“Where am I?” We stood in the middle of what reminded me of a surveillance room. Oddly shaped fabric strips in varying colors were pinned to the infinite walls, forming projector-like screens. Some bits were huge, others no bigger than scraps, but every piece was stitched together like a patchwork quilt and forecasted images from different worlds. “What is this place?”
“This is where we work,” Burr said, appearing beside me. He had a cheesy grin on his face. “Welcome to the Patch Watchdog.” He pointed a chubby finger at a graying square no bigger than a notebook, which was smoldering at the edges. “This is the patch you just destroyed. Soon it will burn completely, and when that happens it’s imperative that I close the gap between the patches. You know what they say—a stitch on time saves nine.”
“I thought it was in time.”
He shrugged. “Either way, we need to ensure no long-term damage is done to either side. Thanks to you, we can watch the progress.”
I didn’t know what to say, but needed to get back to my friends. “How did I get here?”
“You’re here to safeguard your gift,” Hecate said.
I turned to look at her. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
A smile curved her lips and the Strophalos between her eyes flashed. “By destroying the patch of the seeds, you not only saved your friends and obliterated these harmful parasites—you also saved yourself, and your sister.”
I glanced at the witch’s bottle. “How did I save myself?”
“You’ve inherited a great power and without sealing it, others might be tempted to steal it from you in the future.” She ran her fingertips down my arm, leaving a warm trail along my skin. When she traced the tattoo on the back of my left hand, it lit up and a burning sensation flowed over me. “No one can touch your gift now, because it’s sealed inside you.” She kissed my cheek. “Nobody can take what is only yours.”
Her fiery touch made something inside me click into place. What the Obscurus put me through to snatch this power would never be repeated. The Goddess had just made sure of that.
“You are welcome here any time,” Burr said, beaming. “Just go to North Serene Hills and the path will open up at the crossroads.”
“But it’s not going to be abandoned much longer,” I said, thinking of the construction crews.
“Didn’t you hear?” he asked, with a bright smile. “Regalia filed for bankruptcy and were bought out by a company called Tailors Inc. Development ceased immediately.”
“You bought it?”
He nodded, physically beaming.
“Sierra, time is running out.” Hecate pointed at the half-smoldered patch. “You need to get back.” She held the blue bottle out to me. “Take this with you. This is your reward.”
I stared at the bottle. Before taking it, I pulled something out of my own pocket and said, “Only if you and Burr promise to keep this safe.” I handed her Mace’s Ecliptic ring and she closed her fingers around it.
“Agreed, now go.”
I grabbed the bottle and was about to say something when she pressed her palm to my forehead and the world turned pink. I blinked, trying to focus on the faces that appeared above me. My lungs were working, even if every breath hurt.
“Is she dead?” someone asked.
“No, she’s got a pulse.”
“Sierra, come on, wake up.” The third voice shocked me into recognition. Willow leaned over me. Her face was dirty and her clothes torn, but it was my sister. I sat up and held her so tightly she whispered, “I can’t breathe.”
“I’m sorry.” I let go. “Where did you come from?”
She shrugged. “I can’t remember anything after the ritual. I thought I was dead.”
I patted her hair. Hecate’s words echoed inside my mind. “This is your reward.” I glanced down to find the blue bottle split in two. Hecate and Burr had kept their word.
“Sierra, we thought you were dead,” Lavie said, crouching down beside me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “What happened?”
“You left us in the circle and then meat and gore rained down all over the place,” Lavie said with obvious distaste. “Then you were screaming and the place started crumbling.”
“How did we get out?”
Carleen said, “The earth crumbled beneath our feet, we fell and landed here.”
I looked around. We were back where we’d started—at the demolished site of the Hocking house. “Hold on a second,” I said, staring at both of them. “If the patch was destroyed and we’re back here…” I swallowed. “Did it work?”
Lavie and Carleen were both smiling as they extended their hands and arms. Carleen’s skin was clear, but Lavie’s had silvery scars. Still, the demonic seeds were definitely gone.
I jumped to my feet and threw my arms around them.
“I hate to break up this happy group, but where the hell are we?” Willow asked, regarding the barren site. “By the way, is this a bad time to ask about my birthday party?”
“No, unless you’re not prepared for your exams,” I teased.
“Oh crap, how long have I been MIA?”
“Your first exam is in three days.”
Willow rolled her eyes. “Trust you to get me out of there before my HSC.”
I burst out laughing, and couldn’t stop until we got home.
Epilogue
Seeing ghosts may pay the bills, but I’ve come to realize that the power I inherited from my grandmother can do a hell of a lot more.
Without the restrictions of the Spook Catcher Council overlords, I can make a real difference. And now that the Obscurus are truly gone and the Alliance debunked, I can get on with my life and help the Patch Watchdog keep the balance between the patches.
My biggest threat might be gone, but I’m not stupid. Other threats will pop up, but at least they won’t be able to steal anything from me via any fanatical ritual.
