“I thought her gift only allows her to see Hunters,” I said.
“Some of them used to be. But she’s still drawing a blank. At any rate, I’m coming back in the morning to help them wade through those bodies and answer questions. Not sure Fee or Cord will be up to it.” Grandma shot a glance toward the ceiling. “Think I’ll go up and pay my respects. Then we’ll go.” She pulled herself to her feet and trudged up the stairs.
“Gordon Steppe is coming here,” Cambria said when we were alone.
“Is that bad?” I couldn’t tell from her tone if she was impressed or nervous.
“He’s not someone you mess with, I’ll tell you that.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say if the Secret Service and Osama Bin Laden had a baby, it would be him.”
“Is he that bad?”
“He’s that intense. And he channels it into a singular focus: killing Werewolves.”
I shuddered. Cambria scooted closer and dropped her voice. “Are you okay? I mean, seriously, that attack was no joke, and then Bailey … I’m sorry about him. I know you two were friends.”
“I’m fine.” I stared at a spot on the floor. If I looked at her, I’d lose my control. She slid her hand into mine and squeezed. I squeezed back.
A few minutes later, Grandma returned and herded us out the door. “Fee says she’ll see you both tomorrow,” she said.
I nodded at her, grateful I wouldn’t be expected to go upstairs and say goodbye in person. I wasn’t ready to face them yet, to face Bailey. No words seemed right for the loss. Nothing I could say would bring him back, and I knew if I tried, I’d fall apart. They didn’t need that right now.
Outside, the sun dipped below the treetops, casting long shadows across the lawn. Wes, back in human form, jogged up as we walked toward the Hummer.
“You’re leaving?” he asked, frowning. His words were directed at all of us but his eyes were on me. I could almost feel him probing my mind, silently checking on my mental state.
“Grandma’s taking us home. We’ll be back tomorrow,” I said.
He pulled me into a hug without a word. I let my hand slip free from Cambria’s so I could put my arms around him. His shoulders were sturdy and strong—everything I wasn’t. “I’m going to wait here for Jack,” he said when he let go. “He called and said he’ll be back soon. You want me to come over when I’m done?”
I opened my mouth to say “yes” and then remembered my mother. I wasn’t sure what I was going to tell her about the events of the day. If I told the truth, she’d probably ban me from ever returning. If I lied, and she found out, well, the same outcome applied. I wasn’t sure I could handle her disapproving glares aimed at Wes on top of it all.
His hand in mine stiffened.
“I think I’m just going to crash after this,” I said. Another thought flitted through my mind. One I’d been pushing aside all day. I didn’t want to add another item to the list of worries.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said.
“What?” Cambria asked, clearly aware of a conversation taking place without her.
“The hybrids. Tara’s wondering why they want her, and who they’re working for,” said Wes.
“I’m wondering the same. There’s a new player here, only I’m not sure who,” Grandma said.
“You think it’s Demi?” Cambria asked.
“Demi?” Grandma repeated. “Hmm. I’ll look into it. In the meantime, Tara I need you to—”
“Yeah, yeah, I know the drill. Don’t go anywhere alone.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m afraid so,” said Grandma.
Wes kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.
“See you tomorrow.”
We were almost home when Grandma spoke up. “I’m going to speak to your mother about what happened,” she said.
“You’re going to tell her?” I asked.
“I’m not going to lie. Besides, she needs to learn to handle stress better.”
I couldn’t argue there. Maybe Mom would hear it better coming from Grandma.
And maybe I’d win the lottery.
“She’s not going to let me go back once she finds out,” I said.
“I’ll talk to her.”
The car jostled side to side as it rolled over half the curb to get into the driveway.
“Who’s that?” Cambria asked, pointing toward the front yard.
I made out two shapes against the darkness as they made their way toward us from a beat-up minivan parked curbside. My stomach twisted with the thought of faking a smile right now.
