Page 40 of Power Shift
I snorted and lifted my head to peer up at him. His eyes burned with emerald and golden fire. “No joggers today?”
“I’m afraid I’m on the clock.”
I huffed a laugh. “No rest for the weary.”
“There are more where she came from.”
“All terrible?”
Sadness flashed over his face. “Are you terrible?”
“We both know I’m not a full Chimera.”
“Is Caelan terrible?”
“He can be,” I muttered.
“Evangeline,” he said, disapproval simmering in his tone. “There are good and bad beings of every kind. Chimeras are naturally volatile, but it doesn’t mean they are inherently evil.”
“But Rhona is. I’d bet my left tit.”
Cernunnos winced. Every time he did something like that, I moved a little bit closer to believing he was my father. “Pleasedon’t bet body parts. Especially…” His voice trailed off and he waved a floppy hand at me. “Those.”
“The king of fae is uncomfortable talking about tits?” I teased. “I bet you’ve seen a million pairs.”
His pained expression made me laugh.
“Is it time for you to tell me if you’re my dad?”
Cernunnos sighed and shook his head. “You will find out when the time is right.”
“Of course. Because knowing all the secrets of your heritage cannot possibly be advantageous against two Chimera shifters who seem to have an unhealthy interest in me. Totally understandable.”
“Sarcasm is a tool for the unintelligent,” Cernunnos responded.
“Which is exactly why I should know about my genetic makeup. To figure out who made me stupid.”
The fae king’s lips tugged up. “You’re a menace.”
“I’ve been called worse.”
We sat in the greenhouse in a companionable silence for a while. “I like this place,” Cernunnos said. “Life brims in this small house. You’ve done well, child.”
“Yourchild?” I fluttered my eyelashes.
“Menace,” he muttered.
“Not that I’m upset by it, but why are you here? Is there a doom and gloom warning you’re about to drop in my lap before you flutter away?”
“I do not flutter, Evangeline.”
“Gallop then. On your wobbly little deer legs.” I grinned at him unrepentantly.
Cernunnos shook his head and uncurled himself from the floor. He held a hand out to help me to my feet. “Cowering on the floor is beneath you. Rhona is a threat, but she is not animmediate one. Come. Make me a cup of coffee, and I will take some of that cake that goes with it if you have some.”
I blinked, trying to remember what I gave him. “Coffee cake?”
“The cinnamon swirl thing with the delicious crunchy topping.”
