Is that any way to treat the cat who just solved your problems?
“I’m not sure how a severed finger solves anything. I appreciate the gesture, but in the future, I’d rather have flowers. Or a magical hangover cure. Or basically anything else.”
As I lay my head against the cool counter, Rafe transforms, sitting on the floor at my feet, legs tucked beneath him, tail curled into an exclamation point, looking up at me expectantly, his gift still laid out on the floor.
“I can’t believe you’re so ungrateful!” he bursts out.
I throw aroller at him. “Leave me to die in peace. Who does the finger belong to, anyway?”
“Councillor Douglas, of course.” His tail flicks. “No need to thank me. A bowl of your finest cream would suffice.”
“You cut off Douglas’ finger!”
“Don’t be absurd. I didn’t cut it off. I bit it off. And it was anaccident. I went to have a little talk about your license. But he was being difficult, so I got mean, and in the altercation, I wentchomp, and the thing I chomped was his finger.” Rafe shrugs. “But the good news is that he’s had a change of heart. He’s putting through the approval this morning, probably while you’re in your third hour of throwing up all that pity-mead you drank. Bee-Witching Brews can open as early as next week. You’re welcome.”
I lean my back against the counter. “You…removed someone’s finger for me? It’s…both terrifying and sweet.”
“Yes, well.” He starts to lick the back of his hand, then remembers he’s a human and stops. “I don’t do these favours for you for nothing. You owe me an online shopping session. You’ve got forty thousand quid burning a hole in your bank account and I need something hot to wear to the opening.”
“I can’t do online anything right now.” I slide off my stool. The room spins.
“And you callmea menace,” Rafe huffs as he hauls me up by the armpits. “I’m checking your grandmother’s grimoire. Perhaps there’s a spell in there to sober up a silly honey witch. We have a meadery to open!”
Come to the Grand Opening of the Bee-Witching Brews Meadery!
Merry meet! Step back in time and enjoy a sweet honey wine at Argleton’s brand-new destination tavern and eatery. Sample our delectable menu of meads, all made from locally-sourced honey and ingredients by a certified honey witch, Autumn Abernathy.
Our opening menu includes:
Twist and Hive:Orange blossom, rosemary, and lemon, to improve memory.
Spell the Tea:Mugwort, elderflower, and black tea, for seeing the answers in dreams.
Hex Appeal:Cardamon, lotus and rosewater, for igniting desire.
Buzzed Beyond Belief:Blackberry, blackcurrant, and bramble, for bravery and protection.
Hex Yeah:Apple, clove, and cinnamon, for wealth, prosperity, and success.
