Page 41 of Deadly Little Games

Here was hoping my visit wouldn’t bring her into my mess.

Crispin parked the car next to several others in the gravel lot in front of the tavern. The tavern itself was dark wood, matching the trees all around it. The rust-colored roof seemed to absorb the sunlight rather than reflecting it.

He shut off the engine, but nobody moved.

I undid my seatbelt, moving Ringo slightly aside as he peeked back out of my bag, glancing out the window at the trees. “Okay everyone, a few ground rules. The wolves are friendly enough. We were allowed across the border, so nobody’s going to question why we’re here.Butthey are going to be able to smell what you are. Each and every one of you. So they’re going to haveotherquestions.” I looked at Sebastian as I finished, “So be polite.”

He gave me that innocent look again.

Shaking my head, I waited for Gabriel to open his door. This was going to be a disaster.

Gabriel climbed out, then offered me his hand, which I tentatively took. The touch felt nice, safe and warm, with only the smallest hint of magic. It wasn’t so bad when emotions weren’t heightened, and I could tell he was doing all he could to lock his away. Instead of looking at me, he looked toward the tavern, and the familiar werewolf walking outside.

Braxton lit up as he saw me. “It’s about time!”

I released Gabriel’s hand. “You do know it takes hours to get out here, and you just called me this morning.”

He waved me off, then stopped short as Crispin and Elena both got out of the car. He gave Elena a nod, then looked Crispin up and down, but didn’t comment. His eyes lingered longer on Gabriel, probably because of his size.

I realized with a start that they hadn’t met. The only time Gabriel had come into my apartment, Ringo had given him the keys.

I introduced both Gabriel and Crispin, then as Sebastian came around the car to stand behind me, I added, “And of course, you’ve had the misfortune of meeting Sebastian.”

Braxton rubbed his hands together, seeming a little nervous. “You know Eva, when I told my mom you might be bringing a friend or two, I really didn’t expect…this.” His eyes flicked once more to Gabriel.

At least now I knew why Monica had actually let us in. “It’s a long story. I’ve had an… eventful morning.”

Elena snorted. “I’d call a battle to the death with fairies a little more than anevent.”

Braxton’s thick brows knitted together. “Please tell me she’s kidding.”

“A princessneverkids,” Crispin said jokingly, then laughed. “Trust me.”

“It’s actually fitting if what my mom has to tell you is true.” Braxton gave me a sad look. “Come on, I’ll buy you a beer.”

I followed him toward the entrance, letting the others line up behind me. “You know, your cousin is for some reason under the impression that I owehima beer.”

“You did tell him he couldn’t climb to the top of that tree.” Braxton held the door open for me.

“Yeah, and he couldn’t. It snapped as soon as he got to the top.”

Braxton laughed. “Yeah, he broke his arm, but hedidclimb to the top.”

Shaking my head, I walked into the tavern and was quickly enveloped by old memories. Though we’d lived in the city, Theresa had brought us out here most weekends. I had loved coming out to the woods. After losing my father, being around so many werewolves felt oddly safe. I had no parents, and no siblings, but the werewolves treated everyone like they were family.

I looked past the rough wood tables with a few werewolves all locking their eyes on us. Theresa stood behind the bar, refilling salt shakers. Her dark eyes lit up as she saw me. “Eva!” She hurried around the bar. She was looking older now, her loose purple dress skimming a bit of extra weight, and her dark brown hair now had more gray. But she moved like a woman half her age. Hells, she moved like a teenager. One of the benefits of being a pure blooded werewolf.

She gripped my arms as she reached me, sparing a glance for my strange group of companions. Ringo wiggled out of my bag, looking boldly up at her.

“Oh!” She leaned down in front of him. “What a charming creature.”

“This is Ringo.” I took a moment to introduce everyone else, but she seemed more interested in the tiny goblin that had now scurried up to my shoulder to get a better look around.

She beamed at him for a moment longer, then turned knowing eyes back to me. “You feel different, Eva. What have you been up to?”

My cheeks burned as I dutifully avoided looking at any of the guys. “How much did Braxton tell you?”

She gripped my arm. “Not enough.” She looked at Braxton. “Find a table and make sure our guests are comfortable. Eva is coming back to the kitchen with me.” She hesitated, glancing once more at Ringo. “Can he speak?”