by Dee Garcia
I was right.
Yeah, I know all about it. Soren told me.
Tigerlily’s face screws up in disbelief. "When? How the hell did Soren know? How is that even possible? Pa just told me before I left to come find you."
Because he marked her and he's the one who had to help her see the spell through.
"Soren marked Kimi?!" Her squeal echoes off into the tide, through the trees of the Woodlands around us. Wouldn’t surprise me if Soren just heard his name in the distance.
He did, yes. Not too long ago. That’s all I offer. It’s not my story to share and I don’t really care to discuss it.
I’m happy for Soren—really, I am. But he got his girl, she’s his forever now, and here I am, howling inside for the loss of mine.
Wide-eyed, my sister lifts a hand to her mouth. "I'm pretty sure Aiyana doesn't know that."
She doesn't. Kimi's been hiding it from her because she didn't want her trying to intervene with her plans.
"Holy crap."
A scoff through my nose is the extent of my reply. I’m done talking about this. She can go dissect it with dad all she wants. I love her to death, but I’m not doing it. I just want to be alone.
"You should really come see dad. He's worried, Tav. He knows you love her. Maybe he'll be able to help."
I nearly roll my eyes. No one can help. Wendy's gone and she's never coming back.
"Never say never."
Really? But two seconds ago you wanted to kill her? Can’t choose both sides of the coin, Lil. Either way, there’s no use in being any sort of optimistic. We both know this is where it ends. She's home now. She'll build a new life, fall in—I can’t even say it. Thinking about her falling for someone else, building a life with them…I just can’t.
"For the record, I don’t hate her. Yes, I’m furious, and if I could knock her around real quick, I would. She needs a good reality check. That doesn’t mean I’d wish anything bad on her, especially if Pa’s speculation is true.”
And what is that?
“Don't you know the story? The night they took her. How Peter was killed."
Yeah, she told me about it. Bastard was left in pieces.
"He was,” she nods. “Well, a body decomposes.”
I feel like I’m missing something. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I can hear faint alarms blaring, but I’m not following. Of course a body decomposes, unless it’s burned to ashes.
What are you saying?
"Think about it. Peter's body was left in Wendy's room. She lived in a building with other people. Someone was bound to smell something coming from her quarters."
The lightbulb doesn’t just go off. It fucking bursts, throwing my heart in overdrive. And she was missing.
Tigerlily hums, genuine worry swirling in her deep brown eyes. "Anyone would look at that situation and assume she's at fault."
She’s not wrong, they would. Without any evidence that she was abducted, they’d think she murdered the bastard and took off running.
I’m all but jumping on my paws as realization sinks in. No. They can't think that about her. She's innocent.
"The human world isn't privy to ours, Tav. Not like they claim. We're lores, written into children's story books, depicted in their movies."
Oh my God, Wendy.
"She might be okay. There could be a chance they assumed she was taken, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I have this bad feeling. As much as I want to dislike her for what she's put you through the last twenty-four hours, I can't ignore it. Pa mentioned it this morning and I’ve been thinking about it—"
I’ll meet you at the house, Lil! I don’t even let her finish before I’m sprinting away at full speed, bits of grass and dirt flying beneath my paws.
My little wolf might be in trouble, and if that’s the case, I need to get to her before they lock her away for a crime she didn’t commit.
Again.
"Do you think it's possible?" I'm pacing the living room of my dad's house, hands threaded into my hair, tugging at the roots like a maniac.
How had I not thought of this? How could I have let something of this nature slip through the cracks? I would've warned her such things could be a possibility had it crossed my mind.
The absolute most shameful part of this revelation? Wendy dreamt of this. That last nightmare, the one that led us to the witches, revolved around this very scenario. I remember her mentioning it clear as day now. And what did I do with that information when she shared it? Waved it off, didn’t even give it a second thought.
I was so caught up on hoping she’d stay with me, on trying to find a solution in which to help her, that I hadn’t considered anything past that. I hadn’t wanted to. My main focus was always just her.
Her and I.
Us.
And here my sister was thinking Wendy was selfish. If anyone is selfish, it’s me.
"It very well could be, son,” my dad responds from his place on the couch. “Your sister has a valid point. Without those mortals knowing he was slain by a vampire and that Wendy was taken, they'll assume she committed the murder and ran.”
Just as I thought.
"Fuck," I hiss, yanking my hair out for the millionth time. I’ll be bald come nightfall if I continue, no lie.
"Don't panic just yet. You never know how the human realm will handle such things. They might deem her a victim, too."
No, they won’t. There’s no evidence of an abduction. "I'm way past panicking, dad. Way past it.”
"You have to stay calm, Tavi. One cannot think rationally otherwise."
"Rational? You want me to be rational?” I snap, arms flying at my sides. “I've been rational enough by not going after her yet. If we’re right and she gets caught out there, they'll lock her up and throw away the key!"
"He’s right, Pa,” Tigerlily pipes up. “This is bad, really bad. You have to go to her, Tav.”
If only it were that easy.
"Yeah, and do what? How would I even find her?"
My sister gives me the most dubious glare, hopping off the stool at the counter. "Do I really need to answer that for you? Witches, duh."
