Page 34 of Magic and Muffins

“How long do I get your company today?”

“If I’m lucky, the whole day. Cross and Doc are taking the lead.”

“And what would you like to do today?”

“Spend time with you. Just the two of us if we can get away with it.”

“I’ll do my best to accommodate that,” I said, tipping my head to kiss his chin. “Any chance you know how to open the window to let a little light in?”

I felt him roll away, and a second later, the window shades opened enough that I could see Shepard standing beside the bed in nothing but a snug pair of underwear, like a model. What he wore wasn’t fancy but showed off his muscular backside and a nice package in the front.

When I stood, he hugged me to him and breathed deeply.

“Are you okay?” I asked, running my hands up and down his back.

“I’m always okay when I’m with you.”

We stayed in the locked embrace for a few moments until he finally pulled away. He still looked tired.

“Why don’t you sleep some more?” I suggested.

“I’ll sleep for a few more minutes while you get ready, but I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”

I hugged him again and headed to the bathroom to get ready. When I emerged dressed for the day and my hair pulled into a ponytail, I found the bed made and the bedroom empty.

Leaving, I found Shepard in the living room, which had changed slightly. Someone had rearranged the furniture, and we now had a television.

Shepard held the remote in his hand and was watching breaking news.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Another fae was brutally murdered. The method of killing was the same as the first one. They’re thinking it’s a serial killer.”

Another?Then I remembered Cross had been reading an article about the death and one of the fae servers at Enticed had mentioned it.

Shepard turned off the television and put down the remote. After everything he had to deal with because of Orphia’s videos, I didn’t blame him for turning off more negative media.

“Since you’re up, what do you want for breakfast?”

He followed me to the kitchen and sat at the island. “Whatever you are making is fine.”

“How hungry are you?”

“Very.”

I decided on something filling and delicious, and Shepard watched me pull out the ingredients.

“Cross mentioned, without going into detail, what happened at the fae’s house. I didn’t have a chance to talk to Anchor since he and Vena went straight to bed when they got home. They looked a little rough. Are you all right?”

“Rough might not be the right word. Used is probably better, but not in a bad way. I’ve never felt anything like that before. I know what the usual draw of a fae feels like from working at Blur, but this was different. It was intense, and I felt drugged even with my necklace fighting it. Like being in a fog and unable to feel complete. It’s hard to describe.”

He nodded. “That’s what Cross said, too, which isn’t something otherworlders typically feel when around fae. Those older fae relics were made in their realm where they can access their full power and can be dangerous. I’ve already spoken to Effora about ensuring it isn’t used again.”

“What did she say?”

I caught his disgruntled eye roll and knew the answer. Effora evaded like she always did.

“She’s been calling several times a day but never to help or answer questions.”

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