Corviticus University: Void

by J. E. Cluney

  “Oh,” I murmured. Still, a griffin shifter would be epic.

  “There’s never been any of those ultra rare shifters at Corviticus. You hear more stories about them over in the States.”

  I was going to have to research this now when I got home. I was damn curious about these so-called mythical shifters.

  “They don’t have fancy powers, they’re just like a normal shifter,” Ollie stated, overhearing my thoughts. “Except unicorns, apparently they could have magic, but I don’t know for sure.”

  How fascinating.

  We spoke more about different mythical creatures.

  Centaurs weren’t technically real. They were horse or pony shifters that just transformed their lower bodies. It took much focus to get their arms to remain, and only some shifters could pull off the unique transformation.

  True shifters could do it easier, as they had more magic in them.

  By the time we arrived at Ollie’s grandfather’s, we’d discussed a number of mythical creatures that actually were supernatural creatures. Such as fauns, they were goat shifters playing around like centaurs.

  We’d also discussed how our bond had settled down. We were no longer randomly hearing each other’s thoughts, we had to focus now. It was a welcome change.

  I pulled up beside Skip’s beast, the boys already at the house on the verandah. Robert was talking excitedly to Marcus, obviously blown away by the visit from him in broad daylight.

  We were quick to join them, and Robert invited us inside for some tea before we ran off to see Million. It sounded like he wanted some help from the boys with some equipment in the huge shed if they had the chance.

  We all filed into his house, making our way to the lounge room. I sat on the lounge with Lucas and Skip, while Ollie and Marcus chose to stand.

  Ollie headed into the kitchen when called to help his grandfather with tea, since Lucas, Marcus, and I, had accepted the offer.

  “How was work?” Skip asked from beside me. “And the markets?”

  “Good, and good. So much enchanted and charmed stuff, it’s incredible,” I said, still loving this whole world of magic. I doubted I’d ever get used to it like the others were. They’d never known any different.

  “Yeah, Ollie probably told you, but we swung by them too at lunchtime,” Skip said, giving me his charming smile. Having them both squished into my sides was a welcome sensation, and I was sensing their bodies much more in this closeness. The way Skip’s arm brushed mine and his leg was pushed into the side of mine. Lucas had rested one hand on my thigh, and just the innocent touch had sent the tiny spark of heat through me.

  Ugh, pull it together. We’d had more than enough fun last night to last me at least a day.

  ‘There’s always more fun to have,’ Skip murmured mentally as he leaned over to kiss my neck.

  I clenched my thighs as I bit my lip, Lucas’ hand sliding up my thigh.

  Marcus was watching me from his spot against the doorframe, a mischievous smirk playing at his lips as he crossed his arms.

  “I wonder how long it’ll take them to finish up the teas?” Skip murmured, his hot breath caressing my neck as his hand ran up my side teasingly.

  I gasped, heat flushing my body as Lucas turned my face his way and gave me a light kiss, pulling back to reveal his gorgeous lopsided smile. I stared into those deep green eyes, twinkling playfully as he stroked my cheek.

  These bastards were going to be the death of me.

  They both pulled back, Lucas’ hand sliding to a more acceptable place on my thigh and Skip hooking an arm around my shoulders as Ollie and his grandfather returned.

  I hoped to dear God that his old age had messed with his nose and he wouldn’t scent my arousal caused by the two naughty terrors.

  Marcus winked at me, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

  What was he up to?

  “So, Allison, how’s everything going? I spoke to Ollie on the phone today, he says you’ve got some interesting banshee powers, and you solved a missing child case!” Robert looked completely amazed as he sunk into his armchair, his weathered face pulled into a delighted smile, his white beard neatly trimmed. His tired hazel eyes still held some spark, and he sipped his tea as he relaxed, watching me carefully.

  “Yeah, it’s interesting learning how to use them, but I’m getting the hang of it quickly,” I stated, shifting under his gaze.

  “Will you continue to help out with investigations?” he asked.

  Ollie gave me my tea, along with Marcus, who sipped it and a pleased expression washed over his features. He then hurried off to collect Lucas’ one from the kitchen.

  “Maybe, I do need to focus on my studies though, and learning about all my powers,” I said. I’d thought about it more, and I knew a part of me wanted to continue helping. But I’d need breaks to move on from the trauma of the cases.

  Thinking about Samantha still hurt, but at least justice was being sought now, and her family knew.

  It didn’t make her death any easier to accept, but I’d done what others couldn’t. And it felt good.

  “And you gave Marcus his life back to some extent. That’s amazing!” Robert breathed, shaking his head, thoroughly impressed.

  “Yeah, I still don’t know how or why,” I murmured, my eyes drifting over to the vampire. Banshees had power when it came to death. That was the only explanation I had, that I’d enhanced him and restored some things he’d lost. He was still a vampire, but things had changed, massively. Even fae vampires couldn’t taste food. They could walk in the sun, untouched, but Marcus was greater than that.

  “Well, however it was done, I’m grateful. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him,” Robert said, smiling fondly at Marcus.

