Dying Covenant: The Complete Series

by Amanda M. Lee

  “Sami isn’t supposed to be watching that show,” Aric noted after a few moments of contemplation. “I blocked it on the televisions in the living room and study. She shouldn’t have access to it.”

  “I’ve never watched it,” Sami offered, her cheeks a mottled shade of red. “I promise.”

  I made a derisive sound in the back of my throat. “She bypasses the parental controls, genius. Of course she watches it. That main guy is smoking hot, and I don’t even like blonds.”

  Aric was horrified. “She bypasses the parental controls? But … how?”

  “How would you have done it when you were her age?”

  “We didn’t have parental controls,” Aric replied, rolling his neck. “I didn’t watch television I wasn’t supposed to watch.”

  That was a lie. I’d heard his mother tell a story once about Cinemax at Night, something I proceeded to remind him about.

  “Shut your mouth!” Aric slapped his hand over my mouth as he cast a furtive look in Sami’s direction. “How do you even know that story?”

  “Grandma tells it every Christmas,” Sami replied, blasé. “We all know the story about the alien sex show and the sock.”

  “You know about the sock?” Aric’s voice hopped an octave. “I … feel like I want to die.”

  I didn’t bother hiding my amusement. “There’s nothing wrong with her watching Outlander. In fact, those two characters happen to care about each other a great deal, so I think it’s good for her.”

  “Yeah, we’re not done talking about this,” Aric warned. “I think she’s too young to watch the show. I want to get back to the part where you bypassed the parental controls, Sami. How did you do that?”

  Sami looked caught. She worked her jaw up and down as she decided how to answer. Finally she opted for the truth. “You use Mom’s name or birthday as a password for everything.”

  Aric pressed the tip of his tongue to the back of his teeth. I found his propensity to use me as a password adorable. Apparently I was the only one.

  “Well, that’s going to change tonight,” Aric warned. “There will be no more watching Outlander. That guy is … a total horn dog.”

  “Says the wolf who felt up Mom behind the ice cream shop earlier this week,” Sami muttered.

  Aric widened his eyes to comical proportions as he swiveled to me. “I can’t believe you told her about that! Are you crazy?”

  “Becca saw you.” Sami wrinkled her nose, perking up when she heard the unmistakable sound of a car horn in front of the house. “Speaking of Becca, she’s here.”

  I hadn’t met Becca yet. She was a recent transplant to the area. Sami met her at the grocery store a few weeks ago. I agreed to a play date – as long as I didn’t call it that because twelve-year-olds don’t play, according to Sami – because I wanted to meet the girl and her mother before I allowed Sami to spend too much time with either of them.

  In truth, I never fancied myself a protective parent. Because I’m a mage and Aric is a shifter, though, Sami is blessed with growing powers, and she’s become a target. We have to protect her the best way we can.

  “Well, I’m excited to meet Becca,” I said, groaning as I stood. “Lead the way.”

  Sami expectantly glanced between Aric and me. “Don’t even think about embarrassing me,” she warned. “Don’t talk about Outlander in front of Becca’s mother. I will die if you do.”

  “We won’t talk about Outlander,” I promised, holding up my hands in a placating manner. I waited until Aric and I fell into step behind her to finish the sentiment. “Speaking of that, do you want to plunder the Highlands tonight?”

  Aric rolled his eyes, but I didn’t miss the self-satisfied smirk before he managed to hide it. “I can’t believe you think it’s okay for her to watch that show.”

  “We watch that show.”

  “Yes, but we’re adults.”

  “You like to pretend you have a broadsword and kilt,” I reminded him.

  “That’s supposed to be between us.”

  “Oh, it’s between us.” I offered him a quick hand squeeze. “Do you want it to be between us tonight?”

  This time Aric’s grin was broad. “I’ve already set up the DVR to record some of our favorite episodes.”

  “And that’s why I love you.”

  “Right back at you, baby.”

  Two

  Aric and I remained close to Sami as she crested the hill leading to the driveway in front of the house. Aric built the house for us, and it was majestic. It was also isolated. We could see for miles in different directions from the second floor. Aric designed it that way so we could see our enemies coming. I’d never met Becca – or her mother, for that matter – but I wasn’t ruling out the chance that they were enemies. It wouldn’t be the first time a mother and child infiltrated our ranks to get at Sami. I wasn’t taking any chances.

  The woman and child standing on the front lawn staring at the impressive façade of the house looked normal. The woman had muted brown hair pulled back in a messy bun. The child was fairer, dark blond hair hanging well past her shoulders.

  “Hello.”

