by A. W. Cross
I raced through them and down the stairs toward a large fountain bubbling in the middle of a pathway that divided the manicured lawn. The moon sat low on the horizon still, barely showing the signs of waning as it moved through the sky.
My powerful legs ate up the ground with amazing speed, and after a while, I began to feel the stress release with the pleasure of the night air rushing by my face. My wits returned, and though I was in this horrid form, I could speak my mind. Clear and steady. I’d spent my life following Daddy around as he worked. I knew how to get my way, and I knew how to win the case and make the others pay.
Sophia tricked me, and if there was one thing I’d learned living with an attorney, there was always a loophole in any contract. I’d find out what it was. I’d also find that Oracle and get my life back. But I had to make sure it never touched my mother’s hands. Whoever else was after me, they couldn’t be as bad as her.
I stood in the shower, letting the water wash over me and make me feel human once again. I’d spent most of the night outside, literally howling at the moon. When I’d finally come in, Mrs. Potter had made me a dinner that I’d gobbled down with my hands, making a disgusting mess.
Afterward, she and I had started the search for the Oracle. Apparently, some of my father’s clients were fae, like Sophia had said. He’d helped one in exchange for a concealment charm once so he could hide the Oracle. Though he knew the censer was at the estate, he didn’t know where. We began our search in his office, though neither one of us believed it would be in such an obvious place. Carson was absent through the night.
Dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I threw my hair into a ponytail, ready to dig through cabinet, dresser, and toilet if I had to. That Oracle was here somewhere, and I needed to find it.
I left my room with a spring in my step and my hair swinging from side to side. With the daylight came the cage around my mind once more. A ding sounded from my room and reminded me I’d left my phone charging next to my bed. I hurried back and swiped to view my home screen.
Quickchat had a message waiting for me.
Someone named Cycledude115 sent me a friend request. I snorted, knowing it was obviously Ben and accepted.
Good morning. A picture of a cappuccino with a rose made into the foam appeared.
You’re an artist. Who is this? I might have to appear like an airhead, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know how to play the game. The girls I hung out with learned how to flirt their way into Barbie dream houses before they could talk. Getting what we wanted, whether from our dads, teachers, or boyfriends, was as natural as breathing.
A guy who wants to take you for a ride.
I arched a brow and chuckled.
Wait!! That came out wrong. I’m not good at this.
Obviously. I sent a picture of myself winking.
Ben sent one back. He was lounging on his sofa in a tank top with his hair still tousled from sleep. I swallowed and blew out a sigh. He knew how to flirt much better than he thought he did.
Did you have a late night, or are you just not a morning person? I asked.
Late night. Some of us don’t wake up looking perfect like you.
My insides wobbled. I couldn’t have feelings for him. He was connected to dangerous people, even though I no longer believed he was a threat. I needed to keep my cool and my distance.
I’ve got a lot to do today. What’s a good time to get my car?
I moved it around to the back, so anytime you want. It’s ready for you.
Thanks.
I turned my phone to airplane mode. Ben wasn’t a distraction I could afford. I’d need to get Carson to drive me to the shop. Groaning, I remembered how angry he was. Maybe my silly speech would work in my favor to cajole him back to my side.
I doubted it, but I set my shoulders and headed into the hall to find out.
15
Stella
It had taken longer to win over Carson than any other time in the past when I’d made mistakes. This was more important than when Katy and I had flooded the kitchen in a water fight, or when I’d ridden home with Will Duncan from the senior night football game and “forgot” to turn my phone on for a while.
I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window as we drove to Ben’s shop. Carson turned on the radio to a quiet station with classical music. I smiled.
We’d play that game when I was in middle school. He’d turn the radio to something horrible, and then I’d change it. He’d act mad and then say his brain would explode and change it back. It took me quite a while to figure out he was having as much fun as I was. I’d forgotten about those times together.
I changed the station, and a rapper blared out a curse word before my fingers left the button. Carson narrowed his eyes at me briefly before returning his gaze to the road. I giggled and changed it to a pop station before turning down the volume.
“I’m sorry.” I’d already said it earlier, but it was different. In the car, just the two of us, like we used to be—it was more genuine.
“I know. Me, too. Your mother tricked you into that promise, and I shouldn’t have overreacted.”
“What am I going to do? Daddy says there’s always a way to get out of any contract.”
“Your father is great at his job—his human job. Even though he knows of our world and deals with it occasionally, he doesn’t fully understand how it operates.”
Our world. The supernatural world that I was a part of, not only because of my curse, but because I was the daughter of a fae. I fidgeted with my fingers as I held them in my lap. I’d left the rose at home and regretted it. Somehow it gave me a sense of calm to see that it was still fresh. It meant I still had time to fix this mess. “How does it work?”
“In some ways, you’re more prepared than you realize. There are allies and enemies, factions that switch sides when they need a certain outcome. Some follow helpful principles and can be trusted, and some don’t.”
“Sounds like high school.”
Carson darted a smile at me. “It can be.”
