5
Ness
I hurriedly rana hand through my hair before pulling my knit cap on. I was late for work once again. I’d rolled out of bed long after my alarm had given up on trying to wake me. The events of the day before had drained me so thoroughly that I’d overslept. There hadn’t even been time for breakfast.
I slowed at the sight of Bri heading my way. She waved and beckoned me forward. I stiffened, wary of speaking to Ryder’s mate after last night. I’d fallen asleep to the memory of his touch. Had she found out that he’d almost kissed me while drunk on faery food?
I did not want to see what an angry dragon mate would do to me today. This wasn’t Lakesedge, though. Bad Moon Café sat just outside of the supernatural community. Out here, in Syracuse, the humans were oblivious to our presence. No one could act up or use their arcana without risking revealing themselves.
Any supernatural who revealed themselves risked punishment by the local leaders. Bri didn’t belong to the local supernatural community, but I trusted that she abided by the same laws. So, at least, I knew she wasn’t going to smite me with lightning or fire just for thinking about her mate.
I gestured for her to follow me into the café. Cerri was already behind the counter, mixing her potions for the day. She gave me a wide grin until Bri opened the door behind me. Cerri’s mask of cheer slipped and revealed her confusion for a moment.
“I’m sorry, but we aren’t open yet,” Cerri said in her sweetest customer service voice.
“It’s alright. I invited her in.” I didn’t want to, but I figured Bri needed to talk and here was as good a place as any.
While the other two stared at me expectantly, I set out making my favorite coffee. I desperately needed an iced hazelnut mocha. It tasted like chocolate hazelnut spread, and I could not get enough of it.
“I know you’re not open yet,” Bri said politely. “But could I have one of whatever you’re making as well?”
Cerri bent and reached for one of her potion bottles under the counter. When I noticed that she was reaching for the truth potion, I grabbed her wrist to stop her. As much as I’d like to ask Bri a few questions, especially ones concerning Ryder, I wasn’t going to force them out of her.
“Yeah, give me a moment.”
It took me no time at all to whip up another mocha. Here, in Bad Moon Café, I almost felt normal. I savored the soft sounds of the radio, turned low. The heady smells of espresso and flavored syrups were comforting in their own way.
Alvin had come here and made a scene not too long ago. I’d expected the café to feel tainted, like he’d left a stain behind. If anything, there seemed to be no trace of him at all. I wondered if Cerri had cleansed the space with a potion or if Audra, the café owner, had done something to remove his taint.
Either way, I appreciated it. I put Bri’s coffee up on the counter and turned down her money when she tried to pay. It was the least I could do after leaving her with Beryl the other day.
“How did that conversation go, by the way? The one with Beryl.”
I could feel Cerri’s attention on me. I’d left that part out.
Bri gave a half shrug. “It went fine, I guess. I’m still not sure I understand why Ryder was there to begin with. I thought that he’d gone to the court to get drunk, but after watching him try to leave town yesterday, I don’t think that’s what’s happening. Ryder won’t tell me anything, either.”
I pressed my lips into a firm line. Like hell would I give away the fact that I’d roped Ryder into helping me by lying. It hadn’t been the biggest lie. It was more a lie of omission, but still. This was Ryder’s mate. She would hate me forever if I admitted that I’d tried to use him.
I hated myself for trying to use him. Ryder deserved better. I knew that much at least.
“Beryl took a particular interest in Ryder,” Cerri said quickly.
I sipped on my coffee so I would keep my mouth shut.
Cerri sidled up beside me. “The two of them were working on something, but Beryl is devious. She must have trapped Ryder in a deal somehow. I’ve never trusted that unseelie queen.”
Bri took both of us in, her attention flicking back and forth between us. I gave a nod that might not have been as convincing as I’d hoped. Bri didn’t question it, though.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. “I wish that man knew how to ask for help. This is how he gets into trouble. He thinks he can do something on his own, and then it bites him in the ass.”
Except, Ryderhadasked for help. I’d been unable to follow through.
“I’m not sure how all of you got wrapped up in this, but if you could help me, I’d be really grateful.”
I couldn’t tell if Bri was digging for information because she suspected we’d betrayed him or simply looking for answers that might help. Bri had every right to both, I guessed.
But I shrugged instead. “I’m not sure what’s happening. All I know is that Beryl wants him for something.”