He just left me?
Irritation and rage surged through me. Here I thought he was a night-in-shining armor yet the first chance he got to ditch me when wolves and a goddamn tiger appeared, he vanished. And here I’d thought he might have shifted into the cat. I let out a wry laugh. I’d read too many fairytales when I was a kid to think of that. No, his footsteps proved he’d gone.
With the sun dipping low in the horizon above, I had little choice but to follow the path he left. And when I caught up to him, I was going to make the wolves look tame.
I adjusted my bag over my shoulder, my footsteps slower now as darkness hid the dirt path. My phone battery faded but I used the flashlight feature to continue forward, following Chaz’s trail. No matter how much I had run there had been no sign of him. But his warning about not being in the maze after dark along with the freaking wolves that had come out of nowhere, not to mention the tiger, made my pace quicken.
Maybe my notion to come here alone to find Grams was a really bad idea. Too late to do anything about it now, though. I’d have to wait until morning.
Howls echoed in the distance, and I froze. My heart slammed against my breastbone. It was then that my battery decided to wig out. I shook my phone, the flashlight app blinking off and on. I ran as fast as I could away from the snarling wolves.
I crashed into a hedge wall, the thorns cutting into my flesh. My phone completely dead now, I dropped it. Blackness surrounded me and I wrestled to get away from the snatching branches that seemed to drag me deeper inside the bush. I screamed, kicking and twisting but only managed to get more thorns cutting across my flesh. One grazed my stomach and I hissed out a breath. If I had a blowtorch, I’d burn my way out of these tangled briar patch.
“Let me go you stupid-ass plant!” The branches tightened on me more nearly crushing me to death, and I struggled anew.
Nothing I did worked. “Please, I don’t want to die. Let me go.” Tears prickled my eyes. I hadn’t come all this way to this strange world to find my Grams to die now but I couldn’t get away either. Suddenly the vines eased their hold a bit.
Wait. Did it understand me? “S-Sorry, you scared me.”
With a rustle, the hedge eased its hold but didn’t completely let go of me.
“Um…” God, Grams always talked to her plants. Even sang little made-up songs to them that were silly and made no sense to me, even as a child. Would one of her tunes work now on this thorny plant? “Sorry I yelled at you, but your thorns hurt.”
Again the hedge loosened its hold. I squeezed forward but there wasn’t enough room to get out. “You’re not going to let me go until I sing, are you?”
One of the branches nudged my shoulder as if to agree with me. Ugh, fine. I didn’t like singing solo. I was happy to be in the back row of the choir my entire life. Now I had to hope I wasn’t as tone deaf as I feared and the spiky plant wouldn’t impale me to get me to shut up.
“What if I hum the tune?” I asked but the hedge didn’t respond. Did even know what that was? “Or whistle?” Pursing my lips, I blew my air out trying to remember one of the light tunes Grams used to sing.
Slowly the branches relaxed. Their hold on me eased. Yes! It was working. Thank god I didn’t have to sing. I kept up the whistling shifting to another song when I couldn’t remember how that one continued. The thorns retracting, and I was able to get one foot out, then half my body. I switched back to the first tune and finally got completely out of the bush.
I’d done it! Pride filled me. Except now that I turned around my phone and bag where gone and I was outside the maze.
“Excuse me.” God, I’d never talked to a plant before and always believed it was ridiculous but Grams tunes had gotten me out of its strangling hold. “May I have my things, please?”
Not expecting anything, I squealed when my bag was pushed through the hedge at my feet, then my phone.
“Uh…Thanks.” God, as soon as I got out of here, I was going to kiss all of Grams’ plants in her garden, then my potted ivy that hung from my window. I pocketed my phone and slung the duffle bag over my shoulder. Now what? I had no idea where I was in this Underland or which way to go. The hedge had offered a cozy, weird sort of comfort but now I faced a vast landscape that I could barely make out in the darkness. The moon overhead seemed impossibly big in its crescent shape, but even it didn’t provide enough light to see more than my hand in front of my face. I could fall into a ditch and break a leg. Then the hungry-looking wolves or even the tiger wouldn’t have any trouble munching on me. I stifled a shiver.
