h Gilles

managed a thin laugh. "Oh, Dam

ver, amused and

ag from the clerk's shaking hands and held it at

e. She checked the screen, frowning. "It's my father. Emer

tood from the velvet s

t tomorrow." She gave him a sweet smile, ignored me

s closed. The

rb without a backward

e black SUV, then stopped. His gr

t i

ke public

in front of half the Council. And you know rune-lore you should

is angle. Not

hood, and got in. I put the box on my

ndproofing sealed us in. His scent-frost

ed into

the city gave way to winding forest ro

near the ridge, the light

leaned across the console. Before I

into the seat, clutching the bag

ce was inches away. I could see the dark flecks

s almost

fied of me,"

have survival instinct

y face to his. "Last night, you didn't look terrified

I slapped his hand away. "I was dr

caught my wrist and pinned it against the headrest.

interest in

n why were you outside the café? Why throw yourself in front of

"I was going to a pawnshop! I d

What's wrong, Everleigh? Tired of your cold bed? Runn

so full of contempt, tha

y voice shook. "S