Page 9 of Minions and Magic
Chapter 6
Glenda
Ipulled up to Cassie’s house early, eager to see my family and recapture that comfort, that sense of order and routine that had governed my life so far. But within the comfort of family dinner, I knew there would be some serious issues to discuss. The werewolves. Stanley. Shelby.
But those were conversations for later. I parked my van, got my bags from the back seat, and walked right on in the house. Early as I was, I wasn’t the first one here. In fact, it looked like everyone had arrived early except for Babylon, who lived outside the wards of Accident, and had a habit of being fashionably late.
“I’m ready for some pot roast,” I announced as I walked into the kitchen.
“Well, too bad because I changed my mind and we’re having enchiladas instead.” Cassie walked over to give me a kiss, and suddenly I was surrounded, six sisters all hugging and greeting me.
Well. Good thing cornbread went just as well with enchiladas as it did with pot roast, although I was wishing I’d made the spicy one with jalapeños rather than the sweet kind.
“Hi Glenda.” Lucien shot me a friendly grin, and even though they looked nothing alike, his smile reminded me of another—one that was naughty and suggestive, one that had made my heart beat faster.
It might not be the right time to talk about Stanley and the werewolves, but it was definitely the right time to talk about that mysterious crossroads demon who’d haunted my dreams last night.
“So…” I tried to keep my voice casual as I pulled the warm cornbread from my insulated carrier and sat it on the counter. “I met a demon yesterday, and I’ve got questions.”
The entire population of the kitchen froze for a brief second, then everyone spoke at once.
Cassie waved her hand to silence the crowd. “Who? What’s his name? How did you meet him?”
I figured that probably summed up most everyone’s questions, but I took a second to check the temperature of the cornbread before answering.
“I met him at the Allen engagement party but didn’t get his name.” I went on to tell them all about the party as well as the very sexy demon I’d encountered.
“Sounds hot,” Adrienne announced.
“Sounds dangerous,” Cassie countered.
Ophelia shrugged. “I’m not getting any warning vibes. I’ll do a reading later to double check, but I say go for it.”
“It’s been too long since you’ve gone out, either on a date or with a friend,” Sylvie said. “I respect that your magic and your career bring you great joy, but if this demon attracts you, then I agree with Ophelia. Go for it.”
“Kinda hard to go for it when I don’t know this demon’s name, and I’m hardly likely to ever see him again,” I drawled.
Bronwyn laughed. “Are you kidding? He’s tasted your food. He’ll be back. You’ll probably find him begging at your door tomorrow morning, hoping you’ll toss him a muffin or a piece of that ginger cake.”
“Mmm, ginger cake,” Ophelia said. “That’s my favorite.”
“I’m thinking if shows up at your door, you should tell him to take a hike. Crossroads demons are bad news,” Lucien warned me. “When you met him at the party, he didn’t offer you a deal? Challenge you to a contest? Did he try to make you a bargain? To take your soul?”
“No. He was too busy eating to do any bargaining. Or even to make Mr. Allen’s life miserable.” I couldn’t help a smug smile at that. “One bite of my food, and he was captivated. He tried all the different foods, parked himself right beside the buffet table. And there he stayed until the party ended, when he disappeared.”
“Left fat and happy.” Adrienne nodded. “I agree with Bronwyn. He’ll show up within the next few days, wanting more of yourgoodies.”
I flushed. “Hopefully the goodies he’s interested in aren’t just the kind I create in my kitchen.”
“Well, I still think you’re better off without him,” Lucien told me.
“Not me.” Eshu grinned. “Personally I like crossroads demons. They’re fun.”
Lucien gestured toward Eshu. “See? That’s even more reason to stay away from this guy.”
I doubted I’d see the demon again anyway, but I did take note of both opinions. And I turned to the other two males in the room. “Thoughts?”
Hadur shrugged. “I’ve not had much dealings with crossroads demons.”
