Page 58 of Rites of Passage

He eyed Karin’s cat pointedly. The Siamese yowled and shot behind her shellshocked witch.

Mae narrowed her eyes at Karin. “Second, we’re going pretend what just happened didn’t. I’m in the mood for a drink and a party. I would prefer it if you all remained civil for the remainder of this reception and generally avoided pissing me off. I can be a bitch when I’m hungry.”

A loud grumble erupted on cue. Several people jumped. Mae grimaced and pressed a hand to her stomach.

“Also, what does a girl have to do to get some decent food around here?” She pursed her lips and pointed at a buffet table. “Like, seriously, these canapes aren’t going to cut it. I could literally eat a cow right now.”

A strangled sound broke the befuddled silence. Nikolai looked sideways. Vlad was bent over and wheezing with laughter. Others were smiling around them. Even Armand was struggling to keep a straight face.

“Wait!” Regina hissed at Bryony. “Was she just hangry?!”

“There’s a hellhound in Chicago who gets like that,” Barbara said in a disapproving tone.

CHAPTER26

“We’ve hadten sorcerers and twelve witches go missing in the last forty-eight hours.”

Mae’s stomach plummeted at April’s somber statement. Fresh tension vibrated off Nikolai and Vlad where they stood framing her chair. Brimstone stopped chewing on his plate of fresh meat and looked up, his pupils glowing crimson.

Bryony’s eyebrows knitted together. “Missing how, exactly?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t know.” April rubbed her face tiredly. “We’ve been investigating their disappearance ever since we were notified by their next of kin. All I can say is that whatever happened to our coven members, they didn’t leave willingly. There’s evidence of a magical fight at pretty much every scene we’ve examined.”

They’d regrouped in a private lounge off the main ballroom. A muted roar reached Mae through the closed door. Now that the strain that had plagued the reception had been broken, the party was in full swing. Judging from what she’d observed before they’d left the function room, Mae wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few sore heads come the morning. She hadn’t spotted Ephra, Karin, or Gerard since they’d stormed out after their confrontation.

I bet tomorrow’s meeting is gonna be peachy.

Brimstone huffed at her glum tone.They wouldn’t dare try anything, I’m sure.

I don’t know about that. They looked pretty pissed when they left.

She was about to ask April to elaborate on the missing magic users when someone knocked on the door.

Armand frowned and opened it a fraction. “Oh.”

He pulled the door wide open.

Raven stood on the threshold, a reserved look on her face. “Mind if I join you?”

She’d addressed the question to Mae. Mae peeked awkwardly at the four other High Priestesses in the room.

“We’re at your command,” April said magnanimously.

Barbara waved a dismissive hand. “This is your rodeo.”

Bryony shrugged.

Regina beamed at Mae. “Why, I’m even thinking about loaning Erik to you for tonight after what you did for us out there. It’s the least I can do to repay our debt.”

Erik’s mouth fell open. “Mother!”

“Er, no, thanks,” Mae mumbled. “Besides, I’m sure Violet would have something to say about that.”

Erik’s head whipped around, his face brightening. “Vi is here?”

“Yes. She and Miles are helping us with something.” Bryony turned to the witch beside her, her tone turning disapproving. “And really, Regina? Pimping out your son?”

April narrowed her eyes. “Will you two cut it out? I’ve had enough drama for one night!”

---