Page 52 of Rites of Passage

Judging from Nikolai’s pinched face, he was thinking the same thing.

Barbara perused Mae with an arched eyebrow. “That dress should be outlawed.”

Mae sighed. “It wasn’t my first choice of outfit.”

“You didn’t have any outfits,” Bryony reminded her.

“Let me guess? The incubus?” Barbara drawled.

“Bingo,” Mae murmured.

Barbara sniffed. “Ah, well. The dress has done what he intended it to do.”

Mae gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

“You look like a queen.” She indicated the ballroom at large. “I’m sure he wanted their first impression of you to leave them speechless.”

Mae blinked. She hadn’t thought of it that way.

Another commotion drew their gazes before she could say a word. A group of gaily-dressed, chatty people had entered the ballroom. An elderly woman with sparkling, brown eyes and chestnut hair was at the head of the rowdy delegation, her purple dress a flamboyant splash of color against the subdued monochromes around her. A black jackrabbit with a violet bow hopped at her side, his golden eyes bright with intelligence.

Mae looked pointedly at Brimstone.

The answer’s still no, witch,the fox snapped.

“Great.” Bryony’s mouth had pressed into a thin line. “The troublemaker’s here.”

“Come now, she’s mellowed with age,” Barbara said, her tone indulgent.

“Mellowed, my ass,” Bryony retorted darkly. “She tried to pole dance at the Vegas covenstead, remember?”

Oh.Mae stared.That must be Regina Nox, the Las Vegas coven High Priestess.Her gaze shifted to the man with dark hair, brown eyes, and a long-suffering expression lagging in the wake of the witch. She clocked his pulsing, aquamarine magic core with interest.And that must be Erik Nox, Violet’s ex-boyfriend.

Brimstone spoke.Miles was right. He is strong.

The subjects of their conversation closed in on them, seemingly oblivious to the mildly disapproving looks being cast their way by the other covens in attendance. Mae swallowed a smile.

Not oblivious. It’s more like they know and couldn’t give a rat’s ass.

Regina stopped and beamed at Barbara and Bryony. “Howdy, ladies! We’re looking mighty hot tonight if I say so myself.”

“Mother, we’ve spoken about this,” Erik protested in a low voice. “You need to tone down your words in public.”

Regina waved a dismissive hand. “Bah! You worry too much about the details.” She studied Nikolai appreciatively. “And who’s this handsome fellow?”

“This is Nikolai Stanisic,” Bryony said in clipped tones.

Erik’s expression grew guarded, as did the faces of most of the Vegas coven. Nikolai met the sorcerer’s stare unflinchingly. He’d endured similar reactions since he’d walked inside the ballroom and had been equally indifferent to them.

Mae had to hand it to Nikolai. He had thick skin.

“Interesting.” A sharp light brightened Regina’s eyes as she scrutinized Nikolai. “A white magic user.”

Mae’s pulse quickened.She’s good.

Nikolai blinked and raised his glass to his lips to mask his surprise.

Regina leaned closer and cocked a thumb at Mae. “Gotta admit, it’s a bit bold of you to bring an escort here.”

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