowers hits me. For just a moment, I close my eyes and bask in the spring scent. When I slide my lids open, I realize that Everett has moved so close to me that I can feel his warm breath on my face. His gaze shifts back and forth between my eyes, and his brows furrow, as if he is trying to understand something.
Afraid to move, I just stand there, my bones turning to mush and my heart puddling in my chest as he assesses me. Slowly, his eyes move down my body, blanketing me in an unexpected wave of heat and desire. We stay like this for a few seconds as I try desperately to gather my willpower and step away from his hypnotic presence.
“Why do you do that?” I ask.
“What?”
“Look at me like that?”
Everett cocks his head to the side. “I’m testing a theory.”
After a moment, I clear my throat. “This isn’t the inn.”
He ignores my statement. “Did you know this park is named for the being who discovered it?”
I watch his lips move, as if under a spell. I know words are coming out, but which ones?
Blinking several times, I pull myself out of the trance and focus on what he’s saying.
“Ancient legend is that she used to sit in the secret gardens, reading maps and bibles all day while the town was being built by the founders.”
My gaze floats around the gardens. “I hope someone at least brought her coffee.”
Everett smiles, and it lights up his entire face.
“And this ancient legend sounds a lot like one of Miss Mary Beth’s stories,” I add.
“Well, she does know a lot about the town’s history. And likes to share with newbies.”
“I should get back to the inn,” I mutter.
“You can’t.”
“Everett.”
“It’s not safe for you to stay there.”
“I like the inn. I love hanging out with Michaela. And even Mammie’s ghost.”
He steps closer, cupping my face. “I can’t protect you there.”
The warmth of his touch paralyzes me. “We agreed that I’m not yours to protect.”
“Michaela is a vampire. Her family is one of the founding families, and her seat on the Court is waiting for her. If Roman is up to something, it’s not good for her to have him snooping around.”
Instantly, I feel my face drain. “Vampire?”
“Will you be repeating every supernatural species I say aloud?”
I narrow my eyes. “This is a lot to take in. The only vampires I know tend to do interviews.”
“Vampires hate the media.”
“It’s a book . . . and a movie . . . you know what, forget it. Fine,” I give in, because his touch is so calming. “I’ll look for a place to rent. But not because I am afraid of vampires. Or Roman.”
“You can stay at my place. The entire lower floor is a guest suite.”
“Everett—”
“Given the warning and how much you know now, this is not negotiable.”
“What about Miss Mary Beth?”
“She has her own house.” He smiles.
“No, I mean, what will she think if I’m there?”
Everett sighs and puts some space between us as he releases my face. At the loss of his touch, sadness runs through me. “She knows about the supernaturals. She’ll understand the situation.”
“Is she one?”
“No, but she knows who I am and what I do.”
Looking away from him, I focus on the garden. “What about the town? What will they think?”
A light chuckle falls out of him. “You’re worried about what a town of supernatural creatures will think of you staying on my guest floor?”
Blinking slowly, I frown. “When you put it like that, I guess not.”
“Then it’s settled. On the way, we’ll drop your tire off to Joshua’s garage.”
“And he’s . . .”
“Human. Some residents of Havenwood Falls are just normal people.”
Clutching two cups of coffee in my hand, I use my hip to open the door to Coffee Haven and step onto the sidewalk. The moment I do, I find myself dodging musical instruments and stage equipment until I finally arrive at my destination. Exhausted from the ten steps and attempting to defy death, I blow out a sharp breath when I finally step inside. With a smile, I walk up to the oversized wooden check-out counter and place one of the cups on the top, sliding it toward Callie.
She eyes it, but doesn’t take it. “What’s this?”
“Peace offering.”
Callie throws me a you’re cute expression and an even more annoyed glare.
Waving it under her nose, I smile. “No cream. No sugar. Black and caffeinated. Your favorite.”
Ignoring the cup, she continues to fold vintage tees.
“Look, I’m sorry I ran out on you a few weeks ago. I didn’t know about all the—beings—here in town. It took me by surprise and totally freaked me out. Aside from Michaela, you’re the only other friend I’ve made here in Havenwood Falls. Will you forgive me? Please?” I pout.
“It’s been weeks since I’ve seen you.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
A loud crashing sound has us both looking outside.
