Page 1 of Wicked Little Tricks

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I kickedan empty can out of my path with the toe of my boot, trying to drown out the sound of Braxton’s whining. For a six foot tall werewolf with intimidating scars raking down his collarbone and one arm, he sure knew how to complain.

He plunged his hands into his pockets as he ambled along beside me. “C’mon, Eva. It’s so much cheaper in Emerald Heights.”

“I’m not going there just to buy you wolfsbane. Next time I have a delivery, I’ll see what I can do.”

He looked over at me as a puff of steam from the nearest food cart clouded around his face. “But you almost never have deliveries for the elves.”

“Yes,” I said patiently. “It’s a good thing.” My mouth watered as we neared a corndog stand.

I stopped to look at the prices. I probably had timefor a quick snack before I had to pick up my next package.

Braxton leaned in near my shoulder, bringing his distinctive—but not unpleasant—werewolf odor with him. “I’ll buy you a corndog if you get me some wolfsbane.”

“Get it at the market like everyone else.” I lifted a finger at the vendor, a young man who looked like he would rather be anywhere else.

“But it’s three times the price there!”

I took my corndog, then gave the kid some cash, gesturing for him to keep the change before I started walking. “Look, I’m not going to invade the elves’ part of the city just to save you some cash on what equates to catnip for wolves.” I took a bite of my corndog.

He fell back into step at my side, raking his fingers through his curly brown hair. “Oh, but you’ll go all the way to the Bogs for those coffee beans you love.”

I shrugged. “The goblins have the best coffee.” I took another bite as I stopped near some outdoor seating to face him. “Besides, I can’t tonight, I have a delivery at the Circus.”

His thick brows lifted. “The Circus? Why would someone need a delivery there?”

Whyindeed. I was a night runner, one of the few people who could cross all the magical boundaries in the city with ease. It wasn’t as special as it sounded. I was basically a glorified messenger. When I’d gotten the offer to make a delivery at the Circus, I hadn’t thought twice about it. But I was starting to get worried. There were no boundaries around the Circus, so why pay the extra cash for a night runner?

Braxton watched me expectantly.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said finally. “It should be a quick job, and I need the cash.”

“Or, you could fire one or two of the private investigators giving you a run for your money.”

I shook my head and kept walking, finishing my corndog before tossing the stick into a nearby trash can. “You know I can’t do that.”

I checked my watch. It was almost time for me to pick up the package I was supposed to deliver. At least my mysterious employer hadn’t requested my presence after dark. It meant they weren’t a vampire. But then again, there were things far worse than vampires in the city.

Braxton pouted. “Okay, no wolfsbane tonight. At least get me some cotton candy at the Circus. Purple flavor.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Purple isn’t a flavor.”

He gave me a toothy grin. “Well it sure as shit doesn’t taste like grape.”

Sighing, I checked my watch again. “I have to go.”

But Braxton had gotten distracted by a pair of female angelics walking by, white feathery wings on full display.

Shaking my head, I started walking. The wings were impressive. Just like Braxton’s size and air ofwolfishness was impressive, making him an excellent set of muscles for hire.

Night runners didn’t have any exterior traits to distinguish us, despite our celestial blood. My average size, light brown skin, and dark hair made it easy for me to blend in most anywhere. Going to the Circus should be a simple task.

And at least it wasn’t the Bogs. I might be willing to risk the goblin realm for good coffee, but last time the smell of goblin crap mixed with mud had clung to my boots for a week.

Worth it for coffee, but not so much for a delivery.

Checking my watch again, I tugged my brown leather jacket straight, then jogged off toward the Starfield Mall. It was a strange place for a package pickup, but my life was full of strange. As long as I survived and got paid, I was good to go.

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