Page 95 of Bones

I could’ve sunk to the floor in relief.

Juno didn’t miss that, either, and her expression softened again. “He’s good. Promise.”

Deke wasn’t kidding about the way The Four Horsemen—er, Horsepeoplehad been twisted.

None of the siblings were what I expected.

Juno wasn’t battling her siblings for a spot at the top or whispering mistruths to sow seeds of instability and hostility. She just talked a lot of smack, but in an oddly endearing way. Not that she was defenseless. I had no doubt she was powerful and dangerous when it came to people whodeservedit. But she wasn’t waging war against random adversaries and taking them out for the hell of it.

Not unless her opponent was the bag of the gummy bears she talked about…

Nate hadn’t seemed wrathful and ready to wipe out humankind. And I doubted his hoodie qualified as the cloaked robe he was often depicted in.

Lennon certainly wasn’t spreading plagues. He’d been genuinely sad about taking a sabbatical, but even more alarmed at the idea that something could happen to his patients. He’d even been concerned about a possible interaction between my sleeping pills and that delicious tropical cocktail.

A glimmer of hope began to form.

Maybe Deke was saddled with me because all that good can save me.

Juno has mentioned her powers are stronger now.

Frequently.

Maybe she can figure out how to cure me.

Before I could ask, she brushed off her hands. “The sasquatch fur always sticks to the outside of the jar. Anyway, you can stay at Stellan’s while you wait for him.”

They’d been welcoming. Kind. Confusing, yet incredibly entertaining.

But I didn’t want to live in close quarters with any of them—and not just because of the risk of catching them in the middle of passionate… well, passion.

My heart couldn’t take the daily reminder of my multitude of shortcomings.

“Thanks, but I should probably wait for him at the cabin,” I tried.

“He’ll go wherever you are,” Denny assured me. “Trust me.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you stay with any of us horny couples. Stellan and I live in the apartment above the stores.” Juno hooked a thumb toward the door. “Beth was finally ready to return to the apartment she shared with Lea, so his house is sitting empty.”

Oh.

That I can do.

“Okay,” I agreed.

“And since you’re right in time for training, you can join.”

“You know…” Lilith started before I could answer—which was good because I had no clue what to say since I also had no clue what training entailed. “The past couple of days had to be hard on poor Aurora. Maybe instead of overwhelming her with more, we should go upstairs, pour some drinks, and get to know each other. To give her a break.”

Juno’s green eyes narrowed. “You’re only saying that because you don’t want to be stuck reading my book while Denny and I spar.”

“That is correct.”

“Son of a bitch, I’m in anyway.”

“So…” Juno singsongedas she flopped on the couch and handed me a glittering beverage. “What did you think when my brother told you who he was?”

I took a sip. It tasted like a carnival. Not lemonade or treats from one. Not even cotton candy. But the excitement of one. A date on a balmy night. Holding hands. Riding dangerous rides for the thrill. Playing overpriced games but still treasuring the cheap prize.

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