“I hate
May,” she says, changing the subject and ending my scolding.
“Why?”
“May means Music on the Square. Every Thursday night from now until September.”
“Sounds fun.”
“It’s local bands. Some are good. Most suck.” She grabs the coffee and takes a sip. “So, let me get this straight. The hot guy—created in the likeness of little ugly stone statues—tells you all about the supernatural secrets of Havenwood Falls and you’re all,” she waves her hand at me, “fine, happy, and calm. But the cute best friend, with the amazing hair, who also happens to love fashion, and gives you the friends-and-family discount of twenty percent—is freak-out worthy?”
My head tilts. “I thought it was fifteen?”
“I bumped you up.”
“Because of our friend status or your caffeine withdrawal?”
She gives me a pointed glare. “Ten minutes ago, caffeine. Now, friend.”
I sigh. “I’m not handling all this very well, Callie. I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted. I’d be freaked out too by all the paranormal shit if I were human.”
My lips part at her statement.
Callie’s expression turns guilty before she swallows. “I’m a gypsy-demon.”
“Maaaan,” I whine, annoyed that she isn’t human. “What the hell is a gypsy-demon?”
“Centuries ago my relatives made a deal with the devil in exchange for our fortune-telling gifts. All future generations now have demon blood running through us. Oh, and we’re immortal.”
I sulk. “So, I’m the only one around here who’s going to get the flu this fall?”
“Sorry.”
I wave her off. “It’s fine.”
Callie throws her thumb over her left shoulder. “I got some cute jackets in.”
“Thanks for the news flash.”
“We’re in Colorado. If you want to avoid the flu, human, you’ll need to dress warmly.”
I smile, grateful for Callie’s friendship.
“So, what’s going on with you and the hot gargoyle?”
And there goes my grateful, friendly feeling.
“What? Me? And . . . Everett? Nothing. Really. Honestly. He’s my boss, Callie.”
“That was super convincing.”
“What makes you think something is going on?”
“Word around town was that you spent the night in his bed.”
“That was last month, because the town lights exploded and sliced open my face.”
“Dramatic.”
“It was.”
“Well, word around town now is that you’re living with him.”
My mouth falls open. “Supernatural creatures are gossipy.”
“Irene Beckett is gossipy.”
“The book fundraiser lady.”
“Otherwise known as the town gossip.”
“It’s official. This town is totally breaking my spirit.”
Her brow lifts in question. “How so?”
“I’m overwhelmed with information. It’s too much. I blame the purple pig.”
“It’s not the pig’s fault. Stop changing the subject. Why are you living with Everett?”
“Not with. I’m a guest, staying in his guest suite.”
“Got it. You’ve made it very clear there will be no future gargoyle babies.”
“Babies cry.”
“Why are you there and not at the inn?”
Toying with the cover on my coffee cup, I sigh. “Everett has been trying to help me figure out what happened to Jenni. He thinks if I keep poking around on my own, I could be in danger.”
“Are you?”
“Am I what?”
Callie rolls her eyes. “In danger?”
“No. Of course not. I mean . . . I don’t think so.”
“You don’t think so?” she lowers her voice. “Roman Bishop is not someone to piss off.”
“I’ve heard.”
“Graysin, this is serious. This town—on the outside, it’s full of festivals and charming Victorian homes, but underneath, the dark secrets are webbed so tightly it’s hard to see the light.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promise, and she nods. “So, now that you have forgiven me and we are besties again, music on the square Thursday night?”
“Seven. By the gazebo. I’ll bring the wine,” she replies.
I straighten and throw her a small wave before making my way toward the door.
“Hey,” she calls out, and I turn. “I’m sorry about Jenni. But I’m glad you’re here, so be careful.”
“I’m not in danger.”
“Your heart is. You just don’t know it yet.”
Everett’s home is bathed in soft light when I stroll through the front door. As I walk down the long hallway, I pass the open archway that leads into the room we share for work. He’s sitting at his drafting table, focused on the papers strewn across the vintage piece of furniture.
I pause in the doorway and watch him for a few seconds before he slowly turns to face me. His expression is full of trepidation, and I’m curious about what’s causing it. His eyes fall from mine, slowly grazing over me until he returns his attention back to his work.
“Hey.” Everett’s voice makes my pulse quicken and my insides twist.
