Evie’s eyes gleamed. “Go apologize. I’ll wait here and order us another drink.”

Gary’s was just a couple minutes away, further down Main Street. “I won’t be long.” I got to my feet and scanned the bar. The werewolves were busy chatting up a group of light fae women. The goblins in the corner were speaking in hushed voices, and Mere was keeping an eye on the group of human mercenaries near the door. No one here would be likely to mess with my sister.

“I see what you’re doing,” Evie said mildly. “I can take care of myself.”

I grinned at her and strode out of the bar.

* * *

Danica

I squinted at my phone. Ten pm. Adult gnomes didn’t need much sleep, and Gary was known for keeping his store open until two am some nights. I turned right as I walked out of Meredith’s, heading down Main Street toward Gary’s small store.

High above me, I heard the rustling of wings. I surveyed the night sky. The sound had only lasted a split second, but I knew what I’d heard. I’d thought I was going crazy over the past few weeks but I wasn’t. Samael still had his people watching me.

I suppressed the urge to call him and give him a piece of my mind. The demon was leaving me alone for now. I had no desire to rouse his interest once more.

I slowed my steps as I approached Gary’s store. The lights were out, which was unusual this early.

Maybe I’d emotionally scarred his kids so badly that he’d had to take them home.

I pushed that thought away and pressed my face against the glass, peering into the darkness.

“Oh my god.”

I threw open the door and bolted across the small store, dropping down to Gary’s side.

Someone had bashed his skull in. His head was caved in on one side, blood leaking onto the floor of his shop. The rest of his body was so broken that it looked like little more than mush.

My hand shook as I pressed it to Gary’s neck, searching frantically for a pulse. I jolted as he opened his eyes. Still alive. I had no idea how, but I was keeping him that way. I pulled my phone from my pocket.

“I’m getting you help,” I promised. His eyes were dark with pain, and he opened his mouth in an attempt to say something. “Just rest, you’re going to be okay.”

I called an ambulance. He’d be taken to the paranormal hospital, where the doctors and healers would work together to save his life.

The operator was calm. “An ambulance is on its way, Miss.”

I left the phone line open as instructed. Gary was still attempting to speak. He would open his mouth, strain for a while, and then his eyes would slide shut.