“Are you willing to part with the recipe?”
I studied him. “Do you have the gift, Rowan?”
“Not quite like you do, my dear, but I do have nature magic. I’d love to talk shop one day.”
His energy was calm and friendly. I felt confident he wasn’t here to kill me. Just wasn’t sure about the other two. “I’d like that too.”
“Good.” Rowan walked away to continue browsing.
Halvar and Ethan’s heads were together, whispering in hushed voices. Ethan shook his head and stepped away.
“Not here, Halvar.” The command in his voice was absolute, but none of the Lords ruled over each other. They ruled over us.
Power rumbled in the room. I steeled myself and slowly spooled magic, preparing for a strike if I had to make one. I hadto ensure Moira, Tess, and Ash got out of here alive if things went sideways.
I glanced over at the dryad. He stood stock still, but he felt the same thing I did. Ash’s eyes glowed amber. He was not built for extended battle, but he could defend himself if need be. If Tess was forced to fight, her scream would destroy every piece of merchandise in the store, so I had to keep her from engaging.
Moira’s eyes flashed the bright green of her vampiric and witch nature. Claws slid from the edges of her fingers.
Halvar turned to face me. “Attack me at your own peril.” Violence shivered through his body as he watched us.
“No one is going to attack unless you do, Lord.” It shocked me that my voice was so steady.
“You are not what you seem, Evie Quinn.” His eyes pinned me in place. There was something about him that sent fear bleating through my veins. Every one of the Lords was terrifying, but none of them attacked with impunity. They were leaders first and enforced justice. But Halvar...he had violence etched on his bones.
I inclined my head. “No one is ever what another assumes they are, though I venture to guess I am not the only one, Lord. Joy Springs is full of magical talent and mixed blood.”
Halvar’s eyes flashed, a thin sheen of crimson rolling across his iris. The sight made me freeze. My eyes narrowed. A second later, his eyes were back to their normal icy pale color. Had I imagined it?
Chimera power rose within me, and I squashed it down so tight I had trouble breathing. Halvar was a threat to me. All the Shifter Lords were threats, but this one had chosen to antagonize me.
He’s trying to get you to react, I told myself. If you do, it will be a death sentence.
“Halvar,” Rowan snapped. “Tone it down.”
One side of the Lord’s lips tipped into a cruel smile. “One day, Evie Quinn, you and I will meet alone.”
My heart stopped. “Oh?” I smiled. “Is this your weird way of asking me out on a date?”
“Evie,” Rowan warned.
Fury snapped in Halvar’s eyes. He lifted his hand, and the bell over the door rang, announcing the presence of another Lord. This time, a familiar one.
Halvar dropped his hand and turned to greet the new arrival.
Caelan was a sight for sore eyes. Dressed in grey athletic pants and a fitted t-shirt that emphasized every muscle in his chest, he looked like sex on a stick. His eyes swept over me first, then the shop, before turning to the other Lords. “I came to see how it was going.” He frowned. “From the magic saturating the air, I don’t think we’re all going to be friends.”
Rowan snorted, the look on his face knowing. “Halvar and Evie are a little at odds for some reason, but Ethan and I are just fine.” The Lord looked down at his full hands. “Though my wallet won’t be by the time we get out of here.”
“Shop all you want,” I said, relief making my shoulders drop as Halvar stalked out of the shop.
No one spoke until the door closed behind him.
“Don’t take it personally. He hasn’t had a girlfriend in years.” Rowan winked and made one more trip to the register to set his next round of goods down.
But Caelan had turned and watched Halvar as he walked to the vehicle. “What happened?”
Rowan sighed. “Not sure.”
