Jesus Christ.I didn’t even know they could do that! Or that there were so many in our walls . . .
Slowly, I raised my hands up in surrender, backing away.
“Can we talk about this first?” I blathered with a cringe.
The little Brownie army spread out, readying to strike.
Pudge shot up like a bolt of lightning, wedging himself between me and the Brownie brigade.
The electrifying energy—their power—instantly snuffed out. A hundred tiny eyes transfixed on Pudge, mouths gaping. One by one, little wings and bodies bent over, bowing.
What the—?Had I missed something?
Pudge’s small blade was unsheathed, one I hadn’t even seen him hiding. His expression was unyielding, hard as rock as he stared them down. Dagger raised, he pointed to me, then swooped it around the room gesturing. An unspoken conversation passed between them.
One Brownie flew forward, abruptly nodding, then let out a high-pitch whistle. In an instant, they darted back to the hole, piling in as quickly as they’d come. When the last one vanished, a pair of gold earrings skittered across the floor.
I stilled. Brain stuttering. Not believing what had just happened.
Pudge lowered, hovering midair next to me.
“I—” My mouth couldn’t even form words. “What—” My hand motioned around the room, stupefied.
A huge smile stamped on his rosebud mouth. He shot me a cryptic wink.
I’d only ever known Pudge as the little, adorable troublemaker. I’ve never seen this side of him—commanding, fierce, almostregal. Like a little king protecting his realm.
Flash!The world burst white.
I thought he’d left, until—poof!He was back again, raising a clenched fist up to my face. Little chubby fingers unfurled, revealing a pink, powdery substance. The little cupid’s bow above his mouth puckered as he blew a cloud of dust over me. The glittery mess swallowed me whole.
I coughed, trying to expel whatever drug he cast over me.
“What the hell, Pudge!” I yelped, fanning the air.
A squeaky giggle echoed as he planted a kiss to my cheek. Another flash, and he was gone.
That little?—
My heart stilled as I caught my reflection in the mirror. Stubborn hair was now woven into a gorgeous updo. The earrings dangled from my ears, and the dress lookedexquisite. No trace of wrinkles or powder. The deep-red silk shimmered even more in the light. Gold ruffles beneath the leg slit glistened like petals uncurling with each step.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The knocking turned urgent, violent even.
Damn it.I’d almost forgotten Finley.
I rushed to the front door, ripping it open.
“I am so,sosorry, Fin. I—” The words shriveled up in my mouth.
No, not Finley.
Pogue.
He looked like he’d ran here in a fury, chest heaving, knuckles red.
A rush of warmth brushed my cheeks.Stop it.
