10. TEN

tenFor a Thursday night, it was rather crowded as I stepped inside the Blue Pepper. Every table was occupied. The only seat available that I could see was located at a table near the bar where Caroline and Jenna sat.

Coincidence? I think not.

Especially since Connor was already seated beside them, his gaze on the martini glass Caroline set in front of him. Opposite him, Natalia leaned back in her chair, chewing absentmindedly on a drinking straw.

Caroline spotted me the second the door opened and waved madly in my direction. “Aileen! Over here!”

I lifted a hand in acknowledgement as a cheer went up from those nearby.

“Karaoke girl!”

Jenna’s eyes widened as she looked in surprise at the enthusiastic response to my presence. “Since when were you amenable to doing karaoke?”

I collapsed into the sole empty chair. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”

Too bad Caroline didn’t feel the same. “She did! It was awesome.”

At that, Natalia removed the straw from her mouth to look at me with interest. “I would have liked to have seen that. I’m sure it was quite the interesting sight.”

Natalia possessed a scary kind of beauty, her features sharp and pointed like that of a raptor’s. Tonight, the harpy’s wings were glamoured to be invisible, allowing her to appear human and blend in with the rest of the patrons. They were still there though, as evidenced by the way she was sitting so as to not crush them.

“Something tells me I should be glad you weren’t,” I returned.

She’d probably never have let me live it down. I could just see a flock of harpies screeching the lyrics off key every time they saw me for months afterward.

The bar patrons there that night certainly had. Still did to this day.

Natalia’s lips twisted upward. “All the more reason I want to watch. Invite me next time.”

“Not happening.”

Caroline leaned forward. “Done.”

I glared at my best friend. She responded with an unrepentant grin.

“I want to come too,” Jenna volunteered.

My lip curled. “Absolutely not.

She grabbed my arm, shaking it. “Come on. I never get to hang out with you when you’re doing fun things.”

“What do you call tonight?”

She shot me a sidelong glance. “You mean how you forgot and showed up over an hour late?”

I pressed my lips together and looked away.

Jenna’s smirk was smug as she folded her arms across her chest. She’d dressed up for the night and was wearing a pair of white shorts with a sparkly top. She’d even taken the time to do her makeup and curl the ends of her hair.

She looked good. More importantly, she looked happy.

Which was why I almost regretted telling her no.

I shook my head. “It’s still a nope.”

Ribbons of a smoke-like haze wandered along the ceiling, meandering back and forth like a group of kids spying on the adults.

The funny thing was that the smoke was a lot more dangerous than it seemed. I’d seen it strangle someone before. It dove right down her throat to block her air passage.

This was the sort of place I invited my baby sibling to. Go me.

Jenna still hadn’t given up. “Please.”

I knew from the begging tone in her voice that she would keep repeating that tone until I relented.

“Fine,” I said with a long suffering sigh.

I was such a softy when it came to her.

Jenna cheered, reaching over to give Caroline a high five.

Connor was busy ignoring the rest of us as he finally finished his study of his beverage and lifted the martini glass to his lips.

“I don’t think so.” I grabbed the glass out of his hand, moving it out of reach. “Did Caroline bother to warn you about Dahlia’s lemon drops?”

Connor tilted his head. “What about them?”

“They’re dangerous.”

“I don’t think they’re that bad.” Jenna swiped a glass off the table and showed me its empty contents.

My gaze went from it to the empty beer bottles and martini glasses littering the table.

“How many did you let her have?” I hissed at Caroline.

One lemon drop was strong enough to make a vampire intoxicated. What would something like that do to my all too mortal sister?

“Don’t worry.” Caroline held up a placating hand. “I’ve been keeping an eye on her.”

Like most of the werewolves I’d met, Caroline had an air of wildness to her that made her almost irresistible to the opposite sex. Her wavy blond hair and pretty blue eyes only added to her allure.

“I don’t see the big deal,” Jenna said. “I’m not driving since I came here via ride-share app.”

If only driving intoxicated was the thing I was worried about.

“Yeah, Aileen, what’s the big deal?” Caroline said with a taunting leer.

“I don’t know. Bar top dancing. Karaoke. Any of this ringing a bell?”

“You’re just afraid you’ll forget yourself and slap Liam on the ass again in front of everyone.”

Jenna spit out the sip of water she’d just taken to send me an incredulous stare. “What was that?”

I shifted, uncomfortable.

