Page 99 of Bargain with Fate
“No. I get bored, as we do.” Leanne flashed a conspiratorial smile at Cowboy. “I’ve been in Durham, Asheville, Augusta, Nashville, Lexington.” She splayed her hands. “Hard to remember them all, really.”
No doubt she’d left a trail of corpses in her wake, too. An auction house was a good cover for someone with eternal youth. Plenty of opportunities to buy and store goods until their value increases.
“I suppose all men look alike, too, after a while,” I said.
Vale pressed his foot on top of mine while maintaining eye contact with Leanne. “Are you familiar with the Coranians?” he asked.
Leanne shifted on the settee. A minor movement, but one that told me the answer was yes, although she responded with, “Doesn’t ring any bells. Should I know them?”
“They’re a group of seven sorcerers,” Vale said.
“And they’re fae, like you,” I added.
She laughed again, but the sound was less delighted tinkle and more anxious chuckle. “There are many types of fae, as I’m sure you’re aware. It’s offensive to suggest we all know each other.”
“These fae have a storied reputation,” I said. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard of them, especially given that they’re currently in town.”
“In Savannah?” Her attempt at shock was underwhelming. “They haven’t kicked up a fuss, have they? I do hate it when others give our kind a bad name.” She glanced at Cowboy. “Surely you understand that, Mr. Cowboy. Vampires suffer from a similar problem, do they not?”
“I do, ma’am. It’s unfortunate, but I’m used to it.”
She leaned forward, focusing all her attention on the vampire. “Tell me, what frustrates you the most?”
“The word bloodsucker,” he replied. “It makes us sound like leeches.”
“Leeches,” she said, nodding somberly. “Yes, I understand.”
I bet she did.
“Are you local, Mr. Cowboy? Perhaps I’ll pay you a visit one of these days—or nights.”
“A shame I don’t dream.”
“It seems I’ve been positively useless this morning, Protector. I do apologize.” She licked her plump lips. “I usually aim to please.”
I rolled my eyes.
“We appreciate your cooperation,” Vale said. “We won’t take up any more of your time.”
I stared at Vale as fury gathered strength inside me. What did he think he was doing?
Cowboy tugged on the rim of his hat. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Loving. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“I might enjoy it more if you come back later.”
Cowboy didn’t respond. He left the house first, followed by Vale, then me. I was relieved no one chose to linger, although I was confused and furious that we left without taking the faerie into custody.
“She’s lying about Ronald,” I said, the moment we stepped foot on the sidewalk.
The corner of Vale’s mouth twitched in amusement. “I’m aware.”
“Then why did you let her off the hook when she said Ronald was an elf? I thought the whole point of coming here was for me to ID her so you can take her into custody.”
He glanced back at the house. “Let’s have this conversation out of earshot. Those windows are single-paned.”
We made it halfway down the block when Vale decided to speak. “I chose to leave because, right now, I’d like her think I’m buying what she’s selling.”
“Then you might’ve taken her up on her offer to linger.”
