by J. E. Cluney
“I hate it. Every day, she goes out there, goes to uni or work, focuses on other things, all the while there’s something wanting to kill her, just waiting for its moment. I wish I could just find it,” I growled softly. Not to mention how well she was handling it. To know you were being hunted, and yet she was still smiling and living her life.
“So do I. But it’s not easy to find. Sometimes, I really hate supernaturals and their abilities. The Council should be taking this more seriously. There are quite a few vamps in Maple Grove. Imagine the damage it could do if it could control them,” Marcus clicked his tongue at the thought.
“We’re just a small country town in their eyes,” I muttered.
“I know. We just have to stay vigilant. Make sure she’s always safe, never alone.”
I gave him an obvious look, and he just smirked. I’d done everything in my power to make sure she was always safe. Her workplace was warded, she had the pendant to ward her, and when I wasn’t with her, I still kept an eye on her through our bond.
She was as safe as she could possibly be without locking her up in a dungeon.
“That’s a thought,” Marcus mused.
I narrowed my eyes, and he just gave me a genuine smile and shake of his head.
I was glad he was trying to make light of the situation, even if it was out of character for him. I could sense his displeasure at all that was going on. At least she had her scream now, that was something he was thinking of. Her sonic scream.
She could defend herself.
I just hoped it would be enough.
16
I was blown away by how busy work was today. I was run off my feet, barely getting time to help Gina make some cupcakes for the display cabinet. She was excited, the forms and paperwork had gone through faster than expected, and the magical treats were going to be in stock as soon as next week. She was flitting around, buzzing with ideas on how to promote it, saying how she would get it in the local paper for Maple Grove, on our radio station, and put flyers up at the University, some of our main customers.
Henry even suggested putting flyers up in Maleny, using magic to make them appear as something else to human eyes.
I couldn’t help but grin and find their excitement infectious.
I didn’t even get a chance to tell Gina about my new abilities, everything I’d learned this week.
And how I’d uncovered some clues about Samantha. I’d jumped out of bed this morning, hoping Lucas would tell me the warrant came through and I’d have to be late for work. Instead, he just shook his head and said it was still passing through the necessary channels.
So now, I was trying to keep my mind on work, which wasn’t hard as I kept the tables clean and restocked all the dispensers and helped Henry out the back.
I got distracted when my family came in like promised, ordering burgers and drinks to help support the business.
Dixon ended up in conversation with Henry while he worked on the grill, leaning against the counter as he talked with the shifter.
Gina was too busy stifling giggles as my grandmother made a comment about some young guys about to enter, two of them shirtless.
“Mom,” Natalie hissed, and Trish just waved her off as she made eyes at the older of the two shirtless guys.
I just chuckled as the guy gave her a light laugh before my aunt dragged her to a table in the corner.
The guys ordered burgers as well, and I was quick to get onto all the drinks ordered once they’d been paid for.
I finally got a moment when I took the food out to my family, Gina telling me to take a ten minute break to sit with them.
“So, this is where you work. It’s cute, Dingo Diner,” my grandmother said as she sipped her chocolate milkshake.
She was just a young woman trapped in an older woman’s skin.
“Yeah, they treat me well here, I love it,” I nodded as I slid in beside my grandmother as Dixon finally sat down beside Nat to enjoy his burger.
He’d been talking to Henry about sports and cars, the usual men talk.
“You get some nice eye candy too,” my grandmother cackled as she nudged my arm.
Nat just gave me a defeated look, having given up with her.
“I guess so,” I shrugged.
“What time do you finish today?” Dixon asked after taking a hefty bite from his works burger.
“Three. I finish at three every Friday and Saturday,” I informed him.
“Nice, do you get bonus rates of pay for the weekend shift?” Nat asked.
“Yeah.”
“Good, it’s not worth it otherwise,” my grandmother stated as she held her fish burger to her lips.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll pick you up today, say a proper goodbye before we head off for good,” Dixon said with a bright smile. There was something in his eyes, nothing bad, but he was hiding something from me.
“Um, okay, sure,” I shrugged.
“How’d you get to work?” Trish asked, washing her bite of burger down with some milkshake. I didn’t think fish and chocolate milkshake was a great combo, but who was I to judge.
“Skip drove me today. He or Lucas normally drive me. They don’t like me walking anymore,” I sighed. I knew why they were so protective of me, but I wasn’t useless.
“Really need your own car, huh?” my grandmother remarked.
“Working on it.”
“Don’t stress, you’ll get there,” Dixon grinned at me before taking a swig of his ginger beer.
Honestly, I’d forgotten about the need to save. I’d been too preoccupied with other things lately. But I had managed to get a little bit put aside.
I sat with them for a while longer, laughing as my grandmother asked me which of the young guys would be a good fit for her, then asking me to take a sneaky photo of them to send to Haley. I had to deny the request, not wanting to get in trouble at work. In the end, as I got up to walk away, she whipped out her own phone, taking a moment to figure it out before taking a photo of the group sitting at the nearby table.
With the flash on.
I snickered as Gina just gave me a confused look, and Natalie groaned as Dixon nearly choked on the remnants of his ginger ale.