“Is she talking about your boyfriend Liam?” Jenna asked with wide eyes.

I glared at my supposed best friend.

“That’s the one,” the heifer agreed with a nod. “He tried to carry her out of here on his shoulder when she wouldn’t stop dancing, so she slapped him right on the ass. It was loud.”

While I was plotting Caroline’s imminent demise, Connor stole his drink back.

“I’m impressed,” he drawled. “I didn’t think anyone was brave enough to do something like that to Liam.”

Natalia roared with laughter.

“You all suck,” I informed them.

Caroline made a pshaw sound as she propped her cheek on her hand. “You’re just grumpy.”

Connor took a slow sip of his drink before nodding. “Yes, sister dearest, I agree with the demon wolf. You’re a grumpy pants.”

“Grumpy pants, grumpy pants,” Jenna sang as she bounced gleefully in her seat.

I signaled the bartender as Caroline and Natalia joined in the sing-a-long.

Dahlia lifted her chin in acknowledgment as she got busy behind the bar.

Dahlia held a beauty that would have once inspired men—and women—to wage war in her honor. Refined and graceful, even when she was breaking up a bar fight, Dahlia held a nobility that made you want to lay the world at her feet.

Her features looked to be of middle eastern descent. Her eyes were a deep brown you could get lost in. Her hair was a straight sheet of black and her skin a dusky gold.

She prowled across the room, holding the drink she’d prepared for me in one hand and a shot glass in the other. Both of which she set on the table in front of me.

I nudged the shot glass. “What’s this?”

“You’re late. That requires a punishment.”

“Not you too.”

I eyed the shot glass with trepidation as I slumped in defeat. I’d had one too many encounters with Dahlia’s concoctions to ever take them lightly.

“Maybe next time you won’t forget.” Dahlia’s smile would have been sweet if it wasn’t so devious. “Now, drink.”

Jenna and Caroline pounded the table in tandem. “Drink! Drink! Drink!”

I gave them a disgusted look. “I forgot how awful you two are when you’re together.”

Caroline may have been my best friend, but her connection with Jenna was special. They had decided early on it was their mission to find new and intriguing ways to torture me.

“You know you love it,” Jenna purred.

I rolled my eyes. That was one way to put it.

“Fine. You win. I’ll drink.”

Caroline and Jenna raised their arms and cheered while Natalia looked on with an amused expression.

Giving into the inevitable, I held the glass up at eye level to examine it. At first glance, the liquid looked clear. It was only when you peered closer that you noticed the flicker of an orange and red flame.

The colors swirled, quickly staining the rest of the liquid. Faster and faster until the entire glass looked like it was filled with fire.

Abruptly, a flame surged out of the top of the liquid. It licked along the surface, shooting high before burning itself out to leave only clear alcohol behind.

“You want me to drink this?”

“I do.”

“How did you make it do that?” Jenna crowded closer for a better look at the shot glass.

Dahlia closed one eye in a slow wink. “Magic.”

She did not just use that word in front of a human.

Dahlia’s microscopic smile grew into a real one at the sight of my glare.

“No, really. How did you do it?” Jenna asked.

No wonder the djinn had taken a chance in exposing herself. Jenna never would have believed her anyway.

“It’s a secret of the trade,” Dahlia murmured with an amused glint in her eye.

Jenna no longer pursued her question, leaning forward to try to steal my shot. “I’ll take it if you don’t want it. I’m curious as to what magic tastes like.”

I moved it out of the way. “Hold on, Ms. Grabby. I’m getting to it.”

There was no way Jenna could be allowed to drink what was in this glass. Some of the things Dahlia used in her cocktails weren’t meant for human consumption.

“I made this with Aileen in mind,” Dahlia said when it looked like Jenna might launch herself at me. “I’ll make you one later.”

Jenna settled into her chair with a pout but didn’t argue.

Connor patted her on the back in commiseration and held out his mostly empty glass. “Want the rest?”

Jenna eyed the small pool of liquid at the bottom before shaking her head. “No, that’s yours.”

Why didn’t she have that mindset when it came to my drinks?

Knowing I was out of reasons to delay, I bolted back the shot.

Liquid fire scalded my esophagus. It ignited a path down my throat and into my stomach where it settled for a moment before spreading. The lava snake dove into and through my veins, lighting up all my nerve endings before vanishing as quickly as it had come.

I wheezed.

