I frowned. "That sounds like an excellent idea." My mind whirred, then I remembered Tanni. She’d been a roommate in college and she’d studied microbiology, going on to get her doctorate with a dissertation on targeting viral proteins. We had lunch a few times a year, since she’d founded her own little research company and I gave her tips on PR. In exchange, she gave me jars of preserves from her cousin’s farm. Best blackberry jam ever.
"I have an old friend who may be able to help. I'll contact her when I go back home." I was pretty sure the challenge would have her on my doorstep within a week. And she was one of the best in her field. It was worth a shot, as Reynard had said.
"I was really surprised to see you do a destructive spell like that." Bran's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I looked at him. "It was really impressive."
I shrugged. "I just did what came naturally."
"It must've been the adrenaline." Bran smiled. "Your magic feels more like persuasion. It's gentle. I wouldn't have bet on you to create fireballs."
"I've always been an overachiever," I said dryly. "Why not in this as well?"
He nodded toward the goblins on the couch. "Even though you've had no training, they dropped their illusions when you commanded."
I sat back in the recliner and pondered his words. He was right. They hadn't even questioned me. Who was I to come in and demand anything of them? I was nobody, especially to the goblins.
Maybe I had a bit of persuasion power after all.
Huh. Cool.
12
ANDROMEDA
I'd like to meet.I promise, no magic, no deceit. We need to talk.
Turning the phone around, I showed the message to Bran. Reynard leaned over and read it as well, aloud, because private conversations were apparently not a fox thing.
The kitsune snorted. "Nope. Speaking as a professional at conning people, not a good idea. Would she say ‘I’m going to try to enchant you, Andy, please stop by?"
“Andromeda,” I corrected automatically.
“Yes, I assumed she’d try to make you feel smaller by calling you by a nickname. Basic manipulation never goes out of style.” He walked to a chair and flopped into it, to emphasize his words.
"I don't trust her," Christian said flatly. He leaned forward, resting his big hands on his knees, staring at me and Bran.
I met Bran's gaze. "What do you think?"
He hesitated, then sighed. "I think we should meet with her."
"Are you sure?" I asked. "She could be leading us into a trap."
He nodded. "Don't get me wrong. I don't trust her. Call her and let her know that I'll be coming with you."
"And me." Reynard glared, leaving no room for argument as Harry and Christian nodded behind him.
I smiled, a warmth kindling in my chest. I didn’t need protection, but the offer was nice.. "All right."
I called Eldora back, the warm feeling fading as my nerves jangled in my gut.
"Thank you for calling," she said immediately upon answering. "I'm glad you're willing to talk."
"I want to hear what you have to say," I replied. "But I'm not alone. Bran, Reynard, Harry, and Christian are with me." I took a breath but didn't let her get a word in. "If we meet, they'll come with me and it needs to be somewhere neutral." The twisted goblins had already proved they didn't care when and where they attacked, but better to have witnesses and space to maneuver if she tried something.
There was a brief pause. "That's fine. I'll meet you at Hollywood Lake Park in an hour."
She hung up before I could reply, and I looked at the others. "I guess we're going to Hollywood Lake Park."
I looked down at my shoes, sighing. They were never going to be the same after today.
