by S. E. Smith
“Tory?” Alexandru murmured in a low voice. “Tory, wake up.”
He watched as her eyelashes fluttered as she fought against the obvious exhaustion dragging at her. He could smell Drayton’s scent on her. There were several marks on her neck and shoulder. Some fresh, while others were probably a few days old.
“Alexandru?” Tory whispered. She blinked several times. “What are you doing here? Did you find the pieces that you were looking for?”
“I found more than I expected,” Alexandru replied in a voice filled with strain. “How long has he kept you here?”
“Who? Simon? He… it was the full moon,” she whispered. “I’m so tired. Can we talk about this later?”
“Tory,” Alexandru said in a sharper voice. “What happened?”
“Ms. Carson?” A low voice called as the door opened. “Are you alright?”
Alexandru stood up and turned as the bedroom door swung inward. His eyes locked on the dark haired human male who stopped in surprise when he saw Alexandru standing next to the bed.
Alexandru hissed and flew across the room. Gripping Youssef by the throat, he held him up against the wall. His teeth lengthened and his fingers squeezed when the other man tried to call out for help.
“Tell Drayton I will be back for him,” Alexandru snarled. “I am going to rip him apart for what he has done to my sister. Tell him!”
Alexandru held Youssef’s throat until the human lost consciousness. Only then did he drop him. Turning on his heel, he returned to the bed where he scooped Tory’s limp body up into his arms.
“Open a door to Magic,” Alexandru commanded.
The spell wove out from him as if recognizing the urgency behind it. The moment the portal opened, he stepped through it. His first priority was to Tory. He needed to get her as far away from Drayton as possible. Once he knew that she was safe, he would return and when he did, Drayton would die.
A long, forlorn howl echoed behind him as the portal closed. A smile curved Alexandru’s lips. If he was lucky, the wolf would come to him.
Chapter Twelve
Simon glanced out the window of the helicopter at the house below him. Red dust swirled, casting a cloud as it began to lower. His fingers curled into his palms as he fought the fear threatening to choke him.
He hadn’t been afraid since he was a young, half-starved, beaten boy. Not even when he had been changed into a Werewolf had he felt the fear that was now threatening to consume him. What if she refused to see him? What if she denied his claim? What if she… didn’t love him in return?
“Are you sure about this?” Youssef asked through the headset. “I will do what I can to protect you, Simon, but I doubt it will be enough to slow them down.”
Simon turned his gaze to his friend’s face. A calm mask of acceptance was reflected on Youssef’s face. Youssef believed that they would both die today. He had fought against Simon coming to Magic, New Mexico. When he realized that Simon wouldn’t stop until he had Tory back at his side, Youssef had insisted on going with him.
The only thing giving Simon hope was the strange visitor he had found in his office this morning. The woman had sported the brightest pink hair he had ever seen and wore an outfit that looked suspiciously like she was going on safari… in the 1930s. She had been sitting at his desk, reading through the research he had gathered on Magic, New Mexico when he walked in.
***
“Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?”
He remembered demanding as he paused in shock in the doorway to his downstairs office. He had been finalizing his trip to get Tory when Youssef had called him away. His eyes had swung from her to the bundle of information that should have been neatly stored in the large envelope where he had placed it.
“Oh, I had forgotten all about Alicia’s joke that one Halloween,” the strange woman giggled. “She turned the entire population of rabbits into Jack-o-lopes for the evening. It became quite the legend.”
“Who are you?” Simon demanded again as he stepped into the room and shut the door.
“I’m Tory’s Great Aunt Topper, dear. Come in and have a seat,” she said with a wave of her hand.
Simon froze. The large chair that he preferred to sit in when he wasn’t at his desk rose suddenly and scurried across the floor. It didn’t slide across. It had risen up and walked across it as if the chair legs had suddenly become… legs.
“Well, sit down,” Topper said, resting her chin on her palm. “I don’t have all day. I’m supposed to be on a scouting mission in Africa with the Fates.”
“The Fates?” Simon asked faintly, growling when his favorite chair knocked the other chair out of the way. The move caught him off guard and he sat down heavily in the overstuffed seat. “Where is Tory?”
Topper fingered her bright pink hair for several long seconds while she stared at him. She must have been satisfied with what she saw because she gave a nod and sat back. She grinned and snapped her fingers.
Simon stared in disbelief as all the papers rose and tucked themselves into the large envelope. His eyes moved back to Topper’s amused ones. He knew he was scowling at her, but he couldn’t stop. She knew something she wasn’t telling him.
“Tory is safely tucked away back home,” Topper replied cheerfully. “She isn’t very happy about it either.”
“She is unhappy?” Simon repeated with a dark frown. “I need to go to her.”
“Do you love her?” Topper asked with a raised eyebrow.
“That is none of your business,” he retorted, glaring back at Topper with a stubborn expression. “This is between Tory and me.”
Topper shook her head. “Not in the town of Magic,” Topper replied softly. “You have been on your own, Simon Drayton. It is time for you to go home.”
