“Is there anything I can do to help you?” he asked.
“I’ll be fine, thanks.” I raised my voice. “Hugh, can you stay behind? I’d like to talk to you about assembling the pack.”
The werewolf dipped his head. “Of course.”
“Eden, I hope to see you again soon,” Aggie said.
“I’m sure you will.” I tried to sound more certain than I felt.
Hugh and I remained seated while we waited for everyone else to clear the room.
As the door clicked closed behind the chief, Hugh’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “The two of us alone in a room, just the way I like it.”
“And if this invisibility thing were the other way around, it would be just the way I like it.”
He chuckled. “Eden, Eden. Why do I get the sense that your request for this little meeting has nothing to do with the pack?”
“How astute.”
He cocked his head. “Do you think there’s something I can do about your predicament? You do remember that magic isn’t in my wheelhouse.”
“Oh, I’m aware.” I drew a calming breath. “I went to see the mayor earlier today. I woke up invisible the morning after her party, so I thought maybe she had something to do with it.”
He barked a laugh. “Trust me. She knows nothing about us. Absolutely nothing.” His smile faded. “Oh, I see. You were there.”
“I was.”
“I thought I sensed a presence.” He shook his head. “I should’ve trusted my instincts.”
“Would you have said anything differently?”
He wrapped his hands around his knee. “I guess not. It won’t be a secret forever.”
“Why do you want a position in her cabinet?”
“Why else? Power. Prestige. The supernatural council is secret. No one except other supernaturals know that I serve on our behalf.”
“You’re the official werewolf cheerleader. What do you care about being viewed favorably by humans?”
He squared his shoulders. “In case you haven’t noticed, Eden, I have an ego. I want to be more respected in this town. I see how people react to you as an FBM agent. How they react to the chief. The mayor. I want that for myself.” He hesitated. “And I loathe Swift. I’m sure you think we’re cut from the same cloth, but I can assure you that’s not the case.”
He was completely serious.
“There’s no nefarious plan?”
“Afraid not. Sorry to disappoint you.”
I wasn’t disappointed. I was relieved. “I don’t want to see Swift as mayor either.” The lawyer would only take the position to serve his own interests, not those of his constituents.
He leaned forward eagerly. “Then we can count on your support?”
“In my capacity as a private citizen, yes,” I said.
“And your boyfriend?” he prompted.
I stiffened. “Chief Fox is not my boyfriend.”
Hugh laughed lightly. “Deny it all you want, Eden. You even smell like each other. Any supernatural with half a nose can tell you that.”
“Chief Fox likes the mayor. That’s as much as I know.”
Hugh rubbed his jawline. “It would be a shame if your little clandestine affair were exposed when you’ve taken such great pains to keep it secret.”
“No need to threaten me, Hugh. I told you we like the mayor and neither of us likes Swift. It’s a no-brainer.”
“Good to know.” He pushed back his chair to stand. “Let me know when you’re in need of the pack. We’ll do what we can.”
I regarded the werewolf, feeling mixed emotions. Hugh frustrated me on every level. The werewolf could be a misguided jackass, and yet there was also something inherently decent about him. My mind wandered back to Anton’s comment at Geena’s house—when will you learn that the world isn’t as black and white as you want it to be?
The world. Hugh. Whatever next—my family? Perish the thought.
“Care for a drink at the bar?” Hugh asked. “I’m not quite ready to go home.”
“That mail-order bride thing was a real a success story, huh?”
He scowled. “We have an arrangement that works for both of us.”
“So you keep telling me. I’m beginning to think you keep her chained in your attic.”
“She’s not adverse to a little creative lovemaking.”
I clutched my stomach. “Need I remind you that I just ate? I might be invisible but my vomit isn’t.”
He opened the door and motioned for me to go first. “I suppose you’re going to see the chief now.”
“None of your business, Hugh.”
“Enjoy your evening, whatever or whoever you do,” he called.
