“I’m meeting someone here,” I said.

The woman snorted. “Not likely.”

I took a step back, hoping to gain a little distance. If my being here was a problem, I should probably go. “Your cousin Cosette said to meet her here, but I’ll leave. I don’t want to make a scene.” Getting into a fight would cause epic problems. I tried to leave, but she blocked my exit. “I can’t leave if you don’t get out of the way.”

“You’re the one. You exposed us.” Her eyes narrowed, and her fists clenched.

She made it sound like I’d been the only one on the news—like outing the supernaturals was my fault. But others had been involved. And it wasn’t like the fey were the only ones going through shit right now. Things were just as messed up for the Weres.

“None of us did it on purpose.”

“Doesn’t matter when we’re all paying the consequences.” Her face scrunched up. “I’m losing everything, and it’s your fault.”

Nothing I could say would make it better. The fey had seven courts—Lunar, Solar, Midnight, Leaves, Flames, Waves, and Gales. And if all their queens were demanding something be done, there was absolutely nothing I could do to help. So I said the only thing I could. “I’m s—”

“Lania. Cousin.” Cosette strode through the door. She gave me the tiniest shake of her head, warning me to stay silent. “Stop. She’s a friend.”

“Yes. Remind me we’re related as you bring one of them to my shop.” Lania spat at the floor. “I’ll have you know I’m mad at you, too.”

Cosette grasped Lania’s hand. “Nothing can be done to fix it now.”

Lania pulled away from her. “Did you ask your mother?”

Cosette sighed, her shoulders slouching a little. I’d never been aware she could slouch. “It’s out of her control. We all must do as we’re bidden. Believe me, she dislikes it as much as you do.”

Lania crossed her arms over her stomach as she spun away. I hated that I was part of the reason the supernatural world was being uprooted. It seriously stunk.

“Do you have what I asked for?” Cosette said.

Lania turned back to us, sneering at Cosette. “You’re giving one of our possessions to that?” She motioned to me.

Perfect. I was now a that.

“I know what it means to give something of ours to a Were, but it’s with good reason. I trust Meredith with my life, and our friendship was forged in battle.” Cosette held out her hand. “I’ll have her protected if I can.”

Little bits of electricity flashed along the carpeting as Lania stormed to the counter. New singe marks showed her path, covering up older ones. I motioned to Cosette, and she gave me a small shrug.

This fey was nearly out of control if her magic was seeping out enough to burn the carpet, but I wasn’t about to say anything. I had a feeling that would go over like shit on rice.