Page 8 of Magic and Muffins

He shifted me in his lap to wrap both arms around my waist and pulled me as close as physically possible.

“I needed this,” he murmured against my cheek.

I ran my fingers through his hair at the back of his neck. He sighed and dipped his head to kiss my neck.

“Has Hugh asked Effora about Vivian’s charm?” I asked.

“What charm?” Vena asked as Shepard said, “He’s been busy with cleanup.”

“My necklace didn’t stop Vivian from pulling me from the car,” I said to Vena. “I think he had something to counter it because there was a red glow under his veil the whole time he was touching me.”

“He has his own necklace?”

“Maybe,” I said.

“I thought you bought Everly the top of the line,” she said, looking at Cross.

“I did. If Vivian had anything that could negate the spell in Everly’s necklace, it would have to be very powerful,” Cross said.

“Which is why Hugh needs to talk to Effora,” Vena said in understanding. “How long will it take Hugh to finish the cleanup?”

“A while,” Shepard said. “I have my pack searching for more nests. We need to find Orphia. Until we do, Blur will be closed indefinitely.”

“Will it be okay that it’s closed so long?” I asked.

“I don’t have a choice. It would be irresponsible of me to open again when we’ve been attacked twice. I won’t put you or anyone else in danger. And I need to use my pack to find Orphia.

“But don’t worry about your paychecks. I’ll make sure the staff is taken care of.”

“We’re not worried,” I said.

“Speak for yourself,” Vena mumbled before saying, “What about the nest I found to the north? Isn’t Orphia there?”

Shepard sighed and nuzzled me for a second before answering her.

“The local pack’s alpha sent men to watch over the nest, but they haven’t reported in. He sent more to look for them, but the place is empty now.”

“Can they track the scents?” Cross asked.

“Maybe if the vampires had left on foot, but they didn’t. They had cars. And one car’s exhaust pretty much smells like another. The alpha’s scouts lost the trail as soon as they got on the highway. The vampires from that nest could be anywhere now.”

Cross leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping his knee as he thought. “Orphia was trying to increase her numbers before, so she’ll do the same again.”

“Since the vampires are only active at night, excluding yourself, of course,” Vena said, “I’ll scry first thing every morning and update Shepard with any new nest locations.

“Any chance we can get Effora to increase the juice on this?” She held up the crystal she wore around her neck. “It was great finding those large nests, but I think they’ll be onto our game and keep the sizes smaller.”

“Agreed,” Cross said, looking at Shepard.

Shepard growled and slouched back in the chair, pulling me with him so he wore me like a weighted blanket.

“You call Effora,” he said to Cross. “I’m tired of her evasive answers and heavy innuendos.”

“Innuendos?” I tipped my head to look up at Shepard in disbelief. “There was nothing hidden about her meaning, Shepard. That woman would give her left toe to sleep with you.”

His gaze met mine. There was a slight twinkle in his eyes. “Are you jealous?”

I knew what answer he wanted, but he’d know if I lied.

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