Page 40 of The Cursed Fae

“She was amazing,” I agreed. An image of Morgan standing on the top of the bluff popped into my head. Even in my memories, she looked like a true warrior. “She saved all our lives.”

“For the most part.” Missy averted her eyes, choosing to focus on the wardrobe standing against the far wall. “Those fanged fuckers bit several people. A.J. Waters is at Maven Institute receiving a blood transfusion.”

“Oh. Shit.”

My hand went to the side of my throat. The phantom pain felt just as real in that moment as it had when the monster's razor-sharp fangs pierced my skin. That night in California was easily the worst of my life. I shook my head to clear the memory. One traumatic life event was enough for my over-taxed mind to contemplate.

“He'll live,” Missy said, tone both jealous and bored. “But Morgan is beating herself up. She thinks she could've saved him if she hadn't stopped at a gas station before going to the party.”

“That's ridiculous.”

Missy shrugged. “That's Morgan. What is it you wanted? Your 'summoning' must have been for a reason.”

My cell buzzed in my hand. I glanced down, expecting to see Lena's name. Instead, an unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. Missy leaned closer to peer at the display.

“Shocker... of course Laz is into you,” she said. Noticing my confused expression, she added, “That's the Keene family's house line.”

“Weird. That's actually what I wanted—Laz's number,” I said.

Missy looked like she'd bitten into a lemon. “You called me away from date night for Lazlo Keene's phone number?”

The question was rhetorical, but I felt guilty enough to answer. “Yeah. Sorry about that.”

My spirit companion gestured to the vibrating cellphone. “Aren't you going to answer it? Don't let me stop you. At least one of us should have some romance in our lives.”

The phone stopped buzzing.

“I'll call him back.”

Another unknown number popped up on my screen as the phone buzzed again.

“That's Laz's cell,” Missy said. “Answer it. I’m going back to Morgan’s.”

With that, she vanished.

“Have fun,” I muttered, and then hit accept on the incoming call.

“Hey, Laz,” I said into the phone without thinking.

“How did you know it was me?” he asked.

I laughed awkwardly. “Oh, um... lucky guess.”

“I've been calling your great-grandmother's house all day,” he said.

“Funny, she didn't mention it,” I deadpanned.

“She said you were sleeping,” Laz replied. His voice was gentle when he added, “You needed it. That was a hugely powerful shielding spell. Are you feeling better?”

I stretched and fought a yawn. “Me? I'm fine. How are you?”

“Really? You're okay?” Laz sounded surprised. “That was a lot of magic you used.”

His concern sent a flutter through my stomach, but I tried to play it cool. “Why Lazlo Keene, are you worried about me?”

“Of course,” he said, without a trace of humor. “Can I see you?”

“Like, tonight?”

---