by Patti Larsen
The big woman strode from the room, pounding her way up the stairs. It wasn't until I felt her pass the wards of the house that Erica turned to Mom.
“Please, Miriam,” she whispered, “we need you now more than ever.” She spun then and ran after Celeste, the family drifting softly away after her as if embarrassed to be there.
Mom let the family magic fall, releasing it. It went with a soft sigh, caressing her as it did, sinking back into the ground under our feet. I left her there, pressing Meira into her embrace before running upstairs.
I caught the majority of the family in the driveway, milling about, no one really talking. Erica stood at the bottom near the street, staring out into the early morning. She turned as I exited the house, letting my magic out to touch them all. Their attention was mine, and I knew just what to do with it.
“The last time you doubted my mother,” I said without compassion, shoving the image of Batsheva Moromond into their minds, “you were being misled and, because of that, this coven was almost destroyed.”
They all flinched from my anger, but I saw them nodding, felt them listening. Good. About damned time.
“After everything we've been through together,” I said, softening my tone and my magic, “I think it's time you had a little faith.”
Martin and Louisa Vega were the first to approach me, hug me. Mutter their agreement and offer their support before strolling home down the street, hand in hand. James looked at me for a long moment as coven member after coven member came to hug me and whisper their promise to stand strong. He left before the last, Erica, came to my side and I knew then for certain he was Celeste's and would remain so.
Good riddance.
“Well done, Sydlynn Hayle.” Erica hugged me, kissed my cheek. “We'll get through this. We always do.”
She was right. Then again, we'd been lucky in the past. And who knew how long our luck would hold out?
***
Chapter Twenty Eight
I retreated back inside as Erica left, knowing I had to face my mother and convince her abandoning the coven wasn't the way to deal with the Dumonts. As I entered the kitchen, I came face-to-face with the twins.
Estelle (or was it Esther? I'd never learn to tell them apart) eyed me like a bug she wanted to squish, but her sister paused, a sad expression pulling her lips down so far I feared they'd slide right off her face.
“You must convince your mother.” She gripped my arm, beady eyes peering at me through the thick lenses of her glasses. I almost hated getting too close. They both stank of cabbage and kitty litter, not to mention that unique little old lady smell. “We will not let this coven fall into evil hands.”
I nodded, trying to pull back as her pointy nails dug into the skin of my arm, gooseflesh rising as I freed myself and rubbed at the crescent shaped marks she'd left behind.
“I'm on my way to do just that.”
Esther (I was sure it was her... kind of. Okay, I was guessing) nodded sharply once before hooking her arm through her sister’s and marching out, two tiny ladies packing enough power to level the house.
Come to think of it, hadn't I just blown up a barn? Wicked.
I deserved a little happy mood, but it only lasted long enough to carry me upstairs to Mom's room. I found her where I was now accustomed to finding her, perched on the edge of the bed, Meira in her arms, my slowly dying father stretched out under the sheets. It took me a long moment to force myself past the threshold. Maybe I was a coward, but I positioned myself in a way I didn't have to look right at Dad, telling myself it was because I needed to keep focus, but knowing deep inside I just couldn't bear to look at him.
“Mom.” She glanced up when I spoke, tears on her cheeks again. I risked a glance at Dad, but he seemed stable enough. His chest rose and fell regularly, if shallowly. Meira was doing a great job keeping him supported, at least as far as any of us were able. I keenly felt Sassy's loss as I stood there and faced my mother. “I'm going out to look for Sass.”
She quivered, jerked a little, as if to protest, but I didn't let her.
“Galleytrot can track the werewolves,” I said. “Who knows, we might get lucky.”
Mom finally nodded. “You're to let me know the moment you find anything,” she said. “So I can join you.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Not a chance in hell.”
Her head jerked back, anger flaring. “Sydlynn Thaddea—”
I laughed. It wasn't really amusing, but her using my full name tickled my funny bone for some reason. She went rapidly from anger to annoyance, through mild irritation and finally to a soft smile.
“Doesn't work so well on you anymore.”
“Mom,” I said, “it never did.”
That made her laugh. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Let me do what I have to.” I stroked hair out of my sister's sleepy eyes as she just sat there and watched us, silent. “The coven needs you, Mom, now more than ever. Please, just trust me.”
Mom hugged Meira, gaze falling on Dad. “I do, Syd,” she whispered. “It's not you I need to trust.”
Right. Family troubles still stirred and the chance the Puritys who remained might rise up at any time was a real possibility.
“All the more reason for you to stay put and jerk back on the reins.” I shrugged, unable to come up with much sympathy for anyone in our coven, least of all Celeste and James. “Pull them in and hold on. I'll get Sass back. Then we'll figure out what we're going to do about the Dumonts.”
Mom's hand found Dad's, squeezed gently. “You're right. Of course. I've been so distracted by this, Syd. My heart’s been tied up in your father and not in the family.” She stood, setting Meira on her feet. My sister grabbed my hand on one side, Mom's on the other. I instantly took Mom's as we stood in a small circle, facing each other. Power rippled first from my sister, up my arm and into my heart, traveling outward again, down my other arm and into Mom. I felt her shudder, watched the soft smile touching her lips. Gasped as her power reached out to both of us and enveloped us in the warmth and strength of everything she had to offer.
