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“Cupid’s Crumb?”
She nods enthusiastically. The ripple of her excited energy pushes against me, warming me all over. “Straight out the front door and to your right.” Nikita points in the general direction. “It’s my bakery. A little love in every bite.”
“Thanks, Nikita.” I smile as she eyes me. There’s nothing harsh or threatening in her gaze, just a burning curiosity.
I take the moment to push my magic forward again, seeking more clues about her, but before I can get too deep, she chuckles and steps back.
“I’ll leave you to it.” And then she’s gone.
I toss my phone on the bed before pulling my laptop from my bag. Our rooms are at the end of the hall, so we’ve left the doors open. Sloane pulls her clutch of daggers from her bag and sets it on the bed along with her cleaning supplies.
“Should you be doing that in the open?” I call.
“If there are werewolves, I want to be ready.” She picks up an ornate dagger with a long silver blade and a bottle of oil infused with wolfsbane.
Wolves aren’t necessarily our enemies. Alliances can be formed, but you should always expect a foe before a friend when it comes to them. They’re known for being hotheaded and fiercely protective around their packs.
“Let’s not scare people unnecessarily before we have a chance to get some work done,” I tease.
“But if I don’t scare people, how do they know to give me a three-foot radius at all times?”
I chuckle at the sparkle in my sister’s eyes, amused by her direct nature. Heavy footsteps stomp one by one, likely the grumpy bartender coming up the stairs.
“Hey!” I hiss, waving my hands in a panic, urging Sloane to hide the daggers.
She rolls her eyes but closes the flap on the case anyway, and moves her duffel bag to obscure it further.
The air is charged. I can almost hear it buzzing in my ears as my skin prickles. When the guy from downstairs stands between our two open doors, the heat returns.
“Two cheeseburgers.” His voice is deep and gravelly; perfectly matches his intimidating stature.
“Sweet.” Sloane hops off her bed, swiping both plates from his hands and entering my room. “Appreciate it.”
“No trouble at all.” He crosses his arms and leans against the doorframe of my room as Sloane digs into her burger. “Where are you two traveling from?”
“Salem,” I answer. “We’re in town for a few nights on business.”
A bead of sweat rolls down my forehead. Goddess, that heat.
“Let me know if you need anything else.” He stalks off before either of us can respond.
Sloane has already finished half of her burger before I’ve had a chance to pick mine up. It smells amazing, but I eye it warily.
“I hope we don’t get sick.”
“Why?” Sloane’s question is muffled by the mouthful of food filling her cheeks.
“That guy was throwing some serious heat.”
“I know, right?” She bobs her eyebrows. “Did you see the arms on those tattoos?”
I laugh, picking up my food. “Yeah. Just remember the time we visited Aunt Lindy, and you hooked up with the bellhop.”
“Right.” Sloane nods, her eyes drifting to a distant memory. “Save the hookups for the end of the trip. I know I’m amazing, but there’s no need to be clingy.”
“Exactly. Family first.” I hold up my hand, extending my pinky out to her.
She hooks hers around mine. “Ride or die for my witches.”
