Page 48 of Dead and Gone

“Patience withyou,” says Leif quietly, then laughs at my scowl.

“I am trying,” I tell him.

“You sure are.” Rowan and Grayson exchange a look, both amused by his words.

“Tryingto learn how to behave appropriately,” I retort.

“You’re Violet Blackwood,” says Leif and squeezes my hand. “You have your own version of appropriate, and it’s funny not upsetting.”

Rowan scratches a cheek. “Mostly. Just less of the bossing people around. I’ve told you that before.”

“I can’t help my natural inclinations, but we do make a good team.”

Holly points at a bright poster haphazardly pinned to the wooden counter beside the display of cakes and pastries. "Let's do something normal. The fair arrives in town this weekend. We should go."

"What does that entail?" I ask, eyeing the poster.

"Fairground rides, food, games?—"

"Socializing?" I take a sip of my coffee.

"The fair takes place in the evening. In the dark. Perfect for you," says Holly. "Try something new! Have you ever eaten cotton candy?"

Leif's amber eyes shine as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Come on, Violet. You'll have fun."

"Fun?" I raise an eyebrow. "Definefun."

Grayson stretches his legs out, accidentally knocking my leg. I shift away. I may not be interested in human or witch blood, thanks to the daily potion my mother makes, but Grayson is a whole other story.

He glances at me as if sharing my thoughts. "Why are we even debating this? Violet won't go. Too many humans. Too much noise."

"And are you attending, Grayson?" I ask.

"If you go, I will. Someone has to make sure you don't scare the human kids."

"I don't scare human children." Holly arches a brow. "Not intentionally."

"Rowan." Leif nudges him. "Fairground this weekend? Convince Violet it's worth her time."

Rowan nods. "We could solve another mystery?"

I sit upright. "Mystery?"

"See?" Holly gestures toward Rowan. "Even he knows Violet doesn't do 'fun' unless there's a mystery to solve."

"There's the mystery of what stuffed toy Leif would win for you." Rowan chuckles. "Would you like something different to a dog this time, Violet? I wonder if the fair has stuffed moles as prizes?"

"What a ridiculous statement. Perhaps Leif could win a pig for Holly's collection?"

"I'm in," Leif says.

"What about you, Rowan?" asks Holly.

Rowan meets my gaze. "Areyou going?"

"Is the fair a historic event? Where does this take place? Who will attend?" I ask, and Leif sighs and then looks at Holly. "Has anything untoward occurred at a fair in the past?"

Holly laughs at my barrage of questions. "Not in the years I've visited."

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