by Lola Dodge
Agatha smirked, smug and wise at the same time. “We’re blood, Anise. That’s not nothing.”
I just hoped I didn’t disappoint her.
Back at the Wu house, I paced my bedroom. What should I say to Seth after he’d been rejected so hard?
As much as I liked sugar-coating in the kitchen, it wasn’t the best when delivering bad news. Better to text him the truth.
Hi, Seth. It’s Anise. I talked you up to Agatha, but she’s not hiring men. I paused. I could stop there, but I wanted to make sure he knew I’d really tried. I told her how talented you are. If I inherit someday, I’ll hire you in a heartbeat.
And send. Then wait.
After a few of the longest seconds in history, my phone vibrated.
No worries. I didn’t expect anything. But want to make it up to me?
Was Seth flirting? My hopeful heart pitter-pattered. Could I flirt back? My thumbs typed a message that made my brain blush.
How do you want me to make it up to you?
I hit send before I could second-guess then pulled my hood over my face. Was I reading him right or was this ending in soul-crushing embarrassment?
Could use some extra hands for my Production homework. I’d invite you to my place, but I’m guessing that’s off limits. Want to meet at the school kitchens tonight?
Absolutely. But could I?
I wouldn’t be able to sneak out. With the wards and the Servants and Wynn, it wouldn’t be possible or smart. I shouldn’t go at all while I was in danger.
I started to type out one of the many reasons it wouldn’t work, but my thumbs froze. Seth was being super reasonable about my situation, inviting me to the kitchens instead of some shady back alley where I’d be vulnerable. The campus’ protective spells even had Peggy’s seal of approval.
What would it hurt to ask her for permission?
I headed down to the living room. Blair and Bradley sat on the white sofa with a giant bowl of popcorn between them and a zombie movie playing on the flat-screen that had dropped down from the ceiling.
“Wanna grab a bowl?” Bradley asked when he spotted me. “After this one’s over we’re starting Zombieland.”
“Maybe in a second.” Depending if Peggy shut me down or not. “Have you seen your Mom?”
“In her office.” Blair waved past the kitchen with a fistful of popcorn. “Through the back door, then turn left.”
“Thanks.”
Wynn appeared as soon as my hand touched the doorknob.
“Going somewhere?” His flat voice was more accusation than question.
“I’m not leaving the building.” Crossing through the kitchen door, a ward tingled against my scalp and shoulders, prickly but not so intense it fuzzed my whole brain. Wynn didn’t flinch as he followed me.
The wide hallway screamed funeral parlor. The wood paneling. Generic art prints. Vases of flowers. And the smell… It wasn’t bad exactly, but it hinted something unpleasant. Like years and years of pollen from funeral flowers couldn’t mask all the sorrow that had sunk into the wood.
The overall effect was too quiet at night and too spooky.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to go all the way inside to where the Wus held their rituals and services. Light poured out of Peggy’s office, which had an open archway. She sat behind the biggest antique desk I’d ever seen and its surface was covered with neat stacks of papers and file folders.
“Anise?” She set down her reading glasses.
“Am I bothering you?” I edged closer to one of the chairs across from her but didn’t sit. Instead, I gripped the padded chair back.
“Never. What do you need?”
I swallowed a bubble of nerves. I’m just asking. There’s no harm. “One of my friends asked me to campus for homework help. Can I go out with some of the Servants?”
“No.” She didn’t waste a second mulling. “Not at night. Too dangerous with an empty campus.”
“Okay.” My shoulders sank down. It was the answer I’d expected, but still. When else would I get a chance to hang out with a guy like Seth?
“Mom?” Blair peeked her head around the archway. I jumped at her sudden appearance, but Wynn didn’t budge so he must’ve known she’d followed us. “I have to grab some spellbooks from the store later. Can Anise come?”
My brows drew down. Blair wore yeti PJ bottoms and a ratty sweatshirt. Plus, she and Bradley had mountains of popcorn to plow through. There was no way she’d been planning to leave the house.
