Page 189 of Blue Moon Mistress

“True, but I think Anthony deserves to hear what’s going on from me.” I glance over my shoulder. “Besides, they’re mostly just sleeping… and if you can bear it, I thought you might be able to help me feed them.”

That brings a smile to her brightly painted lips. “Of course.”

“You aren’t going to have a ton to work with in there.”

She pulls her hood back and shimmies out of her coat before pulling the mass of bright locks up into a messy, but contained, bun. “And I am the one they say works miracles. Your guys aren’t going to know what hit them.”

“Nothing too crazy.”

“Of course not. Just enough to make sure they have no objections the next time I decide to come down for a visit.” She hands me her keys. “It’s been a while since you’ve driven the beast. She misses you.”

“Don’t let the guys know until I come back. They might think she’s unsafe.”

Snorting an inelegant laugh, Elaria heads for the kitchen, and I hurry down the steps and hop into the seat of her 1968 Chevy Nova.

She loves the car so much, it looks brand new.

And it drives like a literal dream.

If I wasn’t going to replace my mangled piece of metal with something that can fit at least six…

I bite my lip to keep from smiling too hard at that thought.

The beast fits in the parking space like a dream, despite feeling like a literal boat. If I didn’t know how impossible it was, I’d say that the car itself was magic.

There are dozens of witches walking the streets, and a pair stand at the railing of the boardwalk.

If they were trying to look inconspicuous, they’ve failed.

The storefront is bright, but it’s pretty clear Anthony is hiding. All the way in the back, with the counter between him and the world, he looks up at me with wide eyes, but he relaxes a moment later.

“Scarlette. Thank the Goddess. What the hell is going on? Is everyone okay?”

He looks past me, concern pitching his brows again. “I’ve never seen a coven of this size descend on a town before.”

“They’re here to clean up a mess.” I glance out the window, to the two women standing on the boardwalk, watching the door. “And no, everyone is not okay. Aphrodite’s dead.”

“What?” His voice pitches sharper. “What happened?”

“She was dabbling in blood magic, bastardizing warnaway dolls, and spelling other witches to steal their power.”

He looks a little green.

“After she left you for dead and totaled my car, she nearly killed the Miller sisters and my wolf pack. She would have if I hadn’t gotten there in time.”

“Oh my god.” He doesn’t look at me, but I see the moment he questions what he might have done.

“The coven didn’t heed my warnings, so they’re cleaning up as a sort of penance.”

“Am I… under investigation?”

“No. They aren’t watching you, they’re observing your clientele more than anything.”

He nods, but the movement seems to dislodge another thought. “Your… pack?”

“Yes.” I don’t bother to qualify them for him.

“So you’re officially off the market, then?”

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