I rolled my eyes and sauntered out of the restaurant.
It was time to see a witch about a spell.
Chapter Fifteen
On the way to Magic Beans, I called to let Clara know I was still invisible.
“You sound worried,” Clara said.
“How about that? The empath doesn’t even need to touch me to sense my distress.”
“That’s called a best friend,” Clara said.
I halted in my tracks when I caught sight of Wilfrieda further along the sidewalk. “Hey, there’s the chief’s aunt.”
“Is she with the chief?”
“No, he was at the council meeting with me,” I said. I watched as Wilfrieda stopped in front of a shop to admire something in the window. “It’s dark outside. Maybe she shouldn’t be wandering around by herself in an unfamiliar town.”
Clara laughed. “Eden, this is Chipping Cheddar. She has a better chance of being accosted by a wheel of cheese than a stranger.”
“He mentioned she had plans tonight. I’m going to see where she’s headed. I’ll talk to you later.” I hung up the phone and hurried to catch up to Wilfrieda. I almost reached her when the earth trembled beneath our feet and Wilfrieda nearly lost her balance. She threw a hand against the window to steady herself.
“Goodness gracious me,” she breathed.
I heard a creaking noise and looked up to see a huge sign leaning precariously forward above the spot where Wilfrieda stood. The tremor must have loosened it. A strong wind blew open her jacket and she grabbed the sides to close them again. She was so intent on buttoning the jacket that she missed the sound of metal groaning. There was a snap! and the sign tipped forward and plummeted. I vaulted into the air and caught the heavy sign before it made a pancake of Sawyer’s beloved aunt.
I lowered myself to the pavement behind her and left the sign leaning against the neighboring building. Wilfrieda didn’t see a thing. She’d continued down the block, humming to herself. I even recognized the song—Marry The Man Today from Guys and Dolls. Aunt Thora had introduced me to musicals when I was an adolescent and we’d gone through a phase of watching everything we could get our hands on. She knew them all and seemed pleased I was a willing accomplice as she couldn’t convince anyone else to enjoy them with her. The only musical my mother was keen to watch involved Magic Mike.
Wilfrieda rounded the corner and I quickly followed. I knew I should get to Corinne, but I felt responsible for Wilfrieda’s safety. She was Sawyer’s aunt and a visitor on my turf. If the police and the FBM couldn’t keep her safe in a sleepy town like Chipping Cheddar, we should turn in our badges right now.
Her phone rang and she stopped to fish it out of her Vera Bradley shoulder bag.
“Hello? Yes, it’s nice to hear from you,” she said. I strained to hear the voice on the other end. Wilfrieda giggled and nodded her head as though the caller could see her. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll see you soon. Good-bye.” She dropped the phone into her bag and walked smack into the chest of a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.
“Wili?” he asked.
Okay, maybe not a stranger.
“Gary, is that you?”
I moved around Wilfrieda for a better look at Gary. Upon closer inspection, I realized that he’d attended the mayor’s party. Wilfrieda
must’ve befriended him there. She had no idea, of course, that her new friend was a vampire.
“Doing a little window shopping?” he asked.
“I was. There’s a lovely china tea set I have my eye on, but I’m wondering if it will break in my luggage on the ride home.”
“Did you feel the earthquake a few minutes ago?” Gary asked.
“Was it an earthquake? I thought maybe I had a dizzy spell.”
“It seemed to be,” he said. “If you’re finished browsing, can I interest you in a walk along the promenade?”
I frowned at Gary. I didn’t like the way he was looking at Wilfrieda, as though she would make a tasty midnight snack. Tsk, tsk, Gary. He knew perfectly well that humans were off the menu.
“I don’t see why not. It’s a beautiful evening and I have a bit of time to kill,” Wilfrieda said. She tipped back her head. “There are so many stars out tonight.”
“And some shine brighter than the rest,” Gary said.
I resisted the urge to make a choking sound. Gary was trying a little too hard.