"I'm sure Persia would help you cross the portal, possibly even locate Wendy before then,” dad chimes, confusing the absolute fuck out of me.
Was he not just saying to keep calm? To be rational? Crossing that damn portal is anything else but rational.
"I think you're both missing the point here. Wendy wanted to leave. What makes you think that me dragging my ass over there will prompt her to follow me back?"
“I think it’s you who’s missing the point, son,” my dad retorts. “No one said anything about bringing her back. You treading into her world is simply to ensure her safety and well-being are intact.”
"You have got to be out of your mind if you think I'm crossing that portal and not bringing her back with me," I toss back indignantly.
My dad raises his hands in concession. "How you choose to handle that is your business, you're a grown man, but as your father, I'm telling you that your sister is right and you should go and check on her."
Back and forth my befuddled gaze bounces between the two. "Why the sudden concern for her? I thought you didn't approve of her?" That’s directed at my father, both questions that leave him hitching a shoulder.
"I didn't, but after the things I’ve learned, I realized I've made a grand mistake. I misjudged her before getting to know her and that wasn't fair. She deserved more from me as the Chief and you deserved more from me as your father."
I don’t even know what to say, where to begin replying to that, so I don’t. We’ll discuss this another time. "You really think I should go?"
"It doesn't matter what I think,” he imparts. “The question here is, do you want to? Do you want to risk what's left of your heart in an attempt to warn her? To make certain she’s safe?"
"I'd risk everything for her,” I vow proudly, “my life included."
There’s a small lapse in tim
e during that of which he regards me. Dare I say it, but all I see is pride reflecting in his brown eyes. Rising from the couch, he closes the distance between us and promptly swallows me in a hug. "Then there’s your answer. Go, my son. Guard your kind heart, but be the fearless man I know you are."
♫ Twisted - MISSIO ♫
There's something to be said for blood sharing with your female.
It's so erotic, heightening the metallic zing of blood blasting over your tastebuds.
And I don't mean feeding on each other.
No.
I mean sharing a body, watching your counterpart take their fill while you indulge, too.
This is the third occurrence in three days time. Tinksley's been on an adventurous kick after returning from London. I'd say that worries me, but I’d rather her focus be on her desires than on Wendy’s existence.
Not that that's an issue anymore.
Regardless, my fiancée looks hotter than hell as she presses the puppet’s back into my chest and digs her fangs into her neck.
The very naked puppet who I refuse to touch other than to feed.
Yeah, her idea, friends—not mine.
At the rate we're going, it won't be much longer until she's stripping, too, and that's when I'm going to have to shut this shit down.
Woman or not, that body is mine.
Knock, knock!
"Cap, are you decent?" Sam calls from behind the bedroom doors.
Tinksley unlatches from the girl, matching streams of blood rolling down her chin from the edges of her mouth. "Kinda busy here, Smee!"
"But Tavi's here to see him. I told him that—"
I'm flashing toward the threshold and yanking the doors open before he's finished. "What did you just say?"
"Tavi's here," he repeats, forcing a smile.
What the actual fuck?
"And what could he possibly want?"
Sam shrugs. "I didn't ask, to be honest. All he said was he needed to see you as soon as possible."
He needs to see me?
Curiosity piqued, I turn on my heel toward my woman and her little play thing. "You two, we're done here."
Tinksley unlatches yet again and peers over her shoulder. "Why? He wants you, not me."
Oh no you did not, my naughty little pixie.
I'm flashing to her in a blink, ripping her away from the puppet, her jaw in my grip. "She may have a cunt, but you are mine. There's a ring on your finger and a collar around your throat to prove it."
"It's a choker, Cap, not a collar," she purrs.
"Seems it should be a collar. That mouth, love—always has and always will be the most wild part about you, huh? What the hell did I get myself into?" I grin.
It's sneaky, sexy, and the one that pulls at her lips matches.
"You need to go talk to Tavi," she alludes amusedly, "Bet he's here about Wendy."
I’m willing to bet she’s right.
"Finish, and then send her on her way," I demand.
Finish, as in take your fill and let her go.
Playtime is over.
Tinksley nods—that grin still spreading her lips—and reaches a hand out, rubbing at my chin with her thumb. "Just cleaning you up. Fix your shirt and rake a hand through your hair—you look a little disheveled, love."
This woman will be the death of me.
"That mouth," I chuckle, retreating to the doors, forcing myself away from her before I tell Sam to show Tavi out so I can show her what disheveled really looks like.
Brushing past Sam, I do exactly as she suggested, first adjusting my shirt, then combing my fingers through my hair.
And then I’m evanescing my way to the staircase.
I can’t see him from the very top, but I can hear his pulse raging.
Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump.
I follow the beat, skipping down the steps in tempo. Tavi’s face hardens the moment he sees me clearing the last few.
"Well, well, well. Never thought I'd see the day you would be knocking at my door. I'm surprised you didn't just let yourself in." I motion around me.
"You and I both know I did you a favor, so why don't you cut the shit?" he grits, fists balling at his sides.
That temper is what gets him in trouble.
