Fae Street by Anjela Renee Page A

cozy. A beautiful rug spread out through the room and a black and white animal similar to the mix of a cat and a cheetah slept soundly.
    Blake sat next to Marley and she took his hand. “I know you wouldn't be here unless you needed something, so what can I do for the most awesome brother ever?”
    “I need to borrow the necklace; I need to locate someone and I don't have time to do it the slow way.”
    “Are you crazy? If we use that black magic, it will have unknown side effects. Mother said it wasn't worth the risk.”
    “I'm willing. I promise to return it.”
    “It's not about that. I hate that thing. I just don't want anything to happen to you.”
    “Sister, you have always taken care of me and I love you, but I need it. Please do this for me.”
    Marley slowly walked over to a small single bed and knelt down to pull out a box. It was a small, simple, wooden box with intricate carvings of trees. She handed it to Blake.
    “Please be careful. It’s pure evil.”
    Blake put on the necklace and Richard thought it was most fugly thing in existence. He was only a small part Fae, but even he could sense the evil emanating off of it.
    Blake and Richard watched as Marley made stew. Once again, Richard tried conversation, but Blake wasn’t biting. Marley, however, was a chatterbox and was happily telling stories as she chopped vegetables.
    When the food was ready, they all sat together and ate dinner. Richard ate three bowls. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was. Blake ate just as much as he did.
    “I have to say, I have never seen anyone eat so much,” Marley said, finally breaking the silence.
    “It’s been a long day,” Richard said.
    Marley smiled at Richard and she looked him up and down not too subtly. Blake seemed quite annoyed at his sister’s attentions toward Richard. “Marley, he’s taken. Stop leering at him.”
    “I don't leer, I show appreciation. Besides, I don’t see a ring on his finger.”
    “He has a mate.”
    “The good ones always do.”
    “Come on, Richard, we should get some sleep. We leave at first light.”
    ***
    It was barely light out when Richard and Blake started once again on their journey.
    “Tell me again why we couldn’t bring a car?”
    “Not allowed unless it’s supplies coming from the human realm. And yes, if we tried we would have gotten caught.”
    “So you never told me who accused me.”
    “Do you remember sleeping with a Fae named Alexa?”
    “Vaguely; although I didn't know she was Fae.”
    “She says you raped her. We need to find her. That's why I needed the necklace. She hasn't been seen in years, hidden away somewhere deep in the forest. She had a match set up, but it was cancelled for no apparent reason and she disappeared.”
    “Gretchen is so going to rub this in. She always said my man whoring was going to get me in trouble.”
    “It has been my experience that sisters are always right,” Blake said.
    “And it fucking sucks,” Richard grumbled.
    “We are getting closer.” Blake looked down and saw the necklace glowing slightly. It also emanated vibrations, directing them in the right direction.
    They’d been walking half the day and Richard was tired and exhausted already. He thought he was in pretty good shape, but walking all day wasn’t his idea of fun.
    Blake sat on a fallen log. It wasn’t the most comfortable seat, but was a little better than sitting on the dirt. “We stop here to eat and rest.”
    Blake never showed much emotion except when he talked about his grandmother. Richard nodded. The only thing he could figure is Blake must be a very broken man.
    “What do we have to eat?” Richard said, trying not to look as exhausted as he felt. Blake didn’t look the least bit tired. He must be made of steel like superman , Richard thought to himself while stifling a laugh.
    “Marley packed some bread, leftover stew, and cheese.”
    “Your sister is so fucking awesome.” Richard grabbed some bread and stew and sat on the ground