“Just to the bookstore,” Peggy said. “And you’ll bring a full detail of Servants.”
“Obviously.” Blair waved away her mom’s concern.
“Good. Home before ten.”
Ten seemed really early for a curfew given how old we were, but Blair gave a nod and rolled with it. From what I’d seen, she agreed with her mom, then did what she wanted anyway.
What was she up to now?
I followed her into the main house. She bypassed the couch and headed upstairs.
“What happened to Zombieland?” I asked, climbing the steps behind her.
“I’ve seen it a million times.” Blair passed her room and headed for mine. “Let me help you pick an outfit for the bookstore.” She tugged me inside and locked the door in Wynn’s suspicious face. The mischievous smile she’d been half hiding stretched into a full-on grin. “Your friend asked you to campus?”
What is she up to? I was so curious I didn’t mind that she’d eavesdropped.
“Seth invited me to—”
“Yes.” She clapped. “You’re going.”
“What?” Now I pulled her away from the door and Wynn’s bat hearing. “How?”
“You have your alibi with Mom. I’ll tell the Servants I forgot something at school and we need to swing by campus.”
“They’re not going to buy that.” Neither would Wynn.
“As long as I go, they don’t have a choice.”
They might not, but I did. As much as I wanted to see Seth, Peggy had been too nice to me. Sneaking around behind her back and putting myself in danger? “I’m not playing tricks on your mom.”
“Exactly. I’m playing the tricks.” Blair’s eyes sparkled. “Or do you really want to miss this chance?”
“I don’t…” I’d been playing things safe my whole life and I was used to it—the hiding and keeping my real self tamped down. That was the deal when you were a witch cut off from the magic community. Now hiding made even more sense because the danger was death. Or being turned into a Hand.
Still, my traitorous heart wavered. Blair was making me an opportunity.
When else was I going to meet a guy who liked what I liked? A guy with his own magic who totally got me? Guys like him didn’t exist outside Taos, and even here there was only one Seth Young.
I licked my lips. “If I did this, then what about Wynn?”
“Him.” She flopped onto my bed and crossed her legs. “That’s the problem.”
Unlike Blair and her Servants, I couldn’t make Wynn do a thing. Not even smile. “I don’t think he’ll go for the swing to campus ploy.”
“Then what?”
If I was going to work around Wynn, I’d really have to go for it. I still wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, but I grabbed my phone to sound out Seth. I’m not allowed to go to campus, but Blair Wu and I are going to the bookstore on the plaza. Could you break me out?
Sure. 7:30? My apartment building’s in walking distance. I’ll have you back before anyone knows you’re missing.
Nerves skittered down my back. Was I really going to do this?
“What’d he say?” Blair leaned to check my phone screen.
I showed her the text. “Should I?”
“If Wynn sleeps downstairs, you can climb out the second story. Easy.”
That wasn’t quite what I was asking, but it added another chip to the scale rocking back and forth in my brain. It was cliché, but no risk, no reward. I’d be safe from warlocks if I stayed tucked in like I�
�d been told, but then I might be missing out on something amazing between me and the first guy I’d ever met who could possibly understand me.
“I’m going to change. You better, too.” Blair slid off the bed.
I plucked at my T-shirt. Maybe I’d bring an apron instead of my chef’s jacket. Then I could wear something cute and wouldn’t tip anyone off that I was doing anything but looking at books. “Will do.”
When she shut the door, I had to swallow down a nervous shiver. I could still change my mind, but I didn’t want to. This was too sweet an opportunity.
Wild was in my blood.
Agatha. Even mom. Neither of them would sit home like prisoners after the hottest guy in school sent a flirty invite.
Cheeks running hot, I typed my response. I’m in. Text me when you’re almost there and I’ll meet you outside.
Can’t wait. His instant response made my heart jump hopscotch.
And Anise?
I sent a question mark. He could ask me anything at this point.
It’s a date.
Holy—!
I fell onto my back and clutched the phone to my chest as I kicked the bed with giddy feet.
A date. A date with Seth.
