Page 108 of Witch Queen

“We’ve talked about it,” Nikolai said.

“But—what about the incubus?” Oscar said, confused. “I thought you would ask him if it ever came to?—”

“Are you joking?” Nikolai scowled. “That asshole still wants to get in Mae’s pants!”

She sighed. “No, he doesn’t.”

Nikolai pursed his lips. “He said as much last week.”

“And I’m telling you he was yanking your chain.”

Oscar finished packing and got ready to leave. Mae, Nikolai, and Bryony accompanied him and his lynx to the entrance of the mansion.

Bryony studied Oscar with a conflicted expression. “I wish you’d stay longer.”

“Thank you. But I should go on this trip.” He stroked Drabek’s head. “It will be good for us.”

The sorcerer intended to travel across North America for a few months before returning to Europe and dismantling what remained of the businesses run by the Dark Council.

Nikolai’s eyes darkened as he studied his brother.

Their reconciliation had not been an easy process. Still, Mae knew the sorcerer no longer harbored a grudge toward the man who had ended his mother’s life.

“Don’t be a stranger.” A tremulous smile danced across Nikolai’s lips. “You’re family.”

He hugged Oscar.

Oscar squeezed him hard, his chin quivering.

Mae’s throat tightened as the brothers pulled back and gazed warmly at each other.

Abraham came down the stairs. “Hey, anyone know about the crack in the pink Ming vase in Bryony’s study?”

Drabek flinched. Oscar’s shoulders knotted. Bryony narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“It was an accident, honestly,” Oscar protested. “She didn’t mean to knock it over.”

Bryony scowled. “Do you even know how much that vase is worth?!”

“Half a million,” Oscar said promptly. “I checked.” He grimaced. “I’ll pay you back.”

Magic flashed in Bryony’s eyes.

Oscar paled. Nikolai and Abraham did their best to calm the High Priestess, to no avail.

“Run for it!” Mae urged the sorcerer and his lynx as Bryony unleashed her sword.

Oscar and Drabek bolted out of the door.

* * *

It waslate by the time Nikolai parked his SUV outside their apartment. They’d finally vacated Vlad’s place and returned to the quaint, two-bed unit above the cinema in Ridgewood.

“Man, that was a long day,” Mae muttered.

Nikolai closed the front door and dropped the keys on the console table. “Wanna have a nightcap before we go to bed?”

Mae shook her head. “I’m kinda pooped, to be honest. I think I’m gonna hit the sack.”

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