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I threaded my way through a computer with legs, Marie Antoinette holding her head like a purse, and a variety of other interesting choices. The exit was within view. My heartbeat picked up speed as I closed in on the door. I nearly mowed down the Pilgrim that dared to step between me and my freedom.
“Pardon me, coming through,” I announced.
The Pilgrim and his ridiculous black buckled hat didn’t budge. Only then did I notice the familiar scent of musk, sandalwood, and pine. “Leaving so soon, Miss Clay? You haven’t even had a drink.”
Dammit. Thwarted by a Puritan. Wasn’t the first time either. I had a high school experience that still brought a blush to my cheeks. Hormones were a funny thing.
I quickly found my voice. “I came to speak to Josie.”
“She isn’t here, I’m afraid, but how nice to know you two have become chummy. Why not join me for a drink at the bar? I was in the process of chatting with a friend when I spotted you.”
“And you hunted me down?”
“I can’t help my quick reflexes any more than you can help your inability to blend into a crowd.”
I couldn’t decide whether that was a compliment. “It’s late. I should go.”
He pinned me with those whisky-colored eyes that promised more passion than one body could contain. “Surely you can spare ten minutes. I promise not to make you bob for apples.”
“Because it’s a dumb game?”
“Because they’re poisoned.” He paused. “It’s a crowd favorite, although I admit I never saw the appeal.”
I debated my next move. I was already here and had fumbled my plan to avoid him. I might as well make the most of it. I could lie to him just as easily as I’d intended to lie to Josie.
I hoped.
“Interesting choice of costume,” I said, as I let him escort me to the bar.
“You’d be surprised how many of these men made it to my circle.”
“Oh, I doubt I would. I readThe Crucible.”
“Have you met my dear friend, the Cowardly Lion?” Kane motioned to the lionlike patron waiting at the counter. His didn’t seem to be a costume, yet he wasn’t a lion shifter either. “I’d like you to meet Lorelei Clay.”
I waved at the lion. “Nice to meet you. Hope you find your courage before the night’s over.”
The lion pointed to the bar, where shot glasses had been placed in a neat line. “Working on it.”
“He wants to ask the Scarecrow to dance,” Kane explained. “I’ve offered to intervene, but he wants to be a big cat and handle it himself.”
“If he doesn’t hurry, the clock is going to strike midnight,” I said.
“I won’t turn into a pumpkin,” the lion replied. “This spell is set to last until noon tomorrow, in case I get lucky.”
If only Dusty could say the same.
Kane patted him on the back. “One more shot, and then it’s time to make your move. I command it.”
The lion’s ears twitched. “I guess I have no choice then. Nobody disobeys a prince of hell.”
Kane winked at me. “You would do well to remember that.”
The lion opened his maw and dumped the liquor. “Wish me courage.”
“You’re halfway there,” Kane said.
The lion staggered into the crowd, emboldened.
