Page 16 of Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
“And what happened to me last night?”
“You—” Her blue eyes widened like saucers. She chewed on her lip for a moment. “You don’t want to be married?”
Nia glared at her best friend.
“But marriage is so wonderful. You have a partner for life, you get to use their magic, not to mention the sex. And you can kiss them whenever you want.”
“I have not eaten, I have not had coffee, and you were married for five minutes.”
Ivy’s face scrunched in annoyance. “Only because you worked so fast to get it annulled. You could have waited a few days!”
“You married a wood devil! A wood devil. They eat their spouses after the marriage is consummated.”
“But he was so tall,” Ivy said dreamily, sinking further into the chair. “And though I couldn’t speak his language, he was really sweet and attentive. If he was going to eat me, I bet it would have been painless. Maybe even a teensy-bit hot.”
“Please stop.”
Ivy was about to continue when Eddie, one of Stella Rune’s three delivery people, entered the waiting area of their office.
“Thank the goddess you ordered lunch,” Nia said.
Ivy shook her head. “I didn’t order anything.”
Before either of them could say more, the other two delivery people—Maria and Joel—followed Eddie through the door, each carrying a bag or tray.
They all paused, staring at one another with varying levels of confusion.
“Hey, Nia,” Eddie said, holding up a bag. “This is for you.”
“Me?” she said, confused as he handed over the bag.
Maria stepped forward with another. “Someone’s feeling generous today,” she said with a smirk, handing her bag to Nia.
Joel, a glamoured wolven, was last, balancing a tray of four different cups from The Goblin Grind. “Here you go, Nia,” he said with a grin. “Guess someone thinks you like variety.”
“What is this?” Nia asked, staring at the tray as if it might explain itself.
“We just deliver the goods,” Joel replied with a shrug, clearly enjoying the situation.
Nia and Ivy dug into the bags and unearthed Italian from Joe’s, Mediterranean from Theo’s, and greasy burgers from the Burger Barn. The variety only deepened the mystery. Nia’s phone vibrated from where it was charging on the desk.
Unknown
I had food delivered to your office. I’m sorry, I should have fed you sooner.
Unknown
I’m not sure what you like so I had a few things delivered.
Unknown
This is Lochlan by the way.
“Why does it feel like you’re about to cry?” Ivy asked, frowning slightly. Nia felt the familiar brush of Ivy’s magic ripple between them. She probably sensed the chaos brewing in Nia’s chest. “Who is it?”
Nia waved her off and began to text back.
Me
