Venom And Vice

27

“Dang! That would definitely be an adventure. I figured you’d say Paris or New York or some other more typical destination.” “I wasn’t allowed to get out much as a kid, so I guess my need to roam is greater than most.” Her eyes dropped to her hands for a second, almost sheepishly, before her spine stiffened. “Shite, I think I heard my name being called. I better get back.” She quickly stood with the dishes. “It was lovely meeting you!” “You, too! Oh, wait! Before you go, can I get your number? Maybe we can hang out sometime.” She grinned from ear to ear. I jotted down her number before she rushed away, sitting back to reflect on how well my day had started with a little positive thinking. Maybe that was all I needed to get things going in the right direction. A little determination and a whole lot of optimism. Maybe between the two, I could even talk to Casek without wanting to gouge out his eyes. Then again, optimism could only take me so far. My fingers lifted to the back of my neck for what had to have been the hundredth time in the past twelve hours—eight of which I’d spent asleep. I still couldn’t believe what he’d done. Pulling out my phone, I looked at the image of his mark again. It looked like an X with lines crossing the tops and one final line descending from the top right of the letter. He’d said it would keep others away, but what did that mean? Was it some form of spell or more of a generalized warning? “No wonder I haven’t seen hide nor hair of you lately.” Liam’s sudden appearance from behind me caused me to nearly drop my phone. “Oh! Hey. What are you up to?” Heat scalded my cheeks. He lowered his lanky form into the café chair across from me and studied me. “Saw your friend outside and thought I’d say hello. Now that you’re working with Casek, I don’t see you anymore.” My relationship with Liam had been easy and open from the day we met. I valued his friendship and felt bad that I’d neglected him. “I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my plate lately.” “So I see,” he said with just a touch of accusation. “What do you mean?” My voice lowered warily. “Well, for starters, I didn’t expect to find you here wearing his brand.” Every ounce of the color drained from my face. “His … what?” I breathed, my eyes wide, hand clamping over the back of my neck. Liam’s eyes narrowed. “What did you think you wore back there?” My head shook. “A spell … some kind of warning. He said it would keep others away.” “Aye, that it’ll do.” He chuckled dryly—an uncharacteristic sound for the normally playful man. Why did he seem so upset? I understood why I should be appalled. But him? This had nothing to do with him. Any insinuation otherwise made me a tad defensive. “It’s not like I had a choice.” I pulled my hair down from the ponytail I’d been wearing to conceal the mark. “He slapped it on there, and I had no way to take it off.” He nodded slowly as though he wasn’t quite buying what I was selling, but before I could argue, he waved a hand dismissively. “I didn’t mean to rile you. It’s probably best you’re protected every way possible in the coming days.” “You mean because of the Fear Gorda.” “Aye, but also because the Hunt has chosen its new leader. The vote was unanimous for Lochlan to assume Alberich’s role as Erlking. The ceremony will take place outside of Avalon in two days’ time, and every Huntsman is to attend. We leave tomorrow.” Rebecca had explained a week earlier, not long after the previous Erlking had been killed by Morgan, that Lochlan would likely be voted into the role. It wasn’t a surprise, yet the news still caught me off guard. “I hadn’t realized the vote was happening.” “An hour ago. Now everyone is busy arranging for our absence. It’s not a good time for us to leave Belfast unguarded.” Again, the gravity of his normally lighthearted demeanor set me on edge. “How long will you be gone?” “Two days at most. You and Rebecca seem to be the biggest topic of debate. You aren’t allowed at the ceremony, but they aren’t sure if you’re safer alone in Faery or here at the Huntsman.” He paused for a moment, eyes raking over my face. “I didn’t mean to worry, ye, Ash. Every precaution will be taken to keep both of you safe.” I smiled and shook my head. “No, I know. It’s just been one hell of a week. Care to walk me back home? I don’t think I can concentrate at this point.” “Of course.” He stood and helped me gather my things but stilled before we could leave the table. “You know, I’m here for you. Anytime you need to talk, or anything at all, you just give me a ring.” Liam was so incredibly sweet, and I’d loved spending time with him, but I suddenly wondered if he hadn’t been hoping for more. My heart contracted painfully. I had never felt more than friendship for Liam. He was funny and clever and thoughtful—I could spend hours entertained in his company—but that spark of desire never existed for me. If it had for him, I’d been unaware and hoped to God I hadn’t been leading him on. There was no other man on this planet I’d hate to hurt more than Liam. I nodded appreciatively at his offer, my throat clogged with emotion. He led the way out, our conversation light and effortless until we entered the Huntsman lobby and crossed paths with a scowling Casek.