Page 13 of The Party

Mae grinned.

The mansion’s kitchen took up almost half of the rear of the property. It had retained most of its original features, the rich, textured wallpaper complementing the dark wood units and adding to the overall warm feel of the large space.

Nate Conway was busy cooking at a cast-iron range, a sleeping baby strapped securely to his back. The Chimera’s soul shimmered brightly inside Callie Stone where she sat on a window seat feeding a cheerful toddler. Three Immortals and the host to the Phoenix were applying cream-frosting to an enormous birthday cake and several batches of cupcakes on the table dominating the floor.

They all looked over when Mae and Nikolai entered the room after Mila.

“Glad you found the house okay,” Nate said quietly.

Olivia Storm gave them a dazzling smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” She put down her piping cone and came over to hug a startled Mae and Nikolai.

Callie approached with the little boy and an equally large smile. “We’re so glad you could make it.” She kissed Mae and Nikolai on the cheek.

Daniel Lenton welcomed them with a nod.

“I hear Gerry and Larry did a number on you,” Alexa drawled after they exchanged greetings with her and Laura.

Mae scratched her cheek. “More like they did a number on the gates.”

“We should tell Artemus to cut his losses and give them Martha,” Laura told Alexa.

The back door opened.

“It’s happening!” Caspian said excitedly.

Nate’s face fell. “Again?”

“Yup. Vozgan just challenged Gertrude to another battle.”

Daniel lowered his brows. “That dragon is an idiot.”

“I second that,” Alexa murmured, laser-like focus returning to her face as she resumed frosting the cake.

Mae and Nikolai followed Mila and Caspian outside.

A formidable energy danced over them when they stepped onto the rear porch.

An Immortal with dark hair and green eyes sat serenely on an ornate metal swing seat to their left. Alastair was perched on his shoulder. Smokey snoozed on his lap. Brimstone napped at his feet, next to a goat, a dog, and several chickens.

“Is his name Noah?” Nikolai asked Caspian suspiciously.

The Immortal smiled. “It’s Tomas Soul. Nice to meet you.”

Mae and Nikolai murmured a cautious greeting.

Mae’s gaze dropped to the demon fox at the Immortal’s feet.

I see you’re making yourself right at home.

Brimstone opened an eye lazily.

I can’t help it, my witch. This guy has the most restful aura. Even the hellhound can’t resist his powers.

A snore ruffled Smokey’s lips.

Tomas gave Mae a knowing smile, like he could hear their silent exchange.

Mae recalled what Violet had revealed about the Immortal.

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