Page 14 of Deadly Little Games (Four Ways to Fate #2)

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The car’s backseat felt mighty small with me sandwiched between Sebastian and Gabriel. Elena sat in the passenger seat next to Crispin, who actually seemed to be a decent driver. Although for someone driving in the city, he was really lacking in road rage. At one point someone giving him the finger had received a cheerful wave in return.

“I’m telling you, my father doesn’t know about it. He would have told me.” Elena was turned in her seat, straining against her seatbelt. “And who is this woman anyways? How do you know she’s not lying?”

I couldn’t answer that, but something told me Marcie had been telling the truth. The same thing that told me Elena was telling the truth too. Which meant her father was the liar, though I couldn’t quite reconcile the idea with the kind, patient elf I had met in the palace.

Crispin stopped at a light, glancing back at me. “Not to interrupt, but we should probably decide where we’re going.”

“Emerald Heights,” Elena said at the same time that Gabriel muttered, “The Bogs.”

“Perhaps we should allow Eva to decide where she wants to go,” Sebastian said pleasantly.

I angled my eyes toward him. “What exactly are you playing at?”

He gave me an innocent look.

I watched him a moment longer, but let it go. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m going to Willowvale.”

Crispin had started to accelerate, but slammed on the brakes abruptly, making someone almost hit us. They laid on the horn, zooming around us, though he didn’t seem to notice. “Willowvale? Isn’t that werewolf territory?”

Elena gave me an uneasy look as Crispin eased back onto the gas. “My father would kill me if I stepped foot in Willowvale.”

“The werewolves would kill you first,” Gabriel muttered.

Elena eyed him sharply. “Why are you with us again?”

He glared back at her.

Sebastian seemed perfectly content to let us all argue. He’d explained that the only reason he found me was because he heard about the fairies’ plan to abduct me. Being associated with the criminal underworld had its perks. Rather than warning me in the diner, he’d let me walk into an ambush. I was pretty sure it was just so he could be smug about me leaving my card behind, but he had helped the other goblins.

Crispin stopped at another light. “Still need to know where we’re going…”

“I believe Eva already told you,” Sebastian answered for me.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Is there a reason you’re okay with going to Willowvale?”

He shrugged. “Braxton and I are old friends at this point.”

“No you’re not. What are you up to?”

Instead of answering, he looked out the window.

“Willowvale is north, correct?” Before anyone could answer, Crispin took the next turn, heading north.

“You cannot be serious!” Elena balked.

“She doesn’t want to go to Emerald Heights, Princess. And we’re not in the business of kidnapping, are we?”

Elena bared her teeth at him, and I thought she might argue, then she sat back against her seat with a huff.

Ringo poked his head out of my messenger bag. “We are going to see Braxton?”

I smiled, though I still felt uneasy about whatever Braxton’s mom had to say to me. “We sure are, little buddy. We sure are.”

Gabriel had rolled down his window as soon as we reached the country, and I leaned across him, inhaling the fresh air. Blades of grass swayed in rhythmic waves across rolling green hills, kissed by dappled sunlight.

I had loved coming out here with Braxton when we were teenagers, and it had been far too long since I’d been back. I had gotten too caught up with my work, and the hustle and bustle of city life.

Nothing like a few life or death experiences to really put things into perspective.

Crispin rolled down his window in front of us, letting in more greenery-scented air. “This is glorious. Why do we never come here?”

Elena slouched down in her seat with her arms crossed. “Because it’s swarming with werewolves. They’ll never let us through once we reach the border.”

There was a chance she was right, though I didn’t say so out loud. Werewolves weren’t from the far realms. They didn’t live behind a boundary, but they did have a territory . One they protected at all costs. The Willowthorn pack watched over Willowvale—aptly named after the long lineage of werewolves. I had an open invitation. Elves, goblins, and devils did not.

“Turn here,” I instructed.

Crispin slowed the car, then turned right onto a narrow paved road leading up into the mountains. So far we had driven through mostly open countryside, but as we crept up the windy road, the trees started closing in around us. They had a different feel than the ones in Emerald Heights, the dark patches beneath them seeming more eerie and foreboding.

I could sense Gabriel’s tension, and Elena’s for that matter. While the different factions in the city had their alliances, the wolves answered to no one. Willowvale was a dangerous place to venture without invitation.

The car came to a stop as we reached a closed metal gate with a heavy padlock. Crispin glanced back at me. “What now?”

“Just wait.”

It didn’t take long for the wolves to appear. Two of them were in human form, and three more were full wolf, not just wolfman or wolfwoman.

Ringo scurried back into my bag as I instructed Gabriel to roll down the window the rest of the way. Crispin wisely rolled his up. The werewolves wouldn’t react well if they saw a strange elf before they saw me.

I grinned as they came closer, recognizing Warrick, Braxton’s cousin.

Noticing me, he met my smile with one of his own. He was just as tall as Braxton, though a little less bulky, with the same curly brown hair. Without a shirt, his deeply tanned skin was on display for all to see.

He leaned down toward the window, ignoring Gabriel. “Eva, it’s about time you got out here.”