I must’ve done something right in a past life because holy hell.
How was I this lucky?
Chapter Twenty-One
I dabbed on some makeup and jasmine oil—just not so much that it would be suspicious when Blair and I headed out. My wardrobe wouldn’t have many options until Mom mailed the rest of my clothes—I kept forgetting to ask if she’d sent them—but at least I didn’t have to go naked. It was chilly enough after sunset to wear jeans with a V-neck and sweater. I balled an apron into my purse for later.
Choosing my earrings took the longest time. I only had one power well left with juice and the rest of the enchantments were more party tricks than serious protective enchantments. I put the well in my left ear with the lockpick and car starter earrings and jammed my last shield charm in on the right. That left two holes empty, but I didn’t have anything else to help with an attack. I’d either have to convince Agatha to give me a family discount at the jewelry store or start learning to charm metals myself.
When I left my room, Wynn was leaning against the wall across from the doorway, arms folded and eyes wide open. My shoulders scrunched in guilt. I was going to do something stupid, but Wynn already thought everything I did was stupid, so what was the difference? He followed behind one step closer than usual, making me conscious of his presence at my back.
Blair had traded her yeti PJs for jeans and her eyes glittered with mischief on the way outside. Even though the van was for fifteen passengers, eighteen of us piled in. Blair, Wynn, and I had the first row of seats to ourselves while most of the Servants jammed into the back three rows. It couldn’t be comfortable, but it wasn’t like they had to shift or their legs would go numb.
We could’ve walked as easily as driven, but soon enough we were pulling into the plaza’s parking lot. Hopping out, I had to suppress the fingers of guilt choking my neck. The sun was starting to set, but the moon was up and full enough it would be a bright night. If anyone attacked.
I was having second, third, and more doubtful thoughts about this decision.
A light was on in the shop and the woman working the counter bowed to Blair. “Mistress.”
“We’ll be upstairs.” She headed to the staircase.
I trailed then stalled out when Wynn followed. “You’re coming up?”
“Wearing a lot of makeup for the bookstore.” His gaze flicked over me, deep displeasure in the fold between his eyes.
“It’s eyeliner.” I hurried upstairs while my heart gave a few quick thumps.
He knew. He so knew I was up to something.
When I settled into the sofa in Blair’s reading room, she made a show of pulling down books that she probably didn’t need. Even though there was another perfectly plump, empty sofa across from me, Wynn posted himself in the doorway so he could stare straight at me.
I let out a breath of resignation. Sneaking wasn’t happening.
I pulled out my phone to share the bad news. Sorry, Seth. There’s no way I can meet tonight.
It took a few minutes before my phone buzzed with his response. Catch you next time?
Yes. Any time.
Blair flopped down next to me and leaned. I showed her my phone screen and let my gaze flick to Wynn.
She treated him to one of her death stares—the ones she’d given me when we first met—but after a few seconds, the corners of her mouth tilted and she switched her attention to me. “You hungry?”
I hadn’t had dinner, but I’d been so keyed up to meet Seth, I hadn’t thought about it, my stomach rumbled. “Suddenly, yes.” I glanced back at the mini fridge. Blair was bound to have snacks around.
Instead of grabbing something to eat, she picked up her phone and hit one of the speed dials. “Can I order a large Southwest.” She covered the mouth of the phone and glanced over. “You like green chilies, right?”
“Sure,” I answered as my spine started to tingle.
Pizza?
As in, pizza from Seth?
Blair gave the bookstore’s address, then grinned after hanging up. “It’ll be here in twenty minutes.” She radiated smug satisfaction as she hopped back up to look for books, so I knew I’d figured out her plan. But it only worked halfway. Seth wasn’t on duty tonight or he wouldn’t have asked me out.
I sent one more text. We just ordered a pizza.
After I hit send, I realized he wouldn’t know who “we” meant, but Seth would figure it out if he wanted. He might not want to meet up enough to go into work on his night off.
