Eventide (Meratis Trilogy Book 2) (45 page)
Read Eventide (Meratis Trilogy Book 2) Online
Authors: Krista Walsh
“Think homey thoughts now,” the enchantress said, and she began the incantation.
His arm around Cassie’s shoulder, Jeff thought of home, but kept his eyes on his friends until the last. Venn slid her hand into his, and he felt her grip tighten as the room fell away into the swirl of blue, white, and black light.
And then they were standing in Jeff’s apartment, another chapter closed.
***
A week later, Jeff walked into
Le
Coin du Café
coffee shop for his breakfast and beverage. He smiled at the short line, and at the woman standing behind the counter. A perfect start to a perfect Wednesday.
Beside him, Cassie gave his hand a squeeze. “See? I told you she’d fit right in.”
As they approached, Venn smiled at them, her blue eyes sharp against the black uniform. “The usual?”
“Yes, Sir. Extra bacon if you can—” he caught Cassie’s gaze. “Never mind.”
Venn poured the coffee as Jeff slid over his money, and they waited by the side bar for their orders.
Cassie stroked his cheek. “So, I thought you should know I’ve told people at work that Venn is your cousin.”
Jeff’s brow rose. “Mine? Why not yours?”
Cassie grinned. “Because they’d never believe it, the way you keep watch on her.” Her gaze slid back over to Venn, and Jeff saw the way his “cousin” leaned against the counter, head bent to hear something an attractive patron was whispering in her ear.
“I’ll kill him.”
“She’s seventeen,” Cassie reminded him with a smile.
“She’s here because of you. If something happens, you know who I’ll blame.” Jeff bent his head lower, gaze fixed on the way her lips slid into a soft smile, her eyes crinkled in the corners with teasing.
“I think I can handle that.”
Leaning in, Jeff caught her lips with his, glorying in the possibility of a normal future: arguing over normal things, worrying about normal concerns. Maybe teaching himself to write again. He wanted it all, and he wanted it all with her. And he wanted it now.
“Your coffee,” Venn interrupted them, pushing the cup against his arm so the hot liquid sloshed against his skin. Her eyebrow was arched with humour as she added, “Coz.”
Jeff reached out to grab his coffee, and the three of them froze as, in a flash of light, the cup vanished from the counter.
He met Cassie’s stare and caught the wonder and confusion he felt.
Almost normal
, he thought.
Click here to read the next book in the Meratis trilogy.
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About The Author
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. After publishing a few short stories and novellas in various anthologies, she has now released her own anthology, the serial collection Greylands.
When not writing, or working at her day job, she can be found reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
You can connect via:
And at the local Second Cup coffee shop … but only if you come bearing a White Mocha
Acknowledgments
There are a few people without whom this book would not exist: first and foremost, my colleague and good friend Colin F. Barnes, who has been my right hand from drafting to publishing; my editor, Sadie Scapillato, for working with me to mould the original ideas in something much stronger and lasting; Keri Lake, one of the most thorough and enthusiastic beta readers I’ve encountered; Kevin Lester, the incredible artist and designer of both the Evensong and Eventide covers; and Aaron Booth for the last minute catches. More thanks go out to my friends and family for their ongoing support, promotion, and love, helping me keep my sanity amidst the chaos. Finally, but most importantly, thanks to my readers—you give me the motivation and inspiration to keep going, and I’m grateful for each and every one of you.
Table of Contents