  I returned the woman’s smile as I caught her gaze, not missing the way her eyes drifted to Aric … and remained there. He was an impressive sight, even now when he was past forty and had an almost-teenaged daughter.

  “Hello.” Aric flashed a warm smile at the mother before focusing on the daughter. “You must be Becca. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, too,” Becca said, her brown eyes widening as she took in Aric’s broad shoulders. “All of the girls in town think you’re hot, but … wow.”

  Sami’s cheeks colored as she scuffed her foot against the gravel driveway. She hated that her friends found Aric attractive. I found it entertaining. Well, I found it entertaining when the kids crushed on Aric. The mothers were another story.

  “I’m Zoe Lake-Winters.” I extended my hand to the mother. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You, too.” The woman gripped my hand and I sent out a magic probe to see if I could sense evil. That wasn’t always a sound indication, but if she was overtly evil – or some weird form of paranormal being that could be a threat – my inner alarm often sounded. “I’m Corinne Waters.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Corinne nodded, her expression unreadable as it traveled back to Aric. “And you are?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Aric brushed his hand on the seat of his jeans and extended it. “Aric Winters. I’m Sami’s father.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I didn’t miss the fact that Corinne’s smile was much more welcoming for my husband. Of course, Aric’s looks often made women go weak in the knees. And he didn’t even need a kilt.

  “You guys just moved here, right?” I asked, skirting a glance to the side yard where Becca knelt to pet Trouble. The dog was still a puppy in most respects – especially when going after my shoes – but he grew taller and broader by the day. He looked like a full-grown German shepherd rather than the ball of fluff Sami received for her birthday a few months ago.

  “We’ve been here about six weeks,” Corinne replied. “We live on the south side of town. We’re actually in the township limits. I didn’t even know anyone lived this far out until Becca provided me with your address and I punched it into the GPS system.”

  “Yes, well, we like our privacy.” I graced her with a serene smile. “Why don’t you come in for some coffee or tea?” I suggested. “We can chat and get to know one another.”

  Sami looked flummoxed by the suggestion. She wasn’t expecting it. I rarely talked to the other mothers unless I had no choice. I wasn’t much of a joiner, and our family’s magical abilities made me naturally suspicious of newcomers. Sami clearly hadn’t grasped the fact that I wanted to test Corinne – and her motivations – before unleashing the woman on my only child.

  “Oh, well, that sounds nice.” Corinne shifted from one foot to the other, clearly u
ncomfortable. “I don’t want to infringe on your day.”

  “You’re not infringing.” I had no intention of letting the woman wander away without spending some time with her. The more she fought the effort, the more wary I’d become.

  “But … don’t you want to spend time with your husband?” The look Corinne shot Aric caused me to relax, although only marginally. In her mind she couldn’t imagine not wanting to spend time with Aric. While I wholeheartedly agreed for the most part, that didn’t mean Aric and I are co-dependently linked to one another every moment of every day.

  “I actually have a few chores to do,” Aric volunteered, taking me by surprise. Chores? “I want to chop some wood so we can have a bonfire later.”

  “Oh, well, you guys live out in the woods so that makes sense.” Corinne cast a glance toward the expansive backyard. “Do you have fires often?”

  “As often as possible as long as the weather holds,” Aric replied, smiling. “I need to chop some wood, so I can keep an eye on the girls and dog in the yard. That will allow you two to get to know one another inside.”

  Aric knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted Sami close to him in case I had to kill Corinne inside the house. If she was an evil entity, it was probably best to murder her out of sight of the child – who would be a smaller threat – and then deal with disposing of her body after the fact.

  Wow! When did I become so cavalier about possibly killing a person? We’d been bombarded from every direction over the past few weeks – even having zombies rise and attack, which I was still trying to wrap my head around – so I was taking no chances.

  “It will be nice,” I prodded. “You don’t know anyone, and I don’t get out much.”

  “Okay, well, that sounds great.” Corinne flashed a genuine smile and followed me toward the house. I opened the door and held it so Corinne could walk inside, meeting Aric’s steady gaze as he stripped off his shirt.

  “Don’t finish chopping wood until I’m done,” I warned. “You know how much I like to watch you work.” I mostly enjoy watching him sweat himself silly while shirtless. Even though I felt old these days, there were still some things that made me feel young. Gazing at a shirtless Aric was one of them.

  Aric winked at me before smirking at a wide-eyed Becca. I swear she was ready to drool. “I know the drill. I’ll watch the girls while you’re getting to know your … new friend.”

  I nodded in understanding, flicking my eyes to Corinne as she stared at my husband. She looked as impressed as her daughter. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  I put a teakettle on the stove to boil while Corinne situated herself at the table in the kitchen. The room was open and airy, windows looking out at the wide expanse beyond the backyard. I kept my expression serene as Corinne placed her purse under her chair and watched me set out mugs, sugar and lemon.