I returned to watching the green fields fly by, and we settled into a comfortable silence. Not long after, we neared the motorcycle shop.
“It’s just there, on the right. Pull around the far side of the building and park in the back.”
“What made you stop at a place like this?”
I realized that I hadn’t had a chance to tell him about being followed. As we made our way slowly over the gravel, I explained the best I could. I could see the whites of his knuckles as he gripped the steering wheel tighter with every word. I decided to leave out the part about Ben being the thief from the other night.
“I’m coming in with you.” Carson shut off the car and opened his door.
“You don’t have to. I’m just going to grab my keys, and you can follow me home. It’ll take two minutes.”
“I’m coming in.” He stared at me with that expression he got when I’d lost the argument.
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, but don’t embarrass me.” I chuckled inwardly as he huffed.
Glancing at the door at the top of the metal stairs, I decided to try the shop door. No need to give Carson a stroke by knowing I’d gone to Ben’s apartment. The door was unlocked.
“Hello? Is anyone here?”
“Just grab your keys, and we can get out of this place.”
“A little dirt isn’t going to hurt you, Carson. You might even like fixing machines.” I laughed.
“I like hiring others to do such jobs.”
“I thought you were some big genie. Have you lived as a—”
“What’s this? A thief in my shop?”
I spun around and grinned as Ben leaned against the door frame. From the corner of my eye, I noticed how Carson had brought his hands up in a fighting position. My heart swelled a little knowing he’d protect me.
“Someone has stolen my keys, and I’m performing a legal search based on probable cause,” I said with as much sincerity as my cu
rse allowed. Then I giggled. “My dad’s an attorney, remember?”
Ben’s eyes grew wide, and he stood tall. “That’s right. I’m sorry. It’s nice to meet you, sir.” He extended his hand and moved closer to Carson.
Carson and I glanced at each other. I tried to keep a straight face, but I lost it as Ben’s hand folded around Carson’s, who then held on tight as he stared Ben down.
Ben darted a glance at me, confusion pinched his brow.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Carson said and slid his foot back to stand tall. “We’ll just get Stella’s keys and be out of your hair.”
“Ben, this is Carson. My . . .” I stared at Carson. I was going to say butler, but it didn’t feel right. He was so much more to me than that. “He’s not my father.”
With a glance between us, I watched as Ben’s shoulders relaxed just a smidge. “Ah, well, it’s nice to meet you just the same.”
Carson nodded. “Her keys.”
“Be nice.” I patted Carson’s arm before turning back to Ben. “He’s very protective.”
“That’s a good thing,” Ben said with a crooked grin. “I put the keys in my toolbox for safekeeping.” He pulled a circle with four keys from his pocket.
As I tried to come up with some witty retort to how his simple ring was so different from my sparkly chain with charms dangling from it, a large man sauntered through the open doorway.
There hadn’t been any sounds—no crunch of tires, engine rumbling, or doors slamming. Where had this guy come from?
Ben spun and Carson stepped forward to stand at his side. I stayed where I was, though the adrenaline that surged through me made an unnatural rumble emit from my chest. I noticed the momentary concern on Ben’s face as he jerked a glance at me before concentrating on the threat coming through the door.
Two more men joined the first and crowded into the shop. The feeling of being cornered was not good for me, and I worried that my beast would force its way to the surface despite the morning hour.
“Are we late for the meeting?” the first thug asked. “You didn’t think I actually bought that little farce about your sister yesterday, did you?”
I recognized the man’s gruff voice from the day before. He was taller than the others and had a tattoo on his neck. When I scanned the other two behind him, I recognized one of them as the guy from the bench who’d followed me first.
They were all in dark jeans with tucked-in black t-shirts and dark glasses they hadn’t removed when they came inside. All wore the same military-style short haircut, too. They looked like they’d modeled themselves after action-movie villains. Though, most of the bodyguards in DC seemed like that.
For some reason, I wasn’t afraid. I was nervous, but I realized that was more for Ben and Carson than for myself. I’d never been in a fight before, nor had I ever wanted to. This, however, excited me.
“Give us the Oracle, and we’ll leave you alone,” the first man said. He was obviously the leader since the other two said nothing.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
All three gave a smirk. “Yes, you do,” the leader said.
Without warning, Carson lunged forward and punched the guy in the face. I screamed as the quick change startled me. Before I could blink, Ben threw himself into one of the others. The third guy landed a punch to Ben’s side and made him fly into one of the machines at the edge of the room.
I saw red, literally. It was weird, but I ignored it as I charged forward. Hurling myself onto the back of the guy that had hit Ben, I wrapped my legs around him and pulled at his hair. I got my hands over his face and shoved my thumb into one of his eye sockets.
In the back of my mind, I was completely grossed out as I felt the eyeball squish under the pressure. Somehow, I kept going as Carson and the leader slammed themselves around the room in full combat. A toolbox knocked over, scattering small debris everywhere.
Ben charged in again, and the third guy swung a punch at his face. Ducking out of the way, Ben landed two quick jabs to the man’s midsection.
