whiskey witches 02 - blood moon magick by s m blooding

Nederland, you have to get Sam’s approval.”
    Awesome. New territory. What wrong step would get her kicked off the investigation? Or worse?
    Dexx closed the door, staring at the car through narrowed eyes. “You know, I wanted to give you a ration of shit over your car, but…” His voice trailed off as he shrugged.
    Tony stood at the hood and smirked.
    Paige turned to the car as well, but only because she couldn’t go further without Tony to initiate the meet and greet.
    “It’s hard to beat the Charger.”
    “It’s easy to beat any of today’s cars.”
    “I think your old car crush is affecting your brains. The older cars can’t compete with the newer versions. But I’ve seen yours. A 1970 Dodge Challenger, right?”
    Dexx gave a smug nod.
    “Yeah,” Tony said. “Hard to beat that.” He opened his mouth to say something else, but then his expression closed. He gestured with his head toward the cabin. “Come on. We’ve got work to do.”
    “We’ll trash talk later.”
    “Deal.”
    Paige followed Tony up to the porch. An almost eerie quiet filled the forest. The snow stopped and the clouds parted enough for pale sunlight to stream through. Not enough to warm the air, though. She rolled her eyes, checked the zipper on her coat, and shivered.
    “Texans,” Tony chided. “So weak to the cold.”
    “This isn’t even cold,” Dexx added. “You want cold? Move to New York. We know cold there.”
    “Shut up. Both of you.”
    The door opened and a man with a wrinkled face and long, grey hair stood slightly stooped behind the screen door. “Tony.”
    “Hey, Sam.”
    “Why’re you here?”
    Hmm. First name basis.
    “Sheriff Karl asked us to assist on the case of the missing shifters.”
    Sam frowned at Paige and Dexx. “Who are they?”
    Paige offered her hand. “I’m Detective Whiskey.”
    Tony flinched.
    Sam straightened, ignoring her hand.
    She needed to nip this in the bud. “I’ve been informed of the situation. I also realize what it means for me to be here, talking to you.”
    Sam tipped his head to the side as if to say he didn’t believe her.
    “I assure you, I mean no one any harm. I really am here to help. We want to help find your missing people.”
    “Why should I believe you?”
    “Tony trusts me?”
    Sam flattened his lips. “You’re the Whiskey that had a child with an Eastwood. In my mind, you’re the biggest bunch of trouble that’s ever landed on my doorstep.”
    She ducked her head, clearing her throat. What was she supposed to say to that? “I fear your world got mixed up with mine.”
    “In what way?”
    She looked up at him. “Demons.”
    His gaze remained firm as he stood in silence.
    She nodded. “And that’s the real reason I’m here, endangering the treaty. Endangering myself.”
    He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
    “I have to make sure you’re safe. Your town. Your people.”
    “That’s a hard sales pitch to buy.”
    “Whether you buy it or not, I’m going to make sure you guys are safe. I know about your town now. I know where to find you.”
    “We can protect ourselves against one witch.”
    Good. “Then, what do you have to fear? Me? The rest of the Whiskeys are in Texas.” And she had no idea where the Eastwoods were. Mark hadn’t talked about his family except to say that he’d had a falling out with his mother. They hadn’t even attended the funeral.
    He chucked his chin in Dexx’s direction. “And that one?”
    “Dexx Colt.” He stepped forward, offering his hand. “Demon hunter.”
    “Paranormal creature hunter?” Sam ignored his hand, too.
    “Since this is the first I’ve heard of it, don’t know.” Dexx dropped his hand. “Demons I know are murdering jackals that need to be put down.”
    Paige hid her eye roll.
    “But from what Tony here says, I’d have zero reason to hunt paranormals.”
    Sam relaxed.
    “Unless I discover they’re murdering people, or worse. Then, I’m putting them down without a