Page 43 of Tasteful Anarchy and Tangled Auras
“I may be a quarter human but I’m half nymph and in line for the throne. Donotinsult me.” Adi’s face is lit from within. I’ve never seen her look more powerful. She looks untouchable and yet incredibly fuckable.
Jack looks down at the table and then back up. “Apologies, Priestess,” he says crossly. For a red cap warlord, this is equivalent to throwing himself at her feet and begging for forgiveness. My eyebrows raise. Well, this is going just splendidly.
Osmund
I WANT TO GROWL. THEshifter wants to fuck my mate. I dislike this. If Adi is interested in fucking him, I’ll step back, of course. But Goddess, the thought of her touching a male besides me or Bryn is enough for me to want to destroy things.
I’m not sure I can keep up the front that Bryn has explained to us. But Adi’s safety depends on it, so when Bryn gives me a look to keep my mouth shut, I do.
The little lizard Fae that I’ve been told is a joint-eater makes a noise. Everyone’s attention shifts to her.
“If we could focus on the matter at hand,” she starts, clearly used to everyone bending to her whim, “we can wrap this up quickly. The full moon is the night after tomorrow. Are you ready to fulfill your bargain, Adelaide?”
My temper flares at her disrespect to my mate, but I control it. This tiny Fae is obviously baiting us, trying to get a reaction, so I won’t give it to her. Her buggy eyes flick to me. I smile languidly. Fuck this tiny stupid amphibian. She will not best a grandson of Skadi.
Adi answers calmly. “Of course, Sciemle. And which of these three powerful males shall be a part of the rite?” She smiles in a way that makes you think she’ll be inviting you to her bed next.
Bryn has guessed that Sciemle has not told the males that neither of them are going to participate in the ritual. He’s instructed Adi to call her out before Sciemle can bring it up.
The little Fae looks uncomfortable, eyes jumping between the males. Then she licks her eyeball. That’sdisgusting.
“None of them,” Sciemle finally answers. “I have chosen another.”
Jack’s fist hits the table hard enough to make a dent. “Sciemle, we are the strongest of the chapter. It is an insult to choose another.”
The shifter jumps in. “That is, unless you’re bringing in the head of another chapter?” He seems to know that the answer is no. I doubt she would ever let another chapter gain more power.
“Of course not,” the lizard answers. My eyes shift back and forth, trying to take this in. “I have chosen the Leprechaun,” she continues.
Of all the things I could have expected at this announcement, the least likely happens. Filib and Jack both start laughing. Do they not consider this male a threat? Bryn has explained what a disaster this would be. I’m confused but I keep my face blank.
“If you’ve found him,” Filib says, “and he’s sober enough for it, I guess that sounds like a fine plan,” and then he chuckles darkly.
Jack nods, his stoney voice bordering on sarcastic. “Yes, yes, I’m sure that will work. Shall I be ready as backup for the ritual?”
Adi smiles. She reminds me of a panther waiting to strike and answers before Sciemle can. “Sounds perfect, Jack.”’
The shifter makes a sound. He’s angry with this turn, that much is obvious. This is part of Bryn’s plan. We need infighting, so Bryn can approach him.
“Wonderful.” Adi stands, clearly dismissing the meeting, much to the lizard’s chagrin. “We’ll meet in the clearing north of the Hobart Farm, by the ring stones, at sunset on the full moon.”
We leave before another word is spoken and head up and out of the tavern.
“That went well, I think,” I say.
Bryn and Adi both laugh.
ADI BRINGS US TO Abeautiful house; thin and tall, a pale mint green, with trim of the deepest turquoise color. It has a small garden with apple trees out front, and the fence extends towards the back, promising an outdoor space behind the home.
She knocks and has barely let her hand fall before a young Fae opens the door. The child has sleek dark hair, and her short dress reveals a leg covered in markings similar to Adi’s yet more abundant. She takes in Adi, then her gaze flicks to me. Her eyes widen, and with a quick pop, a black rabbit sits exactly where she was standing. It quickly bounds off deeper into the house. Adi laughs good-naturedly.
“I’d bet money that’s Orla’s daughter.”
“Who is Orla?” Bryn asks for us both.
“The city official we’re staying with. Also, a dear old friend, who was once head of the local selkies, so please don’t piss her off.”
Bryn and I exchange a glance. Neither of us realized there wasactuallya city official Adi knew.
