Page 92 of Magic and Muffins

I had thought we would be at the desk, but someone escorted us to an intimate interview area, kind of like the setup Denise had, but this one was branded to the news. The familiar audio guy mic’d Cross and Shepard first, then gave me instructions on how to do it so he wasn’t touching me.

Just when I thought my stomach might revolt, Craig walked on set. He had an arrogant stride and a cocky smile, but when he shook our hands and told us a little about what would happen, I felt marginally better.

Craig sat on one side, and the three of us sat on the other, with me between Cross and Shepard.

“Just look at me,” Craig said to us. “Don't worry about the cameras. They’ll do their thing. We’ll do ours.”

When the floor director started the countdown, I took a breath and waited as Craig talked to the camera, telling the viewers that the news would be on after the special report. He gave a little background information about his guests, a vampire and a werewolf, and why it was such a big deal.

The giant lights hanging from a grid on the ceiling were starting to get to me. Sweat beaded on my lower back.

“So, let’s introduce our guests,” Craig said. “Shepard Ulv, a werewolf; Brodier Cross, a vampire; and Everly Reid, a human. Welcome.”

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Knowingthat the cameras were following Craig’s gaze, I struggled to remain outwardly calm as he looked at us in welcome.

“You’ve been making some headlines lately, Brodier,” Craig said. “But there’s more to your story that hasn’t been said, yet.”

“A lot more,” Cross agreed. “And please call me Cross.”

“Okay, Cross. Let’s start with that kiss you shared with Shepard during your last interview here.”

“It wasn’t shared,” Shepard said. I could feel him tense beside me, which only made me more nervous. Shepard inhaled deeply and immediately relaxed.

Cross chuckled. “I think everyone knows it wasn’t shared. The point wasn’t the kiss but the relationship between vampires and werewolves in general. Not every vampire hates every werewolf, and not every werewolf hates every vampire. Shepard and I are proof of that.”

“That punch didn’t look very caring.”

“Would all your male friends allow you to kiss them on the mouth?” Cross asked with a knowing smirk.

“No, probably not,” Craig said, laughing and shaking his head. “So, tell us then, how did a vampire and a werewolf become friends? According to several vampire sources, it’s not possible for the two races to get along.”

“We met through Everly, a mutual acquaintance,” Cross said.

“I guessed as much. I love the matching suits, by the way.”

The camera facing me blinked red, and I realized I was on camera.

“Thank you,” I said with a shaky smile.

“Were they your idea?” Craig asked.

I shook my head. “Cross’. He has a better fashion sense than I do.”

“There are a lot of questions I’d like to ask about that, but first, would you be willing to tell us a little more about how you know Shepard and Cross, Everly?”

“I used to work for Shepard at Blur.”

“Used to? You don’t work there anymore?”

“Unfortunately, due to protesters and several vampire attacks on the business, I’ve had to close the door for the safety of my employees and my patrons,” Shepard said.

“I did hear about that but thought it was temporary,” Craig said. “A lot of people will be upset if the doors close for good. Blur has been known as one of the best spots for music and drinks in D.C. for over a decade.”

“And I don’t want to let down the community that has supported me over the years,” Shepard said. “Right now, the best way I can give back is to focus my efforts on keeping everyone safe.”

Craig nodded and focused on me again. “And how do you know Cross? Did he work at Blur, too?”

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