My opponent grabbed my leg and yanked, trying to dislodge me. I bit down on his ear, making him growl out and squeeze my ankle. As I bit harder, I swore the ear grew and became pointed inside my mouth. I let go and leaned back. For no more than a brief moment, there was a sharp end to the ear, then it was back to normal shape.
It was all the distraction necessary to make me lose my grip. I hit my head against a motorcycle as I fell backward and took a chunk of the dude’s hair with me. He grabbed my wrist and hauled me back to my feet, then continued the motion until he flung me over his shoulder. Swinging my arms, I managed to slam my elbow into his head. He grunted and doubled over somewhat, but he didn’t release his grip on the back of my thighs. If anything, he dug in and held me tighter. I rose off his shoulder using the muscles I had from my yoga classes and smacked him with the back of my fist.
“Ow, fae trollop!”
There was a loud crash from behind. Grunts still echoed beside me. None of us seemed to be able to gain the upper hand on these thugs. I used the side of my fist to punch at his kidneys. He didn’t even flinch as he turned to head out the door. It gave me the ability to see the workshop and watch Carson as he used a tool to bash the side of the leader’s head. The man crumpled to the ground, then disappeared. Carson flew in my direction.
Pinning the man’s side against the wall and me with him, Carson landed punch after punch to his adversary’s face. The grip on my thighs loosened, and I wiggled to release myself. Carson grabbed my waist and pulled me to his chest. Then I pushed out of Carson’s grip to get away from being a tug-of-war toy between them.
The man lunged at Carson, and they crashed to the ground with grunts and splattered oil everywhere. It cleared the doorway, but before I could rush through it, someone grabbed the back of my shirt and jerked me off my feet.
I fell against the same bike that had fallen over earlier and screamed. As I scrambled to get to my feet, Ben grabbed the tool he’d taken away from me the day before and flipped a switch. It turned on, and a stream of fire burst out. He cranked a knob on the side, and the flame grew bigger as he jammed it against the man.
The man’s shape changed and flickered as he spun away from the torch. He yelled something in a language I didn’t understand and charged out the door. The man Carson wrestled, stopped and followed right behind him, leaving the three of us alone in the destroyed shop.
I let out a big sigh, not realizing I’d been holding my breath. Ben flicked off the device and set it on the counter.
“What is that thing?” I asked, unsure why I cared at that very moment with everything else that happened.
“Blow torch. Are you okay?” He stepped closer and gently held my upper arms while he scanned me.
Carson cleared his throat and wrapped his hand around my waist, nudging me away from Ben. Despite the circumstances, I giggled.
“I’m fine,” I said to Carson who’d turned me toward him. He nodded and sucked in a big breath before letting it out and lowering his shoulders.
“Now, that we’ve established that. Can one of you explain to me how one of those guys disappeared and the other flashed in and out like some kind of comic book movie?”
Carson and I met each other’s gaze. I’d follow his lead.
16
Stella
I didn’t know how to explain to Ben what he’d seen. I could lay it all out and explain the supernatural world that he didn’t know existed—or at least, he didn’t if he was like I was two days ago—but I doubted that I could get the words out properly no matter what. Would my curse allow for such an explanation?
I focused on Carson. He knew my predicament. What did he want to do? I watched as resignation landed on his shoulders, and he sighed.
“This is not a short conversation. Perhaps we should retire to someplace else to explain, in case more undesirable elements show up,” Carson said, ever dignified.
I smiled as I
noticed the grease stains on his jeans and the missing buttons from his shirt. His hair was mussed, too, which made my smile grow wider. I’d always seen Carson with his shoes polished, his shirt starched, and clean shaven. Between him and Daddy, I’d had perfect examples of proper gentlemen in the way they treated me. Any guy I ended up with had big shoes to fill.
Ben sighed and drew my attention as he bent over to pick up one of the various tools scattered on the floor. “I’ll bet that is a heck of a conversation, but maybe I should straighten this up a little first. It’ll give me time to rethink if I really want to know what you might say.”
A twitch played at the corner of Carson’s mouth. He darted a glance to me and winked. It was a good answer, but he kept his voice stern as he answered. “We’ll help for ten minutes. No longer. If you don’t want to hear our story by then, we’ll leave.”
Ben nodded.
“If you wouldn’t mind, stand those tool chests upright, then just throw all the loose hand tools into them. I’ll sort it all out later.”
From what I’d seen of his apartment, I believed he probably had a place for everything, even in the dirty workroom. The room was a scattered mess. It was no wonder he wanted to put it back in order before he was able to absorb information that would turn the world as he knew it on its head.
My palms started to sweat. What if telling him about the Otherworld violated the terms of my agreement with the woman? Was it okay for Carson to tell him? The more I thought, the more I decided it was better to leave him in the dark until I’d found the Oracle.
Ben’s phone rang, and I helped him search for it. It had slid under the fallen motorcycle. He lifted the bike, setting it back in place on the upturned crate, while I retrieved the phone.