Too bad my powder blue whale of a car won’t be a part of my life anymore. After the office block explosion, the Fairlane was crushed beyond repair. Sure, it was an old sturdy car but it wasn’t strong enough to withstand the downpour of so many bricks. I’m going to miss it. As for the office, the place used to be my safe haven, but lately… At least the insurance company was going to pay Papan. Money he was going to use to help the wolves reclaim their estate.
I’d lost quite a bit during this year, but Ebony and Oren felt like a punch to the chest every time I thought about them. My biological grandfather had left my sister and me an inheritance. We didn’t know the details yet but according to Saul, the old man had some sort of mansion and more cars than him. I’d had no idea, and the monetary gain didn’t mean anything to me.
I would trade it all to have him and Ebony back.
But they’re gone, moved on. Though, not completely gone—I’d already memorized the spell that would enable communication between us.
I stepped into the kitchen and batted aside one of the many paper plate ghosts Willow and Michael had made for their joined Halloween-themed dress-up birthday party extravaganza. The decorations were cute, and nowhere near as harmful as the real deal.
“Sierra, this party’s awesome!” Willow squealed as she hugged me. Every time I saw her she would throw her arms around my neck and say the same thing. She seemed happy, vibrant. I was especially relieved about the being alive to celebrate her birthday bit.
“Who are you supposed to be again?” She’d already told me but I had no idea what the white pajamas, a lock of gray hair—which had been curled and teased—symbolized.
“Nancy Thompson from A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Willow said, with a roll of her eyes. “I’ve already told you a hundred times! Don’t you remember she was wearing pajamas when her hot boyfriend from across the road got killed by Freddy?”
“Oh, right.” I really didn’t. “So
, are you and Michael a couple now?”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“What happened with Jamie?”
Willow looked away. “Ask Ronnie.”
Ah, so that was the problem. I wasn’t surprised the two poltergeists had found comfort in each other’s arms. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Her blue eyes glistened when she looked up. “I really like Michael.”
“Go and have some fun, then.” I pushed her away, and watched as she squeezed past the crowd of teenagers who’d invaded my house.
The party was actually in the backyard, where Gareth was playing DJ and spinning tunes while the kids ate, drank and danced the night away. The constable was dressed like a zombie cop, or at least that’s what I thought he was. Willow claimed he was dressed as Maniac Cop, some obscure horror movie character I’d never heard of.
I waved when Gareth caught my eye after taking another request from one of Willow’s friends. He dipped his chin, smiled and continued selecting music.
My sister reached Michael and he wrapped an arm around her waist. He was dressed as Michael Myers from the Halloween movies, in blue overalls and an eerie white mask.
I chuckled and stepped inside. The lonely sunflower I’d finally planted inside the pot Papan surprised me with on Valentine’s Day sat on the window sill, and gave the kitchen a warm ambience.
“Ms. Fox! I mean, Sierra,” Roe said, as I turned to face him. “I’m not interruptin’, am I?”
Since he’d gotten all of the girls out of the Tower safely and nursed them back to full health, he appeared happier. Roe claimed he’d found a real purpose, and with the old Victorian house full of life he’d decided to convert it into a boarding school for spook catchers. He’d even gone as far as contacting the other businesses around Australia and was planning a conference. But tonight, the girls were here to help celebrate my sister’s birthday and enjoy themselves.
“No, you’re not interrupting. Who are you dressed as?”
“Oh, I’m dressed as myself. My tragic life is enough of a horror story.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“Yes?” His dark, attentive eyes were glistening and a small smile curved his thin lips. I had a feeling he knew exactly what I was going to say.
Between the party preparations and dealing with multiple insurance claims, as well as everything else, I forgot a lot of things. But I needed to give him an answer. He’d been patient enough. “I just wanted to let you know that although I want to invest in your business, will be interested in helping you train the girls, and want to be a part of the conferences you hold…I’m not going to become a partner.”
“I thought as much,” Roe said with a nod. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m positive.” This was a hard decision to make, but the right one. I had other plans. “I appreciate the offer and admire what you’re doing to help the catchers, but I’ve got my own path to follow.”
“I respect your decision. Thank you for letting me know.” He grabbed my left hand and squeezed. “But, it’s an open offer, so if you ever change your mind…”
“Thanks. And you’re welcome. If you or the girls need anything—anything at all—please don’t ever hesitate to call.”
“I think I’ll take you up on that.” The sound of giggly teenagers shattered the ambience when Claire—dressed as a witch with a pointy hat and short black dress—and Jana—dressed as a black cat with a pointy-ear headband and short black dress—charged past me. They each grabbed one of Roe’s arms and said in unison, “Come on, you have to dance with us.”
Roe chuckled. “Looks like I’ve been summoned.”
“Have fun, Roe.”
The young spook catchers waved as they dragged him away. I watched them disappear outside before texting Lavie. Are you sure you don’t want to come to the party?
Her response came instantly. Nah, I’m having a quiet night in.
Okay, I responded and placed the phone back on the hall table. I couldn’t help but wonder where she was having this night in, since she was staying with me. As soon as the thought raced through my head a niggling sensation tickled the back of my left hand. I checked my pocket and found a scrap piece of paper. Don’t worry about Lavie, she’s in good hands. ;)
I couldn’t help but smile and dumped the note beside my mobile.