The guys laughed it off, and as I helped Gina work on some other orders, I had the privilege to see my grandmother take a group photo with the young men, squished between the two shirtless guys and looking beyond ecstatic at it.
It would be sad to see her go home to the States, but my birthday was only a few months away, so I’d see her again soon.
They waved goodbye before heading out, and I spent the next few hours on a roll, only stopping for my break before helping Gina out with a rush of afternoon coffee and cake orders.
True to his word, Dixon came back a few minutes before three, grinning ear to ear. The wrinkles that lined his face when he beamed like that only added to his jolly look, and I couldn’t help but smile back as I finished up and joined him on the other side of the counter.
“Why are you so happy?” I asked.
“Well, I was thinking maybe you could drive us back to your place,” he suggested as he held the diner door open for me.
“It’s okay, I don’t have to,” I said, shaking my head as I searched the parking lot for their car.
I frowned when I didn’t see it.
“Nat and Trish are back at yours. I brought this little guy instead,” he indicated at the blue Holden sedan before me.
“Why do you have two cars?” I frowned, trying to understand.
“Don’t ask so many questions,” he chuckled as he offered me the keys. “It’s automatic, nice and zippy. Give it a go.”
I accepted the keys, giving him a strange look but just going with it. He seemed determined to get me to drive it.
I climbed into the driver’s side, noting the ultra clean interior. It looked like they’d just had it cleaned. Maybe they needed another car for Nat? As to why, I had no idea.
It started up with ease, a
nd it took me a moment to adjust myself since I hadn’t driven for a fair chunk of time.
At least it was a relatively small car.
Dixon relaxed into his seat, turning on the radio softly as I exited the parking lot.
“It drives well, figured I’d pick up another car while we were out here. Saves me being stuck in the car with your grandmother,” he joked.
“Really? You bought a whole other car to get away from her?” I snorted. She wasn’t that bad.
“What do you think of it? Nice?” he asked as he patted the dash.
“It’s cute, and drives smoothly,” I shrugged. I knew nothing about cars. It ran with minimal noise. That must’ve been good.
“Good, it wasn’t expensive either, came with rego and roadworthy. Hasn’t done too many k’s either,” he stated.
“Good buy then,” I noted.
“Yeah,” he nodded.
We continued the rest of the way in comfortable silence, the soft pop music playing as we drove.
When I pulled up out the front, Nat and Trish were beaming as they waited at the curb.
“What are they so happy about?” I asked, but my stomach knotted as realization hit me.
“Think of it as all the birthdays and Christmases we missed,” Dixon beamed. “This little baby is yours.”
“What?!” I turned on him, gaping. “I can’t accept a car!”
“Too late, I gave Lucas the transfer papers to get it all put into your name. We’re paying the transfer fee too,” he stated, his eyes lighting up.
I had to bite my lip as the overwhelming gratitude and love hit me, my eyes watering.
“Aw, don’t cry,” he chuckled, leaning over to hug me.
I just laughed with the tears that trickled down my cheeks as he squeezed me tight.
I clambered out of the car once he released me, and Nat and Trish rushed over to hug me.
“Do you like it? Dixon found it yesterday,” Nat asked, grinning at me as she tried to read my expression.
“You guys shouldn’t have, cars are expensive,” I said, and Trish just scoffed as she dismissed it.
“You need a car! And we’ve missed so many birthdays with you darling,” Trish grinned as she gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“Now, I’ve told Skip to make sure he shows you how to check your oil and water, and how to take care of it. The boys will help you out if you have any issues,” Dixon said as he nodded towards the house.
I followed his gaze to where the guys all stood on the verandah, grinning as they watched me get my new car.
I’d thought they’d been awfully quiet the past hour or so, not prying into my mind too much. I probably would’ve seen what was planned if they had opened up the bond too much.
“We’d love to hang around and spend more time with you, but mom’s flight is tonight, and we need to get her home,” Nat apologized with a grimace.
“Oh no, it’s fine. Thank you for coming down and seeing me,” I said, giving her a tight hug once more.
“The boys told us all about this case you’re working on. Let us know how it goes, okay?” Dixon said as he moved in for the next hug.
“Of course,” I murmured, Samantha’s sweet face rushing to my mind.
“And enjoy those boys while they’re in their prime,” Trish murmured as she flung her arms around me.
I laughed as Natalie chuckled, unable to not see the humor in it.
“I will,” I snickered as she pulled back.
“I’ll try to call you often, I’ve got your number now, and I can afford the international calls,” Trish grinned. “Besides, I want to hear how those boys are… spoiling you,” she winked.
I laughed as Nat shook her head and pulled her away.
“Thank you so much,” I said once more, and Dixon just rolled his eyes.
“You can thank us by taking care of it. And let us know when you name it!” he said as he headed over to their car in the driveway behind Skip’s cruiser.
I saw them off, waving and thanking them as they left, and then I went over and just awed at my car.
Mine. I finally had a car again.
“Pretty spiffy little beast, hey?” Skip said as he jogged over to me.
“Yeah,” I murmured, still not quite believing it.
“Got a name in mind for it yet?” Ollie asked as he joined us.
