Page 6 of Curses and Casualties
Ethan gives her a look. “How about I trade you my pancakes for your hash browns?”
Scarlett’s mouth drops open. “How dare you even suggest such a thing.”
The waitress arrives to take our order and, with the unflappable weariness of someone who’s seen it all, looks us over from our rumpled clothes to the tangled states of our hair. She flicks a pen at her notepad and asks, “Gonna need bottomless coffee today?”
“Yes, please,” Scarlett says, instantly more chipper, the threat to her hashbrowns forgotten.
By the time the food arrives, we’ve already devoured two pots of coffee, and even Ethan is almost smiling again. The diner is quiet, sunlight filtering through the greasy windowpanes and making everything feel softer, less dire, like maybe we’re just four tired friends on a badly planned road trip instead of fugitives at the center of a supernatural war.
“This is kinda depressing,” Scarlett groans, pushing her small serving of food around her plate.
“We’ll figure something out,” I say, reaching across the table to give her hand a comforting squeeze.
She gives me a weak smile and nods, but I can see the worry still lingering in her eyes. There have been a lot of moments over the last few weeks where the reality of my situation has really hit me. But this reality—being on the run, cut off from our old lives and resources—is a little tougher than learning shifters and fated mates exist. And as I finish my meagre breakfast still feeling hungry, I find myself longing for the comfort of my tiny apartment.
“My apartment!” I say suddenly, sitting up straight as an idea pops into my head.
“Your apartment?” Ryan’s brow furrows. “What about it?”
I lean in close, lowering my voice. “I have an emergency stash. Cash. Supplies. With the countries I’ve traveled to last minute, it’s always paid to be prepared for an emergency.”
Ryan’s eyebrows shoot up, a mix of hope and concern flashing across his face. “I don’t know, love. If the Elders have figured out who you were in the human world, they could already be watching the place.”
“But how would they know who I am? What information do they have beyond my first name and knowing you found me in the Soulcave?”
Ryan furrows his brow, considering my words. “You’re right, they don’t have much to go on. But they do have access to witches who can scry. We can’t underestimate them.”
“And I have this handy-dandy amulet that’s supposed to hide me from that, right?” I hook my finger in the chain around my neck to illustrate my point.
“It’s worth the risk,” Ethan chimes in. “We need those resources. And since the witches the Elders’ called in to bindGeorgia ended up being on our side, we might have an advantage they don’t know about yet.”
Scarlett nods in agreement. “Plus, we could use some fresh clothes and supplies. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not loving the idea of wearing the same outfit for days on end.”
Ryan looks between us all, his expression conflicted. I can feel his worry and uncertainty pulsing through our bond. “It’s risky,” he says finally. “But you’re right. We need those resources if we’re going to stay ahead of the pack.”
“So we’re doing this?” Ethan looks like he’s about two seconds away from clasping his hands together and begging, please, please, please.
Ryan nods. “We’ll scout it after this, make sure there’s no sign of pack activity. Then grab what we can. In and out.”
“What? No hot shower?” Scarlett whines.
I chuckle at Scarlett’s complaint, but Ryan’s expression remains serious. “In and out. I mean it, Scar. We can’t risk lingering any longer than absolutely necessary.”
Scarlett sighs dramatically but nods in agreement. “Fine. But the next safe house better have decent plumbing. That motel’s bathroom made me dirtier leaving it than I was when I went inside.”
Ryan nods. “We’ll do our best to find somewhere more comfortable next time. No promises, though.”
“A girl can dream,” Scarlett sighs as she picks up her fork and finishes what’s left on her plate.
Once we’ve paid the check, we exit the diner, and a chill breeze ruffles my hair, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.
I shiver involuntarily, instinctively leaning into Ryan. But I’m not sure if it’s for warmth or protection. The idea of heading back to my apartment—my old life—is suddenly making me feel uneasy.
Strange to return to the old den,Luna murmurs in my mind, her presence stirring restlessly.Smells of before. Of when we were separate.
“You OK?” Ryan asks, his arm instantly surrounding me as we follow along behind Scarlett and Ethan. “How’s your leg?”
“My leg is fine.” I snuggle in closer as we walk. “I’m just a little chilly. And nervous, I guess. Going back feels surreal. It’s been my home for years, and yet I feel detached from it now. The life I lead only a few weeks ago seems like it happened in another lifetime entirely.”
