by Gina LaManna
Grey gave an authoritative nod, seemingly unimpressed. Who were these people? I vaguely wondered. And what other sort of secret societies went on without my knowledge? Until this week, I hadn’t even heard of an Elderwolf, and now I was a participant in their top-secret meeting.
“Another quarter of the Rangers will be scattered around in hidden locations. We have archers, wizards and witches, shifters, and more,” Ranger X continued. “The last quarter of the Rangers will be on their Comms and ready to report if necessary. We need them to hold down the fort at home.”
Ranger X sounded almost apologetic. Grey merely listened. It felt like I was observing the presidential detail. The severity of the moment began to sink in.
“You don’t do many of these meetings, huh?” I mused out loud. “Lots of work for a little tea party.”
Ranger X hid a thin smile, looking to Grey for the appropriate response. Grey burst into laughter, but it wasn’t as deep, as wild, as his usual laugh. I could see the muscles on his arms knotted, tense, as he flexed his fingers.
“No,” Grey said. “We avoid meeting. Having all the Elderwolves in one place is incredibly dangerous. Hence the reason we only use the best security specialists in the magical world.”
“Apparently,” I said. “Next you’re going to tell me you’ve got dragons on standby.”
Ranger X and Grey exchanged a look.
“You’re kidding,” I said. “You can’t—you don’t have dragons on standby.”
“No,” Ranger X deadpanned. “They’re far too unpredictable. And, you know, gravely endangered.”
I couldn’t tell if he was serious, so I kept my lips zipped.
“However, we have Glinda and the Forest Fairies buzzing around,” Ranger X said. “They’ll have picked up on any unwelcome visitors, and they’ll continue the watch until the meeting has adjourned. Then we have—”
“Best if I don’t know everything.” Grey stopped walking, extended a hand to Ranger X. “I appreciate this, my friend.”
Ranger X dipped his head. It must have been some sort of silent dismissal because he then turned and disappeared between two trees. I squinted after him, trying to determine if he had slipped fluidly into the darkness, or if he’d truly vanished.
“Don’t think too hard about it,” Grey said at my curious expression. “It’ll hurt your brain.”
I gave a snort of disbelief. “Apparently.”
“The only thing to know is that he’s one of the good guys. If you ever need anything, trust him, trust Lily.”
Grey’s warning seemed uncharacteristically somber. It threw me for a loop to see his almost childish good-nature replaced by a more serious one. As I watched him, his very figure seemed to tremble. Whether it was magically related, or just normal tension and nerves, I couldn’t say.
“We’re here,” Grey said after a few more paces. “The others will be here soon. Sorry, Detective. I’m going to have to ask you to remain silent from here on out—at least until the others have arrived, and I’ve properly introduced you.”
We didn’t have long to wait before the first pop sounded, and a man in white robes appeared across the clearing from us. Grey merely nodded toward him, then fell silent.
As I waited for the next pop, I studied our surroundings. It was impossible to tell exactly where we were on The Isle. A stream gurgled in the background, a light soundtrack to the rustle of wind through the trees. The stars were clear here, bright against the black sky. The moon reflected off everything, brighter and closer than ever before. A jagged volcano cut across the distance and rose high above the rest of the land, a glowing orange tip glimmering like the cherry on an ice cream sundae.
Another pop drew my attention back to the clearing, then two more after that. In the next lull, I glanced toward the treetops for a glimpse of all the Rangers that X had mentioned, but either they were invisible, or they were experts at tucking themselves out of sight.
I completed my scan of the nearby treetops without catching a whiff of movement. The stillness was almost more eerie—as if all local forest life had abandoned the nearby area. An evacuation of creatures didn’t bode well for the situation—it took a lot to frighten the forest dwellers.
Pop, pop, pop, and another three Elderwolves arrived. All twelve had arrived during my scan of the nearby areas. A tremor sizzled through the air. Nine men and three women stood before me, all of them in pristine, white robes except for Grey. They were situated in a perfectly formed circle. Only I stood outside of it, and just barely.
