Page 16 of Commanding Chaos

“Right, because no one has ever gotten drunk and become belligerent and angry.” I set a second pot to boil as backup and lined teacups and water glasses on the counter between the sink and stove. “Everything we bought has calming ingredients.”

“Everything?” Ember raised her brows at Chaos, who leaned against the wall, shoving cereal into his mouth.

“That was his good boy prize. He didn’t cause a panic at the grocery, so he got a reward.”

“They’re magically delicious,” he said around a mouthful of Lucky Charms. “Speaking of the store…”

Boots thudded on the stairs before a knock sounded at the entrance. We’d have to tell Ember about the Boston witches later. That was a conversation that did not need to happen in front of the coven.

“Come in,” Ember called, and Shade and Miles crossed the threshold.

Shade headed straight for the fridge and grabbed a beer, tossing it to Miles before taking the last one for himself.

Ember chuckled. “Told you.”

“Whatever.” The tea kettle whistled, so I turned off the heat and poured myself a mug of lavender dreams.

After taking a long pull from his beer, Shade lifted his chin at Chaos. “You must be Mark. I’m Shade, shadow witch.” He tipped his beer toward my demon, not bothering to shake his hand.

“Indeed I am.”

“Miles.” He stuck out his hand, and Chaos shook it, and yes, I did hold my breath again. Miles had claimed to sense demonic energy when Ginger did. If anyone could feel through the shroud, it would be those two. “Nice to meet you.”

I eyed Miles, looking for any sign he thought something was off. If he suspected anything, he was a master at hiding it.

“Likewise.” Chaos set the cereal box on the counter, and it tipped over, sending a few pieces to the floor. He turned as if he planned to walk away and leave the mess, and I almost blew our cover.

The words bad demon made it from my brain to the tip of my tongue before I realized my near faux pas. Instead, I cleared my throat, drawing his attention and looking from the mess on the floor to the one on the counter.

He pursed his lips, keeping his gaze trained on me as he crouched to pick up the clover-shaped marshmallows. After sweeping the mess off the counter and into his hand, he dumped it into the trash and closed the box. “Where do you keep this?”

“In the pantry.” I pointed to the door.

He picked up a deviled egg and popped it into his mouth on his way, giving Shade a once-over as he passed. Shade bristled. If he had hackles, he would’ve raised them.

“Where is he sleeping while he stays with you?” Shade sneered at me. “In your bed I assume?”

“Ash is a Holland witch and Ink Master.” Chaos returned to my side and glared at Shade. “You should remember your place when you speak to her.”

Shade laughed incredulously before looming forward. “Oh, I know my place. It’s her who needs—”

“Stop it! Both of you.” I held up my hands and stood between them. “We’re all on the same side, and as soon as Chrys and Ginger arrive, we can get down to business. In the meantime, have some herbal tea and calm the eff down.”

Ember snickered, getting a kick out of me being the pivot point in a hate triangle…because there was certainly no love among us.

“Let’s grab a seat.” Miles slapped Shade on the arm, steering him toward the living room.

A barely audible growl rumbled in Chaos’s chest, and I cut him a steely gaze. “Behave yourself,” I whispered.

“He started it.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter.

I clenched my teeth. “Do I have to send you to your room?”

“Only if you plan to come with me.” If eyes could actually twinkle, his would have.

My stomach had the audacity to flutter, so I grabbed my tea and joined the others in the living room. I leaned against the wall near the television, drawing the mug to my lips when Chrys plowed through the door, breathless.

“It’s Ginger,” she panted, her chest heaving with her breath. “I went to pick her up, but when I got there…” She inhaled deeply, and her entire body trembled. “She’s dead.”

---