by Lee Taylor
“You know, Tessa, it's a good thing you hit like a girl or I bet that could have really hurt!” Mike's eyes opened in disbelief at what I had just said to the demon host. Tensing Mike tried to rush over to calm Tessa, but Kitty held him back with a flick of her wrist.
“Stay, Mike, it’s just a lover’s tiff, that's all.”
Mike groaned and tried to wriggle free... It wasn't happening; Kitty's will had pinned Mike to the spot.
Tessa vanished again, screeching obscenities that really shouldn’t be repeated, and then appeared beside me attempting the same move. I was more prepared this time and moved to counter swing my arms around in an attempted embrace. She ducked, rolled and jumped up in the time it took for me to hug empty air, leaving my back exposed in the process. She took the opportunity and drove her knee into the back of my head, forcing me to eat a mouthful of shingles after first becoming airborne. My lolling mouth still gaped as my head bounced off the gritty earth. I almost blacked out, colours seemed to dance. I was looking for birds chirping around my head like I had so often seen in cartoons. I wasn't as privileged. All that greeted me when I attempted to rise, was the sound of blood rushing in-between my ears. Buzzing, everything was moving in slow motion looking peculiarly hazy. Mike was talking to “his” Kitty during the assault with bated breaths. “It’s not that that I am worried about. It looks like Ursine is enjoying it, and that means he is going to keep winding her up until she…” Mike flinched as he saw my head get driven into the ground. Tessa’s feet were flat on the back of my head, and I attempted some incoherent mumbling... I didn't know what I was saying, and so Kitty was kind enough to mediate. Kitty began to laugh out loud; even Lycaon smirked before turning to face away.
“Tessa, he is trying to tell you that he thinks that if you are going to try so hard to ‘go down on his head’ he could think of a better way for you to do it.” Tessa paused, mystified at Kitty's response. I was regaining my wits rapidly and shook with laughter at Kitty's comment, still under Tessa's feet... I couldn't help but laugh as I pictured her face. Thank God I had my bear form, or by now I would definitely be pushing up daisies. Tessa stepped off of me in a silky movement. Huffing, she jumped onto the shingled surface. A cloud of dust was still rising into the air from my impact. She lifted her head up, looking down on everyone and walked to the car that had been brought around to meet us. It was a stunning Aston Martin. It looked like it would be cramped with the three of us in. She flicked her hair up, cracking a few joints as she jumped in the shotgun position. I looked over at Lycaon who was still facing the other way, so I turned my attention to Kitty.
“Thanks for the assist, Kitty.” I was concerned she wouldn't hear me with my mouth full of gravel. “This is one of the few times where your mind probing has come in handy.” I spat some more of the gritty remnants out, and walked towards Mike who was now stretching after being pinned in place by Kitty.
“I didn't realize you were a masochist, now on top of being a Therian-thingy.”
I smiled and snorted. “I know the couple’s therapy doesn't look conventional,” I said with a scoff. “But truth is, dude, I knew she wasn't going to kill me. After all she was sent here to protect me...” Mike looked at me and frowned.
“I know, I know, it seems a funny way to deal with it, but hey, you can try talking to her for me if you want,” I blurted, and Mike looked at her, sitting in the car he shook his head.
“I'll pass. Thanks, man. She's your wife after all, and besides, I made the mistake of saying she looked too nice to be hanging out with you. And as a reply she threatened to staple my nuts to my forehead... You always go for the warm-fuzzy types, don't you?” Mike smiled, pleased with his statement. I blinked... Not out of disbelief, but at the realization that he was right. I kind of did always end up with nutcases. I still preferred Tessa over my ex, Danielle… She was a different type of bunny-boiler altogether, not the “I am going to kick you so hard between the legs that you’re going to wish you were born a girl...” type, but the “Here, let me make you a sandwich while you talk to my mommy and daddy about getting married and having babies...” (Just to clarify; I was fifteen at the time so... Yeah. She was a bit full on.)
