Oath Sworn - K.N. Banet Page 0,33

my Duty the way those fucking wolves did last night.

After cleaning up my shoulder, I checked my thighs and calves. They weren’t healing well either, but the stitches were holding and that was something. I cleaned them up with peroxide, hissing at the sting, but didn’t let it deter me from the job. I had to keep them clean if I didn’t want to get an infection before the silver left my system.

Once I was done, I jumped into the shower for a quick clean, making sure I didn’t get shampoo or conditioner on them. It was tricky business.

When I was done, Carey was blessedly still asleep, so I left the room and went to the main office. Maybe I could catch the fae and finally grab his name and learn where breakfast might be. I was nearly there when he walked out of the main office, juggling a tray.

“Hi…” I slowed down, confused until I realized he was having a hard time. My manners kicked in and I grabbed the door so he had an easier time leaving the main office with whatever he was carrying. I was able to catch the scent of it on the air and frowned. “Food? Where did you get it?”

“My wife made it for you, and before you ask, she’s human and this isn’t fae food. You can eat it safely.” He looked up at me, lifting the tray to me. I didn’t take it, puzzled. I hadn’t realized I was taller than him the night before. Distraction at its best, which had to stop. There was another problem.

“Does your wife talk to werewolves?” I asked softly, dangerously.

“No, no!” That made him go stiff, the accusation sitting between us still. “She knows a lot about the supernatural world, but she doesn’t talk to anyone, not even her own human family. We have a nice quiet life here and don’t want any trouble.”

“Did you tell her who or what I was?”

“I told her some, but only because she already knows about the Law of the supernatural species and the Duty of the werecats. It’s why she made you both breakfast.”

I raised an eyebrow. I hadn’t told him who I was with.

“She’s the one who put it together. You asked for me to keep an eye out for werewolves. Dallas-Fort Worth area is having issues with their werewolves. Human daughter of a council Alpha goes missing, then is said to be safe, but her location isn’t publicly announced…” He frowned now, sniffing around. “Are you bleeding?”

“Fuck,” I muttered, touching my shoulder. “I didn’t know your nose was that sharp. What are you? Fair trade, considering you know so much about me it seems.”

“I’m aes sidhe,” he said casually.

“Yes, which is just another general term for fae,” I retorted, narrowing my eyes.

His brown hair fluidly shifted before my eyes to a bright red. Freckles began to appear on his face. I knew it had bad been an illusion, a glamour to appear human. Then his ears became pointed. “No, lass. It’s Irish fae. Get it right.” He chuckled, finally pushing the tray at me. I grabbed it before he let go, but neither of us moved. He looked me over, calculating. “You could also say I’m one of the Daoine maithe. We’re known for being…human-like with supernatural abilities.”

“Yes, and you’re divided into Clans that give people an idea of what you are and what you can do.” He was beating around the bush, and I knew it was because he probably wanted his privacy. Or he was fucking with me. I didn’t know much about fae—never really cared for them or about them— but I knew some basics. I didn’t, however, know any of the Clans or what they meant, just that there were Clans and a Clan passed on their abilities like humans passed on hair colors.

“Well, I’ve given you an answer, werecat who hasn’t announced her lineage,” he said softly, his smile turning sharp.

I shrugged as best I could while holding the food. Answers for a different day, then. I walked away from him but stopped after only five feet.

“Then give me your name at least,” I ordered, turning back to him.

“You can call me Brin,” he answered. “I would give you my wife’s name, but I don’t plan on letting you meet her. My sons are Eamon, Fergus, and Rian. They work the gas station.”

“I’m Jacky.” I inclined my head after I offered him my name. I left him there, thinking about what