Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist (Maple Hollow #1)

I took it from her and sniffed it. “What is this?”

“Salmon,” she said. “I noticed you were starting to add bagels to your menu and I thought you might want to try to add some lox to them? If you enjoy them, maybe we could work out an arrangement? I’m an excellent fish supplier, just ask Billy Bacchus.”

“Thanks,” I gritted out, turning and putting the fish in the mini fridge of milks behind me. “But I think Willow will need to give approval for any menu changes.” I added in a faux whisper, “I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.”

“Of course, take your time.” She tittered a high laugh. “But maybe I can make you a sample really quick? Then you can really sell it to Willow?” She gave me a wink that looked almost painful.

“I’m not really into fish. Sorry.” Not a complete lie, but something inside of me was telling me to decline her offer.

“It’s an acquired taste, right?” The question sounded more like an accusation. “Sometimes it takes a new preparation to turn you on to something. Funny enough, I used to hate nutmeg, but now I can’t get enough of it.”

“Sure.”

“A little cream cheese, chives, and pepper totally changes the taste of smoked salmon. I can show you.” She cocked her head and watched me a little closer than before.

I took a step back into the entryway of the kitchen. “Maybe another time. I have a bit of a stomachache. Maybe I’m catching what Willow has. Been feeling a bit . . . off.”

“That’s too bad. If there’s anything you or Willow need, let me know. Okay?”

“Thanks, Katie. That’s really nice of you. But really, I just need to get some sleep. See you around?” I waited for her to get the hint and walk away, but her feet stayed planted.

“Oh sure,” she said, ignoring yet another hint to leave. “I just figured us humans have got to stick together. We’re all we’ve got in this town, after all.”

I arched a brow at her. “What do you mean by that?”

“It’s sad, really,” she said, waving her hand in a dismissive motion. “Not everyone thinks we belong here. That we shouldn’t be consorting with the paranormal.”

“That’s ridiculous. Willow fits in here. Everyone loves her.” That sinking feeling in my stomach was turning into a crater.

“But it’s not like we belong here. Don’t you agree?” She stalked closer, but my stunned limbs wouldn’t move. “It’s nature. Humans should date humans, and monsters should date monsters, you know?”

“I haven’t heard anyone else saying that.”

Her eerie green eyes pierced mine, the look in her gaze ringing with a familiarity that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Then you’re not listening,” she said breezily, her work boots trailing after me on the other side of the counter. “Did you know that a lot of people were really unhappy when Lou and Jordyn started dating? Why Jordyn would choose to be with a human—even if she was part demon—is beyond me.” Those intense eyes shot to me. “And why she’d choose one a second time is even more baffling.”

Lou was half demon? Had Jordyn told me that? I guessed it didn’t matter anymore.

“Katie, have you been drinking?” I asked.

She flourished her fingers at me. “I have to wash my hands with rubbing alcohol unfortunately.” She cackled. “It’s the only thing that gets the fish stink out. Terrible for the skin. People always think I’ve been boozing it up all night, but no. It’s just to deal with the fish smell.”

“Okay . . .” I edged toward the rack of knives behind me. Something felt wrong. Really, really wrong. “I think it’s time for you to leave. Maybe we can talk about this some other time . . . with witnesses.”

She threw her head back in laughter, a high-pitched sound that held no humor and sent panic into my chest. “You’re so funny, Harlow!”

When she finally met my eyes again, she became a thing of nightmares. A lock of hair escaped from her under her baseball cap, except that it wasn’t hair at all—it was a strand of seaweed. The cracks in her skin began peeling away at the corners of her eyes and mouth.

All at once, I remembered where I’d seen those green eyes. I saw it plainly now . . .

And they weren’t human at all.

28

JORDYN

Islumped on the apothecary chair, immobilized by grief. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t move. I’d done some bad things before in my life, but I’d royally fucked this one up. It shouldn’t hurt this bad. Harlow had been a stranger only a week ago . . . and yet everything inside of me felt hollow, lifeless, and broken.