Page 8 of Kisses at the Crossroads

“That’s because you venture into the human realm less than I do. Everyone knows Drake runs Hex with an iron fist. Sure, it’s mostly peaceful for everyone involved, but if something or someone pisses him off, you don’t hear from them again. Demon kind included.”

Frankie and I both swallow as she nuzzles closer. “Don’t worry, my sweet girl, nothing is going to happen to me.” I look up at Van. “But you’re in, right?”

Van snorts as he drops back onto the couch. “Of course I’m in. I need to see this Fae you’ve decided to help. And if I get to see some jockstraps, who am I to complain?”

“Thought so. If you’re ready, so am I.” I push to my feet.

“Mind if we invite Warwick? He’s still…” Van scratches the back of his neck. “I’m worried about him. Ethan’s been gone for years, but Wick refuses to believe the boy ran away scared when things came down to the wire.”

“You ever meet Ethan?”

“Once. Thought he was a figment of Wicky’s imagination for years. I’m half convinced the born witch put a spell on my brother.” Van’s tail wiggles as he fists his hand. “If I ever see that boy?—”

“He’ll be an adult now.”

“Right, which means wanting to break his neck for breaking my brother’s heart more acceptable.”

I snort as I clip the leash to Frankie’s harness. “Invite him, could be a fun family outing. Haven’t seen Wick in a while.”

“That’s because he’s all mopey and won’t move the fuck on.” Van waves his hand in front of him. We both brace ourselves for the flash before the communication portal opens.

Warwick sits at a bar with a half-empty glass of flaming HellFire in front of him. He looks a lot like Van, but not exactly. For one, Warwick is about ten years younger and much cuter. They both share the same dark blue against tanned human skin. Horns and tails are the same shape, but I know Van’s wings are more batlike while Wick’s are more avian with blue feathers. There’s speculation Warwick’s dad is an angel, but his mother has never confirmed the rumor. Not that anyone in the demon realm gives two fucks.

“What?” Warwick huffs out, but he seems to perk up when he notices Frankie. “Aw, hi, girl. How are you today?”

Frankie’s tail wags so hard and she tries to jump into the portal for pets.

“Hey, Wick,” I say. “Wanna come to a strip club with us?”

Warwick cocks a brow. “I’ll pass,” he says in such a dead tone.

Van’s shoulders drop. “I’m sure they’ll have HellFire there. What if Ethan’s there? He could have been here the whole time and you never would have known it because you just go to that bar.” Van throws his hand toward the portal as if to point to the bar itself.

“It’s good HellFire.”

“Pleaaassseeee. For Frankie?” I’m not above begging.

“Okay, for Frankie.” Wick grabs his glass and slams it back. Before the glass even hits the counter, he’s in my living room with his hands already rubbing Frankie down. “You’re a good girl, yes you are.” He looks at me. “Where are we going? Why are we going?”

Van clamps a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Let me tell you what this dumb fuck did.”

When we get to Flutter, there’s a bouncer at the door that smells vaguely of wolf, but I can’t tell if it’s shifter or were. They both have the tangy natural scent of earth and magic, and I never mastered the difference. Frankie doesn’t growl, so there’s nothing weird about them. They give us an up down, then tip their chin toward the door.

“Mmmm would not mind giving them a fun time later tonight,” Van says, because of course he does. There’s a snort behind us, then the door snicks closed.

“Thank fuck,” Warwick breathes out. “I was afraid I’d have to take tiny breaths all night long.” The air is blissfully unperfumed. Thank fuck in deed. Even Frankie huffs out some appreciation.

In front of us spans a room I still can’t determine whether it’s a nightclub or strip joint. There’s a wide dancefloor, a stage, DJ booth, and enough table and chairs to allow a coven worth of witches to gather as their eyes glue to the stage. Of course, to the far left there’s a buffet for some reason, which adds to my confusion. What does this place even want to be?

Frankie tries to go to the buffet, but I keep her by my side.

We must be early because the lights are still bright, but smoke bellows up from the floors as the DJ starts a heart thumping beat.

“I’m confused,” Warwick says with a frown as he looks around, same as me.

Van has his eyes on someone. “See you two later.” And he saunters away.

“I’m going to the bar,” Wick says as he cocks his head towards the long bar counter on the left back wall.

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