Page 28 of Hextreme Measures

Sully held her tight, the rush of emotion surprising him. When he thought about it some, however, he understood why she was so emotional. She was worried about Angelique. This was supposed to be a coasting session for both of them. Now they were worried about their friend, and it felt as if the wedding was looming when someone they both cared about was in trouble.

“It’s going to be okay,” he whispered into her hair. “We’re going to figure it out. I promise.”

Ofelia believed him, so she just nodded. When she pulled back, she was more in control. “Sorry. I just had a very interesting meeting with a woman who was a banshee for three days, and it got me thinking about a few things.”

Sully cupped her cheek and studied her up close and personal. She didn’t look as if she was about to melt down or anything, so he pulled out her chair for her. “Tell me about it.”

“Let’s order first. I don’t want to be interrupted.”

“Okay.” He didn’t argue with her. “Go big, huh? Something tells me that you’re going to need your energy today.”

Something told Ofelia he was right.

Their server was all bouncy energy and big blue eyes when she arrived at their table. “Hello.” She practically purred the single word at Sully. He was an attractive man and was used to it. “Have you been here before?”

“We’re regulars,” Sully assured her, inclining his head at Ofelia. “You don’t have to explain the menu or anything.”

“Awesome.” The server smiled even wider. “Do you know what you want, or do you need more time?”

“I think we know what we want.” Sully looked at Ofelia for confirmation.

She nodded and looked up. “I will have the mushroom omelet and an iced tea, please.”

Sully made a face. “That’s a weird combination.”

She merely shrugged. “It’s what I’m in the mood for.”

“I’ll have the Blackened Chicken Biscuit and an orange juice, please.”

“Absolutely.” The server collected their menus. “Anything else?”

“Not right this second,” he replied.

“Okay, then.” The server sent him a happy wink and took off.

Ofelia glared in her wake. “It’s very frustrating when people fall all over you and pretend I don’t exist,” she complained.

“I know you exist. Isn’t that the most important thing?”

“I guess.” Ofelia said it, but she wasn’t convinced. “Anyway.” She dragged out the lone word and focused on him. “Pascal got me in contact with someone who was a banshee but was cured.”

“That’s good news. How was she cured?”

“A potion.”

“Where did she get it?”

“Some random witch gave it to her. She didn’t have a name. I get the feeling that she wasn’t herself when she received the potion. Even she laughed at herself for drinking something a stranger gave her.”

“Why would she do that?”

“She was desperate. The banshee tried to woo her before turning her against her will.”

“Woo her?”

Ofelia told him the story. It didn’t take long. When she was finished, they had their drinks and time to mull things over before their food arrived.

“That’s quite the story.” He kicked back in his chair and crossed his feet at the ankles. “Do you believe her?”