“I love you both,” she said, “and no matter what happens, I will protect you and keep you safe.”
“Me too,” I said.
“Me three,” Meira whispered.
It was hard to let them go. Even harder to turn toward the door and leave, though Mom was right behind me, my little sister tucked in next to Dad, keeping him alive with her energy.
Mom and I parted ways at the bottom of the stairs, a loving hug trapping me for one last moment before she squared herself and retreated to the basement and her duties.
I slipped down the hall and to the back door, emerging into morning sunlight and the giant black dog who waited for me.
“Any luck following the weres?” I offered him a quick scratch.
“Some,” he said. “But they've split up, as I feared they would. We could be following them around all day.”
Right. It would be smart to lead us on wild weregoose chases. For all we knew Mom was right and Sassy was long gone. But I doubted it. I knew the brothers were going to use him as a lure, to bring me to them in the time and place of their choosing, when it would mean they could have the upper hand.
Or so they thought.
“Should we wait for nightfall?” Galleytrot seemed impatient to be off, not showing a bit of the leaden weariness suddenly dragging at my body. When had I slept last? “Sunny and her clan will be eager to help and you look like you could use the rest.”
“No,” I said, deciding then if I could protect some of the people I cared about, I'd do it. “If Sunny gets involved, the Dumonts could find some way to turn the whole thing against her and her clan. You know how slippery they are, and with the ear of the Council... they could probably find a way to convince them the clan is a danger and needs to be wiped out.” I shivered at the thought, but knew a plan like that was right up the Dumont's alley.
It worried me a little I was
inside their heads enough I was starting to think like them.
“So the two of us, then.” He gained his feet, shaking his shaggy body vigorously.
I paused, thinking. “We could recruit some help.” I hesitated while Galleytrot chuffed.
“I know he'd be happy to assist,” Galleytrot said. “But Liam O'Dane has yet to master his powers. And if something were to happen to him, there would be much more at risk than the Dumonts.”
I nodded quickly. “I know.” I just couldn't put Liam in harm's way. Not with him being the last Gatekeeper in his line. At least until he had a son of his own.
“Perhaps one of the witches?” He licked my hand in sympathy. “I know you and Erica haven't gotten along very well lately, but she could be of value.”
I shook my head immediately. “What, you still have a soft spot for her?” I forgot sometimes he had been in human form when I first met him, handsome Jared Runnel. Erica's boyfriend.
If Galleytrot were able to blush I know he would have. “Mind your own business.”
I grinned at him and gestured to the walkway leading around the side of the house. “Okay then, it's the two of us.”
***
Chapter Twenty Nine
We were almost to the park when Galleytrot let out a yelp of surprise.
“Sassafras.” He bounded off at full speed, leaving me to slide over the veil in pursuit, a desperate hope in my heart.
I caught up with him at the edge of town, near the site where Suzanne had been taken over by the Firblog magician, Cesard and his collection of occupiers. “You can feel him?”
“Smell him.” Galleytrot snuffled the air noisily, anger in his tone. “He was close, Syd. He was here.” The big dog snarled and spun. “This way!”
He was off again like a shot, covering ground so fast I had no choice but to use my demon magic to ride the veil. I ducked in and out for what seemed like forever, finally emerging in a rush, almost running into him as I flung myself from the edge, looking around for danger. A lake of shining water stretched out before us, sunlight sparkling from the calm surface.
“Nothing.” Galleytrot howled, deep and long and full of fury, the ground under our feet shaking with the power of his displeasure, large ripples ruining the glass-like finish of the lake. “They taunt me. But I am older and wiser than they. And this game I will win.” He turned again, this time with his nose to the ground, drawing great breaths of air, the grass rippling from the force of it.
“What's happening?” I reached for his tail, gave it a quick jerk to catch his attention. He spun on me with a snarl.
“I can feel him, Syd. Taste Sass in the air. But it's as if it's only enough of him to attract me.”
“You think they are doing this on purpose.” Right, the taunting comment. Well that sucked. And was just like the Dumont boys, treating the deadly serious like some kind of joke.
When I caught them they'd find out I didn't think it was very damned funny.
Three more times over the course of the next several hours I found myself chasing Galleytrot all over town, from edge to edge and back again as the brothers teased him with hints of my friend.
I finally called a halt to the pursuit around mid afternoon. “We're running ourselves ragged,” I told the protesting and panting giant dog. “And I'm sick of knowing they're laughing at us.”
He grumbled his agreement. “So now what?”
“The werewolves?” I knew right away it wasn't going to work from the look in his deep, dark eyes.
“They've been all over this town,” he said. “Crossing and recrossing their trails. I'm sorry, Syd, but I can't track them. The scents are just too convoluted.” He sounded defeated, shoulders sagging a little, head and tail drooping.
So much for older and wiser.
“Don't worry about it,” I said, stroking his soft ears. “We'll just have to wait for Sunny after all.”