“Been busy,” I explained. “Did Braxton tell you I was coming?”

He nodded, finally taking a moment to observe my company. “He didn’t say you’d be bringing guests though. Might be an issue.”

The other werewolf in human form approached. She was tall, in her late 50s, her long black hair streaked with silver. She wore a black tank top and jeans, along with a knife at her belt, which was kind of funny considering she could sprout claws at will. Her gray eyes lingered on Gabriel, likely deeming him the greatest threat. Monica was always all business. When I was younger, I thought she didn’t like me, then eventually I realized that was just how she acted toward everyone. I knew she had some scars from her past, but I had never made it my business to ask about them.

I debated my response. Would it be the worst thing to make them wait for me beyond the border? There was a small town not far. They could just go get a meal—although it was laughable picturing Gabriel, Sebastian, and the elves sitting down together for a nice late lunch.

Before I could lean one way or another, Monica shook her head. “Theresa trusts Eva.” She leaned forward, making steady eye contact with me as she tilted her head. “And Eva would not bring anyone here to hurt us?” A veiled threat was evident in her tone.

“You know I wouldn’t,” I said evenly.

She studied me for a moment longer, then finally nodded, stepping back. “Let them through.”

I didn’t immediately see who she was speaking to until another male werewolf in human form approached the padlock on the gates with a set of keys. More full wolves had edged in from the woods, watching us unblinking.

Warrick flashed me a smile. “Don’t go running off too quickly. You owe me a beer.”

I smiled back, though I had no intention of lingering. I might be willing to bring my strange group of companions around the wolves so I could get whatever information Braxton’s mom, Theresa, had for me, but I wasn’t going to leave them unattended around the werewolves. Someone would end up dead, or at least horribly injured. I was sure of it.

The gate opened, and I gave Warrick and Monica a wave as we drove through. Once Gabriel rolled up the window, everyone seemed to heave a collective sigh of relief. Well, everyone but Sebastian. He still seemed perfectly content with himself, which made me suspicious.

“This is not a good idea,” Gabriel muttered as Crispin drove us further up into the mountains. “The fairies could still follow you here.”

I put my hand on his arm without thinking, but a little spark of magic had me withdrawing it. Sebastian looked over at me knowingly.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

I instructed Crispin down several narrow dirt roads, knowing that Theresa would still be at work at the small local tavern. She didn’t have to work—Braxton would have paid her expenses if she asked—but she liked it. It kept her social. Even amongst a tight community like the wolves, it was still possible to get cut too far adrift, like she had in the city.

She’d moved there with Braxton when he was young, wanting him to grow up with culture and opportunities. If she would have known he’d end up a mercenary, she probably would have kept him hidden away in Willowvale. It was hard to imagine how different he could have been had that occurred.

Of course, I might not even be alive right now if that had been the case. There had been no one else stepping forward to take me in after my dad died, only Theresa. I owed her my life, and so much more.

Here was hoping my visit wouldn’t bring her into my mess.

Crispin parked the car next to several others in the gravel lot in front of the tavern. The tavern itself was dark wood, matching the trees all around it. The rust-colored roof seemed to absorb the sunlight rather than reflecting it.

He shut off the engine, but nobody moved.

I undid my seatbelt, moving Ringo slightly aside as he peeked back out of my bag, glancing out the window at the trees. “Okay everyone, a few ground rules. The wolves are friendly enough. We were allowed across the border, so nobody’s going to question why we’re here. But they are going to be able to smell what you are. Each and every one of you. So they’re going to have other questions.” I looked at Sebastian as I finished, “So be polite.”

He gave me that innocent look again.

Shaking my head, I waited for Gabriel to open his door. This was going to be a disaster.

Gabriel climbed out, then offered me his hand, which I tentatively took. The touch felt nice, safe and warm, with only the smallest hint of magic. It wasn’t so bad when emotions weren’t heightened, and I could tell he was doing all he could to lock his away. Instead of looking at me, he looked toward the tavern, and the familiar werewolf walking outside.

Braxton lit up as he saw me. “It’s about time!”

I released Gabriel’s hand. “You do know it takes hours to get out here, and you just called me this morning.”

He waved me off, then stopped short as Crispin and Elena both got out of the car. He gave Elena a nod, then looked Crispin up and down, but didn’t comment. His eyes lingered longer on Gabriel, probably because of his size.

I realized with a start that they hadn’t met. The only time Gabriel had come into my apartment, Ringo had given him the keys.

I introduced both Gabriel and Crispin, then as Sebastian came around the car to stand behind me, I added, “And of course, you’ve had the misfortune of meeting Sebastian.”

Braxton rubbed his hands together, seeming a little nervous. “You know Eva, when I told my mom you might be bringing a friend or two, I really didn’t expect… this .” His eyes flicked once more to Gabriel.

At least now I knew why Monica had actually let us in. “It’s a long story. I’ve had an… eventful morning.”

Elena snorted. “I’d call a battle to the death with fairies a little more than an event .”

Braxton’s thick brows knitted together. “Please tell me she’s kidding.”

