Page 127 of Ares' Shield
“What if they look in the back? Will they see our weapons and the bulls’ horns?”
“They don’t see the monsters so maybe they won’t?” Jayden stops in line behind several cars.
“I can stow everything in the ether.” Raven pops her head between us.
“I don’t think bull horns are weapons, Raven.”
“The things fucking gored you, B. I’m pretty sure that classifies.” Raven thumps me in the forehead and I swat her hand away.
Jayden squeezes my thigh a little harder at the mention of the horn goring me and I pat his hand.
“Just go stash them already before the humans see.”
Raven climbs over the back seat and Draven grunts as she “accidentally” knees him in the gut. I’m sure that was a complete accident.
“Sorry.” Raven grins and shoots me a wink.
“You’re not sorry. What the fuck, Raven?” Draven rubs a hand over his stomach.
“You have deserved that and more for a long time so just shut it.” Raven flips her hair over her shoulder and turns her back on us all.
The car in front of us pulls forward and a woman and a little girl that I would recognize anywhere get out of the car.
I gasp and smack Jayden’s arm, pointing wildly at our little seer friend.
What is she doing here? I thought we sent them to a safe house.
I throw my door open and jump from the car even as Jayden protests. The car was still moving. Whoops.
“Annie?” I yell as they are about to step inside.
Her mother spins to me with fear until she recognizes me and slumps. “What are you doing here?”
“I was going to ask you the same thing.” I crouch in front of Annie. “Hey, kid.”
“Hey, Beth. I knew you’d come.” Annie beams at me.
“Is that why you insisted we come?” Her mother plants her hands on her hips.
“Of course. It’s dinnertime and I want to eat with my friends.” Annie wraps her arms around my neck, hugging me.
Jayden finally gets to the front and grabs our bags before handing the keys to the valet. “Hey, little seer.”
Jayden whispers the words, but I still glare at him. There are humans everywhere.
“Jayden,” Annie yells and throws her arms around him. “I’m glad you’re being nice again.”
“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m always nice.” Jayden ruffles her hair.
“You know what I mean, Jayden.” She glances at me and back to him.
“You’re too smart for your own good, kid.” I chuckle.
She grabs Jayden’s hand and mine in her other and tugs us into the air-conditioned lobby of the hotel. The others follow behind us. Raven is grinning like an idiot as we’re dragged through the hotel to the restaurant.
“We’re supposed to be meeting someone here, Annie,” I say.
“She’s going to be late.” Annie tugs harder on my hand.
