Page 118 of Quiet Burn

“Should have started with movie references,” I mutter as Anton and X get out after the kitsune. “It would have helped us find common ground much faster.”

“Only some of us,” O replies as he moves next, then waits for me to follow. Salem is right behind me, the two of them forming the same kind of shield Slash and Zav did around the Prince.

How exactly is the nervous red-head going to protect the Prince?

I don’t get the chance to ask, though, because Jasper waves the driver off, and we’re standing on a street that is full of shops, but oddly, no foot traffic. “It’s a weekend and this city’s pretty big—where is everyone?”

Slash looks around, his expression unsettled. “I do not like this, Prince.”

“It’s not an ambush,” Jasper shoots back with an eye roll. “This is way too big for Lucian and his lackeys or even the Gemini to arrange. There’s something else going on.”

Squinting at the various shops, I find one that looks like it will be fancy enough for these rich assholes, but also have what we came for. “Okay. Let’s go to thatRigoletto Abbigliamento e Accessori di pregio?1 place and get what we need.”

“You speak Italian?” the Prince says wryly.

I smile sweetly, my tone mocking as I reply, “Nope. But if I can’t pronounce the name of a place I’m pretty sure only rich fuckwads like you can afford it. Process of elimination and all.”

Even Slash snickers, and I know he’s concerned about our situation right now. Jasper sucks in a breath, holds it, then lets go as he glares at me. “Despite your shortcomings in the cultural arena, you happen to be right. That should do nicely, asRigoletto’sis run by an ancient Italian supe family descendant.

Looking pleased as fuck, I pretend his jibe didn’t land and turn towards the storefront. “Then let’s go get you guys some sunglasses so you quit squinting, and we’ll see if the people working here have any idea why the hell this place is a ghost town on the weekend.”

Jasper doesn’t move, so I stride away from the group to cross the street. I’m not surprised when Salem and Oriel catch up to me quickly, taking their flanking positions again like good little soldiers. I’d be annoyed by that, except… I like them here. The two of them are my most comfortable relationships right now, and I don’t feel bad when I murmur, “Being up here is really weird, you know?”

“Uh, you’re telling me,” Salem says as he ruffles his white locks. “Half of us can’t even stay in our preferred forms in this place, KK. This is how you feel in your skin all the time? Like really?”

I know he’s not being shitty, so I don’t hit the panda demon with a snarky response. Instead, I reach down and take his hand. “Sometimes. I mean, here? Yeah, pretty much always. Down there? I’m getting better at not feeling so disconnected. I didn’t expect that when I got there, but it’s true.”

He grins broadly and Oriel bumps my shoulder with his before saying, “That’s good to know, Kit Kat. Even if you are having brain dump overload, you’re doing a bit better. Right?”

Nodding, I head for the fancy doors of the Italian shop. “Yes, I am. With some stuff, I mean.”

“Something is better than nothing, so we’ll take it.” Salem pulls the door open for us, then we head inside the opulent looking boutique. “Whoa.”

Rolling my eyes at the leather, fur, and dark crystalline design, I mutter, “Fucking rich people.”

That’s when a giant motherfucking half-shifted spider comes scurrying out of the large archway at the back of the store and I almost pass out.

I’m going to murder Jasper Eversore.

1 Rigoletto Fine Clothing and Accessories

Take A Chance On Me

Anton

Poor Kit looks like he’s going to turn on his heels and leave cartoon dust behind as he runs for the hills. I don’t know if it’s because he’s arachnophobic, scared of something so enormous, or just having trouble coming to terms with yet another surprise. It’s a toss-up, and I know exactly what’s going to happen next.

“Jasper, I’m going to fucking?—”

The hissed words are cut off by the giant recluse shifter coughing in a comically loud fashion. “Welcome to my humble shop, Prince of Hell and his companions. I am honored to have your unannounced visit as you prepare to attend the Apalachin.”

My eyes narrow for a millisecond at the spider’s carefully chosen words. He’s ancient as hell—his aura is colored in such vibrant shades and so fully that it would be impossible to miss. There’s no way he wasn’t being extremely purposeful in the way he greeted us. I cut my gaze to X who then looks at Oriel and down the line it goes until Slash is watching the Prince.

“Signore Rigoletto, I appreciate your willingness to work with us when we appear at your doorstep without notice. Are you able to outfit us for the auspicious event with such short notice? We were certain our education would prevent us from attending, thus the lack of preparation.”

Jasper’s smooth handling of the situation makes the new kid blink and I have to hide a chuckle. Kit hasn’t seen the side of the Prince that isn’t rough and pissy as he is at school. Even at the ball, Jas didn’t show the truly diplomatic capabilities he has when the seven of us are forced to attend court shit at home. He’s been trained since he was tiny, like all of us, and we have the ability to switch it on and off like a lightbulb.

Unfortunately, the Prince usually has his flipped off.

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