Not Your Ex's Hexes (Supernatural Singles, #2)(9)
For Vi and Harper, who had volunteered a million hours at the Kids’ Community Center in Astoria, Queens, it had been time already served. And Olive managed to convince Ramón, the angel representative overseeing their case, that her educational background made tutoring at the KCC a more impactful use of her time.
Rose hoped for the same fate … help make snacks, read to the younger kids at story time. Maybe start up a Go Fish tournament.
She should’ve known, with her recent sucky track record in … well … everything, that it wouldn’t be so simple. There had to be a twist, and it came when the chamber doors opened and who stepped into the courtroom but a certain sexy grumpalicious demon.
“You’ve got to be freakin’ kidding me,” Rose muttered under her breath.
The five members of the Council—plus an apologetic-looking Vi—turned their attention her way as she followed a guard down the aisle to the front. Once there, the gorgeous man who seemed to pop up everywhere turned to give her an unreadable look.
Gone were the torn jeans and faded leather jacket. Damian’s hair, combed off his face, showed the prominent angles of his jawbone. As good as he looked, she almost wished he’d been wearing the chest-hugging T-shirt and flirty, naughty smirk that promised a whole host of wicked things.
Before she could open her mouth to ask him why he seemed to keep popping up, Angel Ramón cleared his throat, commanding attention.
“Miss Maxwell, it’s good to see you again”—Ramón nodded—“although I wish it were for a more jovial reason.”
“You and I both, Mr. Councilman.”
“I’d like to begin by saying that due to your relationship with our esteemed Council head”—he tipped his chin respectfully toward Edie—“I will be taking the lead in this sentencing. Any communication, questions, issues, or complaints will go directly through myself and my office. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Then we’ll get right to it. While Dr. Damian Adams and the Marisol Animal Sanctuary and Clinic have dropped all official charges with law enforcement, it’s the opinion of this Council that there needs to be some form of remediation. It’s been the goal of Supernaturals for decades to blend in among the Norms … not grace the headlines of news reports, further sensationalizing our way of life.”
Damian Adams …
Dropped charges …
Rose’s brain slowly registered the angel rep’s words, and when they did …
Her head spun toward her only one-night stand, but Damian stood stiff, gaze focused on the Supernaturals in front of them and looking like he wanted to be there less than she did. His gaze occasionally flicked to Julius Kontos, the demon rep, before his face went back to an impressive mask of indifference.
Ramón cleared his throat, obviously realizing he’d lost her attention. “Miss Maxwell…?”
“Sorry … I…” Rose lifted her chin. “Continue … please.”
He waited a beat. “As I was saying, there needs to be some form of repercussion. Under the tutelage of Dr. Adams, the sanctuary’s director and resident veterinarian, you will complete eighty hours of community service at the Marisol Animal Sanctuary and Clinic.”
“Wait, what?” Damian interjected at the same time Rose asked, “Excuse me?”
“I don’t believe I stuttered. Eighty hours of community service, filled in whatever way Dr. Adams sees fit. Should you fail to complete your requirements, something a little more … structured will be assigned to you.”
There went Damian’s jaw muscle, tick-tick-ticking. “Respectfully, Councilman, but I run a busy vet practice and sanctuary for abused and medically fragile animals. I don’t have time for witch-sitting someone who doesn’t know the difference between a hoof and a trotter.”
Rose’s head snapped toward him as she shot him a glare. “Excuse me. Who the hell do you think you are?”
Damian’s hazel eyes glowed. “I’m the one you thought was evil enough to inflict pain and suffering on the animals in my care.”
“I didn’t know you ran the place … or that it was an animal refuge.”
A small commotion rose among the Council, all five members—six including Vi—talking one over the other until Rose’s sister slipped her fingers into the corners of her mouth and whistled.
Loud. Their sport-loving father would be so proud.
“Oh, good. Everyone heard me.” Vi straightened her shoulders and got a faint nod from Edie next to her before flashing Rose an apologetic look. “It only makes sense to have the community service hours fulfilled at the place where the incident occurred. Duties, hours, and schedule will be determined by Dr. Adams, and will only be considered fulfilled once the appropriate signed paperwork has been returned to Angel Ramón’s office.”
Vi sent a questioning look to the angel. “Does that sound okay to you, Councilman?”
“I was about to require the same thing.”
“Then we’re all in agreement. Smack your gavel and let’s call it a day.”
While the Council filed out, Vi shot Rose a quick wink and a mouthed “sorry” before disappearing into the back room alongside their grandmother. She was still trying to wrap her head around what had happened when Damian approached, crossing his arms over his broad chest.