The walk over to the car was a quiet one. Kitty whistled to herself absent-minded. Tessa hadn't moved an inch; I was going to ask for shotgun position, but she didn't look like she was in a very cooperative mood. As I approached the rear door, I grasped the handle. I could just hear Ivan. He was bellowing something out from inside his grand estate. Kitty turned to face me and nodded towards the house. With an exasperated grunt, I turned and briskly jogged to find Ivan in one of his luxurious parlours, holding a stack of boxes which he dropped at my feet.
“Here, young one, I had one of my tailors magic this up for you.” I snickered at the magic comment and knelt to collect the boxes.
“Hey, Thanks, Ivan... For everything, but when you say magic—” I couldn't help myself from asking.
“I mean she measured you as you slept... She said you were most accommodating. And do not worry my friend, this is the very least I can do. After all, I sense you have a long road ahead of you, and I simply will not allow you back on this property with those tattered garments you seem to cling so avidly to.”
I was embarrassed by his comment and could feel the blood rush to my face. I know his comment wielded no real weight to it and so, chose not to be offended at basically being told that I looked like a hobo.
Okay so maybe he had a point. I peered into the top box. It felt weighty. With a swift movement, I flicked the lid off and after moving some pointless layers of tissue paper, I found a new pair of sneakers. Hastily, I slipped my old pair off. Adora took the opportunity and swooped in, bagging them before sauntering over to a bin compactor by the back door. Opening the other boxes, I found some new jeans, and Ivan frowned as I pulled them from the box. I thought that because of the price that was on the hip. They looked my size, and before I realized I was in the process of undoing my pants so I could put my new ones on, Ivan sniffed and spoke quietly.
“Those jeans,” Ivan spoke, sounding disgusted with the word. “They were all Adora could find at short notice for you. I am sorry, my friend. I shall have some better ones ordered. Ursine…” Ivan’s eyes knitted together, as he cupped his face. “Do you not have a sense of modesty?”
I blinked. I was so lost in the moment that I had failed to realize I was going commando. With a garish grin I quickly pulled up and buttoned the trousers, making sure I was careful not to... injure myself. Looking through the stack of boxes and bags, I spied a short sleeved shirt, which I pulled on. It hugged my biceps and ribs and was coloured a mud-brown with yellow intricate designs. Looking down at my newly assembled outfit, I was quite taken back. I know they say if you polish a turd it’s still a turd, but I didn't even resemble the grubby looking teen I must have appeared like before. Now if only I could do something about my facetious personality.
“Thanks, Ivan, you really didn't have to buy all these for me. I could have got some clothes from my place.” I smiled. Practically pouncing on Ivan, I suffocated him with a hug and firmly patted him on the back.
“I wouldn't dream of it, my young friend. Now go, the others are waiting for you.”
With another squeeze, I heard something crack and hastily backed away. I had to force myself not to run from the parlour. I really didn't need to know that I had problems controlling my strength when I was emotional.
Mike whistled as soon as I was within eye-shot. I felt proud of my new outfit and almost wiggled my hips as I walked just to express that, tripping as I slinked over. It turns out that if you really think about walking whilst you’re walking it can confuse you a bit. Tessa flicked her eyes without letting loose a bead of emotion, and she turned back to face the front of the car, drumming her left hand on the dashboard in an aggravated manner. Kitty looked at me and arched one of her blonde brows; her look of intrigue was enough for me to begin to feel apprehensive.
Was
my zipper undone? Her eyes shimmered green. It was almost like they were crackling with energy. Casually brushing back a loose strain of hair behind her ear, she smiled. It was too late; I was now self-conscious and convinced I had committed some kind of faux-pas.
“Well don't you look... pretty,” Kitty jested; I glanced from her to Tessa and had a sprinkling of Déjà vu. It was the brunette who was asking me to stay calm in the ally. Where the hell was she?
“Kids in the back,” Kitty chimed, interrupting my day dream. She started the ignition, and I scrambled into the back to sit next to Mike who was now also appraising me with his eyes.