“Okay, you had to have let me out here for a reason,” I told the plant behind me and slowly pivoted in a circle. “But why? I don’t see anyth—”
A house with flickering lights shone like a beacon in the night. But would it be a haven in the night or more dangerous than the labyrinth at my back?
Chapter Eight
Nothing like approaching a spooky house in the middle of the night. Seen way too many horror movies to know how this ended. But as lightning flashed overhead followed by a clap of thunder like a cannon, I rummaged through my bag until I found my keychain. I clutched the mace, ready to blast anyone who answered the door with a chainsaw.
Taking a breath, I hiked up the path to the house, my bag banging into the back of my thighs as I walked. Had Chaz come this way? Did he know who ever lived here and was he safe? Or did they have him tied up and chewing on his fingers.
Well, they'd have to get in line behind me ’cause I still owed Chaz a berating for leaving me behind with the wild animals. Which was another reason for knocking on the thick wooden door that screamed Gardener and a cleaning lady. Spider webs and dust coated the door like no one had visited before. The garden was overrun with wilted and dead plants that crept across the walkway. Did anyone even live here?
Better for me if the place was empty, less chance of a serial killer inside. But I kept my mace handy.
I rang the doorbell and a whistle like a tea kettle shot through the vacant-looking mansion. The light I'd seen on the way was in a second-floor room. Now a light flickered downstairs.
Maybe this was a bad idea. Unease spread through my gut and my heart raced triple-time. The desire to run had me scrambling back a step.
Thunder boomed again followed by wolves howling like they were at the end of the path just beyond the darkness where the light of the house didn’t reach.
The door creaked open. I squeezed the tiny can of mace in my hand harder. Would it be enough to disable a bad guy? I bit my lip debating between running and taking my chances with the wolves and seeing if Underland had vampires or mad scientist that lived in a rundown mansion. I took a step toward the path that led into the night. Maybe I should take my chances out in the op—
“Are you going to stand there all night or come in?” a male voice with a Britishy accent asked.
I spun, my heart racing. I loved listening to British men.
The guy wore a purple velvet dinner jacket with a lime top hat. His zebra-striped pants and a gold shimmering top and black boots made him look like Willy Wonka had a love child with an 80’s rock band. But his raven hair accented almost violet colored eyes and smooth skin. I could imagine tons of fans screaming for him if he was a musician or singer. He had a gleam in his expression like he was delighted to have company. Maybe he wasn't a murderer just lonely.
“Hi.”
He tilted his hat. “Care to join me for some tea?”
My knees threatened to buckle. I think I could orgasm from just him just asking me to. Involuntarily, my grip loosened on the mace but I didn't let go. Killers could be cute and charming too. But this was the only place I’d seen and the wolves outside whined like they hungry and I so didn’t want to be eaten. “Yes, I'd like that.”
He left the front door open and disappeared inside.
Rain beat down on the stone walkway, and I dashed into the home. I closed the door behind me. Well, at least I'd be safe from the wolves as well as dry.
Plush carpet with purple and green ribbons swirled in a confusing pattern that made it appear like they were moving. I blinked to clear my vision.
The interior of the house was clean with cream colored walls, dark wood paneling and the colorful ribbon lined rugs running down a hallway. At the other end was a dining room with white China dishes set in a formal setting. Old-fashioned lanterns of different colors floated in the air. I shook my head. No, they had to be suspended from wires.
“Thanks for letting me crash here for the night.” I set my duffle bag down on the edge of the rug but tucked my mace and keys in my pocket. “I don't have anywhere else to go until daylight.”
He inclined his head and sat at the head of the table. “Have a seat, Miss?”
“Alicia.” I pulled out the high back chair directly opposite him. No sense in getting too close to him, especially with large steak knives on the table. There were three place settings on either side between us. “Expecting guests?”