“A princess never kids,” Crispin said jokingly, then laughed. “Trust me.”

“It’s actually fitting if what my mom has to tell you is true.” Braxton gave me a sad look. “Come on, I’ll buy you a beer.”

I followed him toward the entrance, letting the others line up behind me. “You know, your cousin is for some reason under the impression that I owe him a beer.”

“You did tell him he couldn’t climb to the top of that tree.” Braxton held the door open for me.

“Yeah, and he couldn’t. It snapped as soon as he got to the top.”

Braxton laughed. “Yeah, he broke his arm, but he did climb to the top.”

Shaking my head, I walked into the tavern and was quickly enveloped by old memories. Though we’d lived in the city, Theresa had brought us out here most weekends. I had loved coming out to the woods. After losing my father, being around so many werewolves felt oddly safe. I had no parents, and no siblings, but the werewolves treated everyone like they were family.

I looked past the rough wood tables with a few werewolves all locking their eyes on us. Theresa stood behind the bar, refilling salt shakers. Her dark eyes lit up as she saw me. “Eva!” She hurried around the bar. She was looking older now, her loose purple dress skimming a bit of extra weight, and her dark brown hair now had more gray. But she moved like a woman half her age. Hells, she moved like a teenager. One of the benefits of being a pure blooded werewolf.

She gripped my arms as she reached me, sparing a glance for my strange group of companions. Ringo wiggled out of my bag, looking boldly up at her.

“Oh!” She leaned down in front of him. “What a charming creature.”

“This is Ringo.” I took a moment to introduce everyone else, but she seemed more interested in the tiny goblin that had now scurried up to my shoulder to get a better look around.

She beamed at him for a moment longer, then turned knowing eyes back to me. “You feel different, Eva. What have you been up to?”

My cheeks burned as I dutifully avoided looking at any of the guys. “How much did Braxton tell you?”

She gripped my arm. “Not enough.” She looked at Braxton. “Find a table and make sure our guests are comfortable. Eva is coming back to the kitchen with me.” She hesitated, glancing once more at Ringo. “Can he speak?”

I nodded.

“Then perhaps he should stay behind too. What I have to say is for you alone, and you may tell who you choose, and only who you choose.”

My heart fluttered in my throat. What could she possibly need to tell me? Why had Braxton dragged me out here, knowing all that was happening in my life?

Reading my expression, she patted my arm. “All will be well, Eva.”

Not sure if I believed her, I lifted Ringo from my shoulder and held him out to Gabriel.

Gabriel scowled, but took the little goblin, holding him in the palms of his hands.

“He likes french fries,” I said pointedly. “And cake.”

Ringo sat up a little straighter, his nerves assuaged by the mention of his favorite foods, which was exactly the reaction I was going for.

“Well,” Braxton said, “this is going to be interesting.” He gestured for everyone to follow him as Theresa led me back past the bar.

As she opened one side of the double doors leading into the kitchen, I glanced back to see Gabriel, Sebastian, and Crispin all watching me. It was a very strange feeling, suddenly realizing how they had all become a big part of my life in a very short time. Maybe Crispin a little less, but if we got the chance to continue working together…

I cast away my thoughts, following Theresa into the kitchen.

My mouth watered at the smell of burgers on the grill, and french fries sizzling in hot oil. The steamy air made me sweat, bringing about more memories. Even after Theresa had left the city, Braxton and I would still come out here. I’d helped out in the kitchen a few times for extra cash. Then Dawn had offered me a job at the agency, and life had become very different.

Theresa glanced at the lone werewolf manning the grill, an older gentleman, six feet tall and rail thin. His name was Alfred, and he didn’t speak much. But he could listen, so Theresa pulled me into the walk-in freezer.

I got a little nervous as she shut the door behind us, even though I knew it didn’t lock. The cool air instantly gelled the sweat on my skin.

“Sorry about the chill, but it will be difficult for anyone to overhear us in here.” She reached into a bag on the shelf, pulling out a handful of chocolate chips. She handed me half of them.

Smiling, I took them. She had always given me chocolate when I was younger too.

When her expression turned suddenly serious, my hand clamped around the cold little chips. “Eva, I have something to tell you, and I hope you won’t be upset with me. Your father made me promise to keep it to myself unless at some point I deemed it necessary for you to know.”

My gut clenched with sudden dread at her tone. My breath whooshed out of me, fogging the air around my face.

“I don’t know how to say this,” she continued, “so I will just spill it quickly.” It seemed to take her some effort to meet my eyes. “When your father got sick, when he realized he wasn’t going to make it, he told me a secret. He told me why your mother left.”

Blood rushed in my ears, and against the cold air, I felt faint. “He said he didn’t know.”

She reached for my arm, but I pulled away, and her face fell. “Eva, it was far too dangerous for you. He did not support her in taking your memories, and he felt quite sure she’d taken some of his as well, but there was one thing he remembered.”

I stared at her, my heart in my throat, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Your mother had lived a long time before she had you,” she reluctantly continued. “And your father learned—” She met my eyes. “Your father learned that she was the one who severed the paths to the other realms, and powerful people wanted her dead because of it.”