He leaned forward, saying against my lips. "That I'm a little crazy too."
His lips were warm as he deepened the kiss.
"Now that we've settled that we're all a little crazy, what do we think about her?" Anton asked dryly, nodding toward the medusa.
I dropped onto my heels, leaning some of my weight against Liam as I studied Callie.
That was a good question.
Arlan's actions said she was powerful and important. His words before her arrival seemed to suggest she had some connection with the Scattered.
On the other hand, the Fae were tricky, fickle bastards. Arlan more than most. This could all be a red herring meant to lure me into an unwise course of action.
Red caps poured in from the doors, bearing weapons that they pointed at the newcomer.
"Oh? Are we going to play? I didn't know it was that type of party," she said in a honeyed tone.
Arlan flicked his fingers at his guards. "None of that now. Callie is a guest—a fashionably late one of course."
Her lips twisted up as her eyes twinkled. "Of course."
"You'll have to forgive them. They answer all threats to the barrow in a similar fashion."
The red caps withdrew several steps but didn't fade back into the barrow, instead watching the woman with caution and respect.
The red caps were the size of trolls, their bodies massive and built for war. The caps they wore on their head oozed fresh blood. For beings like these to be wary, it spoke to Callie’s dangerousness.
"Stay close," Liam warned.
"Do you know something I don't?"
"In ancient times the medusa acted as the private guards for royalty," Liam said. "Now, they're more known for their skills as assassins."
"Any idea who she is?" I asked.
"Strange as it might seem, we don't know every player in the spook world," Anton drawled.
"Just most of them," Nathan added with a cheeky grin.
I arched my eyebrows at Anton. "That seems like an oversight to me. You may want to fix that."
Anton's stare made it clear he was less than amused at my jab.
"My guess is assassin." Liam ignored the by play between us as he studied the medusa.
That certainly made Arlan's insinuation that she was part of the Scattered seem to fit.
"A hundred dollars she tries to kill and/or kidnap Aileen before the night is over," Nathan offered.
Anton's lips twitched and it was my turn to fix Nathan a dark look that deepened as he waggled his eyebrows at me.
"That's a given," Anton said. "It'd be better to place a bet on when it's likely to happen."
Nathan perked up with interest. "I'm listening."
Anton's gaze was assessing as he looked me over. "I'm betting the medusa attacks as soon as they come face-to-face."
I'd be insulted if I didn't know that was exactly the reaction Anton was going for.