Connor gave my shot glass a thoughtful look as Caroline and Natalia started cackling. Jenna looked on in wonder.

“Are you trying to kill me?” I gasped, barely able to speak. “What the hell did you put in this?”

There was a satisfied tilt to Dahlia’s lips. “A little bit of this and that. It probably won’t kill you. Though it may make you impervious to fire for the next twenty-four hours.” The corners of Dahlia’s eyes crinkled. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“Gratitude isn’t the foremost thought in my mind,” I responded through gritted teeth.

More like terror that I’d done irreparable harm to my insides.

“It will be before long,” Dahlia murmured, the enigmatic, distant look in her eyes sobering me.

My irritation faded at the weight I sensed behind her words.

“Is there something you need to tell me?” I asked, cautiously. This wouldn’t be the first time Dahlia had given me something that had later saved my life.

Natalia’s humor faded as she and Connor studied the djinn, sensing the same thing I did.

The interaction went over Jenna and Caroline’s head as they watched us in confusion.

“Not at this time, I think,” Dahlia said, her gaze still directed inward as if she was looking at something only she could see. “Maybe later.”

I didn’t know what else to do but nod.

Dahlia was a patchwork quilt of secrets. A riddle wrapped in an enigma with a side helping of mystery.

Pushing too much would only backfire.

“But you might eventually,” I asked carefully.

Her head tilted before she inclined her chin. “If it becomes necessary.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a ribbon of smoke drift down from the ceiling. It curled toward a group of laughing women, circling them. A tendril dipped to brush against one woman’s hair.

A rumbling sound, close to a snarl, came from Dahlia. The smoke froze under her sharp glance.

Scant seconds passed before it withdrew, beating a retreat toward the ceiling.

“Forgive me,” Dahlia said, exasperation showing as the smoke ribbon’s companions clustered around it like it had just been dressed down by the big boss. “I have something pressing to attend to. I’ll return in a bit.”

There was a chorus of “awws” from Caroline and Jenna as Dahlia glided back to the bar.

“Next time, we should go somewhere she won’t be distracted by work,” Jenna suggested.

I looked at her askance. “Should we now?”

Jenna held my gaze stubbornly with her own as she grabbed Connor’s glass and drained the last few drops for liquid courage. She set it down, fire in her eyes. “You heard what I said.”

“I love how you’ve taken to inviting yourself to all future Girl’s Nights,” I teased, not really upset about the fact. From what I’d seen, she fit right in with this bag of crazies. If that was the case, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad letting her hang around.

“I don’t need your invitation, because I already have one,” Jenna said with a smug expression at the surprise on my face. “We discussed it when you were late.”

I looked at Caroline in accusation, knowing she was the most likely instigator.

Her smile was evil.

“Laugh all you want, buttercup,” I warned. “Vengeance is coming.”

Caroline clutched her hands at her heart, pretending to be terrified before bursting into laughter.

I shook my head, snagging the lemon drop Dahlia had left for me and taking a sip. “Such an asshole.”

Caroline slung an arm around my shoulder and squeezed me. “You know you love it.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” I planted a hand on her face and shoved her away from me.

Jenna laughed as she gathered the table’s glasses and rose. “I’m going to procure us more beverages.”

“I’ll help,” Caroline offered, already scooting her chair back.

Jenna nodded an agreement.

I caught Caroline’s arm, holding her back as Jenna threaded her way through the tables to the bar.

When she was out of ear shot, I sent Caroline a serious look. “What are you doing? You, of all people, know how dangerous it is to take this world lightly.”

I’d asked her a favor once that ended with her getting caught in the crossfire. Her association with me got her turned into a demon tainted werewolf. It had worked out in the end, and she was happy now, but it was a long road getting here.

I don’t think I could handle something similar happening to Jenna or anyone else in my family.

Caroline’s features softened. “I do, but she’s lonely and she misses her sister.”

I drew back, not knowing what to say to that.

Caroline punched me on the shoulder, breaking the heavy mood we’d fallen into. “Besides, I consider her a baby sister too. I’m not going to let anything happen to her.”

She sauntered away before I could tell her that life didn’t always obey our wishes.

“I like the human,” Natalia mused. “She’s uncomplicated. That’s rare in our world.”

Connor sipped my martini, making sure to hold himself apart from the conversation while still keeping an eye on things.

“Why do you think I’m so worried?” I told Natalia.

