Wicked Deal (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 2)

“Practice would give you more control of your magic.”

If I did this, we’d have to spend time together. Probably be close to each other…

It was tempting.

And the Council of Guilds was going to come after me if I didn’t get a handle on my magic. Especially now that it seemed to be growing stronger in a way that I couldn’t explain.

But…

“No.” My words were firm. “But thank you.”

He nodded. His face was expressionless. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but you’ve made your wishes clear.”

“You’re going to come back and ask again, aren’t you?” Mac demanded.

“I might.”

Oh, he would. This wouldn’t be the last I’d see of him.

“Thank you for your time, ladies.” He turned and disappeared through the door, all grace and smoothness.

I looked at the others. “That was unexpected.”

“Really?” Mac crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And honey, that man trying to get close is the least unexpected thing ever.”

“She’s right.” Eve grimaced. “But you can’t forget the Cursed Mates thing. That could be deadly.”

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I swallowed hard. She was right. I looked toward the door. “I hope I didn’t piss him off. He’s powerful, and I’m new in town.”

“He’s used to getting what he wants,” Mac said. “But we’ve got your back.”

I nodded shakily and turned to Eve’s desk. “Let me take a look at that second object.”

“Thanks.” She walked around it to retrieve the golden chalice she’d asked me to look at.

The door to the shop jingled again, and I turned, expecting to see the Devil of Darkvale. Instead, a man and a woman in dark trousers and red jackets emblazoned with the crest of the Council of Guilds stood there. As with all supernaturals in Guild City, their magical signatures were on lockdown, but I could still get a feeling for what they were.

Shifters.

Something about them, a leonine grace or the cunning in their eyes, made me think of animals.

All guilds in the city sold something, and the shifters sold protection services and fighting forces. Which meant that these two were basically the cops of Guild City.

“Penelope. Garreth.” Mac’s voice was a bit cold. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re here to escort Guild City’s newest citizen to a meeting with the Council.”

What the hell?

Had the Devil set this up? Was this retaliation for my refusal to help him?

My gaze flashed to Mac’s and Eve’s, and I swore I saw the same questions reflected there.

But no, the Devil had just left. Would he really have had time to arrange this?

He was powerful. He could have had them waiting on standby. Would he really have done that? Thrown me under the bus?