Page 7 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

She gave the bubbling red liquid a doubtful look.

“Um. What’s in it?”

“What do you think would be in a witch’s brew?” The older woman laughed. “You should see your expression. Actually it’s just mulled wine with cinnamon and honey and a little extra food coloring. And remember, it’s for charity.”

She returned Gladys’s smile and bought a cup, then took a cautious sip, sighing with pleasure as the taste exploded in her mouth.

“This is delicious.”

“Gladys always had a knack for potions,” a deep pleasant voice agreed, and she looked up to see a tall, handsome black man with short iron grey hair standing next to her. He was wearing a well-tailored suit that reminded her of one of Larry’s business suits, but it was topped with a colorful necklace composed of charms and feathers and what looked like tiny bones. “I would like a cup, please. It’s for charity,” he added quietly when Gladys glared at him.

The older woman’s smile had vanished, her lips pressed tightly together as she ladled out another cup.

“I’m surprised you’re not participating, Jeremiah,” Gladys snapped as she took his money.

“Now why would I do that? You don’t have a bidding paddle.”

For a fraction of a second Gladys’s face softened, but then she stiffened and looked away as Flora appeared.

“You look lovely, Posy. Doesn’t she look lovely, Jeremiah?”

Jeremiah obediently turned and looked at her, then smiled.

“She does indeed. I’m delighted to be surrounded by so many beautiful women.”

His gaze returned to Gladys, and color tinted the witch’s cheekbones before she gave a disdainful sniff. Jeremiah bowed politely and moved away as Flora sighed.

“I’ve never known anyone to hold a grudge as long as you can, Gladys.”

“He deserves it,” Gladys snapped, but Posy saw her gaze following Jeremiah.

“Stubborn old witch,” Flora muttered. “I’ve half a mind to-”

“Don’t you dare.”

Gladys glared at her friend and their gazes locked, neither one of them prepared to back down. Then Flora gave her a slightly terrifying smile and shrugged.

“Whatever will be will be.”

The words sounded ominous to Posy, and Gladys must have agreed because she immediately started to protest.

“I mean it, Flora. Don’t you-”

“Have to dash. It’s almost time to start.”

Flora darted away as Gladys gave a frustrated sigh.

“Sorry about that,” Gladys said, her cheeks pink as she avoided Posy’s gaze. “Flora can be a handful.”

“I’ve noticed.”

They both laughed, and then Gladys urged her to go and find a seat. She started to slip behind a column but Elara caught sight of her and waved her over. Grondar was seated next to Elara, a forbidding frown on his face. Robin, another newcomer to town, and her mate Eric - the big werewolf sheriff - were with them as well. Robin was practically glowing with happiness, the complete opposite to the haunted woman Posy had originally met.

“I saved you a seat,” Elara said cheerfully, patting the empty seat between her and Robin.

The seat was a little too close to the front of the stage for her liking, but it would be nice to be with people she knew, and she gave Elara a grateful smile as she joined them.

“We’ll get to see all the good stuff from here,” Elara said innocently.

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