Page 13 of Bewitching the Wolf

I groan inwardly. How am I going to survive the evening with his cheesy comments and that moony grin? He’s had a crush on me for a while, and I’ve never encouraged him before. But if I’m honest, this was about word getting back to Jax.

Petty, I know.

I’ve done nothing wrong, I remind myself sternly. And I’ll have fun with Larry. I’ll make sure he knows I’m not in the market for anything by explaining that I’m still in the first year of my wixen training. That way he won’t get any ideas, and then I’ll head home early.

It’ll be just fine, I reassure myself as we head across the square to Bait and Tackle.

The markets are closing up, the stalls being packed down. I can see the lights of the new venue clearly. A sailing boat sign, bobbing on waves.

When we walk through the doors, the place is understandably busy, humming with a mix of monsters shouting and squealing above the beat of the music.

I do feel out of place here, since everyone is dressed up, while I’m still in my Digger’s uniform. I push my wavy red hair behind my ears. I am wearing my glittery earrings today, but that was coincidental. Still, they’re real pretty so I might as well show them off.

“What will you have to drink?” Larry puts out a big hand to help me onto a bar stool. Jeesh, he is huge. I imagine him kissing me with those thick lips and big teeth and I shudder.

An unbidden image of Jax’s sensual mouth, those vivid green eyes and lean long limbs makes my pulse spike.

Damn him.

Tossing my head, I ask for a glass of white wine. Another thing I don’t do is drink, except at vixen-shifter festivals. But I’m suddenly feeling reckless.

“Here’s your wine,” Larry says, handing it to me.

“Ah, thanks.” I take it and cast my gaze around the venue. There’s a small live band playing. “Wow, this place is great. I came here with Digger before it opened to check out the competition. Luckily, we haven’t noticed much of a downturn.”

“As long as you stay working at Digger’s, you won’t lose any customers, sweetheart. Not this one, anyhow.” Larry grins and chinks his glass against mine.

I sit demurely, making sure my skirt isn’t riding up over my knees as I sip my drink.

Meanwhile, Larry talks. And talks. He has this annoying habit of asking you about yourself and then turning it around so he can monologue about his life.

“So, how are your muscle-strengthening elixirs selling?”

“Great,” I say. I’m about to elaborate when Larry butts in. “That’s good to hear, because my muscles sure need more help. I’ve been pumping iron for three months now and I’m not getting the girth I want.” He bends an elbow to show me his huge bicep.

“That’s impressive, Larry. I don’t think you need an elixir from me.”

“I need anything you’re willing to give me, sweetheart.” I stifle a grimace and stare into my glass. “So how’s your wixen training going?” Larry continues.

“Pretty good. I’m learning runes from the Red Book.”

Larry taps his nose. “I’ll let you in on a secret. We centaurs know how to read the runes. My Great Uncle Sam took a sneak peek at the Red Book at your Aunt Felicia’s apothecary. He reckons he could understand quite a few of them. He won’t share what he learned, mind you.”

Of course he won’t, I think to myself. So many species claim they can read the runes, that they can bring the magic back to the Labyrinth. It’s all hot air and petty rivalry.

I sigh inwardly. The evening has only just begun and already I am bored rigid.

I sit with my arm on the bar and pretend to listen as Larry talks. Meanwhile, my eyes stray to the dance floor.

I see a pixie being twirled around by a tall, rangy male. He’s dressed in black and his shiny dark hair touches his collar.

My heart lurches.

Is that Jax dancing with the pixie? If so, they’re looking super cozy.

Jealousy pierces my heart with such intensity I almost wince. That he could be with another woman. Well, why shouldn’t he? And a pixie would make sense. Pixies love wolves. Something about the size difference…

Pathetic.