Page 30 of Whispers of Wisteria (The Garden of Eternal Flowers #5)

He grinned and winked. “One decaf vanilla latte coming right up.”

I gasped. How dare he!

However, I was too weak to utter more than a muted protest as the perky man bounced away to make my order. But, internally, I was screaming.

I waited, crestfallen, and there was nothing but mocking humor in his eyes as he handed me my poor excuse for a coffee.

I returned to my table with a broken heart.

There was nothing further on my calendar for the day, and now my coffee was ruined, too. My only options for entertainment were the giant book or the novel I’d borrowed from Miles’s secret stash. This time, however, it’d been with his blessing.

He’d been more than happy to share his Andreina Bellini collection with me. Excited even.

Either way, I must remain the ever-vigilant and ready assistant. Whenever Gloria needed me, I would be there.

I opened my bag and looked inside, pondering. Maybe it was time for some lighthearted fun.

With that thought, I opened Longsword of Love.

The low-hanging moon cast a dim glow over the rugged moors, and three figures were made visible in the darkness. Through the light was the dashing form of Sir Jean de la Vergne, a handsome knight of unwavering courage, as he led his horse through the mist and to… death.

Alas, his heart was weighed down by more than just the upcoming battle. On his noble steed before him was Guinevere, the most lovely noble maiden he was bound to protect. She seemed lost in thought.

“Guinevere,” he spoke softly, “I must face the dragon alone. Maiden, pray, let me return you to your father’s care.”

“Sir, I cannot!” She swooned as she met his gaze, her eyes filled with conflict as they paused in their journey. “Sir Jean, do you not believe we are destined to walk the same path? Can love and duty truly align?”

He dismounted, stepping toward her, his hand trembling as he reached for hers. “I would walk through fire for a chance to be with you.”

Her eyes flickered down as tears filled her dewy eyes. “But you’re sworn to something else. A knight’s duty must come first.”

His heart ached, but he stood firm. “I would choose you above all else, Guinevere. I’d rather fall with you than live without knowing your love.”

Her hand shook as she placed it in his. “Then I will continue this journey with you. Perhaps we shall die together tonight.”

Without another word, her lips met his in a kiss that was both tender and urgent. Yet the moment was shattered when they pulled apart as a distant roar sounded near.

The dragon!

“Together,” he promised, “we’ll defeat the beast. And whatever comes next, we face it side by side.”

“Hey.”

I jumped as a surly-looking guy dropped into the seat across from me. “I heard you’re married to Dubois. That true?”

“Yes…” I said, my voice softer than planned, and I held the book over the bottom half of my face. “C-can I help you?”

This better not have anything to do with Bryce’s unseemly business associates. At least my plans contributed positively to society.

“I have a bone to pick with Bryce,” he said, and I held my breath as he leaned over the table.

The last time this’d happened, someone tried to stab him with a butter knife, and I’d saved his life.

“He tricked me,” the man continued. “I want my money.”

“Um…” My heart was racing, and I glanced around the coffee shop. But of course he’d pick a time when no Officers were around. “I—I can’t really help you with t-that.”

I didn’t even have access to my own money. Every coffee I got was a drip further into debt. But if I did have money, I’d just pay the man myself to make him leave.

“You’d better find a way to help me,” he replied in an unfriendly tone. “You’ll give him a message from me, otherwise you’ll be the message.”

“Please go away,” I said, leaning back. I wasn’t equipped to handle this sort of thing.

He reached across the table. I dropped the book as he grabbed my left wrist. “Not until you—”

A larger hand closed around Bryce’s not-friend’s wrist and pinned it to the table. Still, he held on.

“Let go.”

I blinked up at the new person as I tried to get my breath under control. He was tall and clean-cut in an olive shirt and jeans. He had short, light brown hair, and his honey-brown eyes narrowed on the man still holding on to me.

“Who the hell are—”

“I said to let go.” The newcomer must have done something because, suddenly, I was free.

