Stalk the Moon

by Jessica Lynch

  In one myth, Apollo will go to any length to ensure his sister’s virginity. When he realizes that Orion is the one man who might tempt her to give it up, he arranges Orion’s death. Sometimes, he’s the triggerman. Friggin’ archer. Sometimes he dares Artemis to shoot a target that turns out to be Orion. He tricks his twin into killing her companion.

  Companion. I gulp. There’s that word again.

  I remember the calculating look on Alex’s face when he came to Hunter’s cabin and realized what he had intruded on. I knew then that he was pissed, though I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why.

  This… this can’t be why. Right?

  I mean, if worrying about my so-called “purity” is what’s gonna set him off, then Alex is late by, oh, about nine years now. Besides, it would be silly for him to blame Hunter when I was a very willing participant. I already figured that he told me about Cassandra and her cottage because he suspected what was going to happen between Hunter and me. When it became obvious that we did the deed, he insisted I visit with Cassandra.

  If I’m lucky, that’s the extent of his trying to separate us. I made it clear that I was returning as soon as I could. I don’t care that Artemis and Apollo are twins. I’m not about to let Alex interfere in my love life.

  And then I think of Hunter and my insides quiver.

  Whoa.

  For the first time in years, I actually have a love life.

  My hands shake as I place my key on top of my desk.

  I’ve already called in to my office and asked to be placed on a leave of absence. The vacation I’m on is the first I’ve taken in the four years I’ve worked there and I’ve banked a boatload of time. It wasn’t too difficult to come up with a reason why I needed the next four weeks off and, since I had the time, they couldn’t really say no. Might have helped since I called in on a Sunday night. The big boss won’t be in until tomorrow and I’ve got my approval tonight.

  I’m not a complete idiot. So what if I’m ready to give this whole thing with Hunter and the Other a chance? I refuse to jump into it blind, or without a backup plan. I’ve paid two months rent so that my condo is still mine. My job is secure for the next four weeks. That gives me until our story ends—and it better end happily!—plus a little extra time when the clock restarts for me to decide what exactly our future holds.

  I might be insane, I might have fallen head over heels for a man I’ve known for less than a week, but I’m not that reckless.

  A folded up note is tucked underneath my key. In case I do decide to stay, I’ve covered my bases. I’ve explained to my landlord that I’ve chosen to leave and my condo is free to rent. I want Sally to find a good home, too. And, if he hears from my job, this is my way of saying I quit.

  I back away before I think better of what I’m about to do. I mean, holy fucking shit. I’m preparing to give up everything I have, everything I’ve worked my whole life for because a sexy demi-god tells me that we’re meant to be.

  I went from wondering where the guys in the white coats were and sleeping with a knife under my pillow to believing Hunter when he tells me he’s in love with me.

  When did that happen?

  I shake my head. Don’t know. And it’s not like it’s for forever. Not yet. I can come back. Even if I have to wait for Cassandra to do her hocus pocus again, I can always change my mind.

  My gaze falls on the dull bronze of my house key.

  Call me impulsive. Call me naive. I’ve always been the sort of chick who jumped in with both feet before checking to see how deep the water is. Why would such a momentous decision be any different?

  Everything’s parked in front of the mirror, waiting for me. Dudley’s low growls tell me he’s not too happy at being trapped in his cat carrier. I don’t blame him. He’s probably been in there for close to an hour as I check my condo one last time.

  I’m not bringing everything with me right away. My electronics might be useless in the Other, but I don’t want to give up any of the things that are important to me. Photo albums. Old yearbooks. My mom’s handwritten recipes. Some of my favorite mugs. Extra clothes that I haven’t already packed in my duffel bag. If I decide to do this, to actually stay with Hunter, I won’t abandon all of my possessions.

  I have a trunk that my grandparents gave me before I went away to college. It also belonged to my mother, and I use it to store old quilts and blankets. I empty it, piling the bedding on the floor in my bathroom, then run around my condo like the Tasmanian devil, collecting everything I think I’ll ever want to see again.

