“This is wild.” I took it all in, amazed by what the witches had accomplished in such a short time.
“Look at all the little nooks they’ve created.” Mac nodded toward the edges of the courtyard.
As planned, there were quiet spaces set away from the masses of people. In the shadows of the abandoned shops were benches under palm trees and blankets spread out on the grass. People already inhabited half of them, talking and flirting.
I eyed the one in the far corner that we planned for me to inhabit, eventually. It was quiet and secluded, near a little nook between two shops. A couple of alleys were located nearby, along with a segment of flat roofs that the kidnapper could hide on. We were betting that he would, in fact.
Eve gestured subtly toward the spot. “Yours is ready, just like we planned.”
I nodded, going over it in my head. We’d concocted it last night with the witches, and now it was time to put the plan into action. I was meant to spend at least two hours “partying” and appearing to grow more drunk. Eventually, I’d wander off to the shadowed corner spot to have a break, and maybe pretend to vomit. It was quiet and secluded enough that the bastard could grab me in a heartbeat and transport me away.
If we weren’t prepared.
But we were.
Massively so.
There were nearly three dozen witches scattered about, ready to fight, along with my group. Not to mention myself. No way i
n hell I’d let him take me.
“Let’s get this party started.” I strode forward, a big grin on my face.
Adrenaline raced through my veins as I approached one of the many kegs set into massive ice buckets at the base of the house. Mary stood next to them, grinning wildly and filling beers as quickly as people passed their red plastic cups.
I neared, and Mary smiled with a manic expression on her face. Her pink eyes were serious, though, if one knew to look. It was all an act.
“Hey, Mary.”
“Carrow!” She shrieked her excitement, putting on a good show for the kidnapper if he was watching. “We’ve themed it after an American college party.”
My gaze moved to the kegs. “Is that what these are all about?”
“Yep!” She discarded the tap hose from one keg and reached for another. “You have to try this one, it’s fantastic.”
She filled a glass and I took it, taking a deep sip.
Disgusting.
I barely resisted spitting it out.
I’d heard that non-alcoholic beer wasn’t any good, and boy, did this prove it. I swallowed and gave her a big grin. “It’s great, thanks.”
Her magenta eyes twinkled with knowing mirth. “Yeah, it’s the actual worst, isn’t it?”
We were surrounded only by witches and my friends, so I was able to speak truthfully. “Yep.”
“Bottoms up!” She grinned and swigged back her own cup, masterfully suppressing a grimace.
The whole point of the party was to make me look like a drunken idiot, easy prey. If everyone else looked like drunken idiots, too, it was even better. Frankly, the witches had nailed it on the theming. The kidnapper would think it was a walk in the park.
Eve, Seraphia, and Mac each accepted a cup of the terrible beer, and Mary pointed to the collection of tables set up in the middle of the courtyard. “Drinking games are over there. Get to it.”
“Thanks.” I gave her a nod and departed, my friends at my side.
Every minute, more people flowed into the party. The noise and energy vibrated through the place, and I looked around, searching for Grey.
He was there. I could feel it. I could feel him.