Then Grey let go of my hand, and before my eyes, his attire transformed, the worn blue jeans and dark T-shirt morphing into a matching white robe.
“Welcome.” Grey spoke to the group. “Thank you for meeting tonight under such short notice.”
The other eleven all watched Grey as he spoke, then carefully bowed their heads in deference when he fell silent. I wondered if Grey was some sort of leader or spokesperson for the group. Despite being the youngest of the bunch, there was a level of respect directed toward Grey.
“I don’t like this,” one of the females spoke first. “She shouldn’t be here.”
I glanced around, taking a beat too long to realize she was talking about me.
“I’m sure he has his reasons,” another, older male, said. “We must trust the collective.”
“I’m part of the collective,” the first female hissed. “I don’t trust her. She smells of vampire.”
“This is more than vampires versus wolves,” the older male argued. “This is about the peace of the magical world. If we let her flounder alone, we will all pay the price.”
“Hey,” I said, raising a hand. “I’m not really floundering. I’m just...”
Grey’s eyes landed on me, a fierceness in them that mixed curiously with amusement.
“She dares speak?” the female Elderwolf asked, appalled. “This is unacceptable. Grey—”
Grey blinked his eyes, held up a hand. “I think we should get straight to business. We’ve all been called here to discuss the best course of action in regards to The Hex Files.”
“What about them?” I asked Grey. “I don’t know anything other than what I’ve already told you.”
“Haverson?” Grey nodded toward an older gentleman across the circle.
Haverson cleared his throat and surveyed me carefully, but not unkindly. “Miss DeMarco, what would you say if I told you that we had one of the missing files and we are prepared to hand it over?”
That had my spine going rigid. “To me? Why would you do that?”
“In exchange for your trust and assistance.”
I felt my head shaking back and forth. “I don’t understand why you’ve chosen me for the safekeeping of the file.”
“As I imagine you know, some time ago, The Hex Files were almost invoked by a rogue vampire. If that would have happened, Wicked would have fallen into evil hands, and we would have been powerless to stop it.”
“I heard something about it, but—”
“If Matthew King hadn’t found the vampire, gotten rid of him, we would all have been doomed.”
“Wait, what about Matthew?” I stared at Haverson. “How did he put a stop to it?”
“He killed the vampire,” Haverson said. “It was the only way.”
“Dani—” Grey reached for me. “I’m sure he didn’t tell you because it was a long time ago.”
I reeled from the information. “This file you have—how did it come into your hands?”
“All six files were passed out to different entities, if you will, for safe keeping,” Haverson said. “The master file went to the NYPD. I believe you’ve seen it.”
“Yes.”
“Then you know the prophecy that will surround itself with its protectors. It will draw the five of you together, like it or not. It’s a protection method.”
“Which file do you have?”
“It is...” Haverson hesitated. “It’s not your file; we believe that your file is a
lready in the hands of whoever attacked you. We imagine that’s how he—or she—got your name.”
“So, there are five files left.”
“And this is one of them.” Haverson stepped into the middle of the circle, extended it to me. “And we would like it to be in your care. You’ll need this more than us.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” I said. “How is it safer for me—a single witch—to have the file, than it is for you all to keep it under wraps?”
“You’re one of the protectors,” Haverson said. “You’ll need all the files to uphold the balance. At some point, they’ll need to come into your possession, and I believe you need this one now.”
“I still think this is a bad idea,” one of the female Elderwolves said. “How do we know we can trust her?”
“She is our only hope, along with the other four, Francesca. The collective has made its choice.”
I accepted the file from Haverson, tempted to crack it open and peruse the name and information within, but I refrained. My fingers shook slightly as I nodded my thanks at the Elderwolf.
“We ask one more thing of you,” Haverson said, his eyes focusing on the file clasped to my chest.
