The Hunt (By Kiss and Claw #2) - Melissa Haag Page 0,63
drinking?”
“Fermented poppy milk. The strongest I could find.” He sniffled and tipped his cup back. Only this time, there was no long gulp. He peered sadly at the empty container before throwing it out the window and sobbing uncontrollably.
“Don’t you want to marry Dewy?” I asked.
“After witnessing the nectar of your love petals, I thought having a woman would be more physical and less ‘stop-touching-me.’ I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being the only one to enjoy the pleasures of my flesh.”
I stared at him, trying not to make the grossed-out face I wanted to make and feeling a surge of pity for his Dewy. I could only imagine how much touching Piepen wanted to do after my short time with him.
“Brownies are very amorous creatures. Maybe Dewy isn’t the right one for you.”
“It’s too late for that now, Eliana. She’s pregnant. I’m not going to turn my back on her, no matter how much you beg me to stay.” He looked at me hopefully.
“I’m not suggesting you stay with me. I’m suggesting you find another girl. If Dewy is as uninterested in touching you as you say, she probably doesn’t want to marry you either.”
He perked up a little.
“Talk to her about it. Maybe I’m right. But no matter what you decide to do with your relationship, don’t sell your wings, Piepen. You’ll regret it every day of your life.”
He nodded and flitted into the air.
“You’re right. Without them, I’d never see you again.”
I opened my mouth to tell him he didn’t need to see me at all, even with his wings, but he flew out before I could make a sound.
Shaking my head, I went to check my phone. My steps slowed on my way to the closet as I scrolled through my texts.
Council: The Council expresses its gratitude to the banshees for warning the residents of Uttira of a potentially disastrous situation. The Council is vigilantly working with other Mantirum towns to prepare for whatever may lie ahead and asks all residents to resume their activities with caution and awareness of the banshee warning. Should any resident learn of any additional information they feel pertains to the warning, please notify the Council immediately. Thank you.
Eugene: Adira told us not to come in today. Is it because of the screaming last night? What’s going on?
Megan: Oanen’s mom is freaking out about some banshees singing. Call me when you get this.
Mom: The Council is clueless about what the banshees were warning us about. Don’t believe anything they send out. And use your ears. I don’t trust them.
Fenris: I’ll be there early for a full report on last night’s cake flavors.
My gaze lingered on that last message and the subtle reminder of the upcoming spell removal. Everyone was worried about the banshees and the Council’s reactions, and Fenris was focused on what I dreamt about? That wolf had a weird obsession with my cake dreams.
There was a knock on my door before I could respond to any of the messages. Adira let herself in without any response from me.
“Good. You’re awake. How is your arm?”
I reached back to gingerly feel the cut. The care wasn’t necessary though. Not a trace of the cut remained. Turning, I showed her the back of my arm.
“You fed?” she asked, surprise lacing her expression and tone.
“Given what’s going on, does it really matter? Eugene texted me that you’re not allowing the humans to go to school.”
“They’re safer in their homes, which are heavily warded. And of course, it matters if you’ve fed. I’d like you to join us for dinner tonight. There are people I would like you to meet.”
I stared at her for a moment.
“That didn’t work well last time.”
“Your mother said it didn’t work well because you weren’t warned. Now you are. Dinner is at seven. Don’t be late.”
Adira swept out of the room as abruptly as she’d entered.
Chapter Thirteen
Narrowing my eyes at the space Adira had occupied, I vowed not to be her puppet.
After sending a quick reply to Eugene explaining the Council’s message, I marched to my closet, grabbed some clothes, and called Megan.
“It’s not just Uttira,” Megan said in lieu of a greeting. “My mom heard it where she’s at and made some calls to find out that it happened in other Mantirum towns as well. But get this; it’s still happening. Like a ripple effect, Uttira was the first, and it’s spreading outward.”