Page 80 of From the Edge

Rowan looked at her. “You said we were second cousins?”

“Genetic testing is a wonderful thing. I traced our link right before Mellwyn got cursed.”

Rowan blinked. “Wow. Where do the wings come from?”

“A little further back. The pixies bond to one mate, and when she dies, they die. Oh, and they are blood drinkers.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I have to go home and get the pie collection in the oven. See you at five?”

“Yes. How are you getting home?”

Hope blushed. “Um, I was going to fly.”

“I am calling one of the guys. Armyet is a private driver.”

Rowan started to dial, and then a familiar face came to the cubicle.

“Oh, hey, Edric. Rowan’s just booking me a ride home.”

He smiled and then said, “You didn’t drive in?”

“Nope. Got a ride with Mellwyn on her way in for her pediatrics appointment.”

“Mellwyn. The one with the orc-goblin.” He narrowed his eyes as if concentrating.

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

Rowan finished her call. “He can be here in twenty minutes.”

“Okay. Cool. I will head downstairs and snort the coffee cart.”

Rowan sighed. “Let me get you some cash.”

“Nope. Wait. How am I supposed to pay for the ride home?”

“It’s covered.”

Edric looked at her and said, “May I give you a ride to the estate? I need to look it over anyway.”

Rowan looked relieved. “Great. See you both at home later.”

Hope looked at him. “I don’t mean to mess up your day.”

“It’s a welcome distraction. Please, my lady.”

Hope smelled a setup, but she nodded and walked out with him. Rowan had been making a call when they left. She cradled her documents to her chest as he walked her to his car and opened the door for her.

She slid in and settled herself, buckling in.

He got into the driver’s side. “You don’t have a car?”

“I used to have a bike, but it disappeared along with my identity. Now that I am legal again, I need to figure out a paying job and get working on my savings account again.”

“You don’t get paid for working at the estate?”

“She gives me credit against my rent. So far I have two free months coming up.”

“How long have you been working for her?”