Page 105 of Shift of Morals
“One of the many reasons she appeals to me.”
He scoffed. “You would take that like some kind of positive challenge, wouldn’t you?” Ben scrubbed a hand through his hair. “No. I mean she’s keeping secrets that are going to get us allkilled. She’s fae, man. And you know how fickle those creatures can be.”
I’d seen zero evidence of Evie ever being fickle. Reticent, deliciously violent, even unhinged at times. Never fickle. She’d protect those she loved even if it cost her life.
“I’d argue the woman I almost had to marry was worse.”
Ben cracked a laugh, the first thawing I’d see from him in weeks. “Where is the ice queen, anyway?”
“Fuck if I know. Not here. That’s enough for me.”
“When do I leave?”
“As soon as you want to. Halvard’s territory will hold for now.”
“I’ll be gone in three days.” Ben rose. “I’m serious, Caelan. Be careful with Evie.”
I would do nothing of the sort. “Thanks for the warning.”
Ben walked out without another word.
Beside me, Seymour let out a sad little whine.
“I know, buddy,” I said quietly.
Seymour thumped his pot closer and clamped onto my sleeve.
Epilogue
Rowan had left after a cup of hot chocolate and a tour of my greenhouse.
With Hazel gone and everyone else off for the day, I basked in the silence and feeling of freedom.
But when oak leaves began falling from the sky, I knew my peace wouldn’t last. I poured two cups of hot cocoa, topped them both with whipped cream, and turned to see Cernunnos in my living room, his bare feet propped on the old coffee table. He was staring down at the damaged floor.
“I can fix that for you.”
A surprised laugh bubbled from me. “Sure, but I’m already under contract with a dryad. They take those very seriously.”
Cernunnos waved a hand. “I’ve already cleared it with him.”
I set the mug down on the table beside him. “Of course you have.”
“Sit with me awhile,” he said. “I’m tired.”
I took the chair opposite him. Cernunnos picked up his mug and took a hesitant sip.
“What is this?” he demanded.
“Hot cocoa. You’ve never had it?”
“No. It’s delicious.”
A smile tugged at my mouth. “It’s popular during the colder months.”
“I see why.”
We fell into a comfortable silence. Cernunnos didn’t speak again until he finished his cocoa. He rose and gestured with his massive antlers. “There is something you must see.”
