Page 75 of Tricky Magic
Sam, now fully clothed, and Devon walked up to them. Ellea cut Sam a heated glare and gave Devon the same. They both gave her a small smile but kept quiet.
“I heard ‘food,’” Devon said. “Some of the wolven are barbecuing over at the farm.”
Ellea’s stomach growled in response.
“Sounds perfect,” Ros said. “Let’s go, little trickster, and you can tell me where you thought of that beast.”
Ellea glared at him one last time, and the four of them headed toward the main road.
* * *
Ros reachedhis hand over and gripped Ellea’s thigh. It was still a shock to have her in his truck, willingly next to him and not hating him. Well, mostly not hating him. She had spent most of the drive to the farm picking twigs and leaves out of her hair while mumbling about jerks and wolven.
“What’s a wolven barbecue like?” she asked.
“It’s like any barbecue,” he answered. “Don’t expect to see a wolven flipping burgers in its beast form.”
Ros chuckled at the thought. They had arrived, and Ros put the truck in park. He turned in his seat to look at her.
She fiddled with her fingers in her lap. Ros grabbed them, his large hand able to hold on to both of them.
“What?” he asked, wondering why she was suddenly nervous.
“I’ve…” She hesitated. “I’ve never been to a barbecue before.”
“Oh.” He paused, trying to find the right thing to say. “Well, I’m glad to be with you for your first.”
Ellea laughed lightly. “You probably think I’m ridiculous.”
“Yes,” he said truthfully. “But there is nothing wrong with the way you are.”
Ros wondered what else she had missed out on. He thought about how she was at Mabon, how shy she’d seemed and how quickly she’d wanted to leave.
“Why haven’t you been to any barbecues?” he asked.
“I’m not sure,” she said thoughtfully. “I avoided most gatherings if I could. The only parties my family and I went to were for holidays or council things.”
“Council things?” Ros wondered why she would be at those types of meetings.
“Yeah,” she said. “My nana, Jadis, she’s been on the council since before I was born.”
Realization struck him. “Wow.” Ros was a little shocked and slightly concerned. “Your grandmother sits in one of the witches’ spots on the council?”
“Yes.”
Ros’ thoughts and line of questioning were quickly interrupted as their truck was assaulted by giant paws and yipping wolven. Ellea looked at him with concerned eyes.
“Don’t worry, they’re just happy I’m here,” he said and opened his door.
“I highly doubt that,” she said, following after him. “I don’t think anyone would be excited to see you.”
She had a teasing smile on her face as she slowly walked up to him and the wolven, who were already jumping on him. They were much smaller than Sam, but it was still a lot to take in. Devika slowly walked up to Ellea, sniffing the air around her. Ellea looked up at Ros, questioning what to do.
“They won’t hurt you,” he reminded her. She didn’t seem so trusting.
Devika reached her nose toward Ellea’s hand. She turned it toward the wolven to let her smell it better. Devika pressed her nose against Ellea’s skin, then rubbed her face against Ellea’s palm. A large grin spread across her face. Then the young wolven rubbed her whole body against Ellea’s legs.
“Do I do something?” Ellea asked as her smile turned nervous.
