Page 64 of Sequel to the Easter Bunny

He lurks in the shadows, out of everyone else’s sight and watches us with curiously narrowed eyes. Arms crossed, I know he doesn’t like what he sees, but I also know he won’t interrupt until he’s certain he should.

“Come be my desire, sweet little slut.”

The words make me wince before I can stop myself.

“I thought I’d try something new, but if you don’t like it, I’ll never say it again.” The finger that reaches up, dragging my lip down is soft and as he leans me forward, I realise I need—

“Would you get me a drink?” I ask, in a panicked rush.

He blinks at me. “What?”

“I’m thirsty.”

“Of course,” He snaps and green and black veined stone goblet appears in his hand. He offers it to me and I shake my head.

“Oh, no. I want….” I lick my lips trying to think of a way to get rid of him. “There was a drink Calico got for me, but I have no idea what it was. Do you think you could ask her?”

I glance down the length of the space to where the kittens sit at the bar counter again, teasing each other.

His scowl is deep, and I imagine I’m not supposed to be able to see it. “Of course.” He says, his words sickly sweet like poison. “Anything for you.”

He leaves me in a flash and I hurry away. To get to Jack, I have to break through a veil that surrounds him. And when I flinch from that electric sensation, he offers me an apologetic smile. “I don’t know what this is, or where it came from, but I don’t think anyone in Babel can see me….”

“Probably not. And I’d guess this was Gren.” I wrap my arms around him, trying to drive away the sickly chill I feel.

Jack pulls the cuff away. Tufts of white fur come with it. “Is that why you’re entertaining Minoka?”

“Everyone else thinks it’s you. They don’t see through whatever glamour he’s put on.”

“I’m glad you do.”

“I don’t know why I do.”

He looks out at the neon space. “It might be the Power.”

“But it doesn’t work here.”

“Not in the way you’re used to, but it has to do something… maybe this is it.” He glances down to me. “You should go back. Do whatever it is you need to do.”

“And if neither of us like what I have to do?” Glancing over my shoulder, I watch him try to charm the kittens. “If I have to sleep with him, too?”

“I don’t think Gren would force that.” He shrugs and draws me up to kiss me. “But if that’s what must be done, it’s a decision only you can make. If you need me, kiss the egg.”

I reach up, twisting the metal pendant between my fingers. “It doesn’t work here either.”

“But I’ll see it, and when you do, I’ll be at your side in a moment.” He looks up, scowling, “He’s coming back.” Jack’s hands brush over me, and then, I’m back on that sofa, waiting as the god who is so startlingly not Jack makes his way to me with the same drink Calico tried to convince me to drink before.

“Here you are, baby girl.”

He offers it to me and I draw it to my lips, briefly, before I pretend to have just remembered something.

“Gren said we have to find Minoka.”

“Did they?”

I nod, pretending I don’t see the deep frown it elicits. “How will we get to him?”

A dark smile tugs at his lips and he looks at the slowly gathering audience. “Oh, don’t worry, he’ll find us.”

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