Shrill Dusk (City of Magic Book 1)

by Helen Harper

  I cleared my throat, making them both jump. Lizzy threw herself at me, wrapping her arms round me in a tight hug. ‘You’re back!’ she exclaimed. ‘And you’re safe!’

  I hugged her back and smiled over her shoulder at Cath, who grinned shyly. ‘I am back. I have some answers. I also have a long to-do list for us and a very short space of time for us to complete it in.’ I quickly outlined what I’d learned and what was happening to the city in the next few hours. ‘So,’ I finished, ‘if you want to change your minds and leave, you need to go quickly.’

  Lizzy raised her shoulders. ‘If things were different, I’d be running for the hills. But somehow I think this is the place for a monster like me.’

  ‘I’m staying too,’ Cath said in a quiet, yet very insistent, voice.

  ‘So don’t ask us again. We’re all masters of our own fate, Charley. It’s up to us what we do.’

  I gave them a nod. ‘Fair enough. I wanted to be absolutely sure.’ I pointed at the still-closed door. ‘What’s going on here?’

  Lizzy grimaced. ‘Listen for yourself.’

  Unsure what I was about to hear, I tiptoed over and pressed my ear against the wood. From deep within the room came a soft moan. No, it wasn’t a moan; it was more of a whine.

  ‘Monroe.’

  It wasn’t meant to be a question but Lizzy nodded anyway. ‘He didn’t move for the first hour after you left. Then, when he began to wake up, he almost bit Cath’s head off before turning hairy and running up here.’ She scratched her head. ‘About the only thing more terrifying than transforming into a furry monster is watching someone else turn into a furry monster. Especially when that someone else is half dead and grieving.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t know what to do. When either of us tries to open the door or talk to him, he snarls and goes nuts.’

  Neither of them appeared to be hurt and, given what I’d already seen of Monroe’s power and strength when he was in wolf form, that meant he was at least maintaining some self-control. I nodded and squared my shoulders. ‘I’ll deal with this,’ I said. ‘You two head downstairs. There are two newbies in the kitchen who are probably going to be hanging around for a while.’

  Lizzy brightened. ‘Oh good.’

  I hesitated. ‘Don’t be alone with the older woman.’

  ‘Why not?’

  I pushed away the temptation to lie and smiled uneasily. They deserved to know what Julie was if she was going to stay here. I let my upper teeth bite down over my lip, as if I also possessed massive, sharp fangs capable of draining a person of all their blood.

  ‘A vampire?’ Cath looked delighted. ‘Are you serious?’

  ‘Mmmm.’

  She beamed and whirled round, darting past me to run downstairs. Lizzy looked at me warily. ‘When you think about it, that kid is incredibly bloodthirsty.’

  That was somewhat ironic, given who had inspired that reaction in her. ‘She’s also got medical skills, which we might need,’ I said.

  ‘I’m not saying I don’t like her or I don’t want her here. I’m pointing out that beneath that mousy exterior beats a rather … strange heart.’

  I exhaled and ran a hand through my hair. ‘To be fair, I don’t think there’s any such thing as normal. Not any more.’

  We grinned suddenly at each other. ‘Amen to that,’ Lizzy said.

  Chapter Thirteen

  I waited until Lizzy had also loped off downstairs then I knocked softly on the door. There was a crashing sound and a loud growl. Okay dokey. I chewed my bottom lip. Under any other circumstances, I’d have left Monroe to it. He was grieving and he was a werewolf; those were two things that would usually permit someone to enjoy a bit of me-time. I needed him, though. Time was against us and he could be invaluable.

  I decided I’d give it twenty minutes. If I couldn’t rouse him enough in that time, I’d have to give up. I hate giving up.

  Feeling somewhat nervous about what was going to greet me, I turned the doorknob and gently pushed the door open an inch or two. It was dark inside because of the old, heavy curtains draped across the window but I could see enough to tell that the bed was empty. I scanned the room until I spotted two slitted blue eyes watching me from the corner. They flashed at me in warning, as if daring me to come one step closer.

  I shaped my lips into a gently reassuring smile. ‘Hi, Monroe.’