Jenna was a baby rabbit in a zoo of predators. In that situation, it was the rabbit who usually got eaten.

“You worry too much.” Natalia stretched out her legs under the table. “The bar is neutral ground. No one is going to mess with a normal.”

“It’s when she’s out there that’s the problem.” I tipped my chin toward the door and the world beyond.

Dahlia’s protection didn’t extend beyond those doors. Being seen with me put Jenna in danger. Someone could follow her and do all the things I was worried about before I ever knew.

Natalia peeled the wrapper off her beer bottle. “I don’t have humans close to me. Everyone in my family belongs to this world. But I do know family is important. They’re worth the risk.”

“And if someone hurts her?”

Natalia’s gaze was piercing. “You destroy them.” She lifted her beer in toast. “I’ll help.”

“Same for me,” Connor added. A faint smile lit his face when I looked at him. “I’m quite good at ripping hearts from chests.”

“I’m aware,” I said dryly.

In fact, I couldn’t forget.

“Just so you remember,” Connor said with a nod.

“Thanks, bro.” I grabbed my martini glass from him and tipped it in salute. “You’ll be the first one I call should I need any organs separated from a chest.”

Connor missed my sarcasm.

Natalia didn’t.

My eyes narrowed as I studied her with interest. Tonight’s gathering could work in my favor after all.

“What?” she asked with sudden wariness.

“I heard hunters were in the city,” I said, trying for casual and probably failing. “You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

Maybe I couldn’t do anything about Dominick’s presence, but the hunters were a different story. The flock went everywhere and saw everything. Most never noticed them. Partly because of their magic but also because they never thought to check the skies.

Honestly, harpies would make excellent informants if not for the fact they only worked for themselves.

“I may have heard something,” Natalia said slowly. “Why do you ask?”

Connor was intent on me, his gaze asking what I was up to. I shook my head, telling him to wait.

He settled back with a watchful frown.

Natalia didn’t miss the interchange, observing everything with a raptor’s intent focus. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with them burning your home down, would it?”

I started to shake my head before rethinking my answer. “Maybe a little.”

But it wasn’t the whole reason.

There was something deeper about their presence here. I needed to know what it was before it got someone close to me killed. Natalia had a grip on the pulse of the city and would be able to tell me if there was anything suspicious about their movements.

At the very least, it didn’t hurt to keep an eye on things.

“Hunters are dangerous. You shouldn’t get mixed up with their lot,” Natalia warned.

“I’m very much aware of that.”

I didn’t realize until Natalia’s gaze dropped that I was rubbing the place where I’d been shot by a hunter.

“I guess you do,” Natalia said with a wry expression that turned serious a second later. “I’m surprised they went after you.”

“Why is that?”

“Hunters can be broken into two groups. Those born—or made. Most only go after spooks who prey on humans.” Natalia pulled a face. “And as everyone knows, you’re not exactly predatory.”

I frowned. “The woman who attacked me was new to this world. I’m pretty sure I was her first target.”

I was partially the reason for her introduction to all things spook related. She may have been on the cusp prior to our meeting, but it was her interaction with me that pushed her over the edge.

“Did she have their mark?” Natalia pointed to a spot located between her pointer finger and thumb on the back side of her hand. “A bow with a nocked arrow? If so, she was inducted by another hunter who should have explained the rules.”

“Why would they care?”

In their eyes, we probably looked like monsters. Humans weren’t exactly accepting of those different than themselves.

“Self-preservation,” Connor answered. “In the past, their kind were less picky about their targets and would kill anyone who wasn’t fully human. Several supernatural species banded together to hunt them down.”

Natalia nodded. “A lot of hunter-born family lines were wiped out as a result. They limit themselves to the worst of our kind to avoid another culling.”

“Then why target me?”

“That’s the question on everyone’s mind,” Natalia answered.

I could think of one reason—my connection with Thomas. If true, we had much bigger issues. It meant someone was working with the hunters and had been for a long time. Aiming them at their targets for personal gain.

I had a good suspicion of who it was, too.

“Any idea on where they’re staying?”

Natalia rubbed her jaw, looking like she didn’t want to answer. I waited patiently, hoping she’d reconsider.

“I take it you know about the attack on several vampire clans last night,” she said in resignation. Seeing my nod, she sighed. “A couple of the flock spotted a few men they thought were hunters near our roost around sundown. We cleared out pretty fast after that so I don’t know if they’re still there.”

