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strong arm around Kate’s waist, bearing most of her weight.
Alec nodded. “Get her inside. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Brit murmured soothing words to Kate as they half-walked, half-carried her through the back entrance.
I hesitated, noting the way Alec was scanning the darkness. I knew he’d do a final sweep to ensure the creatures were long gone. I’d offer to go with him, but the tension between us begged for an outlet. Being alone with Alec in a dark alley might not be the best course of action. We’d either end up in a screaming match or falling into each other’s arms. Neither option did anything for my separating from Alec campaign.
“Don’t be long,” I said, turning away.
No reply, though Alec’s broad form stayed within my peripheral vision.
I risked a direct look.
He was waiting, gaze steady on mine.
“Worried about me?” His lips twisted. “And you wonder why I don’t believe that ridiculous vision? It’s wrong, Eryn. Some sort of karmic mistake.” He half-turned, and then paused. “You’d never hurt me. How come I know it and you don’t?”
When I made no move to stop him, he jogged to the truck to take care of the weapons and turn off the still sputtering engine.
Though I’d felt a jolt of hope at his words, Alec doth protest too much. He was masking his fear with a big old show of bravado. I’d lived that way for so long I recognized the signs.
Alec was just learning the game.
Heartsick, I followed the others through the doorway and immediately froze, my hackles rising.
In previous visits, I’d entered the café through the commercial storefront. Now, coming through the back entrance, I sensed magic I’d never felt before. To the right, the others were slowly guiding Kate along a darkened hallway. To the left, a staircase descended to a lower level. The basement. A faded black pentagram decorated the ceiling above the steep stairs. Sigils were carved into the handrail. The stairs themselves were made of old oak. Kate worked her mojo down there, I’d bet my life on it. I could smell the history, the incense, and the faintest lure of mint. Like Wade’s magic.
The darkness below waited. Still and quiet. And yet when I drew on some of my wolven vision, slipped beyond human perception, incandescent flickers, like the spits and sputters of an old black-and-white film, called out to me. Guiding me.
I wanted to go and investigate. No, I needed to.
“Eryn, a little help would be nice.” Brit’s voice broke through my thoughts. I shook my head and tore my gaze from the stairs.
“Coming.” I strode after them, past the entrance to the industrial kitchen and into the seating area of the café. Lights from the pop cooler and baking display unit provided a dim glow.
The café had none of its usual charm with the lights dimmed. In fact, the tarot card-like posters on the walls, images of the hanged man, death, the fool, looked downright creepy. The vintage couches and walnut tables that usually seemed so funky and cool now looked ancient, weary, and secretive.
Matt and Brit lowered Kate into one of the recliners.
“A bit of rest is all I need,” Kate said, settling into the chair, her face gaunt and pale. “And maybe some ginseng tea.”
I took the hint, plucking the tea from the display shelf and grabbing a clean mug from the help-yourself rack. Conundrum was easy-breezy that way. So was Kate. Usually. This wan, weak version worried me.
“Pour the hot water from the coffee machine,” Kate said. “There’s a water spout on the side.”
The water was boiling hot. I filled the cup and added the tea bag and brought the steaming cup to Kate, placing it on the tree- trunk table by her chair.
“Thanks, Eryn.” Kate put her hand on my arm. I tensed under her touch. Weird to be scared for someone and be scared of them at the same time. Why was I surrounded by people who could see more than I’d like? They had a supernatural advantage. It wasn’t right. I ignored my own paranorm advantages