He smiled, revealing a dimple in his left cheek. “I always expect the unexpected and have never been disappointed.”
“Yeah, well, I'm still learning.” I sat down. How were we going to have tea when the table was set for a four-course meal and no cups in sight?
“Do you like sugar in yours?”
“Yes, please.” This guy was so formal, I wondered if he’d been raised by royalty or something. But then again, he seemed to be alone here without any staff. “You keep this place up by yourself?”
He made a face like he’d sucked on a piece of sour lemon candy, but schooled his features quickly. “Currently, yes. My servants were… are detained elsewhere.”
Not much for small talk was he? “I’m sorry. Must be hard in a place this huge if you’re used to help.
He clinked a spoon against his plate and a silver teapot floated from the kitchen to the table. Disbelief sucked in my air as I gasped. If I didn't believe I wasn't in my world anymore, this proved me wrong. A China teacup followed and he cleared his throat. As if racing, a second cup dashed out of the kitchen.
One settled in front of him, the other me. The kettle poured us tea and I waved a hand above it. No strings.
“How do you get it to do that?” Had to be robotics or a magnet or something.
“The sugar is beside you.” He gestured and a bowl of sugar cubes appeared to my right. I added two and stirred with the little silver spoon. Then I added milk.
“To new friends,” he held up his cup and I followed suit.
When he took a sip, I paused with the edge of my cup brushing my lower lip. I knew nothing about this guy. He could've spiked my drink for all I knew. “Not to be rude, but how do I know none of this is poisoned?”
He chuckled and set his cup down. “You are absolutely correct. How indeed. The milk and sugar are only on your side of the table. Either or both could be laced with something.” He gave me a wicked smile that made his eyes crinkle in the corners like he amused himself with an inside joke.
“Listen buddy, I don't have time for games.” I stood, pushing my chair back with my knees. “Good luck getting yourself another victim cause I'm going to report you to whatever authorities you’ve got in this place.” I clasped the mace in my hand ready to fire it if he attacked me.
“Hadden.”
“Pardon?” Not sure if I'd understood him correctly.
“You'll need a name to report me,” he bowed his head,” Hadden.”
“Ah, okay.” This was weird. I expected him to be defensive at best.
“Tell her majesty the queen that I will not obey her summons, no matter what beautiful women she sends my way.”
This royalty of theirs certainly wasn't popular with the locals. But maybe Hadden could help me get to this queen since Chaz had disappeared and I'd yet to find Rob again. “Have you seen an elderly lady recently?”
I sat back down but left the tea untouched. Still didn't trust this guy that much. Shit, he'd made dishes float in midair like a magician.
“She's about my height, with silvery-blonde hair.”
“Information is costly here.” He took a sip from his cup, his dark gaze watching me.
“I don't have any money.” My wallet was back at Grams’ house. But I seriously doubted they took American currency or plastic here.
“Too bad.” He set his drink down and folded his hands on the table. All of the dishes vanished, leaving only the white tablecloth. I jerked backward. “Are you some kinda magician?”
“Wizard.” He winked.
Magic wasn't real. It was all illusions and tricks. I lifted the edge of the cloth and peeked underneath. Only a long wooden table...hmmm.
“So how'd you make the dishes—” by the muscle twitching along the side of his jaw, I already knew he wouldn’t divulge his secrets. “Never mind. Is there some other way I can pay you?”
He gave me a leery smile, wiggling his eyebrows. “I can think of a few ways...or rather positions.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not on the first date buddy.”
“Call me Hadden.”
“Right. Hadden.”
He waved a hand and his cup appeared in his palm. “And your name?”
“Alicia.”
“Nice to meet you.” He sipped his tea while I wondered what I could use for payment.
Chaz had been excited about my can of tuna. Maybe Hadden would want something else I'd brought.
“I have crackers and marshmallow cereal.”
Hadden scrunched up his nose in disgust. “Biscuits or cookies are better.”