  He snarled and stepped forward. He was in full wolf form, his fur standing on end. I drew in a sharp breath at the size of him; normal wolves were surely not as big as this. I only just forced my feet to stay where they were. I told my rapidly beating heart to calm down and pushed the door open further, then held up my palms in the universal sign for surrender.

  ‘I’m glad to see you’re awake,’ I told him. ‘You’re looking better than you did when I found you.’

  His lips drew back, baring glistening fangs that I imagined even Julie would envy.

  ‘How are those wounds doing? You had some nasty gashes. I was worried that you might have internal injuries too. You’re lucky that you’re standing. Do you feel much pain?’

  Monroe huffed at me. I raised an eyebrow.

  ‘I’m asking because I know it’s not the physical wounds that are hurting the most.’

  His nostrils flared but deep within his eyes I spotted unadulterated anguish. Whatever predatory arrogance he’d displayed when I first met him had all but disappeared. This was a man – or rather a wolf – in pain.

  With my heart in my mouth, unsure what Monroe was going to do, I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me. His muscles bunched up and his head lowered a fraction as if he were about to spring at me. I got down onto the floor and crossed my legs. If he attacked me, I was a sitting duck. A sitting enchantress duck, but still…

  ‘I went to Castlefield,’ I told him. ‘I saw the devastation there. And your other – werewolves.’

  A low growl rumbled inside Monroe’s chest.

  ‘There’s nothing about that which isn’t shit. I’m sorry about what happened to your companions. I’m sorry they’re all dead.’

  Monroe couldn’t hold himself back. He lunged forward, fur bristling and eyes narrowed into slits. In one bound, he was right in front of me, his dangerous teeth inches away from my face. I tried very, very hard not to be scared. Right now, he was a wild animal. And wild animals could scent fear.

  ‘They died saving the world,’ I said softly. ‘That’s not much comfort but if it wasn’t for you and your wolves, we might all be pushing up daisies. They were heroes. You’re a hero.’

  He glared at me. For a moment I felt sure that all was lost and he was on the verge of ripping out my throat, then he threw back his head and howled, a keening sound that reverberated around the room.

  Suddenly his fur melted back into his body, leaving smooth, scarred skin and angry welts. Within seconds Monroe the man, still on all fours, was staring back at me. Even after what had occurred with Lizzy, I was astounded. That was certainly something you didn’t see every day.

  ‘They were slaughtered,’ he spat at me. ‘The last thing I am is any sort of hero.’

  I reached out with one hand but he glared so ferociously that I pulled back. ‘You saved us,’ I reiterated.

  ‘We saved nothing. It was the fucking faeries that did everything. They created the problem and they solved it. My pack was nothing more than collateral damage.’ The searing hurt in his words was obvious.

  ‘I wasn’t there,’ I told him quietly. ‘I don’t understand much about what’s gone on. But I do know that we were on the verge of the end of the world and we’re all still here. You were a part of that, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And everyone else on this planet would do the same if they knew the truth.’

  Monroe stood up in his full naked glory. I followed suit and got up to my feet. The sight of his body from a seated angle was a bit too much, even for me. At least this way I could look into his eyes instead of upwards at … well, you know.

  ‘You couldn’t begin
to understand,’ he said, venom dripping from every word. ‘They were more than my family, they were a part of me. I got them all killed. We didn’t have a fucking chance against those faeries. If I ever see a single one of their kind again, I will rip out their still-beating heart.’

  So help me God, I believed him. ‘I might be mistaken but I was under the impression that they’ve all gone.’

  ‘Yeah,’ Monroe sneered. ‘Slunk back to their own demesne in a flash of blue magic that’s screwed us all. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll stay there.’ He leaned down towards me until our noses were almost touching. ‘Now leave me the fuck alone. I don’t want company.’

  It wasn’t that I didn’t feel bad for him, I truly did. Monroe’s furious anguish was impossible to ignore. But these were exceptional circumstances. After midnight tonight, he could shut the door and refuse to talk to anyone for the next year but right now I needed him.

