Page 32 of How To Tame A Trickster Fae

I’m too afraid to look back at her, instead rummaging around in my leather satchel for the earrings I picked out for her. “These are opal and rose gold studs, enchanted to assist with focus. They need to recharge monthly in the full moon, but should help when you need to concentrate.” The words tumble out in a river over each other, and when I finally locate the earrings, I triumphantly put the little suede box on her counter.

Ruby’s staring at me, open-mouthed. “This is quite a gift.”

I shrug. “They were just sitting in my shop. I’d rather they be put to use. How much do I owe you for the books?”

“Stop it. You’re not paying me for the damned books.” She laughs, opening up the suede box, then sighing as she runs her fingertips over them. “Beautiful. And there’s no catch?”

“No, not at all.” My mouth twists to the side. “Is this too strange? Me bringing these? You don’t have to take them—” I reach out for the box.

She swats at my hand. “Absolutely not. You’ve loaned them to me, and now I’ve seen them and I’m attached. And if you don’t show up for book club, I’m going to be mad. Bring Piper and tell her to bring petit fours.”

“It’s a deal,” I tell her.

The opals glint in the morning light, and she clucks her tongue in appreciation before fastening them to her ears.

“Well, consider me your new friend,” Ruby declares. “Book club, third Wednesday, and I’ll drag you from your store if you don’t show up.” She looks me up and down. “Are you going to the other shops with loans like this?”

“That was my plan.” I shrug a shoulder, trying to squash the lingering self-doubt.

“You’re not worried about being taken advantage of? Or someone selling them out from under you?”

“Of course I am.” I bite my lip. “But I don’t know how else to drum up business.”

“Your coven isn’t sending you clients?” There’s a strange undercurrent to the question, and I glance sidelong at her.

“Is your coven? Sending you clients?”

“I’m not in one.” Ruby sighs, and her cat jumps on the desk. It’s a long-haired calico, with a fluffy tail even Fenn might envy. “Most of us aren’t, I think. Covenless witches and creatures, that’s Wild Oak Woods.”

“Hmm.” I’m not quite ready to dive into another coven, and I’m definitely not ready to head up all the work that comes with starting one… but it’s odd. It’s odd that the witches here are all without a coven.

“Have you ever seen a brownie?” I ask, the question tumbling out before I’ve thought better of it.

Her brow furrows, and her eyes go distant. “No, I don’t think so. They’re going extinct, like all the Seelie fae, aren’t they?”

“I thought so too.”

Ruby purses her mouth, wrapping up the books she’s selected in a thick, brown waxy paper. Red and white twine follows, and she slips a couple pretty bookmarks into the package with quick, efficient movements.

“You’ve seen a brownie, then.” It’s not a question.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

She presses her palms against the counter, the familiar flutter of a witch’s power emanating from her.

“Things are… different lately, right? Lots of changes. The Unseelie fae in town, a brownie now, and a village full of witches without coven.”

We share a look, but neither of us say anything else for a long moment.

A log pops in the fire, and she pushes the wrapped books towards me.

“Maybe we should have a different kind of book club soon. Just in case.”

“A different kind of book club,” I echo. “What do you have in mind?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know yet, but when I do, I’ll be sure you’re with us.”

I tuck the waxy package into my satchel, pulling the little jewelry boxes I’ve made on top. “Thank you,” I say, smiling at her. “I’m glad I finally came in.”

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