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“Cassandra Howe. How have you been, darling?”
Ryder scowled, taking a step in front of me. Cute but unnecessary. I could handle the arrogant witch on my own.
Tempted to flip Sebastian off, I answered with more than a little attitude instead. “What do you want, Seb?”
He lifted his hand, intending to touch me, but dropped it when Ryder let out a low growl. Did ghouls growl? Seemed more like a wolf shifter thing.
“It’s been far too quiet this Samhain. Don’t you think?”
What was that supposed to mean? Was he referring to the attack on me and Gypsy? “Your point?”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I expected more this year, with your birthday and all.”
So? “Worried you won’t be invited to the celebration?”
“Oh, honey, I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Who’s your friend, Cas?” Damian’s voice was so cold it made the air feel chilled. His hands rested on my shoulders as if he were telling me without words that he was there. I didn’t figure it would be long before the vampire made an appearance.
“Oh, I wouldn’t call him a friend,” I replied. Sebastian and I stared each other down.
“That’s not nice,darling. We were much more than friends.”
Gabriel’s snarl issued a warning. I wasn’t sure when he arrived. The same time as Damian? “Doesn’t look like this is the case anymore.”
“Tsk, tsk,” Seb admonished as he glanced at all three men. With a self-satisfied smirk, he clasped his hands behind his back. “Fucking all three at once, Cassie dear? You weren’t into that kinky stuff whenwedated.”
I was going to kill him. Before I could think about it, I darted forward, face to face with Seb. Magic bounced back and forth between us as the air crackled. An electric charge lingered on the edge of my fingers and sparked with violet light. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this angry.
“You’re a—”
“Careful, little spitfire. They say it’s a thin line between love and hate. You must still harbor some deep feelings for me.” He winked and grinned wider, enjoying the torment. “I’ll leave my door unlocked for you. We definitely have unfinished business.”
Three unhappy immortals around me closed in. I felt the vibrations of their frustration and anger.
I was pulled back into a firm embrace before I could scratch out Sebastian’s eyeballs. “By the power of three—”
“Don’t, Cas!” Gypsy’s voice halted the damaging spell I nearly cast. “He’s just leaving. Aren’t you, Seb?”
The fight left his body immediately, and Sebastian seemed almost subdued. “Forgive me, Gypsy. I haven’t been myself the last two days.” He turned away but didn’t apologize. “You know where to find me if you want to talk, Cassie.”
Everyone fell silent as we watched him walk away.
“Cas, how could you think of harming him like that?” Gypsy spun around, her tone accusatory. “Seb isn’t the enemy.”
Shit.I forgot she cared about him. A little too much. She wasn’t wrong, though. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Gyps.”
“Sometimes I wonder if you take the Howe legacy seriously.”
Her words gutted me like a knife, and I exhaled with an audibleoof. No words could form in my throat because it closed up tight. I wouldn’t cry. Not in front of the crowd gathered outside, overhearing the exchange between Seb and me.
“I’ll see you back at the house,” she replied sadly, spinning on her heel to walk away.
“Gyps,” I finally managed to choke out, but she didn’t stop.
Gabriel cradled my cheek with his palm and leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll go talk to her.” His eyes held mine for a moment, and then he was gone, running to catch up to my cousin.
“He had it coming if you want my opinion,” Damian interjected.