  We drank our teas, talking about our studies and more about my powers. I learned that Robert was getting some more rescue horses in soon, too many for Penny to handle. He was hoping Ollie could help out some afternoons if he was free. He accepted the offer, but not because Robert offered to pay him. Ollie tried to refuse, but Robert knew he needed it. He’d been living off his inheritance from his grandmother, but Robert wanted to help him work however he could.

  Eventually, Lucas was asked to help Robert fix up some fencing in the back paddock, since he could use his magic to get the job done quickly. Skip offered to assist, and the trio headed off in the old dual cab ute, while the three of us left for the stable.

  “I was thinking, maybe tomorrow night, we could go to dinner?” Marcus said as we leaned against the fence, watching as Ollie and Million tore around the paddock. There were jumps set up now, as Penny had been training a few of the rescues in jumping for their potential owners.

  Million was soaring over them with ease, and then proceeded to rocket around the barrels set up as well before shooting off and over the crest, disappearing from sight.

  “Are you asking me on a date?” I grinned as I turned to look at Marcus.

  Seeing him standing outside, looking so pleased and content with life, basking in the afternoon sun, made my heart soar. No more Mr Broody. He was happy again, and I loved it.

  “Maybe,” he chuckled, turning to face me fully, those frosty eyes lit up.

  I couldn’t help it, I closed the gap between us, leaning up on my toes to catch his mouth.

  His cool arms wrapped around me, a stark contrast to the warm afternoon breeze, and he deepened the kiss.

  I melted against him, my hands pressed against his chest as he moaned into my mouth.

  I knew he loved having my body pressed against him, holding me tight. I was his, and he was mine.

  Nothing could ever change that.

  We broke apart, and he caught my chin, our eyes locking.

  “I truly love you, Allison,” he said, his expression completely serious and full of sheer love and affection.

  I just stared at him, grinning stupidly.

  “I love you too,” I murmured, fisting my hands in his black tee as I smiled at him.

  His face br
oke into a joyous smile, and I was blown away by how utterly gorgeous he looked with such a full smile, sheer delight and happiness glowing from him.

  He lifted me into the air, and I hooked my legs around his waist as he kissed me again, deeply and lovingly.

  He twirled me around, causing me to break the kiss and laugh. He was beyond happy.

  Because of me.

  We both turned as we heard Million rocket back over the crest, watching as the horse and rider flew over another jump.

  As Marcus set me down, a strange sensation washed over me once more.

  I turned away as Marcus called out to Ollie, congratulating him on his superb riding. It’d been ages since he’d seen him ride.

  I found myself walking away from them, drawn to something back towards the house.

  I couldn’t explain the pull, but it felt similar to this morning, with that strange man. Except this time, it was stronger.

  20

  Ollie.

  The wind pulled at my clothing as Million launched over the jump.

  “Good boy,” I murmured, patting his neck upon the perfect landing. He was really enjoying himself, and sweat lined his neck from the sheer workout he was getting. But he was behaving perfectly for me today. We were in sync, tearing around the paddock, the wind tugging at my clothing.

  And he was excelling, the obstacles no match for him. I couldn’t believe how quickly he’d picked everything up.

  I pulled him back to a trot, aiming him towards the fence where Marcus and Allison watched me.

  “Good job Ollie, still as superb as always!” Marcus called out, and I grinned at him. Seeing him out and about with us, it made me think of the way things once were. He was more himself than ever before.

  All thanks to Allison.

  We had our friend back.

  “I can’t believe how well he’s doing,” I stated as I drew closer.

  Allison had moved away, and I wondered what had caught her eye, but I was pulled back as Marcus started talking to me.

  “He’s incredible. You think you’ll enter the local barrel comps with him?” Marcus asked.

  “Maybe, even some jumping. There’s the local races too, he’d love that,” I said. There were some races done on a backyard race track on the other side of town. Nothing major, and they were run by a rescue farm. They were considered safe as they were short distance ones. Nothing too strenuous on the horses.

  Shifters would check the horses over, and any that looked like they were being forced to race would be disqualified. Only horses who truly loved to run were allowed. The ex-racers or even other breeds that just loved to hurtle down a track.

  We both shuddered as a strange sensation washed over us, and we locked eyes instantly.

  “Ally,” breathed.

  Marcus flitted off, and I clambered down off Million, quickly untacking him in record time and letting him loose in the paddock.

  I dumped all the gear on the other side of the fence before taking off after Marcus, dread filling me.

  21

  Skip.

  I chatted with Robert as Lucas used his magic to fix up the tangled mess of a fence. A horse had tried to go through it in a panic, tearing the whole thing down. It had sadly had to get put down due to its injuries, and Robert hadn’t gotten time to hire someone to help him fix it, and Penny was too busy with the horses. He’d had a few young guys helping out with odd jobs and horse stuff as well, but they’d both recently moved out of town in search of more permanent work.

  “So, you’re all mated to Allison now, huh?” Robert mused as he leaned against the tray of his ute.

  “Apparently,” I stated, loving how it didn’t bother him in the slightest.

  “Interesting. You four are happy to share her?”

