Page 62 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part One

To be brief, it was gasp-worthy. A work of art to define the concept of statement piece.

“Braden!” I said, “You’ve really outdone yourself.”

It was clear that compliment landed. He looked pleased as punch.

“Wear it in good health. Isn’t that what humans say?”

I chuckled because no one had ever said that to me, but I kind of wish they had. “If they don’t, they should.” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “I’m going to debut it at the Vampire Ball.”

His smile turned on the megawatts. “I’m so glad that we’ll be there to see that.” He looked at the door. “No need to sign anything. If you claim you never got it, I’ll just take you to court.”

“Funny. Get back to the shop knowing you made one magistrate a very happy girl.”

He was halfway out the door when he stopped. “The pen is the only thing not pure. It’s reinforced with stainless steel.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “’Cause you never know.”

“Never know what?”

“You know, a human lady should always have a weapon handy.”

“Ah. Is this about the werewolf?”

“Well…”

“Thank you for the extra care. I appreciate it. And you’re right. A person with the power I wield over magic kind should always have a weapon handy. Has Esme seen it? Is it charmed?”

All emotion left his face. “Uh. No. I didn’t think…”

He reached for the box. I pulled it in to me. “I’ll ask her to do it.”

Braden looked relieved. “So glad you like it. Tell your friends.”

“My friends willallsee it at the ball. I’ll be like a walking ad for the incomparable artistry of Braden Designs.”

What great timing. I had a fitting scheduled at Esme’s. I put the brooch back in its box and took it with me.

“You should have known,” Esme said, making a small arc with one arm.

“Why? Why should I have known? Until three days ago, I thought werewolves were part of the imaginative consciousness.”

“The what?”

“Never mind. I didn’t believe they existed.”

“Why not?” Lines formed between her brows, but she’d never have to worry about that. Her brow would always be smooth and flawless. The idea of maturity that she projected was accepted because of her attitude.

“Does that really make a difference?”

She stopped and stood up straight. “I suppose not.”

“Is everybody really mad at me?”

“I think maybe it shocked people to find out how vulnerable we are, much less how fragile you are, Magistrate.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the least fragile because of the book. Remember? My decoder ring helped me with the math. I’m going to live another seven-hundred-plus years.”

“Rita!” She was winding up for a mother of all scoldings but caught herself mid scoff. “Oh? Who told you this?”

“Lochlan. And Keir.” It was too late to round the blabber up and herd it back inside my brain, where it belonged. It was out and, according to Esme’s look, it wasn’t widely known.

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