It wasn’t much, but it was a lead.

“Aileen, I’m not kidding. Hunters are dangerous and tricky.” Natalia’s expression was serious. “Be careful.”

“Always.”

Natalia pushed to her feet with a shake of her head that made it clear she didn’t believe me. “I wish you luck.”

Connor waited until she ambled over to the bar and the other two before leaning forward. “What are you doing?”

“Just a little information gathering.”

He sent me a warning frown that said I wasn’t fooling him. “You’re not hunting the hunters.”

I tried for my best innocent look. “I never said I planned to.”

Connor looked unconvinced.

“But—” I folded my arms on the table and shot him a sly smile. “A little reconnaissance never hurt anyone.”

Before he could respond, movement near the bar jolted me out of my playful mood.

I climbed to my feet. “Bad Caroline—no giving Jenna a boost.”

Caroline froze in the act of lifting my sister onto the bar top. The two gave me a guilty look while Natalia gazed on in amusement.

“Climb faster,” Caroline hissed as I stalked toward them.

I rushed forward. “Don’t you dare.”

Jenna clambered onto the bar, landing on all fours. She scuttled away, knocking over several beer bottles and glasses in an attempt to avoid me.

Her human speed wasn’t a match for my vampire one as I reached for her waist.

Caroline wrapped me in a hug and pulled me away from the bar before I could grab her. “Go, Jenna! Be free and young!”

I fought for my own freedom, yanking at Caroline’s arms as I twisted. The werewolf didn’t budge.

Music turned on somewhere.

“Not you too,” I moaned, finding Dahlia with one hand on the volume button and a microphone in her other.

She shrugged. “My customers are in the mood for some entertainment.”

Jenna finally succeeded in making it to her feet. Dahlia tossed her the microphone.

“See—look how much fun we’re having,” Caroline crooned.

I elbowed her in the stomach, a fierce gratification filling me at her pained grunt. “You put my drunk-off-her-ass sister on display in a room full of people who can eat her. I wouldn’t call this fun.”

Stressful was more like it.

Caroline’s answering squeeze nearly crushed my ribs, drawing a faint gasp of protest from me. She startled, her grip relaxing.

Connor was there in the next second, extracting me from her grasp and depositing me on his opposite side. He sent her a cool look that made guilt appear on her face.

“Sorry, Lena,” she said. “I’m still trying to get used to my strength.”

Connor’s nod was forgiving. “That’s understandable given your age. If Aileen was stronger, it wouldn’t be a concern.”

“Hey!”

“Am I wrong?”

I sucked in a strangled breath of insult. That asshole. I’d show him who was weak.

I punched him in the arm. It was a good hit. Solid with a meaty thwack. Granted, it didn’t contain my entire strength, but it was enough to prove I wasn’t a fainting damsel in distress.

Connor arched an arrogant eyebrow at the spot I’d just hit. “Was that supposed to hurt?”

Jenna finished up her song to a room of applause. Natalia replaced her, stalking the length of the bar like it was a catwalk. There was a swing to her hips and an arrogance on her face that drew whistles and cheers.

Caroline caught me as I flung myself at Connor.

“Let me go, Caro,” I snarled, still struggling to reach my vampire brother. “He has it coming.”

“Yes, he does,” Caroline soothed. “But I don’t think you fighting with him will leave the right impression with Jenna.”

I sagged. Damn it, she had a point.

“Fine, but this isn’t over,” I told Connor.

“I look forward to your attempt at retribution, dearest sister.”

Someone was getting a little arrogant. I’d have to see about taking him down a few notches.

Connor’s tiny smile let me know he was looking forward to it.

“Such an appetite for violence,” a feminine voice purred. “It’s good to see you inherited something from our family line.”

Connor had gone still and unmoving across from me, an unhappy expression on his face.

“Callie,” I said, turning to face the newcomer with a strained smile. “I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

Or maybe that was just what I’d been hoping.

“If you’re not careful, I’m going to think you’re not happy to see me,” Callie teased with a watchful gaze that saw straight through me

A medusa, Calliope’s snakes were glamoured to look like corkscrew curls tonight with a dozen hues woven throughout. Everything from bronze to blond to darker auburns. Her lips were painted a vivid red, making me think of a venomous snake who used bright colors to lure prey in.

“I’d never be that rude.”

