by L. A. Boruff
Which only served to confuse me further.
“How do you know, sweetie?” I’d finally reached the door my daughter was standing in so that it wouldn’t close.
“You know.” My lips quirked at Kia’s, ‘moms are so dumb voice,’ and her eye roll.
I thought she wouldn’t have that tone or look for a few more years.
“Kia, back up. I won’t tell you again. Let me talk to these ladies and then we will see what happens,” I ordered my daughter.
“But, Mommy…,” her little voice plaintive.
“No! I want you safe behind the door. Don’t argue. Go!” I said in a harsher voice than I’d ever used on her.
“Alright,” Kia responded glumly, even as I heard her turning and leaving the doorway.
The doors closed automatically.
“We mean you or the child no harm; we are only here to help,” a lower, lyrical voice stated in the mezzo soprano range.
Well, at least I’d be able to tell them apart with their voices. Although, now that I thought about it, their scents were slightly different. They both had a musty, earthy base scent that wasn’t unpleasant in the least. But the one in front smelled slightly of cloves, while the one in back reminded me of the sugary, tangy scent of raisins for some reason. There was just something fresh and sweet about both, in their scents.
“The Mother sent us from the fourth layer to assist you in this time of re-joining. Please, may we come in?” The one in front requested.
“Again, I ask, who are you?” Not responding to her question.
A flush spread across her pale, creamy, porcelain skin.
“Please, forgive me.” The woman puts her two hands together in a prayer position in front of her chest and bowed slightly. “My name is Electra, and my sister’s name is Calista. The Mother asked us to come and assist you. We are of the shifter race called naga. Our shifter form is a white albino snake. In our full-shifted form we look similar to your King Cobra; in our half form we have the lower body of a snake, and the upper body of a female. Our hair is made up of poisonous snakes similar to the Black Mamba except ours are all white, although their eyes match ours instead of being a dead, flat black.” She waved her hand down her body. “This is our human form.”
Gaia? Is this the right thing to do; welcome them into our lives? I sent up a quick prayer as I looked from Electra to Calista, trying to determine if they were a danger to Kia and me.
A wind blew through the room from the still open doors leading outside, and with it came a low, murmurous voice heard by all three of us based on their surprised expressions.
A flicker of movement at the door caught my attention. Sigrid flew in, closely followed by the low, hunting prowl of Grim and the quick, silent scamper of George. Two of them taking up positions on either side of the door while Sigrid flew up to the wood rafters along the ceiling.
Yes, child. I have sent them to you, as you will need each other in the days ahead. There will be others along the way. You will know them by my mark.
The two nagas slapped their hands over their necks just beneath their right ear with a hiss of pain. It didn’t last long, and there no bigger than a quarter was a beautiful tree of life with all the seasons represented and nestled in her branches were a multitude of snakes peeking out through the leaves.
Not a second later, I felt a sharp, biting pain in the same location just beneath my ear. My left hand flew to the spot searching for the culprit of the pain. A high-pitched scream of distress in a child’s octave came from in the house. I turned slapping my palm to the rock-faced door then sprinted to Kia, her hand holding tightly to her neck, a trembling lip, and big tear-filled eyes staring at me in wounded question.
“Mommy, Mommy!” she whimpered as she ran into the arm not holding the sword burying her face in my shirt.
“Shhh, Kia. The pain should be over now.” It was true; it had hurt for maybe fifteen or twenty-seconds then it was gone.
A sniffle before she said, “Yes, Mommy. What hurt me?” Kia pulled her head from my shoulder, her big eyes still showing fear and confusion.
“The Mother gifted us with her mark, baby. It only hurt for a moment, right?” I gave her a smile of encouragement.
Kia nodded. “What does it look like?” she demanded, suddenly excited.
“Here let me look.” I glanced behind me to see the sisters standing in the doorway but not coming closer yet.
I was thankful. It was hard to trust anyone; I knew I would have to change how I felt but I’d been alone for so long. I turned back to Kia and grabbed both her shoulders and gently pushed her a little away from me. Then using my left hand, I pushed the hair behind her ear on the right-hand side. Kia turned her head for me.
“Oh baby, it’s beautiful,” I told her in awe.
It was the tree of life again in all her seasonal colors, but this time there were many animals around the base of the tree and in her branches. On top of that, in the very center just as the limbs start to branch out was the all-seeing eye. All the elements were represented in a circular pattern going clockwise around the trunk of the tree. Almost touching but not quite. I explained all of this to my daughter, who seemed excited and happy now.
“I to want see; pleaseee, Mommy!” Kai begged, her hands clasped in the hand holding position in front of her chest as her shoulders scrunched up with that grin that always got her, her way.
Mostly, I thought with a smile.
“Give me a minute and we will go look,” I told her.
I picked up my sword that I had dropped to look at Kia’s new mark and turned back to face the two women. A small hand grabbed mine, causing me to glance down at my daughter who stood next to me now also looking at the new additions in our life. A happy glint in her eye. I wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or not.
