Page 7 of Wanted: A Roommate Who Isn't Evil

Luc thought to leave, but he glanced over at the kitchen where the well pump rested above the sink, promising unlimited hot water whensoever he wished by the mere flick of a lever. Something within him released a silent moan as he then gazed over at the bedrooms where plush mattresses and quilts invited him to get therest he so desired. There was even a couch.

“You’re here!” It seemed Beth was also in the apartment. Luc hadn’t even noticed her.

Forget the debate. He wanted hot water and a bed.

Luc stepped into the apartment.Hisapartment.

“Oh dear,” he said, announcing himself to the North Fairy. A despicable laugh slipped out. “I never agreed to live with a guard dog.”

Mor’sguard dog.

Luc’s jaw hardened; his eyes narrowed. This horrid fairy and his white-haired brother had stolen one of Luc’s lives—an act so detestable and unforgiveable that it put a fresh fire in Luc’s blood. His lips curled into a dangerous smile for the North Fairy to see. A tone filled the fairy’s expression that told a merry story of being absolutely, positively, undeniably taken off guard.

It was truly beautiful.

Perhaps, now that Luc had the fool trapped, he would find a vile and cruel way to make him pay for all he’d done.

3

Dranian Evelry and Mugs of Mayhem

It was Beth who broke the tension heating the room. Her smile went to Dranian, then to Luc, then back to Dranian again. She thought she’d done a good thing. She thought she’d saved him.

She had no idea what she’d really done.

“There’s a problem with this contract,” Dranian found his voice to say. He grabbed the paper from the floor and waved it at Beth. Her sweet smile dropped.

“What problem?” She took the contract and looked it over, her brows scrunching together. “I don’t see a problem.”

“Well… there is.” Dranian’s weak arm felt heavier than a moment ago. “I cannot honour it.”

Beth released a strange laugh. “I mean, you can’t really get outof it now. You signed it.”

“You did.” Luc took two more utterly invasive steps into the apartment. He had the audacity to set his bag on the sofa. After a second of looking around, he sat down andstretched his legsonto the coffee table. “As did I, you foolish mutt—”

“Wow, that was uncalled for—” Beth started.

“—so, it seems we’re stuck in this predicament. The penalty for breaking the contract is more coin than I possess,” Luc finished. He brought his arms up behind his head to relax, and Dranian felt his insides heat. Surely, Beth would not force him to honour the contract after the rude words the Shadow Fairy had spewed.

“Well,” Beth said with a shrug as she handed the contract back to Dranian, “at least it’s only for a few months.”

Dranian blinked at her. Perhaps she was making a jest. Perhaps she wasn’t really planning to force him to see this through. She could not possibly imagine the damage that could take place in three hours, let alonethree months.

The human female shot him an apologetic smile that didn’t undo her betrayal, then she turned to Luc who’d made himself comfortable inDranian’sapartment. She picked up the one bag of groceries dripping ice cream where she’d left it by the door, and she held it up for Luc to see.

“There are a few rules around here,” she told him. “The first is: don’t leave things around like whoever left all this dairy by the entrance. The second is: make sure you pay your rent on time,which can be delivered by cheque right to my room across the hall or sent via e-transfer. The third is: no loud noises—” Dranian and Luc locked eyes. There would certainly be loud noises. There would certainly be stabbing, and the breaking of bones, and the wailing of pain. “—and the last one is easy. We all want to get along here. So, be nice.”

Never in a million faeborn years would Dranianbe nice.

Luc’s horrid, broad smile returned like he’d read Dranian’s mind.

“All of that is written on the contract you both signed, so keep it handy and read over it a few times to remember the rules,” Beth went on. “I’ll pop in later to make sure you guys are all settled!”

With a skip that was far too chipper for the situation, Beth left the apartment and closed the door behind her, sealing Dranian in with the fox.

“I will break the contract. I will pay the fee, whatever it is. You will be cast out of here.” Dranian wasted no time stating his intentions.

Luc brushed a fluff off his jacket, seeming more interested in his cleanliness than the threat. “Oh dear. I imagine you can’t afford it if you needed a roommate so terribly. And by this binding human law, you cannot cast me out. If you wish to break the contract, you must be the one to leave.” His wild eyes flickered up to Dranian, deadly and cold. “And I will absolutely find a way to getyouto leave by choice.”

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