He offered his arm and they walked together toward the promenade. There was no way I was leaving her alone with Gary the Overeager Vampire. Corinne would have to wait.
I trailed behind them and wondered whether the vampire would sense my presence once we were away from the distractions of downtown. There was nothing along the promenade except bushes and the bay.
“How are you finding our little town?” Gary asked. I didn’t like how close his shoulder was to hers. Part of me wanted to push between them and pretend I was a gust of wind.
“It’s wonderful,” Wilfrieda said. “No wonder my nephew likes it here. Everyone’s been so friendly and kind.”
“We welcome all walks of life here,” Gary said. “It stems from our Puritan history. The town founders fled persecution, so they encouraged acceptance of others.”
“Is that true? I assumed they were hypocrites like so many others.”
Gary chuckled. “Oh, Wilfrieda. You’re a riot.” He glanced skyward and pointed. “Have you ever seen such a brilliant moon? It looks like a diamond solitaire I could simply pluck from the sky.”
Inwardly I groaned. You need to improve your game, Gary.
As Wilfrieda looked up to admire the moon, I noticed his fangs elongate. His gaze was riveted to her neck and I realized what he intended to do.
Not on my watch, Gary.
Before he could take a bite of sweet Wilfrieda, I lunged. The vampire toppled over and landed in the bay with a splash.
Wilfrieda turned toward him, startled. “Gary?”
The vampire jumped to his feet, soaking wet. I suppressed a laugh as he waded out of the water and back to the promenade. His pants swished with each step. It wasn’t a dignified look.
“What happened?” Wilfrieda asked.
“I lost my balance,” he said, although I noticed his uncertain gaze staring into the darkness around them.
“Certainly puts a damper on the evening,” she joked.
The sound of barking dogs was like music to my ears.
Gary didn’t smile. “I think this is my cue to head home for the night.”
I folded my arms. Darn right it is, Gary. Suck it up. Or don’t, in this case.
“Wilfrieda, is that you?” Neville’s figure cut through the darkness, along with two small foster dogs. I didn’t recognize this pair. One’s ears were so enormous, they made him look part bat.
“Neville, what a nice surprise,” Wilfrieda said.
“It’s a lovely night for a stroll with the dogs,” the wizard said.
Both dogs growled at Gary. Smart pups.
“I can see you’re well taken care of,” Gary said, scowling. “Have a good night.” He hurried away, his clothes dripping.
Neville watched him go. “What happened to him?”
“I don’t know. He might’ve been drunk,” Wilfrieda said. “One minute we were standing here admiring the moon and the next minute, he was face-down in the water.”
“How odd,” Neville said, in a voice that suggested it was not odd at all. He knew I was here—somewhere.
“She dodged a bloodthirsty bullet,” I whispered in his ear.
Wilfrieda smiled at her. “What was that, dear?”
“I’m thirsty,” Neville said quickly. “Why don’t I escort you back into town?”
“That would be nice.” Wilfrieda surveyed the area and sighed. “I’m so glad Sawyer has made such terrific friends here. He deserves to be happy.”
“The community has embraced him with open arms. Even my dogs like him better than me.”
Wilfrieda smiled. “He’s always had a way with people and animals. They warm to him immediately.”
Neville handed one of the leashes to Wilfrieda. “I think I know where he gets it.”
I felt a stab of envy as I followed them. I wanted to get to know Wilfrieda like this. Even though I could listen, I couldn’t contribute. I was locked out of the conversation by necessity. Unlike conversations with my family that I actively avoided, I wanted to be a part of this discussion.
“How’s the knitting coming along?” she asked.
“Wonderful, thank you. I’ve found tutorials online as well. Who knew there was so much information out there?”
By the time we arrived in the center of town, I was more desperate than ever to get back to be seen and heard.
“You’re sure you’ll be okay on your own?” Neville asked.
“The streets are well-lit and I’m meeting a friend soon,” Wilfrieda said, returning the leash.