Sam reached me first. “You’re home.” There was an accusation in the words. “Angela said she thought it was yesterday but then you didn’t call and we wondered if you got held up or maybe in trouble or something, since you know, it’s you and I know how you are…” She took a breath and hugged me stiffly. “It’s good to see you.”
I smiled weakly and hugged her back. “I missed you too.” I held my arm out to include Angela in the reunion. “Both of you.”
They pulled back quickly and Angela frowned. “When did you get back?”
“Yesterday,” I admitted. “I was going to call you guys.”
“Who’s this?” Angela asked, eyeing Cambria.
“Angela, Sam, this is Cambria, a friend from school. She’s staying with me this summer.”
“Nice to meet you,” Angela said quietly.
Sam stared at Cambria for an extra moment and the silence stretched awkwardly. Angela elbowed Sam in the ribs. “Oh, we should all go to the mall for a girls’ day,” Sam said.
“Um, I don’t know if I’m up to it,” I said.
“Why not?” Angela asked.
I started to offer up an excuse about being sick or tired but something in Angela’s expression stopped me.
“Um.” I glanced away, unable to hold her gaze. “Something happened,” I began.
Grandma, who’d hung back until now, stepped forward and cut me off. “How about tomorrow afternoon? You could use some girl time.”
“But we have that thing,” I said pointedly.
“That’s early. You can be back here by lunchtime and meet up with these gals. Nice to meet you, by the way. I’m Tara’s grandma. You can call me Edie.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Angela, offering her hand. Sam nodded.
“I’ll be inside if you need me.” Grandma dropped her hand onto my shoulder as she passed, giving it a quick squeeze. Angela’s eyes narrowed.
“Tomorrow then?” Sam asked brightly.
“Tomorrow,” I agreed. We made plans to meet at the food court, Sam doing all of the talking.
When they left, I followed Cambria inside and closed the door. My mother’s voice drifted out from the kitchen and I headed for the stairs. Grandma was on her own for this one.
“Your grandma’s right, you know,” said Cambria when we’d made it up to my room. “You could use some girl time. Something normal.”
“They’ve been my best friends my whole life. Before I found out I was a Hunter, I’d never lied to them about anything. Now, that’s all I do.”
“Yeah, but, it’s for a good reason. You’re protecting them. Most humans can’t really handle the knowledge that there are two species at war right under their noses. Especially when humans are nothing but collateral damage or bait.” I scowled at her. “I’m sorry, but it’s true.”
“Which is why staying away from them would’ve been easier. I need to keep them safe. The last time we went to the mall, Leo was stalking me. I sensed a Werewolf right there in the parking lot. What if it happens again? The hybrids want something from me.” Again, Bailey’s face flashed in my mind and my voice broke. “What if it doesn’t stop? What if they keep coming?”
“I don’t think they’d risk a public place. They barely show themselves now. And when they do, it’s usually the woods or somewhere equally secluded. And you need normal right now. I know you want to blame yourself for Bailey,
but it’s not your fault.”
I met her gaze, surprised she’d read me so easily. Sometimes I forgot how intuitive Cambria could be. “You want me to compel them to blame you so you’ll feel better?” she asked.
I sucked in a breath and let it out slowly, imagining patterns in the swirls of paint on the ceiling as I stared. “No,” I said finally.
“But you thought about it.”
“Yeah.”
“You can’t protect everyone. Sometimes, all you can do is protect yourself.” Something about the way she said it made me think we weren’t really talking about Sam and Angela anymore.
Someone knocked. The door opened a few inches and my mother poked her head in. “You girls getting ready for bed?”
“Soon,” I said. I wanted to sleep, but I wasn’t sure my brain would shut off.
She eased the door open and took a few steps inside. “Grandma told me what happened. Are you both all right?” Her hands were clasped tightly together in front of her. Her knuckles had already gone white with the pressure.
“We’re fine, Mrs. Godfrey, thanks,” said Cambria.