“What are you talking about? I am home,” Simon growled. “I am going to get Tory and bring her back with me.”
Topper shook her head. “Magic is her home,” she said, standing and smoothing her khaki-colored top. “It is yours as well.”
“How do you know that?” Simon demanded, standing.
“Because the Fates told me,” Topper laughed. “I’ve included directions to Tory’s house. Land on the east side of the house.”
“Who are the Fates and why should I land on the east side?” Simon asked in aggravation.
“The Fates guided Tory to you,” Topper said as she adjusted her hat. “They are also Tory’s Godmothers and absolutely adore her.”
“Oh,” Simon replied as he watched in fascination as Topper snapped her fingers and a large pair of binoculars appeared around her neck. “Are you a witch?”
Topper chuckled and wiggled her nose. “Of course and so is Tory, sort of,”she grinned. “I’m late. Don’t forget to land on the east side of the house. I’m so excited. Ta-ta for now, darling.”
Simon stood in disbelief when a swirl of pink smoke suddenly engulfed the woman named Topper. One second she was there, the next she was gone. He turned as Youssef opened the door.
“The helicopter is ready,” Youssef informed him quietly.
***
“Remember to land on the east side of the house,” Simon ordered the pilot as he gazed out the window. “As soon as we get out, return to Phoenix.”
“Yes, sir,” the pilot replied.
Simon waited impatiently. The moment the skids touched the ground, he jerked the door open and jumped out. Youssef followed him as he ran toward the house.
He was almost to the stairs when something hit him hard on the left side. He flipped through the air, shifting as the beast inside him recognized he was under attack. His paws clawed the dark red soil as he rolled to his feet.
Alexandru Carson stood glaring at him. Cold hatred burned in his eyes as he stared back at Simon. He circled slowly as he made sure that he placed his body between Simon and the house.
“I knew you would come,” Alexandru snarled. “I hope your friend told you
that I plan to kill you.”
Simon growled menacingly back at Tory’s brother. He could sense that she was close by. His eyes kept shifting from Alexandru to the house.
“She doesn’t want to see you,” Alexandru stated. “I’ll just make sure she never has to worry about that again.”
Simon charged Alexandru. The two figures collided in a loud clash of rage. Simon knocked Alexandru back several feet, but the Vampire had his hands wrapped part way around Simon’s neck. Simon yelped when Alexandru slashed his teeth across his left ear.
Both men backed away and began circling each other again. This time it was Alexandru who charged. He jumped at the last moment and twirled over Simon’s back so he could grip him from behind. Simon struggled to throw off the Vampire, but it was almost impossible. He twisted and rolled in a desperate attempt to prevent Alexandru from getting a firm enough grip to break his ribs.
Simon rolled back to his feet with Alexandru still wrapped around him. He heard the Vampire’s furious curse before another sound sent him into uncontrollable rage. The sound of bone cracking and Youssef’s cry of pain, spun him around at the same time as Alexandru released him.
“Stop!” Tory’s horrified cry rent the air. “Nonny! Help! Alexandru, Simon stop!”
Chapter Thirteen
Tory woke from the late afternoon nap that she had fallen into feeling more refreshed, and determined, than she had in days. The past few sleepless nights, combined with the days she had been with Simon had finally caught up with her. She had settled into the dreamless, peaceful sleep of the Vampire when they needed time to heal.
She blinked several times as she tried to figure out what had woken her. A loud, but familiar, growl pulled her upright in bed. She scrambled over the side, half sliding, half falling as she tried to get to the window to see if she was imagining things.
A low cry escaped her when she saw her brother and Simon locked in battle. She was unable to move until she saw Simon throw Alexandru off of him. Turning away from the window, she rushed for the door.
Practically flying down the stairs, she waved her hand at the front door to open it. She growled in frustration when the front door opened, but the screen door didn’t. She royally sucked at magic.
Pushing the screen door impatiently to the side, she watched in horror as Alexandru turned on Youssef who was trying to help Simon. The sound of breaking bones and Youssef’s pain-filled cry echoed through the air.
“Stop!” Tory screamed in horror. “Nonny! Help! Alexandru, Simon stop!”
Alexandru ignored Tory’s cry. Unsure of what to do, Tory’s hands rose in the air. A long forgotten spell she had made up slipped from her lips. Her eyes widened as Alexandru, already in motion, disappeared into the dark hole she had created. The moment he passed through it, it closed around him.
“Simon,” Tory whispered, staring at the huge white and gray wolf. “Oh, Simon.”
Tory turned as the door opened behind her. Nonny stepped out onto the porch along with Aura. Both women hurried down the steps to where Youssef lay motionless.
“Tory,” Simon’s choked voice whispered.
Her head turned back to where Simon now stood instead of the white and gray wolf. Blood ran down along his neck and coursed over his bare shoulder. She could see a dark discoloration spread around his ribs on the left side.
