Forging Day (Crucible of Change Book 1) Read Online Free

. I blinked the water out of my eyes, and determinedly thought about the weekend ahead. Maybe I should cut out the drinking—and the sex when I’m drinking—and just focus on archery while I figured out how to stop ruining my life.
    * * * *
    Kat was gone when I got back to my room, but my faire garb was laid out neatly on my bed. My travel bag sat open and ready on the desk. My sparkly makeup, pointy ear-tips, and long white wig were already packed. My favorite jeans and a T-shirt would do for the drive. We drew fewer strange looks when we stuck with street clothes until we arrived.
    I finished packing as quickly as I could—doing my best to not think about last night, or this morning, or, for that matter, the last month. This weekend I would be an Elven archer, and we elves don’t let idiots ruin our weekend. Kat had picked out a few barely-there tunics, my most cleavage-inducing steampunk bodice, one long skirt, my matching tights—fuck you, Colby—and some breeches that would work better for archery. Nobody wants to tromp through the underbrush retrieving errant arrows wearing slippers and tights. She’d even set out my favorite blue silk teddy.
    I hesitated a long time over packing that teddy, but my heart was hurt, and my body along with it. Maybe Kat was right and I’d meet someone special, but I wasn’t ready for that. I thought about the ugly bruises on my body, and the twinges I felt when I moved wrong, and put the teddy back in the drawer. I didn’t want anyone to see me this way. I did pack my fuzzy red robe, though.
    As predicted, it was pretty close to lunchtime by the time the vehicles were loaded and everyone was ready. My personal things were safely stowed in my car, next to my stash of cowbells.
    Kat made sandwiches for everyone for the road so we could finally get moving. Happily, no one begrudged me my shower time. Mikah and Berto had damp hair themselves, and Berto had a Cheshire cat grin that abruptly turned grim when he looked over at me. I had no doubt Kat had given him and Mikah both an earful about Colby.
    Everyone else was already outside, talking to Ted—our best bud from across the street—when I finally joined them. He gave me a lazy wave and beamed that perfect California surfer boy smile, and then actually looked serious for a minute. “Sorry about introducing you to Colby. John brought him to poker night a couple of times and he seemed like an okay dude. I would have warned you off if I’d known he was such an ass.”
    “Not your fault, Ted, but thanks.”
    The sunny smile returned full force. Too bad he only dated men with well-defined six-packs and tight little butts. “No worries. Have fun. I promise to water the animals and feed the garden, or something to that effect. And I’ll keep an eye out for unwelcome ogre invaders.”
    “Thanks, Ted. I think the ogre is in jail for the time being. And if we meet any hot elves, we’ll get you their numbers.”
    “You’re the best,” he said with a smile. “You kids have fun.”
    A breeze ruffled Mikah’s hair just then and he added, “One more thing, Ted. Please water the plants in Grammy’s room, too.”
    Ted’s smile faded a little around the edges, but he kept his easy tone. “Sure thing.” He has always insisted the house isn’t really haunted, but he can’t explain why he’s always so reluctant to go into Grammy’s rooms. Methinks he doth protest too much.
    It was my car, but Kat insisted on driving. “You look a little groggy, Olivia. You can nap on the way if you want.”
    “Sure. You drive. A nap sounds like a good idea. Thanks for loading the car. I haven’t been much help today. I owe you a big one.”
    She pulled out of the driveway, with the guys following. Mikah was driving for them. Ted swung the gate closed behind us, and waved again before heading across the street to his condo.
    Kat gave me a quick smile. “You don’t owe me anything. That’s what friends are for. I know you’d do the same for