  It all goes in the trunk. I load it up until it’s overflowing and I have to throw all of my body weight against it to latch it closed.

  If I can figure out how to drag my mattress and box spring through the portal, that’s coming next time. Hunter might be okay with his straw-filled pallet and furs. Not me. I can handle the rustic cabin. I might eventually get over the outdoor tub, so long as I can find mermaid-free hot springs to relax in from time to time. But a girl needs her comfy mattress and cushy blanket.

  With a grunt and a shove, I move the trunk so that it’s next to my bed. There’s no way I can drag it into the Other by myself. I also know Hunter can’t get it for me. I’m sure I can find someone who will, even if I have to lower myself to ask Alex.

  Once that’s done, I strap my duffel bag over my chest. It feels like it weighs a hundred pounds and I buckle a little under the weight. Determination keeps me on my feet as I shoulder the tote with Dud’s cat food and my reading material. Then, gritting my teeth, I pick up Dudley.

  Another groan. He’s got to be twenty pounds.

  “Jesus, Dud, I’m gonna have to put you on a diet,” I mumble.

  Dudley hisses and tries to swipe at me through one of the holes on the side of the plastic carrier.

  “Okay. Fine. No diet. You can have all the meat you want when we get to our new home. Sound good?”

  His angry rumble tells me that it’s going to take a lot of bacon to make this up to him.

  I let out a shaky exhale as I turn and face the mirror. I’ve left my hair loose, hanging past my shoulders. I’m drowning in my oversized hoodie, but I know my ass looks great in these jeans. I even went so far as to put a little make-up on to make me feel more like myself.

  Not that I really need it. Hunter was into me when I look like I’d made it through a battlefield. I can’t wait until he gets a look at me now. I’m gonna knock his boots off.

  The other Noelle gives me a nervous smile and I nod.

  Okay.

  I’m doing this.

  “Mrow!”

  Okay. Apparently, we’re doing this.

  And we’re doing this now.

  At Cassandra’s place, when she conjured up the portal for me, I had to tell it where I wanted to go. I’m betting it works the same way here. Last time, I didn’t know to say anything and I landed somewhere where Hunter could find me. Since that also led me to battle a scorpion, I’m gonna be more careful this go-round.

  “Um, mirror? I want to go back to Hunter’s cabin. Orion,” I say, correcting myself. Do the mystical powers that be know that they’re the same? Better not chance it. “Orion’s cabin in the woods, please.”

  The reflection doesn’t change. I don’t know if that’s bad or not. Both times I looked at the portal in the Other, I saw my room peeking back at me through the mirror. This is different. There won’t be a portal there until I create one by walking through the mirror.

  Right?

  I guess I’m about to find out.

  Closing my eyes, I raise my free hand. I press my palm against the mirror, sucking in a deep breath when the cool glass gives me resistance. Before I can panic and my thoughts turn to all the ways that this could have gone wrong, my fingers breach through the surface and, once again, I’m falling.

  I tighten my grip on the handle of Dud’s carrier. Mood he’s in, I really, really hope I don’t drop it.

  39

  I must be getting better at trav
eling through the mirror.

  My eyes pop open the split second before the falling sensation fades. I land hard, the shock slamming into my boots and shooting straight up to my knees, but I don’t fall. I stumble forward, managing to catch myself before I re-injure my nose or let Dudley go flying.

  Dudley!

  Once I’ve got my footing, I shrug my shoulder tote to the ground, then set the carrier next to it. The duffel bag is next.

  I drop to my knees. “Dudley, bud? You okay?”

  He’s gone eerily silent. When I peek in through the side—keeping far enough away that I don’t lose an eyeball if he lashes out again—I can see that he’s scared. His fur is standing on end, the big, dark pupil swallowing up the rest of his copper-colored eyes until all that’s left is a marble peering back at me.

  Forget scared. He’s friggin’ terrified.