  I swallowed and tilted my chin. ‘I understand something about grief,’ I said. ‘And what it’s like to bear responsibility for the death of another person. But you came to me, Monroe, and—’

  ‘If you want me to leave, all you have to do is say so,’ he snapped, without letting me finish. He pushed past me, fully prepared to stomp out of the house stark bollock naked.

  I reached out and grabbed his arm to stop him. He spun round, his eyes turning almost indigo in colour. ‘Do not touch me.’

  ‘You are welcome to stay here for as long as you need to. I’m not throwing you out, but I need you to help me today. There’s a lot going on in the city and if we’re all going to survive this, we need to step up and work together. We don’t have much time.’

  ‘I said,’ he repeated, ‘do not touch me.’

  This time I did the sensible thing and removed my hand from his arm. I bit back the snarky response that was on my lips. ‘At midnight tonight,’ I told him, ‘the whole of Manchester is going to be locked down. No one will be allowed in or out. If you want to leave the city, you have to do so before then.’

  Monroe scoffed. ‘As if anyone could prevent me from leaving if I wished to do so.’

  I suspected that the tank that had trundled down the street earlier could probably stop even a werewolf in his tracks but I wisely kept my mouth shut. It was actually something of a relief to see a touch of Monroe’s former arrogance returning to the fore.

  ‘Regardless,’ I said aloud, ‘that is what is happening. Apparently supplies will be dropped for those of us who choose to stay. And there’s still stuff in the supermarkets. Some people are trying to get hold of all the food, no doubt to set up their own black market when everyone is desperate. We can’t let that happen. I’m going to rouse the troops, such as they are, and we’re going to spend the next few hours getting everything that we possibly can so that we can store it ourselves. If you want,’ I added, praying that he didn’t, ‘I can get you dropped off at the city limits so you can head back home.’

  I didn’t miss the flicker of desolation that crossed Monroe’s face. ‘With my pack gone, I have no home to go to. Home is where your family is and I have no family.’ He pulled back his shoulders. ‘I will help you get hold of the supplies you need. No one should have a monopoly over food.’

  ‘Indeed,’ I murmured. Perhaps the man possessed reason, logic and even kindness after all.

  ‘However,’ he continued, ‘I would like it to be known that I did not come to you because of any respect or admiration I might hold for you. The only reason I came here is because you are the only person remaining in this city whose address I know. Other than that bitch of a vampire who almost destroyed us all. If I ever see her again, I’m going to—’

  I interrupted, as if by stopping him saying the words I could stave off a potential fight to the death between him and Julie. ‘Brilliant! I really appreciate the help, Monroe.’

  I gave his large, naked body a critical glance, although the last thing his toned physique deserved was criticism. ‘I don’t have any clothes that would fit you but one of my neighbours probably does. Give me five minutes and I’m sure I can break into one of their houses and find something appropriate.’

  I moved forward to pat him on the arm again. He glared so I hastily dropped my hand. ‘I won’t be long,’ I promised.

  ***

  The man who lived across the street possessed an extensive wardrobe from which to choose. He’d also handily left his front door unlocked, so it was an easy matter to stroll inside and grab what Monroe needed. Although Monroe had my deepest sympathy, and I fully understood what grief could do a person’s psyche, his arrogance and general lord-it-over-everyone attitude stopped me taking any well-tailored suits or designer shirts to give him. Besides, he needed sunshine and smiles.

  That was why, when he thumped downstairs to join us, he was wearing a billowing Hawaiian shirt in garish colours that clashed quite wonderfully with a pair of checked golfing trousers.

  ‘Right,’ I said, clapping my hands. ‘We have a lot to do and very little time to do it in. We need to split up. We have to get access to vehicles that are large enough to carry a lot of supplies and small enough to weave in and out of all the crap on the roads. Priorities are water, tins, medical supplies and anything that will last for a long period of time. There are dangerous people out there, so you need to take care. No one is ever to be alone. We have no good way of communicating with each other yet as all the phones are down, so we divide up the areas and make sure everyone sticks to where they’re supposed to be. That way, if anyone needs rescuing, we know where to look for you. I’ve sketched out an idea about how it can all work. I need you all to listen carefully.’

