Page 41 of Burn of Obsidian

“Hey Grey,” she said with a short wave, the fence nodding at her.

“What are you doing here, sweet cheeks?” His smile was genuine, showing off his twin fangs. “Got something for me? Or you looking for Roach?”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you about the last job.”

Grey – not his real name – frowned. “What about it?” He wore his usual leather apron, the T-shirt beneath designed as if he lived in the medieval times, and not in the twenty-first century. She always wondered if he was once a blacksmith. Not that she knew his true age. Apparently, it was rude to ask.

“Actually I wanted to know whether you still have the document?” she asked.

“What?” His frown turned into a scowl, his dark brows pulling together. “No, that’s already exchanged hands.”

“Okay. Don’t suppose you have their name?”

“Why the fuck you asking that for?” Grey’s eyes hardened, and Thea’s stomach dipped at the sudden change. “You know the protocol.” He scanned the crowd behind her, voice dropping to a whisper as he yanked her closer. “You want to get us killed?”

Fuck.

“I’m just making conversation,” she added quickly, grunting as his fingers dug in hard enough to bruise. “I was in the market and thought I’d come say hello.”

Grey eyed her warily, and anxiety prickled beneath her skin.

“I was wondering if you were free later,” she continued. “You know, outside the market.”

“Outside?” Grey’s expression relaxed, and because she was a professional flirt, she fluttered her eyelashes and gently brushed along his arm until he released his grip. Her bones ached, and if she’d been human, he’d have likely broken them by mistake.

“We should get to know each other,” she said. “Especially if we’re going to work together more often now that Roach is training me.”

Grey crossed his arms as he studied her. “Look, you’re cute and all, but I don’t do girls.”

Shit. She should probably have known that.

“I was only asking as friends.” Thea’s forced smile turned into a grin. “Although, I know a guy who’s looking for a new boyfriend. Maybe I can introduce you?”

Grey narrowed his eyes. “What’s he look like?”

“Built like a mountain, blue eyes and has an attitude problem.”

“Just my type.” Grey’s upper lip twitched. “I’ll be at Blacklight tonight around ten. Bring your friend and I’ll text when I’m there. If he’s as hot as you say, I’ll see about getting us a private booth.”

Thea could barely contain her excitement. “Sounds great; I’ll see you later.”

She couldn’t wait to tell Jax he had a date. She could already imagine his stoic face cracking into a scowl. Which was delightful.

With a last wave, she turned away, the market already busier as she had to shove past the main crowd. Forcing herself to the corner, an ember of irritation sparked to life as she spotted the cages haphazardly stacked together. Only a couple were straight, the other tipped at whatever angle they’d landed on and left. They were one of the only things in the entire market that were metal, the gold and brass tarnished and uncared for.

A few years ago every cage would be full of pixies, or other creatures stolen from Asherah and sold as collectables or pets. Since the doorways had been shut by the courts several years ago, the cages had grown empty as hunting grew sparse. She’d heard there were still ways to travel through the veil between realms, but clearly not for the bitch who owned the stall.

Moving closer, she browsed like she was interested. The pixies inside hushed, terrified, and Thea very slowly brushed her fingers against the lock. The owner was too busy talking to a potential customer to notice, and Thea had yet to be caught.

Glitter tickled her nose, the pixies huddled together only slightly larger than her palm. They were supposed to be vibrant; instead, their iridescent wings were dulled and limp on their shoulders. Even their clothes were muted, fabric torn and dirty. Nothing compared to the pixies she knew who worked at the Three Headed Dog. Pixies were exceedingly rare, requiring more wild magic to survive than other Fae. Unless they had regular access to Asherah, or a strong enough substitute, they couldn’t survive.

The pixies cowered, and Thea turned just as one of the assistants came over.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” she asked, her smile revealing several rows of pointed teeth.

“Yeah, how much for one?” Anxiety scratched beneath her skin.

What the fuck was she doing?