Page 11 of Magic and Muffins

“We need to do more than that,” I said. "She’s luring innocent people. How many small towns does she need to take over before the public is told what’s really happening?

“While I don’t always agree with Vena, she’s right this time. We need to find and stop Orphia. So many people are in danger because of her.” I thought of my family and how their vacation wouldn’t keep them away from the danger forever.

“We’re on the same page?” Vena asked excitedly.

“Maybe. I think you’re right that the Night Club meetings are the best way to find Orphia and stop this quicker.

“I’m not suggesting some loose cannon escapade like we’ve poorly executed in the past.” I shot Vena a pointed look. “I’m suggesting a coordinated effort involving all of us. Send Vena and me to the meeting since we’re human while you guys tail us.”

There was a chorus of “No,” with one excited, “Hell yes!”

I saw the fear lurking in both Shepard and Cross’ gazes and tried to get them to see reason.

“Orphia has attempted to use me several times already to force the both of you to give up your rings. Now that we know why she’s doing it and what’s at stake, isn’t it better to find her before she finds me?”

“You’re not going in there,” Shepard said. “Either of you. You could get compelled or thralled and turned.”

“Think of what we’ve already been through, Shepard,” I said. “Even with you and Cross right there protecting us, I still got hurt last night. I’m not blaming you. I just don’t want to extend how long I have to live with the threat of Orphia or her people doing something else to me to get to you. The faster we stop her, the sooner we can move on. I’m ready to focus on what comes next in life.”

I knew I had him when his eyes flickered with gold. His sweet wolf-heart was desperate for our future together.

He glanced at Cross.

“They’ve had more close calls than I would care to remember,” Cross said. “While we both know things could go wrong, Everly’s right. This is our best chance to find Orphia. Even with my contacts on the inside, I’ve learned nothing of Orphia’s whereabouts.”

“We have her number,” I said. “Or at least her assistant’s. The other option is to call and ask for an in-person meeting like she wanted.”

“No,” Cross said firmly. “With forewarning, she has time to prepare, which would give her an advantage we cannot afford. There’s a reason I ran from her a century ago. She’s hungry for power and will kill as many people as needed to gain it. If you think the towns she converted are troubling, you are unprepared for the number she killed in the past when there were fewer people to notice.”

“Seriously?” Vena asked.

“There were fewer plagues than your human history claims,” he said.

“Damn,” Vena said as I silently agreed.

“Okay,” I said. “So the best option is the Night Club meetings. Unless someone has something else?”

Shepard didn’t look happy as he shook his head.

Vena giddily cheered as she pulled out her phone. Then she shushed everyone as she dialed the number on the pamphlet and placed the call on speaker.

A chipper man answered, “Thanks for calling the Night Club hotline. Would you like to donate to the cause or attend a meeting?”

“Both, actually,” Vena said. “My friend and I just watched the video. It’s disgusting what the wolves are doing.”

“I couldn’t agree more. And you’re not alone. We’ve had thousands of calls already this morning. Our new member onboarding is booked out for a few days, so we’re placing people on a waiting list. Is this the best number at which to reach you?”

“It is,” Vena said.

“Excellent. Can I have your first name?”

“Aneva,” Vena said without missing a beat.

I rolled my eyes at her. It was a name she’d always referred to as her stripper name. It was also the name she’d give any guy she wasn’t interested in when we went out for drinks.

“We will call you back in a few days with the meeting time and location, Aneva. Thanks for calling.”

“Thanks for sending people out with the pamphlets. Without them, I would have never known.”

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