7
October 30, 2026
The weather was becoming more and more unpredictable. The earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding, and the sudden sinkholes appearing had everyone in the world on edge. Grocery stores had sold out of all non-perishable items over the last several days. The news casters were trying to keep everyone calm, but the doomsayers and crazies were out in force predicting the end of the world.
The two nagas were interesting, and we’d had a few ups and downs over the last two weeks as we learned about each other. Kia adored Calista, and Calista returned the sentiment with interest. They had been thick as thieves these last two weeks as Kia soaked up everything that Calista had to teach her. Calista had been an educator before everything started going to hell back in their layered dimension these last hundred years. Between the naga’s waning powers, poachers, and other warring shifters; she’s been fighting more than using her skills for a long time now. I could tell she missed instructing youngsters. Still, I wasn’t sure how much I liked it. It had been only Kia and me for so long that I was a little jealous of their budding relationship. I sort of hated that about myself.
Then there was Electra, a ball of focused, protective energy, who only wanted to do as Gaia commanded. She wouldn’t let me leave the warehouse without her. It was like I’d gained a bodyguard I so didn’t want or need. It was starting to piss me off. I did like her though. She was fun to be around, and we got along well, except in instances like now.
“No!” I shouted in frustration, then took in a deep, calming breath as I rubbed my temples.
Electra ignored me while she continued to gather her weapons. Including the new bow and arrow set she’d found in the warehouse’s war chest. That was a euphemism for big ass room full of weapons of all sorts. I was going hunting, and I was trying to get her to go to the stores. We needed meat for the next few weeks. Plus, we needed to stop at the grocery stores and farmer’s markets around town and pick up some fresh veggies, pasta, fruit, and bread. The good news, the late harvests were still coming in, so we needed to grab what we could now. Gaia had made the summer months good ones for those who were smart and made use of it. While my pantr
ies, storerooms, and freezers were full, I didn’t want to use any of it until we absolutely needed to. Plus, we were harvesting the seeds from any and all types of vegetables and fruits we could lay our hands on for the hydroponics gardens. On top of that, the current stores I had put up were going to have to last us for close to a year with some scavenging added in. Especially now, that we had two more mouths to feed.
My voice took on a wheedling note. “Electra let’s split up and get everything done and be back here before night falls. You know how long it takes to hunt, and we need to also pick up the fresh vegetables and such before the first rush of the day. The farmers will be dropping everything off,” I looked towards the clock. “in thirty minutes, and if one of us isn’t there when the produce is dropped, we won’t get the good stuff,” I growled at her in frustration.
I really needed some time to myself. The electrical and magical charge that had been building all month had my teeth on edge as well as my temper. I needed to blow off some steam with this hunt. Not have a tag-a-long. Then, before Electra could come up with another plan, Calista spoke up.
“Kia and I could go to all the farmers’ markets and to the grocery stores. The garage is full of vehicles so that will make getting things easier and faster while you two go and get some of that pent-up energy out of your systems. This sweetheart,” Calista started tickling Kia who squealed in laughter and squirmed to get away, “will go and get the produce with me.”
Kia’s giggling made her voice breathless when she yelled out, “Yessss, please, Mommy! I want go outside too!”
The happiness on Calista’s and Kia’s faces as they contemplated getting out of the house had me wavering even as I wanted to grab my daughter and lock her in her room where she would be safe. It was getting crazy out there, and I wasn’t sure Calista could keep Kia from wandering off while she shopped. Something must have shown on my face because I turned to see understanding in Electra’s features. For some reason, that just ticked me off, so I stuck my tongue out at her. I was almost acting my daughter’s age. I rubbed my temples faster.
“I will go with those two and keep an eye on them and out of trouble. How does that sound, but in return, take your wolf with you as a hunting partner? He wants out of here as much as you do!” I turned to see Grim wagging his tail in excitement, which he never does.
Resigned at all the hopeful faces, I responded, “Fine, but Sigrid will fly look out for you guys so do not leave him behind. Take George too and let him sniff the fruit. You guys have zero nose for knowing if it is already going bad. Kia can carry him in her backpack. Let’s get moving. I am headed up to the mountains and will be back before night fall. You guys stay safe. Kia come give me some love,” I urged her just before she took off to grab her backpack.
She ran to me and I kneeled just as she leaped into my arms. Wrapping her own little arms around my neck in a tight hug. “I love you, Mommy!” Kia shouted before placing a wet, sloppy kiss on my cheek. I couldn’t stop the smile or the joy that filled me at her words. Honestly, I wasn’t really trying, but I was going to try for the tough love, be safe speech, anyway.
I stood up with her in my arms, hugging her to me tightly. She squealed but not in pain, I laughed and then gave her my own kiss. Time for the serious part. It’s the first time she has ever been away from me, and I needed her to understand the importance of staying with her keepers.
“Kia?” I waited for her to release my neck and lean back to look me in the eye. “You will not run and play around while you guys are out today. It is too dangerous. You have to stay with Electra and Calista. DO NOT stray from them,” I stressed to her. “Remember us talking about the crazies and the bullies?” She nodded. “Also, don’t forget about the other breeds I’ve been teaching you about. More and more have been showing up lately and you need to keep your glamour locked down tight. Do you understand me? I’m serious baby. I need to you be safe for me, okay?”
