Ondine (Ondine Quartet #0.5) by Emma Raveling

Author:Emma Raveling
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: urban fantasy, mystery, magic, short story, young adult, action adventure

FIVE

I added another layer of eyeliner and critically examined my reflection.

Preparing for tonight was trickier than I'd expected.

I needed to look convincing enough to get past the door with Rui. At the same time, I didn't want to be running around with fake lashes and runny eyeliner if shit hit the fan. Fighting in the ring was also a distinct possibility, despite Troy's assurances to the contrary.

Heels and a push-up bra weren't going to cut it.

I finally decided on an outfit similar to my usual attire. Black camisole top, jeans, and a leather jacket, all form-fitting enough to convince others of my role as Rui's companion.

More importantly, they were easy to move in.

Quick glance at the clock told me it was time to go. Rui met with Troy earlier to get suited up with the hidden camera. He should be waiting for me behind the apartment complex.

Cool handle of my dagger pressed reassuringly against my back and anticipation coursed through my veins.

Last thing I needed to do was put my ass-kicking game face on.

I checked my reflection again.

Yep, had that already.

The click of the front door echoed down the hallway.

"Kendra?"

Damn it. I'd assumed she'd already left on patrol.

"Kendra? Are you here?"

Options flickered through my mind as I hurried out to intercept her.

She carried two grocery bags into the kitchen, a frown creasing her brow.

"You're home early." She dropped them on the counter and glanced at me. "Did you train?"

"An hour longer than usual." I'd headed to the karate dojo straight after school in case she asked. Preparation was always the best offense. "Took down Chase in eight minutes."

Two minutes faster than the last time I sparred with the instructor's son.

"He's human." She slowly rifled through the day's mail, frown deepening at the number of overdue bills. "And not very good."

A minute ticked by.

I pictured Rui driving away, convinced that I'd double-crossed him and sending the wrath of his family down on me.

Shit. She needed to leave.

I nodded at the groceries. "Is this for the week?"

It was a smaller amount than usual.

"We have to be careful with our spending," she said tersely. "We need cash."

"Why?"

She smoothly pulled the kouperet from its ankle holster. The silver blade gleamed golden, Essence magic softly glowing around its sharp edges.

Using a soft cloth, she methodically began her nightly process of cleaning and checking the blade for any imperfections.

Every swipe across the silver surface was even and perfectly controlled.

"Why do we need money?"

I already knew the answer. But I wanted to hear it from her.

Her movements paused. Steely hazel eyes met mine. "You know why."

Fingers gripped the counter a little tighter. "So soon?"

Her attention returned to the blade. "Soon enough."

A thick silence fell. I'd learned long ago that arguing was pointless. Nothing would change her mind.

I mechanically put away a few frozen dinners, then began unpacking the rest of the groceries.

It was inevitable, of course. We'd stayed in Los Angeles for four and a half months, longer than usual. Before that, we'd been in Houston for two months.

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