Neville inclined his head. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“Same to you, dear. It was nice to see you again.”
Once she disappeared around the corner, I exhaled the breath I’d been holding.
“That was fortuitous,” Neville said. “What happened with Gary?”
“He tried to bite her. Can you believe him? He’ll be receiving a citation from the council first thing tomorrow.”
“Maybe you should consider making invisibility part of your routine,” he said. “You could uncover a lot more crime that way.”
“No thanks. I think I’ve had enough of it for the foreseeable future.”
We parted ways at Magic Beans. A lone silhouette was visible inside. I opened the door, triggering a dainty bell. Corinne whipped around with a sponge in her hand.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s me. Eden.”
Her head swiveled from left to right. “Why can’t I see you?”
“I’m invisible.”
She lowered the sponge. “Can you become visible again? It’s kind of rude.”
“Would that I could, Corinne. It’s the reason I’m here. Your grandmother didn’t tell you?”
“No, but my phone is on Do Not Disturb. I’m trying to avoid distractions so I can close up faster.” She set the sponge on the counter and untied her apron. “Let me guess. You need my help to do a spell.”
“Would you rather I ask my family?” I asked pointedly. The LeRoux witches didn’t want to encourage dark magic in town any more than I did.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through messages. “Oh, wow. You’re really stuck like this.”
“So it seems. Your grandmother suggested trying a spell or two. See if you can reverse it.”
The witch flipped up her apron to rest on her shoulder. “I doubt there’s a spell powerful enough to fight a fury trait.”
“I’m not sure whether it is my own trait at work. Either way, I’m running out of options. I had to cancel my housewarming party and lie to the chief’s aunt. Do you have any idea how hard it is to lie to a sweet woman from Iowa? It feels like it should be a federal crime.”
Corinne smiled. “Aunt Wili is great, isn’t she?”
“She’s like the love child of Mary Poppins and Jimmy Crack Corn.”
She frowned. “Who’s Jimmy Crack Corn?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know and I don�
��t care.”
The witch assessed me a moment before heaving a sigh. “Fine. I’ll help you.”
“Corinne? Who are you talking to?” Her mother emerged from the back room.
Great balls of fury. Not Rosalie. I hoped to leave her out of this.
“Just myself,” Corinne said, and I relaxed.
“Are you locking up soon?”
“No, I’ll be here late tonight,” Corinne said. “I need to do inventory.”
Rosalie’s brow creased. “I thought you did that last week.”
“The numbers didn’t match. I have to do it again.”
Rosalie offered an apologetic smile. “I’d offer to stay and help, but I have a hot date. I need to go home and get ready.”
“Then why are you wasting time here with me?” Corinne asked.
“I’m not anymore.” Rosalie blew her a kiss. “Toodles, darling.” Her hips swayed as she exited the coffee shop.
“Boy, you and I have more in common than you know,” I said.
“She isn’t evil,” Corinne said. “Just annoying.” She motioned to a table. “I don’t know where you are, but have a seat. My grandmother says she’ll be here shortly. She had to scrounge up a missing ingredient.”
I sat at a table and rested my head in my hands. “Being invisible is surprisingly exhausting.”
Corinne joined me at the table. “You don’t know how this happened?”
“No. At first we thought my fury trait was out of whack, but it’s possible someone did this to me.”
“Any suspects?”
“Not offhand, but maybe you can help. Have you noticed anyone acting suspicious lately?” I asked.
Corinne averted her gaze. “Not that I can think of.”
“Corinne,” I said slowly. “What do you know?”
The witch chewed her lip. “I don’t know anything.”
“Okay, fine. You don’t know, but you’ve noticed…something.”
She crossed her arms. “It’s my mom.”
“What about her?”
“She’s been coming home in the middle of the night a couple times a week,” Corinne said.
I cocked my head, not that she could see my dubious expression. “Since when is that suspicious?”
Playing With Fury Page 14