“I don't have any of those.” I frowned and pulled my duffle bag up into my lap, sorting through the stash. “Water?”
“Nope, I prefer tea.” He sounded bored.
“Pineapple?” I set the can down on the table and kept digging. Maybe I had some cash in here I'd forgotten about. Not that they even had any type of currency here. I dug into one of the side pockets inside and pulled out a handful of unused condoms. My cheeks burned. Rose must have stashed these in my bag.
“Rings of delicious yellow fruit?” Hadden stood. “I'll take you to the queen myself.”
“Really?” I straightened, letting my bag slide to the floor. “That would be awesome.”
“So we have a deal?” he asked.
“Yes.” I just hoped Hadden was true to his word and didn't leave me hanging like Chaz had when the wolves showed up.
“Excellent.” He swung around the table and held out his hand.
I took it, intending to shake it when he yanked me to him and kissed both my cheeks before I could blink. His scent of sugar and musk and a hint of something spicy I couldn't name enveloped me.
“Hungry?” He stepped back and I found myself moving forward with him.
I shook my head to clear it. There on the table was a perfect upside-down cake with pineapple rings and cherries in the middle. My can was nowhere in sight.
“Share a piece with me?” he asked.
At this point, I didn't care how he'd conjured up the cake because my mouth watered and I'd have promised to scrub his floors for a slice as hunger caved in my stomach.
“Sure, as long as you're gonna have some too.” I licked my lips.
“Of course.”
Minutes later, I sat back in my chair, stuffed. I'd had three pieces of cake while Hadden had eaten the rest.
Sleep pulled at me making my eyes itchy and tired. I couldn't keep my eyes open like I'd been awake for days. If he hadn't had so much of the cake, I'd worry that he'd drugged it. Then again, it was the middle of the night and here, time moved slower than in my world.
I stifled a yawn and stood. A bed and eight hours of sleep would be heaven.
“I'll show you to your room.” Hadden led me upstairs, his hand on the small of my back sent warmth through me. Rather than be irritated, his touch was comforting.
The bedroom was small with a single bed and a table with an old-timey water picture and bowl. But it was neat without a sign of dust or a cobw
eb.
“You'll be safe here for the night.”
I whirled around. “What do mean?” But he was gone and the door closed.
After I locked the door, I crawled into the bed and collapsed.
Voices startled me awake. I rubbed my eyes. What time was it? The room was still pitch dark. God, I didn't wanna wake up. I rolled over and pulled the pillow over my head.
For a few moments, that helped muffle the voices then they got louder.
“There are whispered rumors that she came this way,” a familiar female voice said from downstairs.
Hadden’s response was too soft to make out.
“You have until the yellow bird flies overhead to bring her to me or your head will roll.”
I bolted out of bed. I’d recognize that voice anywhere. Grams!
Chapter Nine
I threw open the door and dashed down the stairs. “Grams!”
My heart skipped beats as I ran. She was alive, just like I’d told everyone. Excitement and relief stole my breath away.
At the front door, I slammed into an invisible force and bounced back, landing on my ass. What the hell?
I crept forward and kept my hand out. As soon as I reached the open door, a smooth surface met my fingertips cool like thick glass.
How could I get past this...barrier... whatever it was? I pressed hard against it, but it didn't budge. Then I kicked the thing, pain lancing up my foot.
From Hadden’s open doorway, sun lit the dusty flowers along the stone-filled path. And there, in front of Hadden was my grandmother. It wasn’t my mind playing tricks on me, she was really alive! My joy exploded through me.
“Grams!” I pounded on the invisible wall separating us.
She looked up, right at me as if she saw me. But my chest froze at seeing her. Both hope and disbelief like shards of ice piercing my soul. Her eyes were black as midnight like they swallowed souls. And her clothes were strange. A mixture of black and red. Her hair that was silvery-blonde was jet-black. Everything else about her from the way she shielded her dark eyes from the sun as she stared directly at me, to shaking her head and turning back to Hadden before she mounted a bright red horse with six legs, screamed Grams.
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