A Trace of Moonlight (AS 3) by Pang Allison

Author:Pang, Allison [Pang, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Speculative Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Fantasy, General, Paranormal
ISBN: 9781439198360
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: 2012-10-30T07:00:00+00:00

“Meet me at the CrossRoads,” I intoned softly at the door to the Hallows.

The pass phrase did absolutely nothing.

“I forgot. Brandon changed the code a little while ago. Things got hairy during the funeral wakes—we had several groups stopping by to take out their anger here.” He grimaced. “He got tired of cleaning up the mess.”

It wasn’t surprising to hear. The alley leading to the OtherFolk bar was hidden by a Glamour that did a lot to prevent hapless humans from wandering within range, but even magic wouldn’t be able to hide a protracted mob of angry Fae or Daemons forever.

“So what’s the new pass code?”

“Speak, friend, and enter,” he muttered, not blinking as the door lit up in a haze of silver.

“Because that’s original.”

“I hear the classics are best.” He gave me a gentle shove through the door. I blinked as we entered the dimly lit bar, the familiar scent of stale beer lingering in my nose.

As bars went, it was typical in most ways—dance floor, stage, barmaids and drinks and big-screen TVs—but it was the patrons who normally made it stand out. Each night was a mishmash of pointed ears, feathered wings, sharp fangs, and the Glamoured beauty of the OtherFolk nightlife.

But at three in the afternoon, it was a tad early in the day for much of a crowd. The bar was empty except for the subdued gathering before me.

Brandon. Roweena. Robert. Charlie. Benjamin.

Werewolf bartender. Faery liaison. Angel bodyguard. Human ghost whisperer. Kid Icarus.

You must gather your party before venturing forth.

My brain superimposed their images as though I were in some sort of computer game—like I might be able add up their stats and come away with a rowdy band of adventurers, off to seek fame and glory.

But not this time.

Of Melanie there was no sign, and her absence made the room seem that much more stark to me.

I had only a moment to realize Katy wasn’t there either before Brandon launched himself at me with a whoop, his furry arms snatching me up and spinning me around.

“Don’t ever do that to us again!” he snarled, the tone made all the odder by the dancing delight flickering in his golden eyes.

I couldn’t stop the pathetic grin from spreading across my face in return, my breath coming in a laughing sob. “Put me down, you sad excuse for a carpet. You’re making me dizzy.”

His muzzle leaned in close to my ear, a pink swipe of tongue darting over the lobe as he growled something profane.

“I missed you too,” I said and hugged him tight against a sudden rush of tears. He dropped me gently to my feet, one clawed hand ruffling through my hair. “If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I’ll—”

“—be getting in line behind me,” Robert said dryly, his wings flaring out with an audible crack for emphasis. “Of all the stupid, pigheaded things to do . . .”

“Yeah, well, I died for it, so let’s call it even, okay?” Not that I didn’t deserve to be called out, but I didn’t have to like it.

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