Before I can think of what else to say, Archer gives us a quick, casual bow of the head, and then he leaves. His cloak swishes over the snow drifts like a dark spell. The winter wind lifts his ebony hair. I don’t fight the sigh that leaves me. I want him to stay here, playing with Mossette and talking gently to me. I love looking into his dangerous red-brown eyes.
The inn’s door swings open wide and warm air that smells like freshly baked chocolate mint cookies welcomes me inside.
I truly hope Archer doesn’t go back to the bookshop and cause trouble. My stomach turns again. I wish I hadn’t lost control of my emotions in front of him. I should have focused on being grateful for the event despite the naysayers.
Mossette crawls to my shoulder as I make my way through the inn’s front room. Dew greets us with the cookies I smelled, and she fills me in on everyone who has checked in for the night.
“So nothing needs to be tidied?” I ask because yesterday the inn didn’t magically launder and replace the bed linens as usual for some yet-to-be-known reason.
“The innis taking care of everything nicely again. Aside from checking folks in and out, I haven’t had much to do at all.”
I scratch the underside of Mossette’s chin and her purr grows loud against my ear. “I wonder why the inn was agitated yesterday.”
“Is it tied to your emotions now that you’re the owner?” Dew asks.
“Possibly. I heard it could be that way. I guess I had better go enjoy these cookies and have a nice cup of tea by my fire so both the inn and I are happy!”
“I like the way you think, boss.”
“Are you off for the night then?” I ask her.
“Aye. Thanks! See you in the morning.”
I wave to Dew and head up the stairs. Mossette is fully asleep and sliding off my shoulder by the time I get to my door. I let her fall into the crook of my arm and reach for the door when a strange tingling erupts across my chest.
I drop back a step and Mossette wakes.
She jumps down and meows at my feet, obviously concerned. I tug my corset and dress down a bit to see if I have a rash or some sort of crumbs between my breasts…
Oh no.
It can’t be. I hardly know him.
I hurry into my room, Mossette at my heels, and slam the door. With trembling fingers, I unlace my corset, wiggle it off, then stand in front of my mirror. Easing my dress down farther, I can easily see my new accessory, so to speak. Sweat beads on my upper lip. A thrill of desire shoots down my spine despite the madness of this.
I have a mate mark.
And when I study the shape of it, I am certain who Fate believes I should be with.
Chapter 15
Archer
Iwalk quickly back to the bookshop, feeling angrier than I have in ages. How dare someone act unkindly to Colette? Yes, I’m grumpy with her sometimes, but acting mean to that darling person? It’s unthinkable. I realize the draft isn’t ready for public consumption, but still, to insult her at her own event? My fingers curl into fists. My fangs prick my lower lip as I growl quietly. I am Hungry, so I should be headed into the forest, but I can’t leave this alone. I will not let it stand.
A few folks mill around the part bookshop, part library’s entrance. The scent of old books and cookies reaches my nose, an aroma that usually calms me, but it can’t touch my rage right now.
I don’t know who hurt Colette, so I’m going tohave to do some research. Lysandra is talking to a goblin female and two humans across the table-filled area up front. I weave through the chairs and interrupt with a nod of apology.
“I’m sorry to break in here, but I have an urgent question for you, Lysandra. May I have a minute?”
Lysandra blinks, her gaze snagging on my fisted hands. I loosen my fingers and attempt a less violent expression.
“What is it, Archer? Is Colette okay?”
“She is, but I’m not. Someone, or someones, were speaking poorly about her at the event. Do you know who?”
The faun tilts her head. “Why?”