  Oh, poor Dudley. I guess mirror travel doesn’t agree with him. No wonder Alice never brought Dinah with her when she went to Wonderland. Cats are sensitive creatures. If the sensation made me think I was falling, I can only imagine what it felt like to him.

  Cooing to him softly, promising him one of the prized cans of tuna I smuggled with me, I pick up the carrier. Sure, Dudley’s always been an outdoor cat, but there’s a difference between suburban New Jersey outside and the middle of the woods. Until he calms down, he’s better off inside of Hunter’s cabin.

  Besides, I’m itching to see him again. I’m sort of surprised he isn’t outside already. It’s not like I expect him to be waiting for me—except, who am I kidding, because I totally do.

  I bring the carrier into the cabin. That’s when I get my second shock. Hunter isn’t inside the cabin, either. Where the hell is he? We both agreed that we would meet up here. I thought he was going to leave Cassandra’s and come right back—but he’s not home.

  Just when I’m starting to worry, I swear I hear something outside.

  My whole body tightens. I wish I had my knife. In the flurry of rushing back, I have no clue what I did with it. It was too easy to fall back into the illusion of safety when I was in my condo. Now, though, I’m kicking myself. No knife. No bow.

  And I have no idea who—or what—is out there.

  I hesitate, then take careful, light steps toward the open doorway. I’m such an idiot. Why did I leave it open?

  “Hunter?” I call out.

  “Noelle?”

  I let out a soft sigh of relief. Okay. He’s outside and he’s safe. I don’t need my knife when Hunter’s around. Giving Dudley’s carrier a quick pat, I promise him I’ll let him out soon and head for the door.

  I do a double-take as I exit the cabin. Standing a few feet away is a familiar face. It’s just not the one I was hoping to see.

  Alex is holding a bundle of leather in front of him, smirking as he gets a look at my surprised expression.

  Jesus. Am I ever going to be able to tell Hunter’s drawl from Alex’s clipped voice?

  I recover quickly. “Where’s Hunter?” I demand. I could’ve sworn I heard him. I guess I should’ve known better. Hunter wouldn’t call me Noelle without at least one darling tossed my way first.

  “He had something he had to do before you returned. I thought I would keep an eye on the cabin if you came back sooner than expected. And you did. That was fast.”

  I arch an eyebrow. “Really? And he let you?”

  Alex offers me an impish smile. “Who said I told him?”

  Of course.

  “Do you know when he’ll be back?”

  “Can’t say. He left almost as soon as you did. I knew better than to stick around Cass’s, so I set off with the huntsman. When he veered off, I headed for the cabin. Someone had to be waiting for you here when you returned. If you returned.”

  It’s a nice gesture. And, since it’s Alex who did it, I’m immediately suspicious. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  I wait a beat. “Well. I’m here now. You can go.”

  “And leave my sister alone and unprotected? I’ll stay.”

  “Pass.”

  “I promised Hunter I would.”

  “You just said that he doesn’t know you’re here.”

  He holds up one finger. “I believe I asked who told him that I was holding down the fort here. No one told him. In fact, it was the huntsman’s idea.” A shadow falls over his pale features. His gaze darkens. “You don’t think he’d leave you defenseless to the predators in these woods, do you?”

  The little hairs on the back of my neck prickle. No one turns the huntress into prey.

  Alex’s eyes dart to my hands. A faint glow starts at my fingertips.

  His lips curl. “Temper, temper, sister.”

  “Don’t push your luck, Apollo.”

  “No need to be nasty. I want us to get along. No harsh words, no cattiness. I regret the way we’ve gotten on so far, and I take all the blame for that. Let’s start over.”

  He sounds sincere. I’m still a little iffy. “Okay. Fine. How do we do that?”

  “Let me entertain you.” He snaps his fingers. “I know. How about a contest?”

  This is shades of Hunter’s race all over again. “A contest?” I repeat warily. At least this time I’m wearing boots.

  “Yes. A contest. Just a little something until your—” He swallows roughly. “—man returns.”

