Page 43 of Waltzing With Witches

“I get it!” I shout. “I can’t do anything about her right now. We have guests!”

I don’t wait around to see if the castle is mollified. The carpet under my feet rips up and ruffles, sending waves of fabric toward me. I scramble up over it for the door, irritation building in my chest.

“Cease this this instant!” I shout.

The floor runner separates into pieces and wraps around me, suffocating me with its heavy, dusty weight. I can’t see a thing, but I sense movement. Then, the rug unfurls and tosses me forward. I fall flat on my face on the stone walkway in front of the castle.

“Hello, Keeper,” a smooth voice purrs.

I look up, spitting dirt out of my mouth.

“Arkan.” I incline my head respectfully as my old friend reaches out a hand. Taking it, I allow him to pull me upright.

The big centaur stands with a huge grin on his face. To his right, a lovely female centaur stands, her lips pursed to hide a smile. Richard and Connall stand on Arkan’s other side.

Richard gives me a look. “I take it things are going well?”

I wave his comment away. “Nothing to worry about.”

Arkan’s grin grows so broad, I see every one of his teeth. He takes a step back and rests his hands on the female’s lower back. “Keeper, this is my mate, Hana. I’ve been singing your praises, but it seems we’ve caught you at an inopportune time.”

“Not at all.” I reach for Hana’s hand and shake it.

“Lovely to meet you, Keeper,” she says. “I’m sorry the circumstances are somewhat awkward.”

I wave that comment away too. “Not awkward, although certainly unfortunate,” I admit. “Wesley must be stopped. And, in any case, I’m thrilled to have the help.”

“Oh, that’s a lie.” Arkan laughs and claps me on the back. “But I’ll take it anyhow.” He jerks his head toward the castle, long black hair swinging around his shoulders. “Can we grab a drink and talk through what’s going on? I got the lowdown from Evenia, but I’d prefer to hear your version.”

I nod and look at Richard and Connall. “You two should join us.”

The shifters both nod. Turning, I lead the group back into the castle, praying and hoping he’ll behave while they’re here. Still, I’m unsurprised when a floorboard pops up to trip me as we enter the kitchen. I fall to both knees, uttering a curse.

Hana reaches for me. “My goodness, Keeper. Your castle has quite the personality. Is everything okay?”

I stand and thank her. “I’ve been bickering with a house guest.”

Arkan rounds the island and stands in front of the sink, black eyes glittering. “Ah, the mate you have yet to claim, if your father is to be believed.”

Godsdamn Betmal and his meddling.

I gesture to the fridge. “I don’t have much food at the moment, but there’s beer and water if you’d like something.”

Arkan shakes his head. “We’re headed to the Galloping Green Bean after this for a late lunch. I’ve missed Alba’s famous burgers. Talk to me about Wesley.”

For the next half hour, I fill Arkan and Hana in. Richard and Connall add detail and context until they’re up to speed. Arkan peppers me with questions, and it takes everything in me not to be infuriated by them. He’s here to help. Our primary objective is to keep monsters safe. If we must work together to do that, that’s fine with me.

Truly.

“Where are you staying?” I look from Arkan to Hana.

“Shifter Hollow,” Richard cuts in. “We’ve got plenty of space, and since you live up here, I thought it might be nice for them to spend time on our side of Ever.”

“To keep us out of your hair,” Arkan jokes with a wink. Hana gives him a sly smile. Their love is obvious. I marvel at how much of his original personality Arkan seems to have retained. But then, he was always an infectious person—utterly joyful and pleasant before the Keeper training.

“Not out of his hair,” Connall confirms. “You’ll be more comfortable with us.”

“True,” Arkan says, glancing around at the castle. “Plus, it seems like there’s enough personality to fill up your castle.”

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