Page 91 of Harnessed in Gold

Apparently, I said something hilarious. His buddies slap him on the back and snicker while he shrugs and says, “Not yet.”

“Then no thanks.”

I snag a quick peek at the front of the store where I see Thor at the register, paying for his items with what’s probably glamoured toilet paper. The other male fae is with him, human-featured as well, but I don’t seeher. Resisting the urge to search for her, I point at the shelf in front of the stoners and ask, “Can I get to the Doritos?”

“Sure,” pretzel guy says, stepping back and sweeping out a welcoming hand. “Go right ahead.”

One of his pals taps a bag of Cool Ranch. “These are the best.”

I wrinkle my nose and shake my head.

“You don’t like them?”

“Nope.”

My phone vibrates in my back pocket. As I take it out, I scope out the register again, noticing with relief that the woman is there now, too.

The text is from Leo:Are they still in the store?

They’re paying,I reply.Then, after a moment’s thought, I add:Only the guys are visible.

A dark head that reeks of weed blocks my view of the screen. “Leo?” Cool Ranch asks. “That your boyfriend?”

“Yes, and he’ll kick your ass if you won’t let me get him Nacho Cheese.”

“Nacho Cheese? He’s a loser. Come party with us.”

The door chimes and I look up just in time to see Brier’s trio file out of the store. As much as I want to rush after them, I know I need to wait a moment or two.

The one stoner who hasn’t tried to hit on me holds out a party-size bag of Nacho Cheese. “Here.”

He has such a nice smile that I return it with one of my own. “Thanks.” I take the bag and nod at the Rold Golds. “Make sure you pay for those.”

Eyes on the front window, I head to the register, although I’m not sure why. What am I gonna do with a bag of Doritos? But when I see Leo outside, I deposit the chips on the nearest shelf and rush out the door.

“Betts.” He takes hold of my arms.

“Where are Topaz and Rime?”

“They’re following them.” He examines me like a worried mother. “Are you okay?”

I nod, but with his question comes the memory of what happened in the shampoo aisle. “Her, though. I think she saw me. I mean, I think she saw me see her.”

His brow dips. “Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure.” The concern in his eyes is making me ramble. “I’m so sorry. I thought she was supposed to be visible. I don’t know why I looked at her, I just did and then I was like?—”

Leo gently touches my face. “It’s okay. It’ll be fine.”

I gulp, forcing the stubborn anxiety down my throat. Maybe he’s right. “Doyou think they know some humans can see them, even when they’re invisible?”

“Yeah, probably. They’ve been here in the Subworld for months. I’m sure they’ve run into a few people with the Sight.”

Shit.

No, wait—that’s good, right?

God, I’m so confused.