“Kitty, what happened to that brunette that was in the ally with you when you met me?” Mike tensed at the question. I saw Kitty's grip tighten around the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white. She turned, looked into the driver's mirror and her emerald gaze locked onto mine again.
“She vanished. I sent Courtney to get in contact with some of the covens that practice in the heavier arts, and she simply didn't come back. That was about a week after the alley incident.” I saw Kitty's eyes harden as she put the car into gear.
“I'm, um, sorry,” I muttered.
“Don't worry about it; it’s not your fault, mate.” A resounding silence filled the car. I didn't think that there was any real point in asking any more questions. And for me, that was quite an accomplishment.
The silence only lasted until the end of Ivan's driveway. It may not sound substantial, but his driveway was more like a private highway, and I was looking for a gas station on the horizon. Who knows, we may run out before we reach the gates.
As we got to the main road I was glad to see signs of life. The sun was shining with its blanket of warmth, and Kitty gave a parting glance at me over her shoulder.
“You know, Ursine, I would like to talk about those Venetians.” I curled my toes in my boots at the mention. Tessa stopped drumming her fingers on the dash; I think she picked up on my... feelings.
“Well… Go on then.” My mood had instantly taken a turn for the worse. I didn’t know anything about the Venetians, other than that they had taken my parents. Anything else I heard was just going to give me an anxiety attack. Tessa turned to me, flashing a smile, her eyes sparkled. It was a look of childish delight.
“We cannot wait to hear what you have to say, right Winnie?” Tessa winked giving me a grim, grin.
“Well, it’s just that those Venetians that took your parents, it’s very out of character; they aren’t normally so flashy as to announce themselves like they did, bargaining your parents for you. It simply doesn’t make any sense,” Kitty said quietly, not taking her eyes off the road.
“So, what does that mean?” I said, fighting off a sneer.
“Just… Just don’t get your hopes up. Your parents might-”
“Don’t!” I said bluntly. “I am going to get them back… even if it kills me.”
“Damn right we are!” Mike chimed. “Even though your dad is a total-” I looked at Mike, and his words instantly cut off. Kitty stared at me in the mirror for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
I was so angry at feeling helpless. All that I could do to save my parents was try and find the Venetians. Sometimes, I wouldn’t have thought that they were worth saving from the way they had been. Like when we found out my dad was having an affair with his secretary… I said and wished for some horrible things to happen to him, but now… Now I wanted his stupid, cheating ass to be okay… He was my dad, and my mom, she was in denial over the whole thing; she just wanted to get on as things were. She never stopped smiling… And now, now I am thinking of them like they are already dead. I could feel my blood begin to boil; I balled my hands into fists, and began to tremble, holding back tears of frustration.
Mike patted me on the shoulder and spoke in his lazy manner. “What are you going to do, right? Family is family, even if they are just as messed up as you.”
I looked at Mike speculatively, I noticed that his eyes weren't their usual hazel shade, but instead had a dull under glow of green lighting in his pupils and snaking outwards.
“You can read thoughts, too?” I blurted out. Mike’s pupils spread, and nervously he looked over at Kitty. The shade of green had faded away.
“Come on, Mike, talk. I could do with a change of subject, in all fairness.” I tried to sound casual, but unfortunately my voice was strained. Tessa spoke in his place, giving him a few moments reprieve.
“Seriously? Do you actually think any of us are going to buy that shit from you, Si? It doesn't matter what the hell we talk about, you always go back to whining about your crap parents. What is it, a hobby of yours?” Tessa's words stung, but undeniably every acidic word rang true. Didn't I have a right to be upset over my mom getting taken by a bunch of... Well from what I get, sociopathic fiends? I said nothing and hung my head, mirroring shame.
“Oh come on, Ursine you're getting depressing. Just focus on one thing at a time—” Tessa snapped, hastily grabbing hold of the car's handbrake. Kitty had to fight to keep control as we snaked our way on the road. The screech and jolt made me jump. Okay that was an understatement. If I was a pregnant woman, I would have given birth then and there. The car shuddered to a stop on the wrong side of the road.
