Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb - Lexi George Page 0,100

villain.”

A demon hunter, one with the powers and abilities of the Dalvahni, had gone to the other side? The thought was alarming.

“Did you find him?” Sassy asked.

“Nay,” Grim said. “He is clever, this dastard. He has unleashed the viper of distrust in our midst. One of us is a traitor, though we know not who. Now brother looks upon brother askance and with grievous doubt.” He shook his head. “Never would I have believed such a thing possible. But fear not. He will be caught and there will be a reckoning.”

He gave Sassy a look so hot and primal, so full of promise that she looked down to make certain she hadn’t burned to cinders. “But the pleasure of bringing this rogue to justice will have to be another’s. You come first from now on. In all things.”

Evan’s gaze whipped from Sassy to Grim and back again. “Whoa. Why do I feel like I’ve missed something?”

Sassy blushed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You’re a lousy liar, Lollipop.”

“Naturally.” Sassy showed him her dimples. “It’s not nice to lie.”

Evan pushed to his feet and rolled his shoulders. Slowly, his eyes faded from black to purple. “Rotten luck the old hag showed up while I wasn’t around. Wish I’d been there to help, Red.”

Grim rounded on the huntress. “What is this?”

“The witch accosted us on the road.” Taryn grimaced. “I missed the shot. She got away.”

“Taryn winged her,” Sassy said. “I heard her holler.”

“The old bitch is on the run and injured?” Evan’s mouth curled in an unpleasant smile. “Excellent. Things are about to get hotter for her.”

“Meaning?” Grim asked.

“I ran into that sheriff while I was in town.” Evan held his hands up, palms out. “As a general rule, I’m allergic to pork, but I decided to liven things up for Ora.” He showed his teeth in a feral grin. “Told Whitsun if he wanted to solve the Charlie Skinner murder case, he should poke around the Luker place.”

Sassy’s eyes widened. “You think the witch killed Charlie Skinner?”

“Know she did,” Evan said. “Ora told me the whole story before she drugged me and threw me in the clink. Said Charlie stole some plant from her. She killed him for it, crazy old bitch. Drowned Charlie in his own moonshine and kept his boots as a souvenir.”

Sassy shivered. The witch made a cruel enemy.

Grim laid his hand on her shoulder and stroked the nape of her neck with his thumb.

“It is well past midday, and you are hungry and weary,” he said. “A bath and a change of clothes should set you to rights. Take your ease whilst I prepare a meal.”

“My new clothes.” Sassy brightened at once. “Yay. I forgot about them.”

“I see you got new kicks, Red.” Evan smirked at the huntress. “Not your usual style, are they?”

“Kicks? I do not—” Taryn got that faraway look in her eyes, the one that meant she was processing. “Ah. You refer to my boots. They are not my doing.”

“Lolly bedazzled you, huh?”

“Yes. I fear they are not appropriate garb for a warrior.” Taryn looked down at the boots with something like regret. “Though they are a trifle garish, I confess that I find myself loath to part with them. I have never received a gift.”

“Never?” Sassy stared at the huntress in astonishment. “Not even for your birthday?”

Taryn shook her head. “Verily, the workmanship is exceptional, and they are agreeable in fit and form. The color, alas, does not suit. I should much prefer it they were black.”

Poof. The boots went from red to black.

Taryn gave Sassy a startled look. “Did you . . . ?”

Sassy shook her head. “Wasn’t me. Cross my heart and hope to die in an ugly dress.”

“Astonishing.” Taryn cleared her throat. “And I am not overly fond of the gewgaws.”

The glitter vanished, although the boots retained a certain luster that bespoke fairy magic.

Tilting her right foot this way and that, Taryn admired her footwear. “Excellent.” Looking much cheered, she motioned to Evan. “Come. You will help me fetch the parcels.”

Evan saluted. “Yes, sir, sergeant ma’am.”

Grinning, he sauntered out the door with Taryn.

Sassy opted for a quick shower instead of a soak in the tub. She towel-dried her hair, letting it fall in natural ringlets, and brushed her teeth. When she came out of the bathroom, the king-sized bed was covered with her purchases. She pawed through the bags until she found panties and a bra—heaven to be wearing her own things—and slipped on a pair of skinny