Page 27 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Who’s the official?”

“Mayor Henrietta Clifton. She answers to Davin, however. And, of course, no one would cross the vampires. Henrietta is also a werewolf and is quite skilled at administration.”

“There’s a lot to untangle.” I sighed and grabbed one of the jars of tea. I was still waiting on Oliver to answer my other question, but I’d asked it and I’d let him answer in his own time. The tea was herbal, and a beautiful blend of colors. I popped open the lid and knew immediately that this was the one I wanted. Chamomile mixed with lavender and maybe something else already soothed my senses and it wasn’t even steeped.

Oliver handed me a tea ball before he let out a soft breath. “I am also a shade.”

“Ah. You’re the friendly shade?”

“Yes. Friendly enough, anyway.”

I glanced up at Oliver. His brow was furrowed, and he studied the tea he measured out of the other canister. Something mint by the smell.

“You’re the only one of the three I’ve now run across that smells like cinnamon.”

He actually blushed. “Ah.” He cleared his throat before continuing. “I had a run-in with a pixie. She was convinced she was doing me a favor.”

I laughed. “Seriously?”

He nodded.

“Wow. That’s kind of hilarious.”

“At least it’s not offensive.” Oliver shrugged. “Would you like to tell me about your day?” He poured the hot water and put the tea balls in the mugs to steep. “If you want any sweetener, it’s in the cupboard.”

“Thanks. I’ll see how it tastes before I add anything.” I cradled my cup and took it back to the couch. Nimbus jumped up on the cushion next to me, and Oliver sat on the loveseat. Once we were all comfortable, I launched into the details of the day.

Oliver was an attentive listener, though his face darkened into an expression I never wanted directed at me when I described the attack. When I got to Drake, he shook his head in disgust.

“So, now I have to keep Nimbus safe.”

The puppy snuggled into my leg and rooed softly.

“Yes, of course we do. I suspect the entire town will be involved in this mission before long. He will be quite the benefit to Beechworth. Not to mention it’s the right thing to do. He chose us after all. You more than any of us, of course, but he came here and that makes him our responsibility.”

“Well, I appreciate the help. I don’t know how to deal with supernatural danger.”

“That implies that you’re used to dealing with regular danger?”

I cursed myself but shrugged. “What woman isn’t?”

“Sadly true,” Oliver agreed.

The tea was well steeped by the time I finished my story and tasted divine. We sat in silence for a while, enjoying the drinks.

Once I’d finished mine, I set it down and glanced at my phone for the time. It was truly late.

“Leave your mug. I’ll take care of it. Can I walk you to your room for the night?”

“Yeah. I should probably walk Nimbus, first, though.”

The little guy sat up next to me, his leash in his mouth.

I swore I’d left that over on the counter, but maybe I hadn’t. Or maybe Nimbus had teleported it somehow.

He wiggled happily while I took the leash, rubbed his soft ears, then clipped it to his collar.

“I’m surprised he wants to wear this,” I said as I stood.

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