“If you think that is flipped out, try having people call you queen.” They were both laughing when they pulled up in front of the boutique she’d been telling Tracy about. “I know the people who have this shop. They’re both a part of the families Dante moved to New Town before it was destroyed. They’re both fae, so I want you to be prepared for anything. There are only dresses and other things in their shop for any humans that come around. You’re no longer human, so you’ll be able to see what they want you to see.”
“What do you mean, I’m no longer human? Not to mention, there are faeries around too?” Jude got out of the car and made her way to the front of the store while Tracy hammered her with questions. “Mom? Are they going to turn me into something?”
“Not unless you piss them off.” Opening the door, Jude inhaled deeply. It was different for every person that came inside this particular shop. The scent was meant to calm a person. A stressed person couldn’t shop well, she’d been told. “What do you smell, Tracy?”
“Almonds. Toasted and buttery. Also, I smell fresh vanilla. Why can I smell this?” Jude told her that was her calming tool. That the smells she had were associated with a good calm memory for her. “My grandma. She made toasted almonds to put over vanilla ice cream as a treat for me. I miss her.”
Jude hated to shop and had always used the magic she had to dress herself whenever she needed to go someplace. But hanging out with Tracy, having her try different things on, was the most fun she’d had in an exceptionally long time. As she stood in front of the mirror with a pair of dress slacks and a large sweater that was, surprisingly enough, a bright pink in color, Tracy looked at her in the reflection.
“I would never have liked this outfit if you hadn’t made me try it on. I love the color so much now that all I want are pink tops.” Jude said it looked great on her too. “I love this. The jeans too. Can I get the pink tennis shoes to go with this? I know it’s winter, but this is so beautiful.”
“You can’t wear tennis shoes in the snow, no. But you have to have something on your feet when you’re in school. And if you don’t get the pink shoes that go well with that, then I’m going to be upset. It really looks amazing.” Tracy squealed in delight. The rush to get the shoes had her laughing too. “You might want to pick up a few colors of shoes, Tracy. Pink doesn’t go with everything.”
The man in the shop with them wasn’t anyone she knew. Making sure there was nothing between him and her, Jude kept an eye on him. But when Daisy came out of the backroom and hugged him tightly, Jude did let down her guard. She had to shake the tenseness off—she’d been so ready to kill him if he’d tried anything stupid.
“Jude, I’d like for you to meet my son. This is Grant. He has adopted, as we all have, the last name of Coby. Grant, this is the new queen. Duncan and Jude are getting married as soon as the weather warms up again.” She shook his hand when it was offered, and felt the blast of power up her arm. He wasn’t just fae, she realized.
“I’m a little of everything, my lady. When I was born, there was a terrible storm brewing. Once I took my first breath, it was obvious I wasn’t going to make it.” Jude said he felt to her like he was brownie and faerie too. “That’s right. Also, a little wolf added in, just in case. I was able to survive simply because I was given all their magic. My mother said it’s also what makes me a stubborn ass.”
They were both laughing when Tracy joined them. After introducing her to the man, Tracy went to try on another set of clothing. Grant and his mother headed to the backroom to talk. It was then that Piper contacted her to tell her what was going on.
You’re bringing Tracy to dinner tonight, aren’t you? She’d forgotten about it but knew that Duncan would understand. That kid, she’s going to fit right in with us. I’ve been talking to her about the things she might want to study at college. I think it only hit her then that she was going to be able to go. You’ve done a great thing for them, Jude. We all think so.
They’ve done a great thing for me too. She told her how she’d called her mom for the first time. Right now, we’re getting her some clothing. When I mentioned to her she could just change her outfits, she hadn’t any idea what she would like. This is helping her be able to make choices. We’re going to purchase some of them too. I can’t imagine the things they put up with at that home.
I’ve been doing some research for Duncan about the place. Some of the shit those kids had to endure is beyond what any person in a jail cell would have had happen to them. I’m so awfully glad, the more I find out that the kids are no longer there. Oh, Mary called me today. She said to tell you that all the children are adapting well and are having a good time. Some of them have been terrified they might be sent back