The last few weeks had been hard for everyone. There’d been too many funerals—Oren, Ebony and Sally. Not to mention the pack members who’d died at the hands of Mace and his phantasms—twenty wolves in total. Lavie and I had done what we could to make each wake feel more like a celebration of life, rather than concentrate on the sadness of death. It was what Oren wanted, and helped me deal with the grief.
I’d left the sorting of Ebony’s things to Jana and Claire because I couldn’t do it.
Everyone was recovering, including Conrad. He was holed up inside a vampire club, learning the ropes of becoming a bloodsucking parasite while insisting he would continue to hunt. It’s what he’d told us at last week’s hunter’s meeting. The numbers were considerably lower this time and we’d ended on a somber note of silence for the fallen, but Burr promised a newsworthy meeting next month. And I’d gotten a kick out of introducing Gareth as our new healer.
Lavie told me the Alliance was in shambles. Apparently, Jacinta hadn’t been doing her job for a while, was too busy aligning herself with the Obscurus. People could be so stupid. You didn’t control demons—you destroyed them or on the odd occasion, befriended them.
“Hey, there you are!” Papan wrapped his arms around my stomach, pressing the front of his body against my back. “I’ve been looking for you amongst all those rowdy teenagers. It was really nice of you to suggest Willow invite some of the pack kids.”
“We’re all one big happy family now, right?”
“I like the sounds of that.”
I turned my face to kiss his prickly cheek. Now that the bogus murder charges had been thrown out and Papan was a free man, he’d gotten a chance to tend to some of his werewolf responsibilities without Shapiro watching him like a hawk. The detective was out of the hospital and couldn’t remember a small patch of his life, but he was safe. The two would never be best friends, but Shapiro had backed off. Besides, the police had a warrant out for Anna Smith’s arrest. Not that they would find her.
The wolves might not have an estate at the moment, but the pack was alive and well.
Their new alpha—Papan—had decided to let them vote for their next leader, and they’d chosen Martha. It seemed a wise choice, because he didn’t want the responsibility of an all-mighty ruler. He was interested in changing the pack dynamics by encouraging independence while still expressing loyalty to the group. That was why he’d arranged for everyone to meet at the estate during the full moon so they could run together as wolves.
“Hey Foxy, I’ve got a Halloween present for you.”
“As long as it doesn’t involve leaving the house—”
“No, it involves descending into a deep and dark basement.”
“Then count me in!” I turned in the circle of his arms and got on my tiptoes to kiss him on the mouth, enjoying the easy sweep of my tongue over his. “I’m dressed for the occasion, so lead the way,” I said, feeling giddy and restless.
After facing so much darkness inside basements, I’d overcome my fear. And I was wearing a Ghostbusters coverall my sister insisted would be perfect for the party. It was very close to the ones worn by the crew in the movies, but mine was unzipped enough to reveal a lace push-up bra that did wonders for my cleavage.
“As much as I love your costume, you’re not going to be in it for long.”
“At least I tried.” No, that was a total lie—Willow had surprised me with this costume. She said it matched my overused ringtone and took the piss ou
t of my job.
“Are you saying you don’t like my costume?” he asked with a wink.
Papan had decided to wear a wolf mask over his handsome face, so of course I’d asked him to take it off as soon as possible. Now he just looked like a lumberjack with his flannel shirt and faded jeans—a very sexy one.
“That’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t wear Willow’s suggestion.”
“Which was?”
“A white sheet over my head! She wanted me to be the ghost out of some-activity movie, or something. I have no idea what she was talking about.”
He pulled on my hand and led me up the stairs, into my bedroom and past the archive closet door.
“She told me you refused to get dressed as Jason Voorhees!” I teased.
“Yeah, well, I didn’t want to wear a hockey mask.”
“But a wolf one was okay?”
Papan closed the door, sealing us into our own personal, private space and continued down the concrete stairs. As we descended, his broad back concealed what was waiting but when he stepped aside, I got the full scope.
“Wow, what’s this?” I glanced at him and then back at the small round table set up in the middle of the room. Every single candle was lit inside its wall crevice, giving the room a warm sensation. My attention fell on the only thing sitting on the table—a ghost toy. “What’s that?”
“Why don’t you check it out?”
I stepped closer and noticed a small button on the bottom that said Press. When I did, the ghost started singing and dancing to Ghostbusters. I couldn’t help but giggle like a schoolgirl because this was both ridiculous and cute. Plus, it reminded me of the shape Burr and the other Tailors took when they’d been trapped inside the Tower.
“It’s so cute,” I said. “Thanks!”
“I’m glad you like it. Ebony said I had to get it for you as a Halloween gift.”
We both stood in silence.
“You know what’s funny about that?” I said, heading for one of the cupboards in the back. “She said the same thing to me, about this!” I pulled out a gray-colored werewolf toy, wearing a vest. I handed it to him and his eyes twinkled when he saw what I’d attached to the vest.
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