“Which means it’s even more important to impart this necessary lesson. We don’t put up with bullies or strong arm tactics.” I ruffled his hair. “Right?”
“This is not kindergarten,” Ash growled. He wiggled away and glared. “He will kill you. Caelan isn’t known for his soft heart, Evie. He is a predator.”
I didn’t speak for a long moment, but when I did, it was with conviction. “And you forget, Ash, so am I.”
Silence fell. Ash’s eyes widened, tears filling their mossy green depths. “Maybe,” he said softly. “But if you die, it will break our hearts.” He shook his head and wandered to the back of the shop.
Tess let out a little moan and floated after him. Moira plopped her chin on her hands and watched me. “I’m not going to ask you if you’re sure about this again.”
“Thanks,” I said dryly.
Moira laughed. “He’s not wrong. None of us understand why you’re trying to yank the shifter’s tail.”
“He’s the one who asked for a display of power.”
“Yes,” Moira drawled, “so do something bland and generic that still showcases your talent. Caelan doesn’t need to know how powerful you are.”
“He won’t. My Floromancy is completely separate from the other.”
“It is,” she agreed, “but I’ve been on this earth for many, many years and I’ve met quite a few Floromancers. None of them are like you.”
“It’s still flowers and not mauling men to death.”
Moira straightened and threw her hands up. “I can see you’re past reason on this one. If this is what you think is best, then I’m with you.” My friend didn’t sound angry, only resigned.
I wasn’t sure at all, but I wanted him to know I wasn’t someone to be trifled with. If he kept coming at me, I was afraid of what I might do.
“I don’t want him to pressure us again. We’re busy enough without wondering if the Shifter Lord is going to come and destroy our business.”
“He could do that any time he wanted to,” Moira said gently. She came out from behind the register and brought me into ahug. “But since you’ve given me the go ahead to leave early, I’ll leave you to it.” She grabbed her purse. “Try to stay alive.”
“I didn’t say you could leave this early!”
On her way to the door, Moira winked. “Oh, you didn’t? I couldn’t hear you over the sound of your own self-superiority.”
A surprised laugh bubbled from me. The bell over the door rang, and Moira slipped out. “Asshole!” I called.
Her cackling laugh trailed away.
Ash and Tess closed up shop, neither of them saying much before they left. Once the last light flipped off, Tess floated over and hugged me.
“Be careful,” she said in her high, ethereal voice.
“Always. Have fun tonight.”
Tess’s pale cheeks colored. “It’s just taco night,” she insisted.
“I know. But remember, where there are tacos, there are margaritas.”
Tess snorted and waved me away. Ash stopped by the front door and watched.
I lifted a hand in farewell, but he didn’t return it. Regret curdled in my stomach. “Ash, everything will be okay. I promise.”
He made a derisive sound in his throat. “Among all your other abilities, you’re suddenly psychic now?”
Hurt, I blinked away the tears stinging my eyes.
“Ash,” Tess said, a warning note in her voice.
