Read Part One | Part Two | Part Three.

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So, it turns out Tyrone had stumbled onto an old spell book that has caused him nothing but trouble since. It turns out someone cursed the book. Yet, this might be some legendary lost book; so, he must figure out how to open it. He hoped that I would help him look at it and see if we could negate the curse or whatever is surrounding the spell book to decrypt the spells trapped inside.

Tyrone knows of Steve’s proclivity and my own with spells. That and we have an indestructible workroom in the bookstore. After years of dealing with me, he knows how far I’m willing to go to satiate my curiosity. Agreeing to meet Monday and sweet talk Steve, Tyrone breaks the silence spell.

“Thanks so much for the drink. I’m excited to get to work!” I yell at him still having to shout over the noise of the club.

“You are the only person I know who would say they are excited to work on a book that tries to kill whoever opens it.” He knocks into my shoulder smiling down at me. His vibrant dark hair is falling into his face. “This is why I came to you first.”

“I’ve always been an odd one.” Lightly tapping his shoulder back, we walked back towards the dance floor where I left Peyton and Finley.

“Are the girls with you? I haven’t seen them in a minute.” I nod scanning the crowd trying to track them down. I’m sure I see legitimate hearts floating out of a man’s head. Which causes me to realize Finley must be close. I have the sneaking impression she’s part succubus on some distant family’s side.

“Yep, this way.” My hand found Tyrone’s and tugged him towards the group on the dance floor. Peyton is engrossed in a conversation with a beautiful vampire woman. Finley had men swarming all over her as she dances reveling in the attention.

“I’m glad to see much hasn’t changed.” He says with a chuckle near my ear. His breath is hot against my cheek as the bass on the dance floor rocks my bones. As we come up to the crowd, Tyrone throws his arms around my shoulders and hugs me from behind. The scruff of his beard scratching my cheek. Both girls look over and squeal at the same time.

“Tyrone!” They both shout. He laughs and lets go of me to give them both hugs. Tyrone gets looks of death from the men who were trying to gain Finley’s favor.

“Hi, girls. I ran into Riley at the bar and had to come to say hello!” He goes over to Finley and wraps an arm around her. The guys who had been hanging on her every move got the idea and looked for other prey on the dance floor.  She pouted at him.

“What if I wanted the attention? Hmm, Tyrone? The world doesn’t revolve around you.” She smiles at him showing there is no offense taken. The three of us make our way through the sweating bodies towards a table in the corner. So, we can still watch the light shows, the people writhing around, and magic sparking from the floor.

“Tyrone has asked for my help with a cursed book!” I blurt out. He shakes his head while smiling at me. I’m never able to keep anything in for long, especially with the girls.

“How cursed?” Peyton asks.

“That seems right up your alley,” Finley remarks.

“The try-to-murder-you-if-you-open-me type cursed.” Tyrone comments. Peyton gives me a look that could murder all on its own.

“Why must you always be attracted to such dangerous stuff? Why can’t researching safe books be enough for you?” Peyton has always been my voice of reason.

“Because it’s going to be awesome!” I may or may not be an adrenaline junkie, especially with research. I’ve had my fair share of dangerous book expeditions with Steve.  “Plus, we’ll see if Steve will help out.”

Peyton puts her head in her hands. “Keep her safe then, yeah? If anything happens to her, I’m coming for you.” He nods with the understanding she would indeed come for him.

“So, Peyton who was that Vampire?” I ask.

“Her name is Zamira. We’re going for coffee tomorrow.” She says beaming. It had been too long since Peyton had been on a proper date. Her last relationship didn’t end well.

“Good for you girl,” Finley says smiling at her. I can’t help but wonder if Finley being in such close proximity had anything to do about it. I hope not. We don’t need anything Finley did wearing off and having the date go off the deep end. Although, nothing a girls’ night couldn’t fix, and Peyton needs this.

“Back to the dance floor?” I ask dragging the four of us back out to dance the rest of the night away.

Finley ended up leaving with some werewolf. Zamira moved up the date to before the night was over. So, Tyrone and I caught an Uber back to my place to throw on a movie and do some planning for Monday. Tackling the next steps with the book.

All in all, I was not upset about the night. It turns out leaving the house sometimes could be fun.

Thank you, Sean Eike, for your artwork for this week.