Anders took a step forward to let one of the gargoyles who welcomed us onto the ship cut behind him on his way to sneak himself a drink . “This has nothing whatsoever to do with my mad drink slinging skills. You’re famous in reaper society. Word spread quickly about how you saved that lost reaper from Lizzie Borden. For me, it solidified what I’ve always thought about you.”
“That, living or dead, I attract psychos?”
Reaching over the bar, Anders traced a finger down her forearm. “No, that you’re as badass as you are sexy.”
Pulling her hands into her lap, Nyx forced a tight smile. “Thank you, truly. But how the hell did you even hear about that? Is there some sort of reaper newsletter I’m missing out on?”
“There is, actually,” Anders deadpanned. “We name an employee of the month in each edition. Fun fact: it’s consistently been you for the last three decades.”
Nyx’s nose crinkled. “Really?”
“No, not really. But now, I want to start one just to mess with you. Although, I can think of a few other ways that would be a hell of a lot more fun.” The playful wink he tossed her was so sexy it made my tail twitch.
Nyx, on the other hand, bristled. “That’s… tempting.”
Clearly, it wasn’t.
As if hearing how unconvincing her tone was, she cleared her throat and tried again. “Really, it is. You’re delicious and a snack and all those other food-based analogies humans make about people they want to fuck. Unfortunately, my love life recently made the shift from abysmal to apocalyptic. Therefore, I’m doing the world a favor and avoiding any and all meshings of the mind, body, or heart with anyone.”
The corners of his eyes wrinkled with amusement. “Yet, here you are, on a cruise designed to help supernatural beings find love… if only for a night.”
Tilting her head, she raised her glass. “I did find love. In this brilliantly crafted concoction. This drink and I may run away together.”
“Anubis save me from hearing one more inane word about this infuriating beast’s pathetic love life!” I didn’t realize I spoke the words out loud—or was capable of such a thing—until both their heads whipped my way.
Nyx’s eyes bulged.
Anders flinched.
Struck with the realization I was suddenly taller, I stretched my newly acquired human arms out in front of me and turned them over in a stunned inspection.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nyx’s hand move for the scythe she was currently lacking. “I’m terribly sorry, random naked woman, is our conversation bothering you?”
Giddy laughter bubbled from my lips as I stroked my fingers through the silky, onyx hair that now fell to my waist in gentle waves. “It’s me! I’m back, and I’m me!” Seeing my mouse-shifter friend in the corner, I arched my back to stick my tits out a little farther and wet my lips just for him. Locking gazes, he gave me a saucy smirk and raised his glass in appreciation.
Anders, however, battled between the desire to be a gentleman by looking away and genuinely appreciating the scenery. “Oh, we see you. While many things are allowed at The Monster Ball, we do ask that patrons be somewhat covered in public spaces.”
Squaring my shoulders, I glared down the bridge of my nose at him. “Boy, do you have any idea who you are speaking to?”
Anders glanced at Nyx, who shook her head. “Nope. Not a clue.”
“I am Nephthys, Egyptian Goddess of Death. And you,” with a jerk of my chin I fixed my stare on my roommate, “are wearing my dress.”
Nyx glanced down at the garment clinging to her curves. Off-the-shoulder straps. A sheath of diamond-encrusted black satin plunging down the front and back of her body. Delicate webbing lacing the sides of the bodice while revealing a generous tease at the flesh beneath. The design then exploded out in a mermaid-style skirt comprised of shimmering tulle.
“Huh.” Her lips sank into a downward C. “This didn’t seem like something I would pack. Mostly because it was confusing as hell to get on. That doesn’t explain how it ended up in my garment bag though.”
“Excuse me,” the gargoyle’s deep timbre cut into the conversation as he cast a nod my way. “Some of the spirits in here died in the age of corsets and dressing for dinner. Either cover up or go join the burlesque show.”
With a roll of my wrist, I churned up a cloud of magic that returned my gown to its rightful owner, leaving Nyx in a strapless, black leather dress with a slit cut up to her thigh. “There now, everything is covered for the prudes, and we can get back to more pressing matters.”
“I have no idea what just happened, but this dress has pockets, so I’m oddly okay with it.” Trying them out, Nyx brightened… for a moment, at least.
“It’s been too long since I’ve seen you smile.” Smoothing the delicate fabric over my hips, I fluffed my hair to complement the look. “Even if it’s fleeting, it’s a welcome change.”
Nyx’s face folded in confusion. “I would say thank you for the sentiment, but I’m fairly certain I would have remembered meeting a… what was that title? Goddess of Death? Yeah, that’s a subject I know a little something about.”
“Oh, we’ve met.” Fabric swished around my ankles as I closed the distance between us. Without hesitation, I plucked her drink from her hand. I sniffed it, took a hesitant sip, sniffed it again, then polished off what was left of it.
“Hmm,” Nyx huffed a humorless laugh. “That’s funny. You tasted that just like—”
“Your inappropriately named cat?” I finished for her, licking the delicious taste off my lips. “That’s because I am her.”
Rising off her barstool, Nyx struck a defensive stance. “That’s impossible.”
Wordlessly, I blinked in her direction as a fairy with enormous iridescent wings sauntered by. “Yes, because—considering our current surroundings—shapeshifting would be completely out of the ordinary.”
Her eyes narrowed, searching my face for answers. “Anybody could make a claim like that. What proof do you have?”
Filling my lungs to capacity, I inspected my fingernails, which were filed into dangerous stiletto points. “Well, I know about the battery-operated toy that was packed in the same bag I stowed away in.”
Shoulders sagging, Nyx rolled her eyes. “Please. Look around. See all the couples cuddling together in dark corners? I’m guessing the vast majority of them packed some sort of kinky paraphernalia for the trip. A vague claim like that could apply to damn near everyone.”
Braving a step forward, I dragged my tongue over my top teeth. “That’s probably true. But I’ve lived with you long enough to know the little song you sing whenever you break out your little buzzy friend. Shall I share that with Anders and the two gargoyles who are pretending not to listen?”
“Yes, please,” the three men chorused in unison.
“No!” Nyx snapped. Hooking my arm with hers, she dragged me out of earshot of the bar. “This whole time, you’ve lived in my apartment, enjoying free room and board and all the kibble you can eat. All the while being some sort of voyeuristic shifter?”
Shrugging off her hold, I clucked my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “Please. As if anything you do interests me enough to watch. And, as I told you before, I’m not a shifter. I am a goddess. A powerful being capable of drawing the soul from a mortal to usher it into oblivion.”