“Crap. I'll meet up with you guys later; my mentor is calling to me.” With that said, Tessa pushed open the door and leapt into the brush. Kitty was putting together a pretty impressive string of profanities as she restarted the stalled Aston.
Mentor?
My legs were feeling cramped with my huge, lumbering form wedged into the back seat of the Aston. So I took the opportunity and jumped into the front seat beside kitty. She smirked as the engine pulled and ticked over again, a little stunned by the emergency stop. We set back off down the road, figuring it was better than waiting for the ever happy Tessa. It was almost like Kitty was trying to make sure we kept to a schedule.
“This is a bloody marvellous car, isn't it?”
Mike snorted at Kitty’s comment. It was obvious what she was doing.
“Kitty, like I was saying before, what's going on with Mike?”
“I'll try and summarize it for you. Ursine, you’re fairly astute, right? When I took control of Mike in the alley some of my essence remained with him.”
“Your essence? Wow that sounds… intimate,” I mocked. Again I was deflecting. Like I had a freaking clue to what she was referring.
“Aww how sweet... Well if you’re just going to take a piss, I can't be bothered to explain anymore.” I gave Kitty my best icy-expression. To which she responded with a pout.
“We are nearly in town now anyway, and I have some business to attend to.” Kitty handed me list with groceries that she wanted picked up and a wallet with some cash in it. It looked like the biggest wad of notes I had ever held. Greedily I thumbed through the contents, and there was about a thousand bucks in there. The first thought I had was spending spree! So naturally, Mike snatched the wallet out of my hands... Although normally, Mike is a tard for all intents and purposes, but when it came to dealing with money, he was the man. He counted every nickel and dime, and if I was lucky, I might be able to get a burger out of the deal... Damn't. I know I shouldn't be thinking about eating, considering the banquet I just ate, and then there was the caribou I tackled and wolfed down, but what can I say, I had a hearty appetite of late.
Kitty pulled up on the high street. The Aston Martin stuck out like a sore thumb. The air was scented with sweat and smoke. I guess it was a mining town, the smell was enough to make my nose turn up and my eyes itch. Truck after truck littered the sides. There was a real bustle in the town, and some of the locals paused and glared at us. Kitty snorted, and she clicked the keys, locking the car.
“Careful, boys, I get the distinct feeling that this is a local place for local people.” Kitty guffawed at her own remark, turning the opposite direction to where Mike and I were heading.
“Mike, keep an eye on Ursine; he has a knack for
getting into trouble. Meet back at the car in an hour, okay?”
Mike nodded and put his fist across his chest in an apparent gallant gesture... Basically, in my opinion, he made himself look like a total douche.
She pivoted on her heel and paced away.
“Right then, man, let’s go get this shopping out the way.”
I looked at him, curiosity getting the better of me.
“So you can read thoughts, too?” I pressed again, and Mike sighed, looking around he turned his back to me and ran his hand through his hair; an uneasy trait by the look of it... Yeah I could totally read him if we played poker again.
“I can do two things. One of them... yeah I can pick up on thoughts and hear voices that aren't there. Just like Kitty.” Mike's next step faltered.
“What about the second thing?” I asked; I was a little irritated at the half answer.
“You know what, dude, I really fancy something to drink. What do you reckon?”
Mike finally suggested something I was glad to hear, pointing to a dirty looking bar. In all fairness, most of the buildings in the near vicinity appeared to be dirty. It looked like masonry wasn't that popular; there was a lot of shop fronts that were wood panelled, including the bar.
Chapter 11
Wow, I love this smell. The air was still rich with tobacco and stale beer. A portly guy in his late forties was standing behind the bar polishing a tumbler with a towel, frowning as we approached. He swept a bead of sweat off his forehead with the towel before continuing to polish. Mike ordered a couple of beers, and the patrons seemed concerned with our sudden appearance, like we just walked into a police station caped in blood... Sitting down, Mike continued to explain what exactly was going on with him.