“Okay, well, Grampa Joe aside”—I wiped my forehead free of perspiration, the humidity pretty intense— “get in the air and summon the gargoyles and shifters. We’re all invited to spend the night.”
“Aye, aye, mistress.” He stripped off his muumuu and turned.
I shook my head. “Not him, too,” I drew out.
Dan, their lead enforcer, was waiting to lead us to town in his beat-up Bronco, and we fell in line. Exiting the woods, we entered a small, thriving community that was vastly different from the depressing town at the bottom of the mountain. This settlement boasted cute walkways and cobblestone roads that wound through shops and cafes and little eateries.
Outside the main hub, modest houses dotted both sides of the street. Kids ran and played with abandon, and watchful residents slowed as our progression passed.
“They’re wary of strangers,” Austin remarked, earning a grunt of agreement from Broken Sue. “I’m wondering about these secrets of his.”
Roads intersected and spiderwebbed, evidence of the town’s growth and the builders’ planning. About a mile in, we turned into a small cul-de-sac backed by the woods. The houses here, though smaller than some we’d passed, were cute and boasted flowers, porches, and rocking chairs.
“Remind me to tell Niamh that she is not allowed to throw rocks at people,” I said, and then held up a finger. “Or start bar fights, assuming this place has a bar.”
“If it doesn’t, she’ll probably take a trip down to the dive bar in the dead town,” Austin replied.
That was probably true. It wouldn’t take long with wings.
“I don’t want to go,” Sebastian quipped. “If she decides to go bar hoping, let me know so I can hide.”
I grinned. He’d accompanied her on a mage-finding mission near Kingsley’s territory. He’d been badgered and hadn’t forgotten it. She no doubt remembered it, too, and would probably try to bring him along for sport.
Dan stopped and climbed from the SUV.
“Alphas,” he said, striding up to the Jeep. “You have the option of taking a house here with your people, or we have a larger establishment nearer downtown. We don’t have the wealth you’re used to, but the furnishings are in good taste.”
“Here is great, thank you,” Austin said respectfully.
Dan nodded. “You are welcome to dine in any establishment downtown, the alpha’s treat. If you would rather cook something yourself, you can find everything you need in one of the shops downtown. The alpha’s treat, of course. You’ll find the information for tonight in the houses. Please call the number listed with any questions.”
We said goodbye to him and settled into one of the houses, along with Nessa and Sebastian, as we had in Kingsley’s territory. No one here had expressed any animosity toward the mages, but it was better to err on the side of caution.
Mr. Tom was not amused.
“I call bottom!” Nessa shouted, checking out the bedroom. There were only two, and one had a bunkbed.
“You always call bottom, and I always let you, and then Ialwaysfall out of the top bunk,” Sebastian groaned, lugging in his suitcase.
“Yes.” Nessa appeared at the end of the hall. “And Ialwayslaugh.”
He frowned at her but didn’t complain, dragging his suitcase that way.
“Yes, sir, we all know you like your independence,” Mr. Tom told Austin, who was handling his own luggage and mine, “but you are still healing. You really do need to focus a little more on the important things. Moonlighting as a bellboy is not one of them. This is beyond the pale.”
Nessa stopped in the hallway and pointed at Austin. “I am famished. Are you well enough for me to spank you in a cooking competition or shall I just make you the best dish you’ve ever tasted in your life?”
Austin smirked, and then laughed, stopping to put down the bags.
“Finally.” Mr. Tom scoffed at him before collecting the bags and starting down the hall, grumbling to himself.
“I’m plenty fine to whip up something,” Austin said, “as long as it is Jess’s favorite. She’s pulling double duty with healing right now.”
“It’s fine.” I waved it away, but yes, I was tired. I needed a little relaxation time.
“You’re on!” Nessa paused and then switched her point to me. “What is your favorite?”
7