Tears glittered in her eyes as he took a stumbling step toward her. She rushed down the steps as he sank to his knees in the red dust. Her hands reached out to touch him.
“Oh Simon,” Tory whispered as she frantically brushed her fingers over his cheeks. “Where are you hurt?”
“My ribs,” he breathed heavily. “I think a few of them are cracked. Give me a minute… to heal.”
Tory caught him in her arms as he fell forward. She carefully rolled him over onto his back. She mumbled a healing chant under her breath. She wasn’t very good with magic, but she was pretty damn good at healing.
She glanced up at Simon’s face to see how much pain he was in. Her breath caught as she saw the tears glistening in them. She caressed his cheek with trembling fingers.
“It will be alright,” she whispered as she brushed the dirt from his face. “Everything will be alright.”
Simon’s hand raised and he captured her hand in his own. He pulled her fingers to his lips and pressed a tender kiss to them before pulling it down to his chest. His eyes remained locked on her face as he started to talk.
“I love you, Tory,” he whispered. “I love you so very much. I knew before he took you that I loved you. I can’t let you go.”
Tory smiled down at him. “You silly Werewolf, whoever said I’d let you? I love you, too, Simon. You just knocked the stuffing out of me. I was coming to get you back as soon as I could.”
“Tory!”
Tory looked up as her mom and dad suddenly appeared. A reassuring smile lit her face as she stared up at her dad’s look of apprehension. She turned back to Simon when he suddenly sat up, wincing slightly as his still healing body protested the sudden movement.
He stared back at her father who was hurrying toward them. Her dad, seeing Simon’s unclothed state, muttered a quick spell. A pair of loose fitting trousers and dark blue T-shirt suddenly clothed Simon.
“Daddy, this is Simon Drayton. He’s a Werewolf and he is all mine,” Tory said as she and Simon rose to their feet. “I love him, daddy.”
Charlie stared at the huge Werewolf standing protectively over his little girl. For a moment, he remembered a time not so long ago when he had stood over Sophie and stared down her father much the same way.
Sophie had been right. It had been time to let his little girl spread her wings. His lip twitched as he noticed the possessive arm around Tory’s waist. He also wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t a grandfather in less than nine months.
“Tory, where’s Alexandru?” Sophie asked as she walked back from where Nonny and Aura were talking with a dazed, but healed Youssef.
“Uh-oh,” Tory whispered with wide eyes.
“Oh dear,” Sophie sighed. “You cast your far, far away spell, didn’t you?”
“He was hurting Simon,” Tory replied, defensively. “I’m sorry, mom.”
Charles laughed and wrapped his arm around his beautiful wife. “Well, it’s a good thing he knows magic, isn’t it? Let’s go inside. Simon, tell me a little about yourself, son.”
Tory grinned up at Simon as he wrapped his arm around her waist. His face softened as he gazed back down at her. Unable to resist, she rose up on her toes and brushed a kiss across his lips.
“Only twenty-four days until the next full moon,” she whispered.
His soft laughter filled the air as they followed her parents into the house. He hadn’t realized that when he decided to take on Tory, that he would be inheriting a whole town of magical creatures. The once lonely world he thought he lived in was suddenly filled with Vampires, witches, trolls and more. He was looking forward to discovering what else was in store for him.
***
“So, what do you think?” Fortune asked Destiny as she held up two identical pairs of blue baby booties. “Twice the fun?”
Destiny laughed. “Tory should have known better than to tempt the Fates!”
The End
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Additional Books by S. E. Smith
Paranorm
al and Science Fiction short stories and novellas
For the Love of Tia (Dragon Lords of Valdier Book 4.1)
A Dragonlings’ Easter (Dragonlings of Valdier Book 1.1)
A Dragonlings’ Haunted Halloween (Dragonlings of Valdier Book 1.2)
A Warrior’s Heart (Marastin Dow Warriors Book 1.1)
Rescuing Mattie (Lords of Kassis: Book 3.1)
Science Fiction/Paranormal Novels
Cosmos’ Gateway Series
Tink’s Neverland (Cosmo’s Gateway: Book 1)
Hannah’s Warrior (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 2)
Tansy’s Titan (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 3)
Cosmos’ Promise (Cosmos’ Gateway: Book 4)
Curizan Warrior
Ha’ven’s Song (Curizan Warrior: Book 1)
Dragon Lords of Valdier
Abducting Abby (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 1)
Capturing Cara (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 2)
Tracking Trisha (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 3)
Ambushing Ariel (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 4)
Cornering Carmen (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 5)
Paul’s Pursuit (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 6)
Twin Dragons (Dragon Lords of Valdier: Book 7)
Lords of Kassis Series
River’s Run (Lords of Kassis: Book 1)
Star’s Storm (Lords of Kassis: Book 2)
Jo’s Journey (Lords of Kassis: Book 3)
Magic, New Mexico Series
Touch of Frost (Magic, New Mexico Book 1)
Sarafin Warriors
Choosing Riley (Sarafin Warriors: Book 1)