The minutes passed like molasses. I moved to the shelves, pretending to browse books, but not even the spellbooks were tempting enough to keep me distracted. I glanced over my shoulder as Wynn’s face slowly darkened to thundercloud levels. Whatever Blair thought, I wasn’t getting out of the bookstore tonight.
Still. I vibrated with hope that I’d least glimpse Seth. I’d be satisfied seeing him long enough to grab our pizza.
I jumped when the floorboards creaked behind me.
“What are you two scheming?” Wynn’s voice was deadly low.
“Nobody’s scheming.” The lie sounded hollow on my lips.
Gah. I’d never been good at straight-out lying.
“I’m taking you back,” Wynn said, grabbing for my wrist.
He wrenched me one full step before Blair snagged my other hand.
“We’re not done here.” Her gaze was as sharp as needles pinning back skin, but Wynn didn’t flinch.
As they stared each other down, my arms pulled in opposite directions. Not okay. I stepped back and heaved. Thankfully, they both let go. I tucked my hands in my pockets in case either of them had any more rough ideas. “It’s okay, Blair. I don’t want to make problems.”
“It’s fine if you say so.” She glared at Wynn. “But if he thinks he’s calling the shots—” Blair cut off as the shop’s bell tinged downstairs. “Sounds like we have a pizza.”
My heart skipped a beat. We couldn’t have planned this timing if we’d tried. “I’ll grab it quick.” I headed past Wynn and felt him follow, but two Servants stepped behind me as soon as I crossed into the hall. They held out their arms, blocking Wynn from going any farther.
“You stay here. We need to talk.” Blair’s voice hardened. It was the cold, unfriendly tone I hadn’t heard much of since we first met.
Wynn grunted, trying to bull past the Servants, but another pair of them jogged down the hall to help. He wouldn’t be able to push through all four.
His gaze met mine through a gap in the mass of undead flesh trying to hold him back. The fury in his hazel eyes knocked me back a step, breath eking out of my lungs like I’d been punched.
“I’ll be right back. Just going downstairs.” I stumbled as I hurried to whirl away from him. Why was Wynn so furious? I hadn�
�t done anything wrong. I wasn’t going to do anything wrong, despite the temptation.
Did he think I was that stupid? That I’d put my own life at risk?
I stopped at the bottom of the staircase to blow out a breath and try to compose myself. My pulse thrummed, half with guilt and half with nervous excitement. I smoothed back my ponytail and straightened my sweater.
Act normal. Whatever that is.
I expected to see Seth as soon as I popped out behind the counter. Instead, six of the Servants stood guard along with the one who worked the register, where a giant Moretti’s pizza box rested on the counter.
My excitement deflated, ruined-soufflé style. Seth must’ve decided to stay away from work after all. “Where’s the pizza guy?”
“We couldn’t allow him inside at this hour.” The Servant woman dipped her head apologetically. “He said he’d wait outside if—Mistress!”
I was already dashing to the shop door. Giddy, I yanked it open.
Seth leaned against the railing of the shop’s mini porch. He wore a T-shirt and jeans and the empty insulated pizza carrier was propped against the rails next to his legs.
“You came.” My voice came out all round and awed. Way to play it cool.
“Told you it was a date.” He twirled a set of keys. “I grabbed the delivery wheels. Can I break you out of jail?”
God, yes.
No.
Oh, no.
I reminded myself about the whole “wild is in my blood” thing, but I couldn’t force myself to ignore reality enough to cross the shop’s wards.
A warlock wanted me dead.
Chasing the pizza guy—even the sexy, cool, powerful, everything-I-wanted-in-a-boyfriend pizza guy—would be a slap in Peggy’s face. A betrayal of Agatha. Not to mention Mom. And Wynn was already ultra pissed.
I wouldn’t be surprised if a Hand was camped out, waiting for me to do something exactly that dumb.
“I can’t. I wish I could, but—”
“No worries.” Seth lifted a hand. “Figured you’d play it safe. That’s why I brought…” He grabbed the pizza carrier and reached all the way inside to pull out a white paper sack. “Brioche?”