Chapter Twelve

Grendel

Our potential mate was going live on her podcast, and I didn't want to miss it. She would be speaking to a fairy, which sounded interesting, but in my experience could be a problem. The fae were known for doing things their own way, and it was entirely possible that the one she'd booked would decide it was the day for gathering acorns from the forest instead and leave Poe hanging.

I set a bowl of popcorn on the end table and sat down. "This should be fun."

"I hope the fairy shows up." Hemlock popped the cap on a beer and took a long drink.

"I had the same thought. Didn't Poe say the contract held some sort of compulsion to complete what they agreed to?"

"I think so, but the fae are a flighty bunch." He helped himself to some popcorn. "Mmm, extra butter."

"And salt." I picked up the remote and clicked on the seventy-five-inch screen. "I guess we'll find out if she showed up now. The podcast is about to start." We'd rushed home to watch, even putting off some work on a farm until the next day.

The screen showed her logo and a countdown. I wanted to text Poe and ask if all was going well, but she probably didn't need distraction while getting ready to do her podcast. "I shouldn't be nervous, but I am."

"Me, too." Hemlock took another drink of beer then set the bottle down next to the bowl of popcorn. "I wonder if Poe is."

"No way." I watched as the logo melted away to reveal Poe sitting in front of her microphone, a big smile making me wish we were sitting there with her.

"Welcome, everyone. Before I bring on our guest, I want to express what an honor it is to bring you a visit with Kristiana, a member of the fae and someone I already consider a friend. As you get to know her, I expect you'll feel the same. Now, without any more delay, welcome Kristiana."

The screen split in two, and the other half held a stunning fae female, her clouds of blonde curls cascading over her shoulders, creamy complexion and huge blue eyes, delicate shoulders draped in a silky blouse the exact color of her eyes. The fae certainly had a way of making themselves appear even more gorgeous than they already were, but she couldn't compare to Poe.

Our possible mate wore a casual tee and a simple gold necklace. Her lavender hair was swept up in a high ponytail, and the microphone covered part of her face. The fae, for all her glamour, could not compare. Poe was animated and warm and put her guest at ease almost immediately without appearing to fall under the fairy's spell. They spoke for about forty-five minutes while the chat line beside the video filled with comments from watchers.

"She's wonderful, isn't she?" Hemlock leaned in closer and sighed.

"The fairy?" I teased, flicking a glance toward him, enjoying his cheeks flooding with color. We'd both dated plenty in the past, but I'd never seen the female who could make my friend blush. Until now. His reaction made me a little less skeptical about her being the one. Of course, we would not know for sure until we met her in person and were able to scent her.

If she indeed did come and meet us. I hoped she would.

"I know we've agreed to respect your privacy, and I won't violate that, but we are all fascinated to hear any details you might like to share about your life." Poe glanced down, probably consulting her notes, and said, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to share with us before we answer some of the questions from our kind commenters?"

"Why yes," the fairy purred, smoothing her golden hair. "Well, it's not about my life…"

"Well…anything is fine. You are my guest, after all." Poe's "guests" primarily came to her in-home studio, but she made exceptions for those who did not want to travel or who she wasn't sure she wanted there at all. I was surprised she'd invited the vampire, but she was very confident in her contract's binding.

Still, my demon was not thrilled at the idea of anyone with the slightest element of danger or mischief in her presence without us there to protect her. Of course, she'd been doing this for a long time without any problems, at least that she'd mentioned.

A soft gasp from Poe pulled my attention back to the screen. "What happened?"

Hemlock did not look away from the stream. "You were sitting right here."

"Yeah, I know. So…what happened? I got a little lost in my head."

He blindly reached for the beer bottle and brought it to his lips, taking a swig before replying. "The fairy asked our mate a personal question."

"Which was?" I didn't argue about him calling her our mate, since I was already thinking of her that way anyway.

"She asked about a book she believes Poe is writing that she apparently hasn't told a soul about."

"Oh." Our mate was clearly struggling to maintain her professional demeanor. She'd told us the interviews were about those she was talking to, and she kept details about her personal life out of them.

"Kristiana," she said, her voice smooth and with a hint of compulsion my demon picked right up on. "This live is your time, and our viewers want to know all about you. It is sweet of you to ask about me, but I couldn't possibly steal your spotlight. Oh, we have a Super chat. Markie2475 wants to know if you make your own clothes." Poe giggled. I loved her giggle already. "I'm sure you could if you wanted to, but surely you don't have time."

"Exactly." The fairy smiled into the camera. "It's very busy here, especially at this time of year."

"Oh, would you care to share just a little bit of what a fairy of your stature has to take care of before winter sets in?"

And, just like that, the fairy launched into a description of her "busy" fall, most of which involved hair care, new outfits, parties, and other things that made my eyes roll back in my head. But Poe had successfully lifted the spotlight from her and landed it on the other female. Who ran with it in glee and narcissism.

When the podcast ended, we reminded Poe of our invitation to visit.

And she accepted. It was…we needed to clean house!