Mostly because she could turn me to stone with a glance.

“Such a sweet niece,” Callie murmured with a sly pout.

A soft gasp came from behind me. I twisted to find Jenna frozen in place, shock and something like betrayal on her face.

“You found your father?” Jenna asked.

Hurt was already forming on her features. It wasn’t the fact I’d found my bio dad but rather the knowledge that I’d chosen to keep it from her.

“I—” I broke off with a panicked look in Callie’s direction.

“You must be Jenna, Aileen’s sister.” Callie stepped into the strained silence, offering Jenna her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you that I feel like I already know you.”

Not from me, she hadn’t.

I was a little concerned someone from my father’s extended family had done enough research into my background to know the names of my family members.

Jenna sensed my tension, shooting me a quick glance in question.

I forced a stiff smile. “Jenna, this is Calliope.” I paused. “My aunt.”

Fae reproduction was strange. In my father and his siblings’ case, they sprung from Noctessa’s first king who’d basically dreamed them into being. I wasn’t sure if that meant they were related on a genetic level since magic was such a mixed bag, but it was close enough.

Callie beamed as Jenna accepted her hand. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting Aileen’s other family.”

Caroline nudged my side in a reminder to stay calm.

Yes, that was a good idea. Mustn’t let too much show or who knew what would happen.

“Don’t be too angry with Aileen,” Callie said. “Our family only tracked her down a short while ago. She was quite an unexpected discovery. I’m afraid we still haven’t been able to reunite her with her father as he’s been missing since shortly after her birth.”

Jenna’s gaze snapped to me. “Is that true?”

Reluctantly, I looked away from Callie to nod.

Technically, my father had been MIA for years. As far as Callie and her siblings were concerned anyway.

No longer, though.

Callie and her siblings weren’t aware I’d met him in the time since. My bio dad had enemies who wouldn’t hesitate to use his much weaker daughter as a means to draw him out of hiding.

I couldn’t trust the children of the first Noctessa king either. That much was clear. One of my dad’s siblings had already tried to use me. Until I had a better grasp of the situation, I was keeping his reappearance to myself.

“Lena, I’m so sorry,” Jenna whispered. “You should have told me.”

Her sympathy made me hate myself a tiny bit as I shook my head and lied. “I planned to. I just wanted to process things first.”

Jenna looked a little emotional as she swiped at her face, trying to hide her teary eyes. “I’m sure you two have a lot to talk about. I’ll get us some drinks.” Forgetting the fact that she’d already used that excuse once, she started away before pausing to jerk her head at Caroline and Connor. “Why don’t you join me?”

A human ordering around a werewolf and vampire was a little comical. Especially given Connor’s reluctant expression as Jenna tugged at his arm, forcing his compliance.

“I like your sister; I didn’t think I would,” Callie remarked, waving goodbye.

My smile vanished. “Cut the crap. What are you doing here?”

Callie studied the harpy strutting along the bar. “You keep interesting company.”

Natalia’s glamour had faded, allowing the shadow of her wings to flare behind her. Humans would assume it was a trick of the light, but the supernaturals in the room knew the truth.

“According to human mythology, harpies and medusas come from the same pantheon. In reality, our origins are night and day.”

“Is that why you’re here? To discuss ancestry?”

Callie’s expression was rueful. “I’m afraid not.”

“I’m listening.”

I braced myself.

“Have you seen your father?” Callie asked with an expectant gaze.

The question felt like it came out of nowhere.

“As you told Jenna, he’s missing.”

“Lying to a Fae is unwise,” Callie warned. “We don’t like it.”

Which was why I’d been very careful in my choice of words. Nothing I’d said could be considered a true lie. More like a misdirection, if anything.

It was a little trick I’d picked up from my Fae clients during my courier days. Deception was okay as long as you didn’t stray into outright falsehood.

I was adept at riding that line.

“I never lied,” I told her.

Rather than anger, Callie looked proud. “Very good, little niece. You’re learning.” Before I could relax, she continued. “We’ll try this again. Have you seen your biological father since returning from Noctessa?”

Damn. A direct question.

There was no room for obfuscation either. Lying carried consequences. So did not lying.

Choices, choices.

Before I could make my decision, the door of the bar was thrown open. Silence fell as a man staggered inside.

He pointed back the way he’d come, hysteria making him difficult to understand as he repeated over and over again. “It killed him. He’s dead. The devil ate him.”