Galleytrot nodded heavily as we turned for home.
I was surprised to find Liam sitting on the bench in my back yard when I arrived at the house. He waved at us while we crossed the thick green grass, the healthiest and most lush yard in the neighborhood thanks to all the earth magic sleeping beneath it. I flung myself onto the seat next to Liam as Galleytrot sank to the ground and groaned, dropping his head into his paws.
“I was wondering where you'd gone off to.” Liam bent and scratched Galleytrot's ears even as he turned his head to meet my eyes. “Figured something big was up. Thought I'd offer my help, what little I have to give.”
I leaned forward and hugged my friend on impulse, welcoming his arms around me as he hugged me back. I let my head fall on his shoulder as he sank back into the seat, cradling me against his side with one arm around my shoulders, the other hand holding mine.
“Thanks,” I said, as close to tears as I'd been since the last time he supported me, now that I stopped to catch my breath and had a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. “That means a lot, Liam.”
I filled him in on everything. He was angry, sad and cheered me on in all the right parts of the story. Truly the best friend ever.
Which made me flinch and sit up. I still had Alison to worry about. And Quaid.
Where the hell was Quaid when I needed him?
“Maybe the two of us can focus our magic.” Liam gestured at Galleytrot then shrugged with a grimace. “Or there might be something in the archive that can help.” He shook his head slowly, sunlight catching the red in his blond hair. “I kind of suck at this.”
I grasped his hand and squeezed it. “You so don’t. I'm really glad you're here.”
He smiled slowly, green fire lighting the flecks in his hazel eyes. “We'll figure it out, Syd. We'll get Sassy back.”
I slid my hand in my pocket, fingering the crystal, my heart aching. We had to.
We just had to.
I left Galleytrot and Liam discussing the possibilities, knowing there was little hope and not wanting to sit there and stew in front of them. Who knew? Maybe they would come up with something.
I peeked in the basement, but it was empty. A quick check upstairs found Mom sleeping next to Meira, curled around my sister while my slumbering sibling held Dad's hand. I snuck in some of my own energy, heard Dad groan and scrammed, not wanting to wake him.
Though it was more for my own protection than to keep from disturbing his rest.
I headed for my room and a change of clothes, planning a quick shower. My bed called to me, even the pair of consciousness inside me begging for a few minutes rest. My demon yawned over and over, making me yawn, naturally, jaw cracking and eye watering yawns that then triggered Shaylee.
We were quite the bunch.
I gave in to the temptation, promising myself it was only for a moment, only long enough to perk up my energy.
***
What was that sound? I knew it, usually ran to greet it. Didn't I? I stifled a groan as I rolled over in the dark, the glow of my computer screen the only light in the room.
I jerked abruptly upright, cursing softly under my breath as I scrambled for the desk, eyes glued to the monitor.
Skype chimed again as I read the messages suddenly pouring out of the dancing pen.
On to me
Found me out
Escaped, but don't know for how long
Seen Sassy, I know where he is
Syd, I need you
I held my breath, sinking into my chair. I let myself believe for one moment longer it was Quaid on the other end of those messages, but I had a very good idea it wasn't the case.
A trap. I'd been lured by the Dumonts before, when they'd used my old friend Pain, now Mia, Quaid's sister, to draw me to where the werewolves waited to kill me. And I knew Celeste had been snooping around my computer, had practically caught her red handed. So my worries about Quaid were well founded.
There was one slim chance it was him, though. It could have been that he had escaped them after all and really needed my help. That chance died the moment the pen
fell silent and the last message appeared.
Come now, but don't tell anyone where I am
They must have thought I was a total idiot.
Maybe I was.
I glanced at the clock on the screen. It was almost 10PM. I'd slept the rest of the afternoon and the whole evening away. From the silence in the house, I wasn't the only one.
Perfect. Mom just had to stay asleep a little longer. So her idiot daughter would have time to act.
OMG Quaid I'm so happy you're okay. Where?
The pen popped up immediately.
Hotel hurry
Of course. The Hilltop. Where the Dumonts stayed, wove their deceitful web over Wilding Springs only a few short months ago.
Okay then.
My fingers paused over the keys, fury weaving through anxiety.
I'm on my way.
***
Chapter Thirty
I went alone to the rendezvous. Stupid? Yeah, probably. I knew I was walking into a trap. I could have recruited help. But in this Mom was right. I needed to distance myself from the family as much as I could if I was going to follow through on my plans to kill the Dumont brothers.
As I steered my bright blue Mini up the hillside on that long and lonely drive, choosing mundane means over magic so I’d have time to gather my thoughts, my hands clutched the wheel so tight I was losing feeling in them. I wondered when I'd become so bloodthirsty, this craving for death as ordinary as pressing the gas pedal. There was a time when I wouldn't have even considered harming someone else, at least not physically. I could only guess accepting my demon completely now fed that side of me.
Luckily, I had Shaylee in balance. She soothed me with earth magic while my demon paced and raged inside my head, demanding retribution. My very own devil/angel combo, only mine had minds of their own.