Chuckling, I stride up beside him and clasp his shoulder, squeezing with purpose. "I'm going to assume you're here about Wendy, possibly distraught about it given the obvious all-nighter, and overlook your choice of a reply. Care for a drink?"
A tight smile. "Sure."
Gesturing for him to go ahead of me, I usher him to the parlor with a guiding hand at his shoulder.
I don’t bother asking him what he’d like. This is going to be quick.
Reaching for the bourbon, I pour us both a couple finger’s worth and pass him a glass, directing him toward the wingback chairs. "Sit, please, or should I wait for you to tell me where to sit?"
Tavi sinks into one of the seats, eyes narrowing as he nods. "You're an asshole, you know that?"
"I've been called worse.” I take a quick sip. "So what can I do for you?"
"I need you to take me to Wendy," he says evenly.
Bingo.
Whatever amusement already showed itself on my face doubles in a split-second. "See how that works?” I point at him. “How I already knew? Just like how I knew you went looking for Wendy during Pan's funeral, or how I knew you'd try breaking her free after the fact?”
No response. He grits his jaw and swallows, lifting his chin proudly.
"Wanna know a secret?" I continue, taking another sip. "I was banking on it. Your sister offering herself did more for you than I think you understand. From the moment Tinksley suggested taking Wendy, I knew it was going to get ugly. I felt that same rage when I first turned, that innate, insatiable need for vengeance and justice, and I was banking on you taking pity for her cries as a resolution for it all. Epic love story, don't you think? The poor little lost girl rescued by the big, bad wolf? You're welcome, by the way." Tipping my glass, I drain it's remaining contents through a smirk, relishing his silence.
The boy is stunned.
Eyes never straying from him, I set the tumbler on the small table beside me and continue, "So yes, you did me a favor, and now I owe you one as well. I'll take you to Wendy tomorrow morning."
Tavi’s head rears back before he shakes it vigorously. "Tomorrow morning won't work, Hook. I need to get to her ASAP, it’s urgent."
Don’t care.
"I said I'd do you a favor, not go out of my way to accommodate you. Now doesn't really work for me—I have a fiancée I plan on fucking when I get back upstairs and we have dinner plans.”
“But—”
“Take the offer, kid, before I change my mind," I advise.
He’s silent a beat but finally makes the right choice. Lips thinned, a profound sigh leaves him. "Fine. What time tomorrow?"
"Be here when the sun comes up. I have no intention of being gone all day."
He doesn’t seem to like that time frame either, but doesn’t protest. "See you then." Flying from his seat, he’s near the door when I follow up with, "You're welcome," stopping him in his tracks.
The wolf cuts a glance over his shoulder and nods. "Yeah, thanks."
"Oh no, that won't do.” I rise from my seat to meet him. “Let's try that again, shall we? More genuine this time, anddd go."
If he could shift right now and try ripping his canines into me, he would.
I find it funny.
"Thank you for your help," he grates, holding out a hand.
"There we go, that wasn't so hard, was it?" I give his hand a firm shake. "Just remind yourself of who you're talking to tomorrow and we'll get along famously, okay?"
♫ Battlefield - SVRCINA ♫
Day two: Made it in and out of Starbucks just before closing hours without anyone noticing me.
And if they did, no one spoke a word of it.
Still, I keep glancing over my shoulder every few feet
or so, paranoid that perhaps someone was able to notify the authorities while I was paying for my coffee or rushing out the door. I wasn’t going to fetch anything at all, but I didn't leave the safety of the bridge after making it there, and I was parched. Starving. Needed something to keep me up, too.
I slept like absolute shit last night. Uncomfortable, cold, scared—most of it spent tossing and turning, missing Tavi so fiercely I thought my heart would explode from my chest and shatter into a million pieces.
That's the worst of it all, really...missing him. Sure, I've not even begun figuring out what the hell I'm going to do—which is what I should be focused on—but being away from Tavi is proving to be more excruciating by the hour.
And that, my friends, is why I'm standing before my old flat at this late hour, moments away from attempting a very illegal break-in. Just as Tinksley thought revisiting Peter’s house might provide closure, here I am pondering the same. If I can’t live the life I had, I want to mourn it. To leave it and that Wendy that died along with it behind.
Because I’ll never be that girl again; gullible, naive, and oblivious.
So how am I going to get in there, you ask? The planter. Since moving in here almost five years ago, there was a planter at the end of the hall situated before the large window that overlooked the back of the property. My door was just feet away from it, so it made sense to leave my spare tucked into the soil rather than somewhere typical like under the mat.
I’m banking on it still being there and the locks untouched.
It’s now or never.
With one last glance over my shoulder, I say a little prayer and rush up the steps of the building, keeping my head low as I amble inside to the elevator bank. My thumb smashes the up arrow, I wait no more than thirty seconds for the reflective doors to slide open, and then I’m on my way up to the third floor, gripping that steel railing for dear life. Unlike yesterday, I allow my eyes to meet that of my reflection.
The girl staring back at me… She’s so visibly broken, nothing but a haunting sadness in her eyes, that I can’t look at her for long, dropping my gaze to the thin carpet beneath my feet.