Page 36 of Facade

I smiled tightly, and as the scent of mint wafted around me, my face fell.

“Dimitri, can I ask you… an odd question?” I fished.

Lyra, attempting to flirt with Brax, laughed obnoxiously loud at something he'd said, leaning over to swat him on the shoulder. Only she did it hard enough that he almost fell out of his chair. Aiden growled in their direction, snapping at Brax about professionalism.

“Anything,” Dimitri said as he started eating. I leaned toward him, feeling Aiden’s attention on me once more. I refused to acknowledge him.

“Do I smell… off?”

Dimitri’s scrambled egg fell off his fork.

“Define… off?” he said, his face stiffening as he clearly fought off a smile. I rolled my eyes.

“Never mind!” Chagrined, I focused on my plate.

“Care to share with the rest of the group what’s so amusing?” Aiden barked from down the table.

The others instantly grew quiet, even Lyra, and awkwardly looked between Aiden’s relentless scrutiny and us. My jaw gaped like a fish, trying to think of an excuse, as I did not want my question to be a group discussion. Besides, questions get you killed. Even the ones that seemed innocent.

“Evanee was just wondering if all Werewolves are as good-looking as me, is all, Cap.” Dimitri threw a wolfish smile back at Aiden’s glower. “And as well endowed.” He waggled his brows.

Aiden shoved his chair back with a screech, but then Lyra, startled us all as she shot up, slamming her hands on the table, sending a fork flying behind her where Malachai just so happened to be passing by. His body stayed utterly still, with only his hand snapping up, catching it. That golden gaze narrowed at her as he tossed it back on the table then moved to sit across from Aiden.

“I knew it!” she squealed, pointing a finger at us, unconcerned that she'd almost hit the scariest male in the group. “I knew there was a Shadow Stalker with us!”

Dimitri shook his head, bewilderment in his expression.

Aiden turned that dark look toward her. Brax, surprisingly, gave her an apologetic smile and murmured to her that it might be best to save the excitement for a later time. She actually obliged, sitting back down, fiddling with that damn pendant around her neck, gaze slit at the rest of us.

Dimitri lowered his voice, putting some distance between us now that Aiden kept shooting daggers this way.

“No, no. In all seriousness, what do you mean by off? Are you sick, or do you have an infected cut you need me to check out?” He searched my face. “A skur didn’t get you, did it? Nasty things. Many don’t know, but one bite from those fuckers can kill you or worse—turn you into what they are.”

Horror curdled in my gut. I definitely hadn’t known that. The stranger had only been scratched… right?

Dimitri seemed genuine, but basic decency didn’t equate to trustworthy. At the end of the day, he still worked for the Fae King, and he wasn’t my friend. I was a slave. A prisoner. This conversation would probably be reported to Aiden anyway.

“I don’t know. Maybe an infection? I cut myself last night.” I reached for my arm where the sleeve now hid the makeshift bandage beneath. It was barely a scratch. He raised a brow at my poor excuse.

I sighed. “Okay, look. Truth is…” I cleared my throat, lowering my voice. “I know nothing about where I come from or who my family was. I guess I’m trying to see if you can help fill any gaps. I’ve heard Werewolves can smell anything.” I steeled myself, speaking quickly before I lost my nerve. “I always feel a little… off when there’s a full moon. What if I’m a Werewolf and can’t remember?” I looked at him pointedly, thinking about all the full moons and the issues that arise with my back.

Now that, he laughed at.

A booming laugh that made me jump. My gaze shot to Aiden, who slammed his fork on the table right as Thaddeus swept in.

“Good morning, all! I apologize for my lateness, but I am not as young as I once was, and last night was a bit much,” he admitted with a laugh, his hand going to his head.

Thaddeus wore a white tunic, black pants, and boots, with a golden robe thrown over them, featuring a tree stitched in silver thread. Stunning, light fabric that swept the floor as he walked around the table to Aiden, who looked like he was in physical pain as he sat eerily still. The muscle in Aiden’s jaw twitched badly enough, I could see it from here.

“Trust me, you'd know if you were a werewolf. Whether your memories were wiped or not,” Dimitri said, eyes shifting to my exposed wrists and the ink that bound them. I instinctively put my hands under the table, tugging the sleeves down.

“It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” He offered, biting into his biscuit. “Those Witches can do some nasty shit.” He took a swig from his mug. “Anyways, yes, I’ll sniff you if you really want me to.” I could tell he fought a smile, saying that out loud. I gritted my teeth as he leaned in and breathed in deeply through his nose, his eyes shut in concentration.

“Definitely not a Werewolf.” He smiled, leaning back. I guess that’s one thing ruled out. “As for anything else you smell… human to me.” I frowned slightly and his eyebrows drew together. “Were you hoping for me to smell something else?”

“No, I guess that’s what I was looking for. Thanks,” I said, forcing a smile as I slumped down in my chair, focusing on my plate that still sat empty before me.

“Many odd things can occur during a full moon. I wouldn’t worry about it.” His words were meant to be comforting, but they weren’t.