Page 319 of Trick or Stalk

Tail wag.

“Stop taking his side.”

I walk upstairs.

At the back of my closet, I find black leggings and a fitted black sweater. Then boots.

I pull my hair into a ponytail.

When I return downstairs, Penny is still guarding the door. Or waiting for her accomplice. Hard to say.

I grab my coat and zip it.

My phone hasn't buzzed again.

Hades asked. Now he's waiting.

I walk to the back door. My hand closes around the lock. Penny starts vibrating.

“You're staying here.”

Her excitement dies instantly.

“No.”

She whines.

“You have four-inch legs. The snow is deeper than you are.”

Her tail droops.

“Also, this is adult time.”

Her head tilts.

“Don't make me explain that.”

I open the door just far enough to step outside, then close it behind me before Penny can launch herself into a snowbank.

Cold air hits my face.

“Jesus.”

This seemed sexier from inside.

I shove my hands into my pockets and scan the woods. “Hades?”

Nothing.

Snow crunches beneath my boots as I cross the yard. My pulse begins to climb.

I know he's here, watching me.

And I fucking love it.

I reach the edge of the woods.

Still nothing.