“Cambria, is there anyone you would like me to call? I know you said your mother is hard to reach, but if there’s anyone, I’d be happy to get in touch with them for you.”
Cambria shook her head, her dark hair bouncing. “No, thank you. There’s no one. I’ll let my mom know when I talk to her again, but I’m really fine.”
She nodded and turned to me. I was still watching and waiting for a reaction, a blow-up, the part where she railed at me to never go back. “Tara?” She frowned. “Are you feeling okay? You look pale.”
“I’m just tired,” I said slowly, my eyes narrowing. “You’re not mad?”
“Why on earth would I be mad? It’s not your fault you were attacked.”
“Did—did Grandma tell you about Bailey? And CHAS coming?”
“Yes. It’s such a shame.” Her eyes filled with tears. “He was so young.” She blinked and her jaw hardened like I’d seen Grandma do when things got serious. “Makes me think CHAS has it right. Those hybrids need to be dealt with. They’re too dangerous to have running loose this way.”
“Mom, they’re people, too,” I protested. “A lot of them used to be Hunters or even humans.”
“They’re too far gone if they’ll attack an innocent child. Or should I say children. Grandma said she already told you not to go anywhere alone?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll add to that by saying not to go anywhere without another Hunter.”
I glared at her. This was her punch line. “Is this your way of saying I can’t be alone with Wes?”
Her expression remained neutral. “I’m doing this purely for your safety, Tara. Nothing more.” I rolled my eyes as she turned to go. If she saw it, she didn’t react. “See you in the morning. Try to get some sleep.”
I waited until the door was closed and then let loose. “She’s so full of it! She’s only using what happened to keep me from seeing Wes. That’s why she’s acting so cool about everything.”
“Well …” Cambria drew out the word. I looked up. There was a glint in her eye, a wicked smile curving her lips. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll cover for you and your Werewolf if you’ll cover for me and mine.”
I sat up. “You mean you and Derek? You like him?”
Her grin widened. “What’s not to like? He’s got that whole dark-hair, dark-eyes, total hotness thing going on. I can’t help myself. And have you seen his biceps?” She fell back on the pillow and stared into space. “I sort of want to lick them, see if they taste as good as they look.”
“But he’s a Werewolf,” I said, ignoring her attempt to take my mind off the events of the day. I couldn’t help my shock, even after the flirting I’d seen between them earlier. I’d assumed it was just that—harmless flirting. Cambria was a Hunter and even though she wasn’t nearly as prejudiced as the other kids at school, she was still raised to believe Werewolves were the enemy.
Cambria sat up and shrugged. “We all have our flaws.”
“Cam, it’s not a flaw, it’s who he is.”
She rolled her eyes. “Geez. I’m joking. Do you seriously think I’m that judgy? You should know by now I’m not the hate machine Wood Point tries to mold us into.”
I couldn’t help but think of Alex. “You’re right, you aren’t like all of them, but where can it go, Cam? You’d be going against everything they stand for. You’d be thrown out.”
She snorted. “Like I’m not already. You think they don’t know about my mother and her preoccupation with the bottle? Or how I’ve been kicked out of more schools than most of them have pairs of socks? I’m destined to be the loner. Besides, it’s not like I said I wanna have his puppies or something.”
“You just gave me a mental picture of a bunch of wolf babies with Cambria heads.”
Cambria grinned. “Cute, right?” I threw a pillow at her.
Chapter Seven
The next morning, Grandma, Cambria, and I made our way to Fee’s door, weaving in and out of black Town Cars parked haphazardly in the grass. Some still had a driver inside, replete with white gloves and a bow tie. Most, however, were empty.
Gordon Steppe was early.
“How many people did they send?” I asked.
“Looks like the entire council,” said Cambria.
The last three vehicles were black cargo vans, no logos or emblems visible. “What are those?” I asked.
“Refrigerated transport vehicles,” Grandma said, glancing over. “RTVs, we call ’em. They’ll take the bodies back to CHAS headquarters in DC for dissection.”
