Page 12 of Kisses at the Crossroads

Ava sighs. “I don’t know if you saved him or not. Usually, Drake flogs or whips him until he glows. But this… he already didn’t have enough sun to perform properly, and he over exerted himself now.”

“Drake won’t let him die.”

“Are you sure? Because Drake keeps pushing Trick too far. I’m afraid for him.” Ava’s voice wobbles before she wipes at her eyes.

“Drake needs him. He’s tethered Trick’s soul to his.”

“No.” Ava’s hands fly to her mouth as she shakes her head. “Oh, Trick.”

The gravity of the situation hits me. Drake has been using Trick’s magic for more than just longevity. “Fuck. It’s more than that.” I swipe a hand through my hair as I look at the Fae in front of me. He’s not absorbing the sunlight he needs when he’s in the sun because Drake is leeching Trick’s magic off him. “Shit. Shit.”

Frankie’s tail thumps against the wall as she watches me. She knows I’m upset, but now she’s torn between Trick and me. When she moves to leave the nest, I stop her. “Stay with Trick a little longer. You can do that for me, right?” I squat to scratch her head as she practically wraps herself around Trick again.

“What do we do?” Ava asks.

We’re both pacing, as I think. “I have a plan.” I can’t tell her my original plan didn’t include her, but now how can it not? I’m sure she’s the reason Trick is still functioning. “Trust me.”

“I…”

“Please. Hex is supposed to be a utopia for people like us. That was the entire point of the place when it started, but Drake… he destroyed the ideals of the town.” And his coven just let him. Hex is supposed to be perfect for witches and demons and shifters and anyone not plain ol human to live in harmony. Anyone tired of their own realm. Anyone ready to live with and study others not of their own. “Demons and witches created the veils of Hex to keep outsiders away. I have claim to this town just as much as Drake does, and I want to help. Will you trust me?”

Slowly, Ava nods. “If you’ll help Trick, I’ll do whatever you need me to.”

“Perfect.” I don’t promise her freedom, but if everything goes according to plan, Trick won’t be the only one free from Drake.

Chapter 7

Lark

The sun shines brightly when I open my eyes. I have no idea how long I’ve been latched to the pole on Flutter’s roof. Could be since sunrise could be for the last three days.

“You’re awake,” Ava says from the bistro table across from me. “Thank goodness.” She pours water into a glass and sets it down on the open spot beside her. “You had me really worried, Tricksy.”

I push to stretch from the makeshift nest. There aren’t as many pillows as I like, but it’s comfortable. “Sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“I know. It’s not your fault. Drake needs to take better care of you. He can’t keep pushing you to the brink and expecting you to bounce back.” She waves to the glass of water. “Drink. Slowly.”

“Thank you.”

“I have some strawberries for you, too.” She leans in close to me. “That demon, Pike, has his eyes set on you.”

I swallow and nod. “Weird, right?” I can’t tell her I summoned a crossroads demon, and it was him.

“Very, but I wouldn’t mind being in his sights. He’s a looker.”

I snort into my glass as I take another drink. “He’s stunning.”

“Understatement of the decade. He’s coming back today at noon. He wants to work with Drake.” Ava shakes her head as she opens the cooler at her feet. “I don’t get it, but I’m not questioning him.” She passes me a container of strawberries and my mouth waters. “Slow, Trick.”

“You’re the best, Ava.”

“I know, sweetie.” She pats my hand as she watches me eat. I offer her the container. “I already ate my fill earlier. Eat up. I don’t know what Drake has planned for you today.”

The idea has my stomach churning.

“I don’t think it’ll be too grueling, not if he wants you back in tiptop shape quickly. I think you passing out scared him, too.”

“Because he can’t use me as entertainment if I’m unconscious.”

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