  I received four identical nods of agreement. Everyone looked grim. That was good; it meant they’d be more likely to pay attention to what I was saying and avoid any further confrontations with the likes of Max and his crew.

  Monroe moved up beside me. ‘You need to put me in charge.’ His gaze swept over our tiny group. When he spotted Julie, his body stiffened and he jabbed a finger at her. I pretended not to notice the way his skin was rippling or the patches of fur springing up across his cheekbones. ‘She has to leave. Now.’

  Julie went pure white. She backed up behind Cath, as if a skinny teenage girl could protect her from Monroe’s sudden, vibrating fury.

  ‘Julie is staying,’ I said calmly. ‘This is my house and I’m calling the shots.’

  Monroe glared. ‘Some smurf is not dictating what I do.’

  ‘Smurfs have blue skin, not blue hair. And this is a conversation for another day. We’ve wasted enough time already.’

  His jaw tightened. He was going to say it. My stomach tightened. The bloody idiot was going to say it. ‘It’s either her or me,’ he growled.

  I sighed. He’d said it. ‘If Julie wishes to stay, she may stay. If you wish to stay, you may stay. But,’ I added with a steely undertone, ‘we are not arguing about it. We don’t have time to argue about it.’

  Monroe’s eyes glinted dangerously. ‘My pack is dead because of her.’

  I hadn’t thought it was possible for Julie to look more alarmed than she already did but from the way her eyelids were fluttering, she was all but having heart palpitations. ‘Darling,’ she said faintly, still cowering behind Cath’s petite form, ‘that was nothing to do with me, I can assure you.’

  It still seemed to me that she was telling the truth. I glanced at Jodie to double check. She shrugged. ‘I couldn’t say for sure either way,’ she said grudgingly. ‘But I don’t think she had anything to do with what happened to the wolves.’ I breathed out – until Jodie added, ‘But I’m with him. She shouldn’t be here. She’s far too dangerous.’

  I pointed at Lizzy. ‘She’s a bunyip with no self-control.’ My finger moved to Monroe. ‘He’s a grief-stricken werewolf who could go insane at any moment.’ I nodded at Cath. ‘She’s a battered teenager with an unhealthy interest in supernatural creatures. And you, Jodie, are as mixed up in all of this crap as everyone else. Goo
dness only knows what your issues are. Yes, Julie might be a crazy vampire out for blood, but who amongst us hasn’t ever fucked up? Who amongst us is normal?’

  Rather than calming the growing storm, every single pair of eyes was now glaring at me in accusation. ‘You can talk,’ muttered Cath. ‘Look at what you’ve done.’

  I threw up my hands. ‘Exactly! Julie doesn’t have to go anywhere if she doesn’t want to.’

  ‘What if she tears out our jugulars while our backs are turned?’

  I pretended not to notice the gleam of morbid fascination in Cath’s eyes and started again. ‘Lizzy’s a bunyip. He’s a werewolf. I’m an...’ I hesitated.

  ‘Enchantress,’ Jodie interjected helpfully while Monroe stiffened.

  I shrugged. ‘Whatever. I think we can take on one bloodsucking drama queen if we need to.’

  ‘Please!’ Julie protested. ‘I’ll admit in recent days I’ve struggled and some of my choices have been unwise. But what’s done is done. Plus,’ she added emphatically, ‘I have never actually killed anyone.’ She sniffed at Monroe. ‘Can you say the same?’

  He turned away. ‘This is ridiculous.’

  ‘Not as ridiculous as your wardrobe, darling. Anyone would think we were about to board a cruise ship with Tiger Woods.’

  This was getting stupid. ‘Anyone who wants to leave can leave, but nobody is being forced out. Now, can we please focus on the fact that if we don’t sort out long-term supplies, we’re all going to be screwed? Cath and I got a lot of stuff last night but that won’t last long, not now we know what else is happening. We. Have. To. Move.’

  Monroe heaved a long, melodramatic sigh. ‘Fine. I’m still in charge, though.’

  ‘If it’s that important to you, you can be our great leader,’ I agreed. ‘Just shut the fuck up for now while I explain how we can make this work properly.’