Page 48 of Outnumbered

He nodded. “They’re tougher than your human skin so the rock wouldn’t hurt as much.”

Looking around his shoulder I saw he was right, the others had shifted their bare human feet into their animal’s paws.

Riddick stepped forward and pushed open the café door, holding it so we could walk inside.

The café owner, Misty, a sweet older woman with bushy grey hair frowned at us. “Is everything alright, Your Highness?”

“I apologize for our appearance, Misty, but would you allow us to sit at a table while we wait for our driver?” Caleb asked and set me down on my feet.

“Of course, please, sit. Would you like something to eat or drink?” she asked and wiped off her hands on a towel.

“No, our ride should be here momentarily. Our wallets are also indisposed right now. Thank you for your hospitality.”

She tsked, filled five to-go cup containers with water, put five cinnamon rolls in a box, and walked them over. “Nonsense. I know you’re good for the money and even if you weren’t, I can tell when someone is in need.”

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Misty.”

She patted his head and smiled. “Anything for my favorite customers.” Looking down at me, she frowned. “Ember, your hair is a mess.”

Reaching up, I felt it sticking up in different directions. “Sorry, we were woken up and had to evacuate our building so I didn’t get to brush it or anything.” I slapped a hand over my mouth, realizing I hadn’t brushed my teeth yet either. “Oh, man. My breath is probably gross, too. Sorry!”

The guys chuckled and shook their heads.

“All of us have morning breath right now, Em. Don’t worry about it,” Riddick said.

“I think hers is the worst,” Caleb said and took a bite of his cinnamon roll.

Misty hissed. “You be nice to your lady!”

He smiled. “Sorry.”

She shook her head and looked at me. “You keep these men in line, you hear me? Don’t let them walk all over you just because they’re attractive. You deserve to be treated with respect, no matter if you’re royal lineage or not. Every woman deserves to be treated like a queen and should treat her men like kings equally. Relationships have to be equal to last. Understand?”

I nodded and patted her hand. “Thank you, Misty.”

A black SUV pulled up and we all stood, assuming it was Martin.

Four men in black outfits exited, raised staffs, which immediately started glowing.

Grabbing Misty, I looked at the sidewalk across the street, gathered my magic, and teleported all of us.

Misty gasped and gripped me tight. “Ember! You teleported.”

“When did you learn that?” Riddick asked.

“Uh, I’ve been practicing it for about a month now,” I admitted.

“Where’d they go?” one of the men yelled from the other side of the SUV.

“We’re going to lead them away, Misty. You stay over here until we’re gone and then return to your café, to safety. Okay?” Caleb instructed her.

She scowled. “I ain’t weak, child. Just old.” Walking confidently across the street, she stood in front of her café door and said, “Get out of here or I’ll be forced to protect my café.”

“We don’t want any trouble with you, ma’am,” one of the men said.

Martin pulled up, blocking our view and we all climbed into the SUV.

A spell hit the SUV, but Martin floored before any other attacks could hit.

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