I studied her as she nodded solemnly again and said, “Yes, Mommy. I will be like a tiny mouse.” She put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Shhhhh and unseen.” Kia covered her eyes to show me.
I tried not to laugh but it was so darn cute. The playfulness and joy of the last few weeks had done wonders for Kia. In a lot of ways, I had our two new companions to thank for it. They brought the fun back into my life and into Kia’s. It filled my heart to see her so happy. I lowered her to the floor, and she took off for her backpack. I turned to the nagas.
“You will protect her with your lives? She is the most important thing in my life,” I stressed to them, looking each one in the face.
Both bowed to me with their hands clasped in front of their chests in the prayer position. “Yes, she has become precious to us and we will lay our lives down before we let anything happen to her,” Calista promised.
Electra gave a firm nod.
“Okay, good. If there are any issues Sigrid or George should be able to reach me in the mountains. Our range is good, so there shouldn’t be any interference. I’ll also have my cell phone.” I searched my brain for anything else I needed to tell them, but nothing came to mind.
We all turned to see Kia skipping out of her room only stopping long enough, as George ran up to her, to bend down, pick him up, and help him into the backpack. I watched as she ran to the pantry and grabbed some crackers and put them in the bag with George. The greedy gut must have begged her for them.
Then in a flash, she grabbed Calista’s hand and started dragging her to the doors leading out to the ten-car garage. We’d found the garage in our inspection of the warehouse a few days ago, and we still hadn’t finished exploring. The place was massive. I hadn’t been much interested in cars when I was younger, and my parents had rarely used them. I’d looked through them to see they had been vehicles that a bunch of my uncles, aunts, and cousins had owned. The good news, they had been in stasis as well, so the oil and gas were still good in them. Just before they disappeared into the garage Kia looked back and waved. I blew her a kiss. It took me a moment to stop staring after them as I worked on forcing myself not to run after her.
8
October 30, 2026
I looked down to see Grim already at my side. Ready to go? I asked him.
Yes, about time. Stinky place. Grim’s tone was full of disgust.
I know, but this is where we will stay for the next year at least. The mountains surround us so we will be able to hunt if we need to in the coming months. You know things will change soon, and it will be rough. I hated reminding him that he was stuck here instead of back in the mountains where we met in Romania.
Since we came to America, we hadn’t been many places where we could really hunt game. If we weren’t driving, we were walking. I had to ditch our last car when we reached Spokane and ran into some of Theodore Hardin’s group. The research I’d managed to do found he’d come over from Europe around five years ago but only moved his base of operation to the West Coast approximately a year ago.
His organization dealt in every known illegal activity that would earn money. On top of that, he and his parent organization out of Gusev, Germany which was run by one Darrien Versom, a born vampire, unlike Theo who was made, were bringing over breeds by the bucket loads when the barriers between the layered dimensions were at their weakest. These all coincided with the Celtic holidays. Every time, I thought of Darrien Versom rage and fear filled me in equal measure. Six years ago, tonight, my parents had gone after Darrien’s group and were killed, leaving me alone in the world. He and all his minions had been after me ever since. Oh, they bragged there were no more guardians left on Earth just for the prestige and clout it gave them in the criminal world of breeds.
When we arrived on the West Coast, Kia and I had the unfortunate luck to run into a few of Theo’s goons since at the time I had no idea they’d moved out this way. So, after ditching my last vehicle we’d mostly stuck to the back roads out of Spokane. From there, we walked, following Highway 90 till we reached Coeur d’Alene. I
think that was the happiest any of us had been in a while. We hunted and camped out, and nature had recharged Kia and I. The landscape in Oregon and Idaho was beautiful with lots of forest and mountains. Unfortunately, this was the first time I’d left the city since we got here now close to a month ago.
I scratched behind Grim’s ear and he leaned hard into me. I think he would have purred if he’d been able to, but his back leg did do that scratchy move that canines make when something feels good. Come on; we will take the Jeep. It will be faster than taking the bus or walking to the edge of the city. Hold up, I’m going to grab some trash bags.
Grim gave me a huff of annoyance. Why? Go now. He was already at the door leading to the garage.
It will only take a sec. I need it to put the butchered meat in it so we can hide it. I don’t have a permit to hunt, and here in the states, they require it.
Why? Is food for the taking? Prey. As usual, Grim was blunt and to the point.
Trying to explain to him human rules was a wasted effort.
That is the way of things for now. Be patient and let’s go get a deer or elk. That will last us for at least a week.
Fine, hurry. Go now! I couldn’t blame him for his impatience and frustration.
It didn’t take much more than thirty minutes to reach a hiking area. I parked in the designated parking, grabbed my backpack and stuffed the trash bags into it. We left the trail not far into the woods, and I found a downed rotting tree that I stepped behind, stripped, and turned into a wolf. Grim came and licked my face in welcome. We both took off searching for signs of an elk or deer. We’d barely gone a quarter mile before we found fresh scat of a single elk. This was surprising unless it was an older bull that was well past his prime. Elk kept to large herds.
Close, Grim murmured, his body running smoothly around trees and brush.