Page 9 of Magic and Muffins

“It’s impossible for me to be jealous when I’m one hundred percent certain about your feelings for me. However, if she tries to paw you again, I’ll probably lose my temper.”

He grinned at me.

“But how I feel about her doesn’t change anything. We still need her help. All these magical charms are becoming a pain in our backside. Vivian’s was too powerful. Mine wasn’t powerful enough. And neither is Vena’s crystal. I’m starting to wonder who the fae really support.”

“Themselves,” Cross said. “Always themselves. Their truce with the vampires was only to secure the humans they needed. Both now and back when the portals were first closed.”

“Portals?” Shepard said. “Why are you talking about those?”

Cross brought him up to speed, and Shepard looked at Vena.

“I have people watching your family,” he said to her. “I promise Miles won’t be able to make a move without me knowing.”

“Thank you,” she said. “But I think Everly is right. Even though the fae are only interested in themselves, they seem to be giving all the good charms to the vampires. We need to push for upgrades, Shepard.”

“What are you suggesting?” I asked.

“Whatever it takes for the end game.”

I laughed. “If you think Shepard is going to whore himself out for her help, you need to talk to Anchor some more about what having a mate means. It physically won’t work.”

Shepard caught my chin and turned his head toward me. He was frowning. “How do you know that?”

“The Other House,” Vena and I said simultaneously.

“And Iknowit won’t work,” Vena continued. “I just meant to play her game. Act like you’re interested until she gives you what you want.”

Shepard released me and shot Vena a look.

“I will not encourage Effora’s interest.”

“It’s not a bad idea to play nice,” Cross said, earning himself a dirty look from Shepard, too.

“Everly isn’t the jealous type,” Cross continued. “She knows where your heart lies and understands what’s at stake. Orphia will do whatever it takes to get what she wants, and Effora isn’t afraid to use people, either. Can we afford to be the only ones to hold a higher ground?”

Shepard scowled at Cross but then let out a sigh. “I’ll think about it.”

“Make it happen,” Vena said. “I need to scry. In fact, I should start now, just in case I can find anything. Maybe I should use a different type of map. Like a topographical. Do you think that would change my results?”

I shook my head at her. “No matter the map, it still represents the same area. You know that.”

“Worth a shot.” She turned to Anchor. “What about a magical map? Think the Shadow Trade market will have anything?”

Before he could answer, she had already popped off the couch. “Let’s head out.”

Anchor dutifully followed, and I was thankful that it wasn’t me she was dragging to the market. It would be a blessing if I never saw the inside of that place again.

I slipped free of Shepard’s hold because he was like a furnace. Great to snuggle with, but I was already warm.

After I kissed his cheek, I opened my phone and looked at Cross. “I’ll place the grocery order. Is there anything specific we need?”

“Order whatever you would like.” Cross pulled out a credit card. “Use this to pay for it.”

“It’s my food. I can pay.”

“After the bakery is running and you don’t have school bills, you can argue with me. Until then, let me at least do this.”

I had been independent for so long that letting others take care of me was hard, but I supposed I needed to let that go. Shepard and Cross could take care of me while I found ways to take care of them. That was what being in a relationship was…caring for one another.

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