Page 52 of Wicked Little Tricks

They both watched me, clearly conflicted as Sebastian took my arm, then turned me away to start walking down the winding path toward the street.

“There’s something different about you,” he muttered as we walked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied.

“You most certainly do.” But he let it go after that.

Frowning, I didn’t comment further. But he was right, something felt different. Something about my night with Mistral had changed the spark of magic inside me, and Sebastian could sense it.

Unfortunately, the only person who might know something about it was my mother.

Yet another question I’d have to ask when I finally found her.

20

I ledthe way into my apartment, then stopped just inside the kitchen, my senses tingling. Sebastian stepped up behind me as I looked around for what felt…off.

I took a few more steps, then Sebastian stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.

“Lock the door and wait here.” He strode ahead of me, going for my bedroom.

Ringo hopped up on the kitchen counter as I hurried to lock the door, then I went into the kitchen to wait. Normally I didn’t like being bossed around, but it had been a long few days. If Sebastian wanted to check things out first, I would let him.

A moment later he exited my room, then went for Braxton’s door.

“Wait—” But he was already opening the door.

I hurried forward as he stepped inside. Everythingwas almost normal, except that the bed was mussed. Braxtonalwaysmade his bed. It was an annoying habit I had teased him for since childhood.

“Something is wrong,” I said.

Sebastian’s eyes were on the bed. “There were vampires here last night. I can sense them.”

My heart fell to my feet. They had seen Braxton with me before. They knew we were close. I nearly jumped out of my skin at a knock on the front door. I hurried from Braxton’s room to answer it, but Sebastian beat me to it.

He lifted one arm to keep me back as he opened the door, revealing the elf from Crimson Kisses.

She looked pissed, and had a bruise going down one side of her face. “Can I come in?”

Sebastian glanced back at me, and I nodded. We both moved for her to come inside.

She looked a little more normal in an oversized gray sweater and jeans with low-heeled suede boots, her glorious red hair pulled back in a tight braid.

My entire body itched to take another look at Braxton’s room for clues, but the elf was probably a better clue. “Where is my roommate?”

She lowered her pointy chin. “Good, you already figured it out then. That will make this easier.” Her green eyes met mine. “Ivan wants you, Eva. He thinks you’re the key to this stupid game.”

“I thought you were staying out of it,” I accused.

“Trust me, I tried.” She tilted her head to displayher fresh bruise. “But they needed a daytime messenger, and I was convenient.”

Sebastian’s expression was the coldest I had ever seen it. “Deliver the rest of your message and get out.”

She turned her attention back to me. “Crimson Kisses, midnight, or your roommate is dead.”

I could sense Sebastian’s magic flaring with his anger. “They do realize they are encroaching on my bargain?”

The elf eyed him warily. “I don’t think they care. Ivan seems to believe that if he can win this game, everything will change.”

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