I smiled stupidly at the question. Annoyingly, I did name my cars.
I stared at it for a few moments before I chuckled.
“I thought it was a boy?” Ollie frowned as he read my mind.
“No, it’s a she. Dory,” I nodded in affirmation.
“The fish?” Skippy said in disbelief.
“Don’t dis her,” I pouted.
He just sniggered but crossed his arms.
Dory.
It suited her.
I headed inside, tugging at the collar of my work shirt and contemplating an early shower. I was already thinking of the little things to get for the car. From a first aid kit to a usb charger. It had a CD player stereo, but I’d noted the USB input as well.
“You’ll have to take us out one time,” Lucas said as he followed after me with the others. Marcus was right behind me, following me into the kitchen and making a beeline for the fridge as I inspected my car keys.
No interesting little keychain. I’d have to change that.
“Oh! I’ve got one for you,” Ollie beamed before bolting up the stairs.
“That was really nice of them,” Skip stated as he got the milk out of the fridge and proceeded to make a milo, asking the rest of us if we’d like some.
I nodded, but Lucas waved it off, and Marcus was sipping on a blood bag.
Cold too, which he did when it was warm. At night he tended to warm it up in the microwave. Weird.
“Yeah,” I nodded, sitting down at the table and settling into the seat.
“She should last a while too. You should text your aunt with her name,” Lucas reminded me.
I just grinned as I shot through the text. I got a quick response of approval.
Even Dixon liked the name.
Ollie returned just as Skip set a milo down on the table for me.
“What do you think?” Ollie asked as he offered the keychain to me.
I grinned at the red dragon keychain he’d handed me.
“I love it,” I stated as I turned it over in my hand.
“I got it at the markets a while back, but I don’t have a car,” Ollie shrugged.
I frowned as the dragon’s amber eyes seemed to glow faintly.
“It’s got some magic infused with it, I bought it from a witch,” Ollie explained, noting my confusion. “I’ll show you.”
He plucked the keychain out of my hand, dangling it off his finger. “Draco libero.”
I gasped as the small metal dragon fluttered to life, the pin in its head sliding free as it fluttered in the air and proceeded to land on Ollie’s finger.
“That is a wicked keychain,” I remarked, staring at the small red dragon perched on Ollie’s finger. I reached out gingerly, touching the small dragon’s head.
It proceeded to lean against my fingers, as if it was enjoying the touch.
Keychain my arse, I loved magic. It was incredible.
“Reverto,” Oliver murmured.
The small dragon dived off his finger as I pulled my hand away, and it slowly reverted back into place, the pin sliding back into its head to connect it to the chain and keyring once more. It stiffened, returning to an inanimate form.
“It’s all yours,” Ollie grinned, enjoying my fascination.
“Thank you,” I accepted it once more. “So those Latin words are to animate it?”
“Yep, pretty much saying ‘dragon release’ or ‘dragon liberate’ and then simply ‘return or revert’,” Ollie explained.
“Got it,” I nodded as I got to work attaching it to my keys.
“Miss Smoak.”
I jumped as Mr Brady’s voice rung out, and Ollie
and Skip both spun to see the warlock standing in the kitchen near Marcus, who had finished his blood bag and was leaning against the fridge. Even he looked a little startled, and I could see the remnants of the portal fading.
“Father,” Lucas nodded at the older man, not faltering as he walked over to sit down at the table with us.
My heart pounded as I stared at Mr Brady. His greying hair was slicked back, and he was wearing a grey suit, his polished black boots adding to the expensive look.
“We got the warrant, I figured you’d be coming with us,” Mr Brady’s dull ocean blue eyes focused on me. He scratched his neatly trimmed grey beard as he spoke.
“Is that a fact or a question?” Lucas asked as he put his legs up on the end chair and tapped his fingers on the table.
“That’s up to Miss Smoak,” Mr Brady clasped his hands behind his back as he waited for me.
“Of course!” I said instantly, Samantha’s face springing to mind as I shot to my feet. “Can I just change my shirt?”
Mr Brady nodded as he eyed my uniform, and I bolted upstairs to swap it for a plain blue one.
Someone else would have to finish my milo for me.
‘You sure you’re up for this?’ Marcus asked softly.
I had to be. I was the only one who could determine what had happened to Samantha.
This man we were going to see, he’d killed her. That much I knew for certain.
I knew my guys were worried for me, but I had to do this.
I spied the evidence box on my way out of the room, freezing and rushing over to collect her hairbrush. I wasn’t sure if I needed it, but better to be safe than sorry.
I ran back downstairs, finding Mr Brady waiting for me in the kitchen still.
I glanced around at all the guys, sensing their worry for me. Even Skip looked unsettled by this.
“Don’t let anything happen to her,” Lucas said, not caring if his father took that as an insult.
Amazingly, Mr Brady just nodded. “I won’t.”
“So, are you teleporting me somewhere?” I asked as I bit my lip. He’d come here through a portal, did I have to go through one too?
“I’ll jump us back to my car, it’s at the local police station,” Mr Brady informed me as he held out his hand.
Great. I had no idea what to expect, and I shot Lucas a look.