Demon Hunting with a Dixie Deb - Lexi George Page 0,118

own.”

“Mother-of-pearl,” Sassy said again, overwhelmed.

The mass of warriors parted and the white stag trotted from their midst. Mose rode astride the magnificent animal. The nibilanth was dressed in a white velvet tunic, white hose embroidered with clocks, and red shoes with black heels and shiny buckles. A velvet cap with a jaunty feather completed his wardrobe. His wiry hair had been smoothed with some kind of oil and his cheeks and lips were rouged.

Mose slid off the stag’s back and marched up to Sassy. “Here. Binding Day present.”

He shoved a piece of parchment into her hand.

Sassy unfurled the document. “It’s a deed.”

Mose rolled his eyes. “You’re a peach, Fairy Puss, but the brightest star in the heavens you ain’t. It’s the deed to this parcel of land. Bought it off the farmer who owned it.”

“I-I don’t know what to say, Mose. This is a wonderful gift.”

“Don’t get mushy on me, toots. Hate mush.”

Duncan pushed through the press of bodies. “Well, Grim? Are you going to kiss the lass and seal the deal, or shall I?”

Grim pulled Sassy into his arms and kissed her. Thoroughly. Leisurely. Possessively.

Sassy, not to be outdone, kissed him back. The catcalls, whistles, and huzzahs faded.

When Sassy opened her eyes they were alone in the forest.

“Where’d everybody go?” she asked.

“Evil takes not a holiday. They have returned to their various affairs.” Grim gave her another lingering kiss. “As must we, I fear. Already, we have tarried here nigh unto a week.”

“A week,” Sassy said. “It seems like hours.” She leaned her forehead against Grim’s broad chest. His leather jerkin was cool beneath her skin. “I don’t want to leave. I want to stay here with you. Forever.”

Grim wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. “If there is one thing we have both learned, my love, it is that we cannot run from ourselves. We have things to attend to. The witch, the rogue Dalvahni, the mill.” He paused. “And there is also your family to consider.”

“My parents.” Sassy groaned. “Mother-of-pearl, I’d forgotten about them. And Mr. Houston must think I’ve bailed on him. Take me back. Quick. Before I have time to change my mind.”

Grim’s arms tightened around her. Sassy felt an odd pulling sensation as they fell into the in-between. A moment later, they reappeared in the front hall of the river house.

Sassy’s stomach did a whoopsy. “I will never get used to that.”

“You will. A few thousand times, and it will be commonplace.” Grim cocked his head. “Listen. We have company.”

Taking her by the hand, he led her out of the foyer toward the sound of voices. In the living room, they found Evan sprawled on the big sofa, the picture of insouciance, with his feet crossed at the ankles and his arms behind his head. He was dressed in jeans and a fitted tee shirt. His silky black hair was tucked behind his ears, and his silver studs and earring were on full display. With his eyes lined in kohl and his sulky good looks, he resembled a Romany prince from the pages of a dark fairy tale, wild, dangerous, and unpredictable; the kind of guy mamas worldwide warn their daughters about.

Sheriff Whitsun and Sassy’s mother, Eleanor, stood over him. As always, Mama was immaculately coiffed and dressed.

“I’m telling you, I don’t know this man, Sheriff, and neither does my daughter.” Mama jabbed an accusatory finger at Evan. “I know Sassy’s friends and their families, and this . . . this person is not one of them. As for this tale of his—ridiculous. Sassy would not go off carousing with some strange man. She’s an engaged woman.”

“Not anymore, Mama. Wesley and I are done.”

Mama whirled around. “Sassy. Where have you been?” She looked Sassy up and down, her eyes narrowing as she took in Sassy’s dress and Grim’s medieval garb. “What in heaven’s name are you wearing?”

“Our wedding clothes.” She patted Grim’s slashed linen sleeve. “This is Grim, Mama. Grim Dalvahni—my husband. Grim, allow me to introduce my mother, Eleanor Jerkins Peterson Champion.”

Grim bowed. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, mother of Sassy.”

Mama dismissed him with a glance. “I am in no mood for jokes, Sarah Elizabeth. I cannot believe you’ve been playing dress-up while your stepfather and I have been worried sick.”

“You’re not listening, Mama. Grim and I were married this afternoon.”

“Was it a theme wedding?” Mama sniffed in disbelief. “How tacky.”

“Grim is wearing his dress uniform. He’s Dalvahni.” Sassy hesitated. “He’s what you might call