  Whoa. It really does bother this guy that I’ve slept with Hunter. And it’s not jealousy. Alex has never once given off an “I’m interested” vibe, not the way his ass backward flirting with Cassandra felt. It’s like he does think he’s my brother and it bothers him to imagine me naked with his enemy.

  He’s gonna have to get used to that. As soon as Hunter returns, stripping down is definitely in my future. Until then, I guess I can humor him in his contest thing.

  Whatever that is.

  “What kind of a contest?”

  “It’s more of a challenge. Here. Give me a second.”

  Alex disappears around the back of Hunter’s cabin like he has every right to be here. Makes sense if Hunter gave him permission to lurk. After the way he almost went after Alex with his sword the last time Alex intruded, I’m betting he’s telling the truth. He’d have to be crazy to test Hunter when it comes to the sanctity of his home.

  When he comes back—with no sign of Hunter and all of his pieces intact—Alex is carrying something very familiar.

  I squeal and hold out my hands. “Gimme!”

  Alex’s laugh is actually sort of pleasant when he isn’t smirking. “Missed them?”

  I didn’t realize how much I had until I see Alex carrying them. In the short time I had them, my bow and quiver have become a part of me. I guess I have Artemis to thank for that. Don’t care. I want them back.

  “Yes!”

  It doesn’t even occur to me to ask why he has them when I gave them to Hunter for safekeeping. I take the quiver from Alex and strap it over my hoodie, the comforting weight making me grin. The bow feels perfect in my hand. I rub the upper grip soothingly. It’s like I’ve come back home.

  “I thought I could point out a target, see if you could hit it. The only display I got of your prowess was a little stressful, if you recall.”

  Stressful is putting it mildly. In the heat of my anger, I remember threatening to shoot their balls off. Whoops.

  “Is that all?” I ask. “Not much of a challenge.”

  “It will be. I don’t want to see if you can hit any old tree. I already know you can. How about—” Alex turns, shielding his eyes with one hand. Making a small noise in the back of his throat, he faces me again, dare written all over him. “There. About two hundred yards out. See what white blotch in the far distance?”

  I follow his point. I think I see what he’s talking about. Narrowing my gaze, I focus. The silver aura extends past my wrist as I tap into Artemis’s strength. It’s like someone put a magnifying glass in front of me. I have no idea what I’m supposed to be shooting at, but the white shape i
n the distance is a beacon for me.

  I raise my bow. As I reach for my magic arrow, I keep my eye on the target Alex has pointed out.

  “So I hit that speck and I win?” I ask him.

  “That’s all.” He pauses. “If you think you can.”

  Not liking his tone, I turn to glare at Alex. That’s when I notice the leather bundle in his arm has gotten a little loose. It’s unfolded some and I can finally figure out what it is he’s holding.

  “Is that a cloak?”

  Alex looks down. “What? This? It’s… it’s a cloak.”

  “Why are you holding a cloak?”

  “It’s yours. I recovered it from Cass’s and brought it with me. I knew you’d be back.”

  It looks… different. Mine should be darker, and the hem of it shouldn’t touch the ground like that. It looks way too big. “Are you sure that’s mine?”

  He nods, though he rearranges the cloak, tucking it tightly into his chest. “Focus, sister. The target? Can you hit it?”

  What? Oh. Yeah. Alex is challenging me.

  I peer into the distance, easily finding the speck of white that my brother has picked out.

  “Of course, I can,” I scoff. How dare he question me? “I am the goddess of the hunt, mistress of the bow. I can hit anything.”

  “Show me.”

  Fine. If it’ll shut him up. Fine.

  I aim. My hands are steady, my eyes locked on my target. A shiver skitters up and down my spine. Déjà vu washes over me and I realize in an instant that this has happened before.

  It’s all happened before. Countless times. Over and over again. I’m powerless to stop it. I know right away how this is going to end. Apollo has tricked me again.

  I pull back on the bowstring.

  The story has to be told.

  My muscles bunch.

  The price for the magic has to be paid.