“Hey, yourself,” I respond quietly, before stepping into the room. “Still working?”
“Sheriff Kasun dropped off the crime scene photos from the library fire,” he replies. “I’ve been staring at them all day.” The fact that he keeps his gaze averted sends chills down my spine.
Slowly, I make my way toward him. Once I reach his desk, I lean over to take in what he’s looking at. My shoulder presses to his, and my face is so close he could probably feel my breath against his cheek . . . if I were breathing.
When I see the photos, I take in a sharp breath at the horror. Dread and dizziness sweep over me as I realize what my sister’s final moments were like. I try to calm my thumping heart.
“She didn’t suffer, Graysin,” he assures me.
Tears sting my eyes as I stare at the library’s charred remains, the walls and books singed and blackened with soot. The melted wallpaper is seared and blistered. “How could she not have?”
Everett releases a long, slow breath. “Because Jenni didn’t die in the fire.”
His eyes turn to mine again, and I don’t know if he’s expecting me to respond to what he just said, but I can’t. I’m trying not to allow myself to feel as if there is any truth behind his words.
“I need to tell you something, and I need you to keep an open mind. Can you do that?”
Every molecule in my body is warning me that whatever he is about to say, it isn’t something I want to hear. Wordlessly, I wrap my arms protectively across my chest and nod my agreement.
“There is a woman in town, Eloise. She’s a psychic who communicates with the dead.”
The intensity in his stare is unnerving as he tries to gauge my level of understanding.
“Okay.” I remain calm.
“A few weeks ago, when you were visiting Callie, I showed her the photos of the library fire . . . and your sister. Eloise communicates with those who’ve passed by letting them use her body to send messages to family, through writing. I didn’t want you to be present when I met with her because I thought it would be too hard on you if she was able to connect with Jenni,” he explains.
I swallow. “And did she? Make contact with her?”
“Yes.”
If it were possible to hear a heart stop, mine just came to a screeching halt, because Everett’s answer completely slays me. “What did Jennifer tell her?” I croak out.
He pauses for a few seconds before slowly sliding a piece of paper over to me. Green. 1876. Roman. Ada. Spelled. Guardian. Ancient Legend. Book. Protector. Murdered. Before. Each word or phrase is written in pink ink. My heart falls at these words, trying to make sense of them.
“I don’t understand. Did Eloise tell you what they mean?” I ask.
<
br /> “She didn’t connect them. That isn’t how it works.”
I search his eyes. “You have a theory, though?”
“There’s a coven in town that’s known for practicing dark and black magic, the Green Coven. It’s led by a woman named Ada Daryn. It’s whispered that the Green Coven tends to take on and do the dirty work of the Luna Coven, of which Roman Bishop sits on the council.”
A crease forms between my brows. “Do you think Ada and Roman had something to do with my sister’s death?”
Everett points to the words green, Ada, and Roman on the paper. “I think your sister did.”
“I knew it. I knew Roman Bishop killed her,” I growl.
Abruptly he stands and cups my upper arms, forcing me to look at him as he leans closer to me. “We don’t know anything yet.” His voice slices through me. “Roman is not someone you can accuse without evidence, Graysin. Neither is Ada. Regardless of what activities her coven is alleged to be involved with, without proof, no one gets accused of anything. It’s dangerous.”
“I understand,” I reply.
“Do you?” His eyes bore into mine.
“Yes.” I force out, my breath shaky because he’s doing that mesmerizing thing again.
The deep green in his eyes darkens as every inch of him tenses. He stares down at me, unblinking, his mouth slightly open. Everett leans in closer, his breath warming my lips.
“I want you—”
“What?” I quickly cut him off. He wants me?
“For once, just let me finish a thought.” His entertained tone is soft and dreamy.
“Sorry.”
“The Moons in the Mist Bonfire is this weekend. It’s an annual event that kicks off summer.”
“Are you asking me on a date?”
“No.”
I frown. “We totally need to work on our communication skills, because I’m not following.”
His expression turns aggravated as he releases my face and steps back, putting space between us. “The Court uses the bonfire to keep tabs on the town. Both Covens will be there, making sure residents are adhering to their rules. If necessary, this is when they can impose wards as needed.”
“How do you know that?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
My eyes narrow at him. “Of course you can’t.”
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