“Yes?”
“We know with certainty—” Haverson gestured toward himself and the others—“that it wasn’t a werewolf of ours who attacked Captain King.”
“Of yours?”
“The Elderwolves rule over all wolf packs,” he said. “We feel it when we lose someone, such as our dear Allie Sparks. And we know when one of ours has killed.”
The quiet settled over the circle.
“But Matthew wasn’t killed,” I said. “And neither was Willa’s mother.”
Haverson shifted in a way that made me uncomfortable. As if he knew something that I didn’t. A sudden panic set in.
“None of us attacked your Matthew, nor did we harm Kady Bloomer,” Haverson said. “In fact, we sent out instructions to all the pack leaders to inform their members that a retaliation against Allie Sparks’s death would not be tolerated. It would be punishable by death.”
“How do you know one of your wolves didn’t slip under the radar?”
“It’s impossible,” Haverson said. “There’s a collective within each pack. Suffice to say, secrets are few and far between, and a secret as large as this one would not be hidden.”
“Then who do you think it was?”
“We don’t know, and that’s why we need you.” Haverson gestured again around the circle. “We have not retaliated, nor will we. Don’t spend your time looking at us. We believe the attacks all have something to do with The Hex Files.”
“You don’t think Matthew’s attack had anything to do with retaliation?”
“It could be a werewolf who hasn’t joined a pack,” Haverson admitted. “But beyond that, no. I think it’s possible that Matthew King has a file out there with his name in it.”
“And Willa’s mother?”
Haverson locked eyes with Grey. “I think it’s time you take her home.”
Chapter 22
“I’m not sleeping at your place tonight,” I said, elbowing Grey once the rest of the Elderwolves had vanished and left us alone in the forest clearing. “I’m going home.”
“It’s not safe there.”
“Believe me, I’ve got enough pent up anger to fight off the worst of whatever’s coming after me.”
“I have to admit, your fireballs are impressive,” Grey said with a smile. “And also illegal. Please, stay under my roof tonight. I have a comfortable guest suite. Do it for your vamp.”
“Right, like Matthew wants me sleeping over at your place.”
“No, but he wants you safe more than anything.”
“I’ll be safe—”
“May I suggest,” Ranger X said, startling both Grey and I by his quiet appearance between the trees, “that we put you up at the B&B tonight? It is the best on The Isle. It’s won several awards.”
“It’s the only one on The Isle,” Grey said with a smirk. “And Midge gave herself the awards.”
Ranger X allowed us a glimpse of one of his rare smiles, and it was a startling one. It cut through the rough edges of his face to give the tiniest flash of insight to the man beyond the black Ranger attire. “But the macaroni and cheese is to die for, or so Lily tells me.”
“I’ll do that,” I said, pointing at Ranger X. “What he said. Let’s get some dinner and two rooms at the motel. I’m starved.”
“A very good choice,” X said, nodding. “You’ll have privacy to discuss business over dinner and then separate rooms so you’re close—but not too close.”
He gave each of us meaningful stares. First me, then Grey. It seemed he was telling me I’d be fed well and have my privacy, while simultaneously telling Grey he could sit outside my door and play watchdog all night if he so chose.
The jaunt across The Isle was made up of purposeful footsteps and my own labored breathing. Apparently the two gigantic men with their super long legs had no problem walking across the island at a pace that felt like a sprint to me.
I was anxious enough that I didn’t mind. The file practically burned a hole against my chest as we walked, and I was so swept up in my thoughts that I missed most of the scenery as we blew past the Lower Bridge and wound our way past a little town on Main Street and over to a rickety arrow directing us to the B&B.
We passed a coffee shop, then signed in with the spritely little woman at the front desk. Midge had to climb up a pile of books to get to her sign in log. From behind the desk, she appeared very happy to have us.
