Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles, #2)(52)

Rose expected a lecture. Her mother was famous for them, often bragging about the Maxwell name and duty and responsibility. Instead, she pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “You girls are the reason I upped my migraine medication dosage. At this rate, I’ll never have grandchildren to hold and spoil.”

Rose and Olive exchanged looks.

“Didn’t you once refer to the kids at Vi’s community center as vectors of bacteria and bad manners?” Rose asked.

Christina’s crestfallen look turned to exasperation. “That’s other people’s grandchildren. Not mine. Why do you look so surprised? Surely I’ve mentioned that I’d love to become a grandmother while I’m young enough to chase after them. Of course, they cannot call me grandma. Mimi is a viable option.”

Rose shook her head. “Not once.”

Olive agreed. “Never mentioned it.”

Christina rolled her eyes. “Then you weren’t listening.”

Rose didn’t want to startle the pod person currently inhabiting her mother, so she treaded carefully. “Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Vi’s hands are pretty full with a new Mate and learning to become Prima, and Olly—”

“Kills all plants that come into my possession. Unless they’re fake. I can keep those alive at least fifty percent of the time,” Olly quickly interjected.

“And I’m barely keeping my own head above water,” Rose added.

“That’s why I invited Julius Kontos tonight.” Christina hooked her arm through Rose’s, dragging her through the door into the dining room. “A demon like him would have no problem keeping your head above water for you. I hear he was a lifeguard when he was younger.”

… and in the blink of an eye, the old Christina returned.

Was it too late to fake appendicitis?

Three heads swiveled their way as her mother made needless introductions around the room before plotting out seating arrangements. Much to her mother’s ire, Edie vetoed her seat next to Mr. Gingham and sat, instead, between Olive and Rose. Unfortunately, that put Julius on Rose’s other side, the Councilman—aka Damian’s brother—pulling her seat out for her.

He chuckled, leaning closer. “I’ll try not to take it personally that you’re not eager to have my babies, Miss Maxwell.”

Rose paled. “Excuse me?”

He tapped his ear.

“Sweet mother Goddess. You demons and your super hearing.”

“And smell.” He took a discreet sniff, smirking. “How did you find my dear brother this morning? In good spirits, I hope?”

She caught her mouth from dropping to the floor, but barely. “I’m not sure if I should be impressed or disgusted.”

“Maybe a bit of both.” Julius sipped his water. “But have no fear, Rose. While I’m perfectly aware of your mother’s intentions for this evening, it’s not why I accepted the invite.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

“Then why did you? In case you forgot, my sister will be the one with the voting power on the Council. You can try and butter me up for votes, but it won’t do you any good. And if you think I can somehow sway Damian into talking to you, you’re severely overestimating my influence over him.”

“While that’s an intriguing idea, that’s not why I’m here, either.”

“Then why are you here?”

Smirking, he leaned closer. “I’m here to offer you a job, Miss Maxwell.”

“I have a job.”

“That’s right. That kitschy little bar run by the vampire. That’s not a job … that’s an amusement with which to pass the time. I have an offer that’s more aligned with your specific talents … talents that are wasted working at a magical-themed tourist trap.”

“And my talents are more aligned to do what?”

Lines crinkled around his eyes as his grin widened. “Have you ever given a thought to bounty hunting?”

She waited for the punch line, and when it didn’t come, she chuckled. “You’re not serious.”

“And why not?” he challenged.

She glanced around the table, making sure no one was focused on their conversation. Luckily her mother was preoccupied talking to Mr. Gingham about her parents’ newest labor of love, Supernatural Spirits Winery, which they were about to open a few miles outside of town.

Rose dropped her voice. “Because I can’t even say that I barely made it out of that Gryndor situation without a scratch, because I was scratched. The only reason I’m not sporting my very own pair of bat wings is because of Damian’s stinky salve.”

His gaze flickered to her arm. “You hardly struck me as the type to give up on something after one unfortunate incident. But I suppose my brother’s wariness was expected to rub off on you sooner or later. I had hoped to intervene before it did.”

Rose’s defenses lifted, but not for herself. “I don’t think it’s fair of you to dismiss Damian for doing what’s best for himself. If he doesn’t enjoy the Hunt, he shouldn’t do it.”

Julius’s brow rose. “He told you why he gave it up? Maybe there’s hope for my little brother after all. I’m not sure he’s divulged that to anyone outside of his one-person immediate circle.”