Page 122 of The Howl
The man nodded and pulled out his phone.
“Sure.”
“Tell her that Eliana needs help finding some missing spell ingredients. And I’m running out of time.”
I didn’t know what else to say without tipping my hand that something was wrong. So I gave him my number and just had him ask her to call me.
“Got it,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll hear from her soon.”
“Thanks.”
Walking away from the door, I noticed Fenris’s unsmiling expression.
“You okay?” I asked.
“I wished you would have let me give him my phone number.”
“Why? I’m the one who needs to talk to her.”
“Yeah, but now some random guy has your number.”
I laughed.
“I’m pretty sure he already forgot it.
Fenris shook his head. “I’m just as sure he’s going to be messaging tomorrow to see if Anne got back to you. It’ll be a conversation opener. Just wait and see.”
“You’re so wrong.”
We both got into the car.
“Want to bet on it?”
“Sure. If he doesn’t message me, I’m off the hook for hugs.”
Fenris actually winced, then grinned.
“Okay. And if I’m right, the daily hugs double.”
“Fine. It’s a deal.”
“Ready to get rid of your last lover boy before I have to help you with this new one?”
I gave Fenris a dirty look then headed for the marshes. While I knew Piepen’s infatuation was due to his age and nature, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilt over my part in it. Would Piepen be so obsessed if I hadn’t accidentally fed from him?
Probably.
The marshes were quiet when we parked, but I wasn’t fooled. Piepen was out there somewhere.
“You sure you want to say goodbye to all of this?” Fenris asked, gesturing to the reeds. “There could be a nice little home out there somewhere for you and the baby.”
“Get out and help me like you promised.”
He grinned and left the car with me. Neither of us said anything as we stood in the parking lot. Thankfully Piepen didn’t leave us waiting long.
With a squeal that sounded like my name, the small brownie who’d marked me came flying out of the reeds. I barely had time to register that he was aimed to land right on my face before Fenris stepped between us.
I heard Piepen’s outraged shout when he realized he was hugging the wrong person.