“Sucks to have that guy’s job,” Cambria said.
The front door swung open before I could knock. It was Jack. Despite the circumstances, my eyes lit up. So did his. “Tara.”
He waited until Grandma and Cambria passed and then reached out and pulled me into a hug. His massive arms were like lead grips. He didn’t squeeze hard enough to cause discomfort, but I had no doubt he could flatten me if he tried. I inhaled the scent of pine that always clung to him and something frazzled inside me settled into place. I finally felt like I was home.
My fingers brushed the cane clutched in his hand. The way his body leaned on it brought tears to my eyes. Bittersweet. Bailey’s face floated in my mind but I shoved the image aside. Crying was for later.
“Jack, it’s good to see you.” I spoke the words against his shoulder. He gave me a final squeeze and then released me.
“Same. And you don’t look any worse for wear after almost becoming queen of the hybrid underworld.”
“Funny. You don’t look so bad yourself. How’s the leg?”
He tapped the cane against the ground. It made a thunk against the hardwood floor. He bent closer and lowered his voice. “Between us, I only use this thing at home so Fee doesn’t nag me. I feel great.”
I laughed, but it sounded hollow. “I bet. Wes says you’re all over the place.”
“Ssh.” He glanced around. “Don’t let Fee hear that.”
“I won’t. Where is she, anyway?”
He gestured upward with the cane. “Trying to keep Cord upstairs until Steppe leaves. She happened to answer the door when they got here and let’s just say he knows where she stands now.”
“They’re in the back?” Grandma asked.
Jack nodded. “Out by the shed, taking stock. Wes and Derek are giving their statements.” His eyes flickered to the clock on the wall. “They should be done soon.”
“I’m going to head out, run interference,” Grandma said, starting for the back door.
“Interference?” I repeated.
“Steppe isn’t known for his love of Weres,” explained Jack.
“You mean Wes and Derek? But we’re helping them. We’re giving them hybrids—dead, just the way they wanted them.”
“Doesn’t change the facts,” he said.
“Trust me, it doesn’t matter whose side you’re on w
ith Steppe,” Cambria said. “If you’re furry, you’re the enemy.”
I shook my head, disgusted. Cambria and I started down the hall behind Grandma. “You coming?” I called back when Jack didn’t follow.
“I’ll wait here until they’re done. Might be better that way.” He disappeared into the living room.
“I can’t believe we missed Cord going off on Steppe,” Cambria said as we walked. “I would’ve paid money to see that.”
“This guy cannot be that bad,” I said half-heartedly. Cambria arched a brow and I didn’t argue further. If Jack and Fee—the ultimate peacemakers—were hiding inside, maybe Steppe was that bad.
I pushed the back door aside and stared at the scene before me.
Dozens of people, all dressed in an identical uniform consisting of dark suits and sunglasses milled about the yard. Here and there, groups of two or three huddled, exchanging whispers and consulting clipboards. A couple of suits passed by, carrying black, zip-up bags between them as they disappeared around the house. Some sent glances our way but most seemed completely wrapped up in their own purpose. True to Cambria’s description, they reminded me of Secret Service agents.
“Whoa.”
“Ditto,” Cambria said.
I sent her a sideways glance. “Have you seen this sort of thing before?”
She shook her head. “Not like this. I mean, this is calling in the big guns. Usually it’s just a team of two or three. Five at most. Plus Steppe is here. This is big time.”
“He doesn’t normally come to this stuff?”
“The director?” she said, heavy on the sarcasm. “Uh, no. He hides in a cave and plots evil. He doesn’t come out in public much.”
“You ever met him?”
“Not directly, thankfully, but if you wonder where our prejudices come from,” she paused to gesture with her arm at the scene before us, “look no further.”
We made it halfway to the shed where a small crowd was gathered when a stern voice rose above all the others. The tone was both sharp-edged and slippery. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about immunity or peace or whatever the hell. They will be caught and killed, understand?”
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