“Well, good morning to you, too,” I chuckled at the tension.
He froze and his eyes slid to me, blinking almost confused. “Yeah… morning.” He looked flustered, before turning his attention elsewhere.
I really hoped that the day of us not being awkward near each other would return—preferably sooner rather than later.
“So I’ve heard,” Eve sneered at me knowingly.
Shit, had she seen Malakai’s little parade? I glared at him, but he remained blank as if not knowing what she was talking of.
“Where’s Ash?” Nate asked, looking around.
“Restocking gifts for the demons, as she so gracefully called it,” Jaden said, appearing out of nowhere, placing himself near Nate as if challenging his personal space.
Nate eyed him up and down as he crossed his arms.
“Oh, you mean stealing,” Nate snorted, as a sneer appeared on his face.
“Or flirting,” Eve added, giving Nate a mocking grin and he actually froze in place, glaring at her.
“Play nice,” Lionel snapped at them.
“Oh, that doesn’t sound like my team at all,” Ashley strolled up casually from the side with a large smile on her lips.
“There she is,” Jaden smirked. “Tell me, what did you have to pay for the supplies?”
Ashley flashed him a grin sharp enough to cut rope. “Didn’t cost me a coin. I just offered Eve’s hand in marriage to the blacksmith. Said she’s housebroken enough.”
Eve’s head whipped around. “Youwhat?”
“Oh, don’t act surprised. Strong bloodline, mean bite—figured some lonely man would love a wife who hisses.” Ashley shrugged innocently.
Jaden wheezed and Nate actually doubled over, placing a hand on Jaden’s shoulder to keep his balance.
Eve stormed towards her. “Take. It. Back.”
“Why? You could do worse.” Ashley tapped her chin thoughtfully. “He’s only fifteen years older and missing one tooth. But he’s got asteady income.”
“I will bury you,” Eve spat.
“You’ll have to get in line,” Ashley said sweetly. “I have some demons waiting, they made an appointment long before you,sugar.”
Nate cackled wildly, Jaden’s brows lifting towards the sky in surprise. Even I had to press a hand over my mouth to smother a laugh.
Eve looked like she was about to throw herself at Ashley like a wild animal. “I would rather leap into a demon’s jaws than marry—”
“Oh good,” Ashley said cheerfully. “I told him you were into dramatic courtship.”
“I said,play nice,” Lionel groaned in the background. “Why do I even bother?”
“Maybe their fight will distract the demons,” Jadensnickered, trying to hold back.
“I hope they bring snacks for all of us,” Nate cackled.
“Can we just leave?” Eve barked angrily. “I can’t wait to feed her to the demons.”
“Hey! We’re not feeding any demons!” Jaden blurted, tone suddenly changed, his face disgusted by the thought.
“Well… this became awkward,” Malakai muttered, but his smirk not aligning with his words.