“I hear your mac and cheese is to die for,” I said. “And I’m about to die of hunger, so is there any chance I could put in an order for that?”
“Of course,” Midge said blithely. “If you have a death wish. I mean, people really have died for it.”
“Is she kidding?” I turned to Ranger X. “I don’t want to die. I have enough people trying to kill me as it is.”
He shrugged in a way that wasn’t very comforting.
Grey barked a laugh that startled Midge from her pile of books. She had to climb back up the stack and straighten her hair before finishing the sign in process. Once she was done, she instructed us to head up to our rooms, freshen up, and meet back in the kitchen for food in half an hour.
Grey and I bid goodbye to Ranger X, who made us promise to call if we needed anything else. Then we were off to our rooms.
My room looked like Willa. It was pink and frilly and lit with perfectly dim lighting that set a relaxing, romantic sort of mood. The pillowcases looked like they’d been crocheted by hand, and the wallpaper featured sprigs of soft, blooming pussy willows every which way. Three perfectly pink roses bloomed in a vase on the vanity, which was lighted by a glowing flame near a picture window.
Since I didn’t actually have ‘things’, I went straight for the bed and flopped on it. I pulled the file out, wondering if I should wait for Grey to open it. Then, I figured Grey and the Elderwolves had spent plenty of decades with the file, and now, it was my turn.
But first, I needed to check in with the hospital. Pulling the Comm to my lips, I waited patiently for a patch through to Anita.
“Dani.” Anita’s tone was nearly indiscernible through the magical device. “I was expecting your call.”
“Then I bet you predicted my questions,” I said. “So, what are the answers?”
“I’m relieved to tell you that Matthew is out of the woods,” she said. “He’s made it through the worst of the healing process and is now beginning the recovery portion. He will be fine.”
I let out a breath of relief I hadn’t known I’d been holding. A guarded ache deep in my gut eased, and a sense of tiredness suddenly settled on my shoulders. The adrenaline had kept my exhaustion at bay, but with the news that Matthew had pulled through the worst of his injuries, it came washing back in full force.
The line, however, went suspiciously silent.
“And Kady?�
�
“I don’t know, hon.” Nurse Anita’s voice came through sounding worried. “We’re doing the best we can. She’s tough, but she’s not Matthew. All the resolve in the world won’t make her as quick of a healer as a vampire.”
“Willa?” My throat felt tight, closed. “Is she there?”
“Of course. And Jack is with her,” she hurried to add. “I’m sure whatever you’re doing, wherever you are—it’s good for you. There’s nothing you can do here. Willa knows you love her.”
“Just tell her I called, will you? And let Matthew know, too.”
“Hon, he’s not responsive.”
“Still.”
“Of course I will,” she said. “Do you have any leads on who—or what—came after them?”
I glanced at the file. “I don’t know; I might be onto something. I have to get going. Keep me posted, Anita.”
She promised and said goodbye. Before I could flip open the first page, I sensed movement on the other side of my door.
Leaping to my feet, I had my Stunner pulled by the time my doorknob moved and Grey had one foot through the door. He raised his hands slowly.
“I’m not opposed to you pulling a Stunner on me,” Grey said easily. “I’ll take it any day over a fireball.”
“I’ll take a knock any day over a break-in!”
“I didn’t break in! I knocked; there was no answer,” Grey said, eyeing the room suspiciously. “Is everything alright in here?”
“Yes. I was talking to Anita.”
“Oh.” Grey slipped the rest of the way into the room but left the door open. His gaze was heavy. “I’m sorry. Any news?”
“Matthew will be fine,” I said. “Willa’s mother is still in danger.”
Grey shook his head, toed at the floor. “Such a waste.”
“She’s not dead yet.”
“It’s still a waste for them to have been attacked.” Grey looked up and his face changed at the stern look on mine. “Sorry—you’re right. I shouldn’t have barged in here. It’s just... I thought that maybe something had happened when you didn’t respond.”