I pulled my hand to my chest as the tension in my shoulders began to loosen.

Bryce’s associate stood. “What the fuck, man?”

“Walk away.”

“I don’t need to—”

“Now,” my savior snapped. Something tight moved through the air—similar to when Bryce was trying to boss me around. But I now recognized it for what it was: fae magic.

Bryce’s business associate cursed as he glared at him, then stalked out of the coffee shop.

The fae man glanced at me. “You okay?”

My breathing was still off, but “Y-yeah.”

“Good.”

And then he walked away before I could even say thank you.

What…

My pulse was fluttering, and my head was spinning.

What was that?

I must have lost track of time. I was startled when, this time, it was Anthony who was suddenly sliding into the recently vacated seat.

“What’s up?” he asked. “Whatcha staring at?”

For a second I considered telling Anthony what’d happened. Then my logic returned. I needed to go to Bryce about this first—Lord only knew what he’d been up to. I didn’t want to accidentally get him in trouble.

I shook my head, trying to ground back into myself. “N-nothing. A ru-rude guy was here, but he went away.”

He paused, smile slipping slightly, as he studied my face. “What happened?”

Still, I hesitated. Anthony was in his quintet—maybe he should know. Bryce could need help.

But…

I didn’t want to overstep.

I spotted the book, cover facing up with the title on full display, and my fear vanished.

It would be too embarrassing for anyone to know that I read this trash.

“Nothing important,” I squeaked, flustered. I snatched the book off the table and shoved it in my bag. “Besides, it’s fine now.”

I looked back at him—it felt like ages since we’d last spoken. “How—how’s everything with you?”

“Well—” Anthony studied me, suspicious, but played along. “I was waiting for Brayden, and you looked lonely.”

“I-I’m not lonely,” I replied.

“It’s cool anyway,” he said, leaning back into his seat. “I had a break between classes, and Julian asked me to keep an eye on you.”

“Oh.” I frowned down at my coffee. So, he was only talking to me as a favor?

Anthony grinned and leaned over the table. “I thought you might want to do something fun.”

“Something… fun?” I asked, unsure. “What is it?”

“Something you’ll like.” Anthony’s grin grew wider. “So—” He opened a silver spiral-bound notebook on the table and ran his finger over the lines. There were columns of scribbles, but Miles’s name caught my attention. “—Miles missed a few classes and skipped practice, and no one knows why.”

I tried to read the tiny, loopy writing, but only parts of it were legible.

“Is that Miles’s schedule?” I recognized those classes. I, too, had written out variations of the boy’s calendars. “Are you stalking him? We can’t prank Miles.”

But... was he skipping school? I should have been more vigilant.

“Pranking?” Anthony’s brows drew together. His dark brown eyes shone with hurt. “What makes you think I’d do such a thing?”

“Ah.” I leaned back in my chair. “D-Damen said you and Brayden are close.”

He pursed his lips. “And?”

“Brayden is so h-happy and carefree?” Why did it sound like I was asking a question? “He likes to go after Bryce.”

Although now that I thought about it, Brayden was a lot of talk. I’ve never seen him do anything to our brother.

“You don’t need to worry about Bryce,” Anthony said.

I wasn’t worried. Not much.

Or maybe a little.

“He’s more than capable of holding his own.” Anthony’s serious mood continued. “Brayden absolutely cannot win against him. He’s badass. But Brayden still tries—he likes a challenge.”

Bryce… a badass? I’d been growing curious about this supposed legendary prowess. I needed to see it for myself.

“And Brayden isn’t carefree at all. He’s one of the most serious people I know. I mean, he likes libraries,” Anthony continued. “He might be cheerful around you, but that’s because he’s trying to make you feel relaxed.”

“B-but…” My mind raced. “Damen said you two were fun.”

Anthony’s eyes widened briefly before he threw his head back in a laugh. “Oh, he did?” he gasped. “Ignore him, he’s just jealous.”

