Page 16 of Magic and Muffins

He showed me a video of protesters outside of Blur. At the bottom of the video was a banner stating, “Blur, a D.C. nightclub owned and operated by werewolves.”

“So much for his pack being unknown,” I said.

The people were peacefully protesting with signs that read, “Werewolves wear sheep’s clothing.” “Wolves kill first. No questions asked.” “Leave D.C., killers.” And more. All of it against werewolves.

“Do you think the protesters truly believe werewolves are bad, or are they thralled humans being controlled by Orphia or Vivian or whatever vampire to stir up trouble?”

Cross considered the question and the video.

“That is an excellent question, and one I can only answer if I go there in person.”

“Is it safe?”

He kissed my forehead. “I love it when you worry about me, Everly.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“It’s safe enough for me. With the ring I wear, very little can harm me.”

“Okay. Then you can go.”

He chuckled and called Vena on speaker.

“Hey, money-man, did you get my books yet?” she asked.

I shook my head at her as Cross answered, “I’ve acquired most of them. However, that’s not why I’m calling. I need you and Anchor to stay with Everly.”

“Where?” she asked.

“At the new place,” I said.

“We really need to brainstorm a name for it besides the new place,” she said.

“Agreed,” Cross said. “How soon can you be here to discuss business names?”

“Anchor and I are already in the neighborhood. We can be there in five.”

Five minutes later, her voice rang out from below. “Would you eat at a place called Beaver?”

She appeared at the open door. Anchor was a step behind her, frowning and flushed.

“You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed,” Vena said when she looked back at him. “For the record, I didn’t ask him if he liked eating beaver, just if he’d eat at aplacecalled Beaver.”

“Yeah, I’m with Anchor on this,” I said. “Doesn’t make it any better.”

“Will you be able to watch over the pair of them on your own, or should you call someone else over for backup?” Cross asked Anchor.

“You make it sound like we’re children,” Vena complained.

Anchor picked Vena up, carried her to the island, and sat her on a chair. She didn’t complain, though.

“I’ve got this,” Anchor said to Cross. “She’ll promise me her best behavior today.”

“I will?” she asked innocently.

“You will.” He leaned toward her face, and I watched my friend’s anticipation visibly climb. “I’d eat at a place called Beaver.”

Cross chuckled as Vena started promising to be the model of best behavior.

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