Page 23

Not that the earlier incessant barking had been scary. More like annoying, to be honest.

Wyldfire gave the werewolf a bored look and did not stop purring. Aw, see, I could be her protector, too.

The fluffy werewolf barked again and wagged his tail. He was trying to tell us something, except, well, we didn’t speak werewolf. At least, I didn’t. “What’s he trying to say?”

“No clue,” River said with a headshake. He pointed at the open door and addressed the little fluffball. “Go home and shift back and get dressed.”

With his tail once again between his stubby little legs, the tiny werewolf trotted away.

“Do you know if Asmoday will let me keep her at the B&B?” I asked without taking my gaze off the most adorable cat in the entire world. I was really starting to warm to this town. First, I’d bonded with Daruka, now I had my very own familiar. Oh, and I hadn’t sent the resident phoenix to a fiery albeit temporary death.

Hashtag winning.

River shrugged. “I don’t see why not. But if he won’t, I’m happy to take care of her if she needs to stay here.” He pointed over his shoulder. “I live just over there.”

I decided not to point out that, for the moment, I lived directly across the street and could wander over here just as easily as he could. For whatever reason, it seemed important for him to have access to my familiar.

The idea didn’t bother me like I expected it to.

River glanced at the windows. “Asmoday’s welcome feast is going to start soon. If, ah, you need to get ready. Or whatever.” He was suddenly as awkward as someone going on their first date.

It was far too adorable for my liking.

Reluctantly, I placed Wyldfire on the floor. It would probably be best if I asked permission to keep her in my rented room before actually moving her over there. “I’ll come get you after the party,” I promised.

She sat on her haunches and began methodically cleaning herself. Guess she was okay with that plan.

River hadn’t moved.

I rubbed my palms down the front of my shorts. “Well, I guess I’ll go.”

He still didn’t move. For a moment, I could clearly see him, shifting into his phoenix form, spreading those majestic wings, and flying away, his beautiful birdsong floating back to me on the wind.

It was all in my head. When I blinked again, he was still standing there pretending to be a statue.

Finally, I turned away and trudged back across the street. What was I expecting? Him to ask me to be his date to my own welcome party? I didn’t want that.

Did I?

There were no drunken guests stumbling around knocking over furniture. No fistfights because somebody cheated at cards.

No drapes caught on fire.

Arrythmia, Texas, gatherings were nothing like my family gatherings in New Orleans, it turned out.

I was thrilled.

Hilde the harpy kept spreading her arms and gliding over to the platter of smoked meats, glancing around furtively, and then snatching a chunk before rushing back to the other side of the yard.

There was more than enough smoked meat to go around, for the record. And no one was stopping Hilde from piling as much as she wanted onto a plate so she wouldn’t have to keep doing the weird thieving bird thing.

The wraith hovered near the counter where a variety of wines and liquors had been laid out for guests to help themselves. After someone made themselves a drink, he’d move into their path so they’d accidentally walk through him.

According to Daruka, walking through a wraith was the equivalent of an ice bath with a few dark thoughts stirred into the mix. The person with the drink generally hated the experience, but it was the only way the wraith could enjoy liquid spirits.

I squinted. His wavering had become far more pronounced.

Guess the trick was working.