Page 43 of The Monsters We Are
“So when you introduce yourself as someone else to a woman you like, you’re starting a relationship that’s based on bullshit. That’s not a good thing.”
He sighed. “Why, why, why have you always gotta focus on logic?”
“Well, one of our coven has to, or we’ll eventually get thrown out of Devil’s Cradle.” Did they not get that?
Anabel bit her lower lip. “You do make a valid point.”
“But again with the logic,” Xavier complained.
Wynter rolled her eyes.
They went from table to table. Anabel topped up her collection of beeswax products while Hattie bought some jars of honey—all in various flavors.
Anabel smiled as the pianist began playing “Somebody’s Watching Me”. “I like this tune.”
Delilah tossed her a look. “I’m not surprised. The lyrics speak to the paranoid.”
The blonde’s brows drew together. “I’m not paranoid.”
Delilah snorted. “Hmm, sure.”
“I’mnot.”
She totally was, but Wynter was not interested in getting into that. “No arguments, please, we’re supposed to be enjoying some quality coven time.”
“Ooh,” began Hattie, pointing to a particular booth. “I need more rolling paper for my morning joints.” She paused, humming. “And some deadly nightshade seeds.”
Wynter froze, as did the others. “Why?” she asked warily.
Hattie cackled. “I’m just messing with you.”
“That wasn’t funny, Empress of Poison,” said Xavier. “I worried you’d decided to kill poor George.”
“Never,” said Hattie as she grabbed some packets of bundled up herbs from a wicker basket. “The man is sweet as pie.”
“Wow, that dude over there by the pond is good,” said Anabel. “I can’t even juggle balls, let alone knives. I mean . . . wow.”
Sighing, Xavier scratched at his temple. “There is no juggler.”
Anabel stamped her foot. “Dammit.” She rubbed at her neck. “I have to get out of here. I can’t tell what’s real and what’s fantasy anymore. The lines are too blurred. Oh God, I can’t catch my breath.”
Delilah nudged her. “Tone it down, diva.”
Anabel’s hands fisted. “I amnota—”
“Hello, Wynter,” greeted none other than Eve, smiling brightly.
Well, gah. Hey, Wynter’s sort-of-mother-in-law was seemingly a nice woman, but they didn’t know each other well enough for Wynter to be comfortable with just bumping into her in public without Cain at her side. And, if Wynter was truly honest, a part of her struggled to warm to the woman, unable to help but resent Eve for how thoroughly she’d let him down even as Wynter understood how that had come to be. She didn’t judge Eve, she just hated how it had impacted Cain.
Noah and Rima stood behind their grandmother. He gave Wynter a nod while Rima just glared at her. So pleasant.
Wynter forced her lips to curve. “Hi, it’s nice to see you all.”
“Thank you,” said Eve. “This must be your coven.”
“Yes.” Wynter introduced each of them to Eve and the twins before then introducing the Aeons to her coven in return. They all exchanged greetings, though Rima’s were pretty stiff.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all,” Eve told the coven. “Wynter has spoken of you many times.”