Curse And Craving

26

Lochlan was an enigma, buried in a maze—all locked inside an impenetrable vault. My shaky legs managed to carry me back inside, though just barely. As hard as it was to end the Q&A session, regardless of Lochlan’s warning, I truly needed to get back to Ashley. The reality was, she couldn’t cook or do much of anything one-handed. I’d told her I would be late, but it was time to get home.

“Ronan, I really appreciate you sharing all of this with me today, but I’ve got to get back to my place and help Ashley.” He held perfectly still and watched me closely. “What did Lochlan have to say?” His tone was flat and cold compared to his casual demeanor just minutes before. I wasn’t sure how he knew I had spoken with Lochlan, and at that point, I didn’t want to know. “Nothing of any relevance. I think he was keeping tabs on me, though I don’t understand why.” He gave a curt nod. “I have my car here. Let me give you a ride home.” “That would be great. Thank you.” We gathered our things and walked to where he had parked his candyapple red Audi. “What is it with you Fae men and fancy sports cars?” I asked teasingly. He gave me a sly grin. “I’m pretty sure every man, Fae or human, gets a hard-on for a fast car. The difference is, we can afford them.” “I see. That brings up another question. I heard somewhere that Fae can’t use technology. That obviously isn’t true, but is there a reason behind the myth?” As I asked my question, he glided the car away from the curb and headed in the direction of my apartment. “We were slow to adapt to technology. In Faery, the natural energy on the planet causes periodic electromagnetic pulses as magic ebbs and flows, making human technology useless. Plus, there is little justification to use technology. Why use a tool when you can use magic? But with Guin demanding our existence remain a secret, using cars and other technology is imperative to blending with society.” We finished the short drive in silence. Not until I had walked inside my apartment did I register that I had never given him my address. Damn Fae men needed to learn some boundaries. OceanofPDF.com Chapter Eleven “QUITTING TIME,” I SANG OUT TO CAT AS I NEARED THE VISITOR’S DESK. “Time to go home and relax.” She stood with her bag and scoffed. “Not for me. Not with my mam. Think I’m going to pop into the pub across the way for a pint first.” “By yourself?” “It’s better than going home,” she muttered. I hated that for her. Being with my parents was my favorite place to be. I couldn’t imagine not having that. “Well, Ash is still laid up at the apartment, but I could probably stay for one drink if you’d like some company.” Her emerald eyes beamed. “You bet I would. Come on, I’ll lead the way.” The pub was the epitome of what I would expect an Irish pub to look like. The narrow room was somewhat dark, giving it a cozy, if not cramped feeling, considering the large number of people gathered for happy hour. Cat led the way through the packed room to one of two unoccupied wood tables and selected a chair with her back to the wall. I sat opposite her, facing the wall filled with sports pictures and memorabilia. We both ordered beers and took in the varied crowd that conversed animatedly with each other. “This place is great,” I said over the din of chatter. “Yeah, I stop over sometimes when I’d rather not go straight home.” “You live with your parents?” “With my mom, and she drives me up a wall. I love her, but there comes a time when a child should leave the nest, and that time has come.” I shrugged with an embarrassed smile. “I can’t really relate. I’m one of those crazy kids who did everything with her parents.” I paused as the server dropped off our drinks before asking, “Do you have plans to move out?” “I’ve got a cousin of sorts who graduates this year. Once she’s out of school, we’re hoping to get a flat together.” “That sounds awesome. I’m going to miss living with Ashley.” “My family is pretty traditional, and I can’t live with just anyone. Aileen is on the list of approved roommates. She’s not exactly a good friend, but at least I’ll be out from under my mom’s watchful eye.” “She a helicopter mom?” “What on earth does that mean?” I laughed a bit at her confused expression before I explained. “It means she hovers over you, overprotective or controlling.” “Oh, Rebecca, you've no idea. Her hover is more like a crow perched on my shoulder.” We both giggled, and I started to relax from my day as the beer worked its way into my system. I scanned the wall littered with pictures, scarves, and flags for a soccer club called Linfield. I could imagine game day here would be a memorable experience and decided that I would have to come back for a game. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Cat, who had been relaxed moments ago, suddenly sat up stiffly. Her face drained of all color, and her eyes rounded. She murmured something under her breath as her eyes quickly dropped to her hands, and I leaned toward her in concern. “Cat, what is it? Are you okay?” Her eyes darted around and eventually came back to me as she forced a smile on her face. “Yes, I’m sorry, just remembered I needed to let the dog out to wee, but it’s no problem.” Her blatant attempt to cover her fear did nothing to shake me, and I pulled my chair around to sit next to her. “If you think I believe that, you’re absurd. You looked like you saw a ghost. Tell me what happened?”