  “We’re like brothers already, and we don’t really get a choice,” I shrugged. There was no jealousy between us. She cared for all of us.

  “Her magic is powerful if it gave Marcus some life back,” he said, his eyes flicking to where the fence was rebuilding itself, untangling and the wires fusing back together.

  “Yeah, we all feel stronger, more powerful,” I nodded. I’d felt it, the influx in power. I’d even gone to the gym earlier today to test it out. I could lift way more than I used to with ease.

  We’d discussed what it could mean for us while Bee Sting was away. Lucas thought he could try more advanced magic sooner, rather than trying to build up to it. Ollie was still trying to understand what effect it had had on him.

  And Marcus, well, I’d never seen him so himself before. He’d spent most of the day in the sun, outside picking fruit from the fruit trees and eating away. He’d come to the markets with us too, which earned him odd stares. Lucas had informed his father, in case someone reported it as dark magic or something.

  Mr Brady was fascinated by it, but was giving Allison space after the case with Samantha.

  “What ever happened with that wendigo too? Oliver told me about it, said the Area Enforcer was handling it,” Robert said as he shifted his weight to his other leg.

  “Nothing yet,” I growled. She’d had that moment with it in the void. Using her scream to banish it. We’d talked about that today too. We had to be on guard, prepared for it. But at full power, Allison stood a better chance of defending herself against it now.

  Hopefully.

  “All done Bob,” Lucas said as he joined us, dusting his hands off on his navy suit. He looked so out of place out in the paddock in his fancy suit, but I’d grown used to it.

  “Thanks Lucas, I dunno how long it would’ve taken me to get that fixed, I’ve had my mind preoccupied with the other horses coming in. At least Ollie can help with them,” Robert sighed, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

  “Maybe it’s time to fully retire,” Lucas suggested.

  “I am retired,” Robert laughed. “I can’t do nothing. These horses deserve a second chance. Penny has been helping heaps. And I can manage this place.”

  I just folded my arms. Robert was a tough old man. He’d keep doing what he loved, he’d find a way.

  Ringing sounded, and Lucas pulled out his phone.

  “Emma, hey, what’s up?” Lucas smiled as he answered.

  The pleasant expression fell instantly.

  “No, she’s back with the other two, why? What’s wrong?”

  I focused my hearing, hearing Emma panting as she spoke. Apparently Allison’s parents had reached out to her across the veil, informing her the wendigo was making its move. She tried to call Allison but had gotten no response.

  “Got it, thanks,” Lucas ended the call quickly.

  As if on cue, we both shuddered as a dark sensation washed over us. We exchanged knowing, worried glances.

  “Time to see how powerful I’ve gotten,” Lucas stated.

  He grabbed my arm as Robert gave us a confused look, trying to understand what was going on.

  It took me a moment to realize just what he was about to try to do.

  “You haven’t been able to make portals and teleport properly!” I said, my voice rising as the purple magic engulfed us.

  He had managed it once or twice, but hadn’t ended up in the right place that he’d been planning.

  Fingers crossed this worked.

  22

  Marcus.

  I froze a few feet from Allison, utter dread tearing through me and stopping me in my tracks.

  Allison stood before a man dressed as a biker, his pitch black eyes unnerving me as he grinned at her.

  He was bad news, I could tell that immediately. But I also knew that he was radiating some kind of magic, drawing Allison to him.

  She stood before him, just staring, and he reached out to her.

  I couldn’t move, my body wasn’t responding fast enough, it was like his magic was affecting me somehow.

  As his hand closed around her wrist, magic pulsed from her, a flash of purple energy knocking him away.

  Allison staggered backwards, clutching
at her neck, and I shouted out to her.

  No, she wasn’t hurt.

  The pendant had reacted.

  But she was caught in some trance as she straightened, the man looking quite confused as he pulled himself back to his feet.

  “Allison!” I shouted once more, fighting the magic that was holding me firmly.

  No, this magic, it felt familiar.

  Allison’s magic.

  But at the same time, it wasn’t being controlled by her.

  My eyes fixed on the strange man, who was grinning triumphantly as he held out his hand to her.

  Could it be?

  I flinched as a purple portal opened up a few feet away, and Skip tumbled through with Lucas.

  Lucas moved quickly, magic flaring from his hands, restoring my movement as he launched the opposing man into the air.

  “It’s the wendigo!” Lucas snarled.

  I flitted forward, grabbing Allison and moving her back to where Skip was.

  “What’s going on?” Allison gasped.

  “It’s the wendigo,” Skip said, his face taut as he stared at where Lucas was standing off against the creature. “Lucas will deal with it.”

  “No he won’t,” Allison whispered.

  I felt it too, something strange coming from Lucas.

  He staggered sideways, throwing his arms out to steady himself.

  “Nice milkshake you had today?” the stranger called out.

  “He’s warded against magic,” Skip murmured, disbelieving what he was insinuating.

  “What did you do to me?!” Lucas snapped, struggling to stand as his hands glowed with magic.

  “You’re warded against magic and potions. But the right mix of natural ingredients won’t be affected if you don’t add any magic to it,” the man smirked.