Delilah and I meet with the bakery managers in the afternoon and make sure they understand all of their responsibilities, give them back up contact information, and reassure them we trust them completely. It's the first time we are both going to be gone at the same time, so we do our best to hide our nerves and give them as much encouragement as possible. We help prep dry ingredients for a couple hours so there will be less work for them to do without us there. Marco holds the back door open for us when we are ready to leave. Bronx’s midnight blue Aston Martin Superleggera is idling in the alley. Bronx tinted the windows dark enough that I can’t see him inside, but I can’t imagine him letting anyone else drive it. I look down the alley and don’t see any of the sedan’s the guards usually drive, except the one Marco drove us to the bakery in. Bronx’s car only has two seats. He had to have it specially made because he is so tall. There's definitely no room for guards. “He said it's a
Half an hour later, we exit the highway and drive another twenty minutes down a country road. Eventually, we pull up to a little restaurant that has a handmade sign that says 'Jimmy’s BBQ' with a silhouette of a hog under it. There are a few other cars in the parking lot, but it doesn't look like a place that ever gets too busy. “You got dressed like that to eat barbeque?” I ask waving at his suit. He just smiles as he gets out of the car and jogs over to my side to open the door for me, “You’re going to love this place. I promise.” A short, plump woman in jeans and an oversized blue sweater greets us, “Bronx! Long time no see, darlin’. This must be that adorable wife we see in the papers.” “Hi Shelly. Yeah, this is Kas. I thought it was about time to bring her to my secret spot,” he smiles and gives the woman a big hug. I take a deep breath and stop myself from growling at the interaction. There is a hint of a werewolf's scent in the air, but she is definitely human. “It’s nice t
“C'est de la folie! [This is lunacy!] Kas, no. You’ve gone insane,” Delilah cries and stands up from her seat when I finish telling her and Marco my plan about three hours into our flight to Paris. She paces with her hands over her mouth. Her eyes are midnight blue when she finally stops and looks at me, “No. I can’t let you do this to your soul. I won’t allow it.” “Delilah, I’m not asking your permission. I started this centuries ago and I have to finish it. I’m telling you because you and Marco are my best friends and I love you,” I explain as calmly as possible, “I’m asking for your support and understanding. If the worst happens, I would like you two to take care of Cora until she finds Dante and is ready to leave the pack.” “We'll take care of your daughter...err...sister, Kas. Don't worry about that. But you're sure Bronx don’t know nothin'?” Marco leans forward and puts his elbows on his knees, wringing his hands together. “As far as I can tell, he knows something’s wrong, an
“Leticia, what are you doing here?” I whisper loudly, taking her by the elbow. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marco step forward and unholster his gun. Tyree also shifts his position. Securing the door so no one can get in or out. I put my hand up and motion for them to stand down. “Hello, you must be the light witch,” Leticia says sweetly to Delilah, “Since you’re Kas’s friend, I will let it slide that you tried to hit me with a blasting spell.” “Leticia,” I growl, putting my arm protectively in front of Delilah, “Why are you here? And be nice to my friend.” “I’m protecting you. And I’ll be nice, but she was the one who threw a spell at me, so maybe tell her to be nice too,” Leticia retorts in a low tone. “I appreciate you protecting me, but my guards are on duty. You don’t need to be here, darling,” I move my hand from in front of Delilah to take Leticia's hand. I feel our energy start to merge and comfort both of us. I see her face turn down slightly, “Oh. Okay. I-I just wa
Delilah and Leticia show me a spell to seal the bottle and keep the wine fresh so I can take it home to have with the chocolate later once I decide what I want to do. I’m surprised how easily I can perform the spell. It feels effortless and natural. Leticia rolls her eyes in frustration, insisting this is basic stuff compared to the magic I have performed in the past. The rest of the night goes without incident and we have a fun time getting to know Leticia better. She and Delilah discuss current trends in magic and explain important details to me. The more they speak, the more it feels like we are rehashing a conversation I’ve already had. Bits and pieces of spells and incantations formulate in my mind. At the end of the evening, the server comes over and announces that the bill has already been taken care of. Carly already called the restaurant and took care of the charges. “Bronxy paid for dinner? Oh my Goddess, that’s so sweet!” Leticia gushes, “You know what this means?” “That
Bronx’s POV I lean over and give Kas a little kiss on the cheek to wake her up. I don’t want to startle her and wake up Delilah, too. Delilah has her long, spindly arms wrapped around Kas with her head on Kas’s shoulder. Kas is holding Delilah in a loving, protective manner, looking happy and peaceful. I watch Kas smile and slowly open her eyes, never taking her arm away from her protective hold on her best friend. Her eyes get big with excitement when she sees me. Before she can say anything, I put my finger to my lips. I open up a mind link for a silent conversation, “Hi Baby, come on, let’s go lay down in our room.” “I can’t, Sweetheart. Delilah misses James. I told her I would stay here with her,” she gives me a little pout. She leans her head on top of Delilah's for effect. “Well, if you are staying in here with her, what am I going to tell this guy?” I use my thumb to point behind me where James is standing in the doorway. Kas’s beautiful violet eyes light up even more when
Kas's POV Hundreds of flashes go off as we take our spots on the little x's on the red carpet in front of the wall of photographers. We ignore the questions being yelled at us as Bronx slides his hand around my waist and squeezes a little. I look up at him with a big smile, which makes the flashes go off even faster. My smile gets even bigger when he gives me a wink, then leans down to give me a kiss. "You're so fucking beautiful, Kas," he whispers against my lips, before he stands straight again and walks away backwards. He raises his hands toward me and looks toward the photographers, then claps his hands, showing the crowd how much he approves of my slinky black dress. We don't go to many red carpet events, but for the ones we go to, Bronx always gives the media a minute to get solo pics of me. I feel Lex swoon at our mate, making me blush again before I pose by myself. I may be young, but I’m not stupid. After my interactions with Katherine, I completely understand she invited B
Delilah and I chat and comment on how beautiful everyone’s dresses and suits are as we walk around. Occasionally, we shake hands with people who recognize me. By pure chance, everyone we make physical contact with wins big in their next game. “Amazing luck people are having this evening, isn’t it?” I quip as I watch Delilah pat a man playing cards on the back. He draws a king card and lays down a royal flush. “Oui, lucky indeed,” she muses. We get to a roulette table and I look around, realizing we lost our guards and Musu, Carly, and Diane. I rub my fingers over my forehead to hide my eyes. “Marco? I’m sorry, we weren’t paying attention. We lost you guys,” I apologize through a mind link, “We are at the roulette table.” “We’ve got eyes on you. I'm only ten paces back. You're fine,” he responds. I look back and see Marco towering above the crowd, "Tyree is with the other ladies." “Excuse me, monsieur,” Delilah says to the man running the game, “How do you play?” He patiently ex