“Jealous?” I asked, touching his lip. What reason would Damen have to be jealous of anyone?

“Because if he’s unhappy, he wants everyone else to suffer too.”

I looked at him blankly.

“Damen has attachment issues.” Anthony sighed. “Titus and Damen were best friends when they were younger. But they drifted apart, and Damen latched on to Bryce. Those two did everything together up until a few years ago.”

“What—” I began, but Anthony had already continued.

“There were issues in the Dubois household, and the Abernathy family got involved. They’ve barely been able to stand each other since. As for why he’s jealous, I think it’s because he hates anything that reminds him of what he’s been missing.”

I touched my fingers together. “That’s so…”

Stupid.

We were going to have to work on this. But that felt like a mean thing to say out loud. “Insightful,” I concluded.

“Thanks.” Anthony grinned and pointed to his temple. “I am majoring in the human sciences. I know things.”

“Okay.” I only had the mental capacity for one emergency at a time. Damen’s pettiness was not one of them. “So, back to Miles. Are you stalking him?”

“Yes.” Anthony snapped the notebook shut and pointed it at me.

“Well, normally, no one cares where he goes. Tu’s always done his own thing—he leaves the witches alone, and they give him the space he wants.

But there’s a rumor that he’s working on something big and it’s scaring the people in his apartment complex.

We’re trying to figure out what’s going on. ”

My chest grew tight. “Why didn’t anyone come to me?”

After all, it was my job to look after Miles. He’d told me to trust him.

What in the world could he be up to?

Anthony tilted his head. “I am coming to you.”

“Earlier.” I rubbed my temples.

“This isn’t late.” He didn’t seem to understand why I was annoyed. “We don’t try to bother any of you until we’re sure there’s something to worry about.”

I grabbed my chest as my breath caught. “Is there something to worry about?”

Why was I even asking? Of course there was! People were being frightened out of their homes!

But what could I do—bite him again?

“No, not really.” Anthony shrugged. “But you also looked bored, so I thought you’d want to help. Plus, it’s not like we can go to Miles about Julian until we figure this out first.”

“Julian?” I asked. But he’d seemed fine the last time we’d seen each other. “What’s wrong with Julian?”

“He’s always been moody, but it’s getting worse. There are… concerns about his reasoning for pursuing his educational path. I’d been hoping that with Miles back that…” His words trailed off.

Did this mean they went to Titus about me? It didn’t surprise me. I’d told Brayden I expected to be watched, but I still had a lingering question.

“Hey…” I began, shuffling in my seat. “Did Finn monitor my web history because he’s an Officer? Was he even my friend?”

Anthony blinked. “What kind of question is that?”

My stomach twisted painfully. I knew it.

He’d never thought of me as a friend at all.

“We’re more than friends.” Anthony sounded offended.

“The Xing are archetypes. That energy makes people either want to use or hurt you. We train our entire lives, and, when we’re old enough, apply and compete to earn our roles as Officers.

It’s a great honor to be chosen. ‘Friendship’ isn’t even remotely close to what we feel—it’s more like devotion. ”

He sighed and tapped his fingers on the table. “But, no, we don’t generally monitor your web histories. Finn can be extra in his methodology—as you can see.”

I could scarcely breathe. “As I can see?”

“How he’s acted with you,” Anthony replied. “Also, contracting with Kiania. Finn has an extreme drive to succeed. He did not need to contract with that particular shikigami, but he did it because it would make him stronger for Damen. Even though he knew he could die.”

“He was going to let a ghost kill me,” I pointed out. So, Finn wasn’t all that attentive. It wasn’t like I hadn’t warned him I was being stalked.

Anthony frowned. “He’s also human.”

“What do you all say about me?” I asked, glancing at his notebook.

He didn’t answer, but his semi-guilty expression made the answer clear.

“Come on,” he said finally, standing. “Let’s go find Miles.”