  “So, how long have you lived here?”

  “Oh, about fifteen years now,” I replied. “The house took almost a full year to build. Aric designed it. We moved in as soon as it was done, and that was almost exactly fifteen years ago.”

  “Your husband designed this?” Corinne looked understandably impressed. “What exactly does he do for a living?”

  “He runs the Winters Lumber Company,” I replied. “His father owns it, but he spends most of his time working as a state senator these days.” And as an important face in the Michigan wolf hierarchy, I silently added. “Aric handles most of the day-to-day operations of the lumber business.”

  “That sounds … lucrative.”

  “We do okay.”

  “Uh-huh.” Corinne shifted her eyes to the yard where Becca and Sami practiced handstands. “This is a really beautiful setting. You’re lucky.”

  “I’m definitely lucky.” I moved to the pantry and grabbed a few boxes of teabags. “What kind do you prefer?”

  “Oh, the blackberry looks good. Thank you.”

  “No problem.” I rummaged in the drawer for spoons while I waited for the water to boil. “Are you married?”

  Corinne nodded. “My husband works for an insurance company.”

  “And where did you live before this?”

  I couldn’t be sure, but I was almost positive Corinne shifted on her chair a bit, a sign of discomfort. “Midland. Do you know where that is?”

  I knew exactly where Midland was. It was twenty minutes from Covenant College, the school where Aric and I met and graduated from so very long ago. “It’s a nice area.”

  “Do you know it well?”

  I shrugged and shook my head. “Not really. I’ve been through there, of course, but I’ve never stopped to spend much time in the city.” It was a calculated lie. Aric spent a lot of money to have my record cleared from the college and surrounding area. He didn’t want anyone to be able to track us after graduation. As a mage, I was considered rare. People coveted my powers. Aric always worried someone would come after us because of my magic. They almost always did, despite our best efforts to remain under the radar.

  “Oh, well, you should spend some time there if you get the chance.” Corinne accepted her mug with a smile as I sat in the chair across from her. I purposely positioned myself so I would have room to move if it became necessary. Most people would think I was paranoid, but frequent attacks have a way of making people accept paranoia as part of everyday life.

  “Yes, maybe I will.” I leaned back in my chair. “Do you like this area? I mean, I know you haven’t been here long, but do you like it?”

  “I do.” Corinne nodded as she sipped. “And I don’t.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?”

  Corinne sighed. “It’s difficult when you move,” she admitted. “I had friends in Midland. I’m thirty-six now, and it seems harder to make friends in my thirties than it did in my twenties. I know that sounds ridiculous and whiny, but … there it is.”

  Strangely enough I understood exactly what she said. “You’re lonely.”

  “Aren’t you?” Corinne let her eyes roam the main floor of the house. “You live in a beautiful home – and you obviously love your husband and daughter – but you’re so isolated out here. Don’t you miss having neighbors?”

  “Not really,” I replied. “I’ve never been overly fond of people. I’m happy spending time with Aric.”

  “But not the other mothers?” Corinne’s question could’ve been born of natural curiosity, but it felt more pointed than that. “I asked around when Becca met Sami. I’m sure you understand, of course, that I feel the need to protect her.”

  “I understand.”

  “Most people don’t know you very well in this community,” Corinne continued. “Those who do believe you’re standoffish. One woman told me that you actually pick fights with other mothers.”

  “That happens very rarely,” I lied. In truth, it happened all the time. To be fair, though, most of those other mothers deserved it. Those who didn’t were extremely annoying, and I couldn’t muster much guilt about telling them to stop flapping their traps. What? I’m not a people person. Sue me.

  “There was one woman – oh, what was her name?” Corinne feigned thoughtful contemplation as she chewed on her bottom lip. It was an act. I’m not sure how I knew, but my danger alert dinged as I rested my elbows on the table. “Oh, I believe her name was Cissy Dolloway.”

  Corinne’s eyes were full of curiosity – and a flash of mayhem – when they locked with mine.

  “I don’t believe I remember that name.” That was another lie. I remembered that name well. Months earlier Cissy Dolloway and her demonic daughter Katie attacked us at an abandoned house in the woods. They used shades as ghostly shields and thought they could suck Sami dry. Instead, we ended Cissy and Katie … and disposed of them in the woods. The cops asked a few cursory questions given the fact that our house was close to the spot where Cissy’s vehicle was discovered. We feigned ignorance, though, and ultimately the case went cold.

  “You don’t remember that name?” There was a
challenge in Corinne’s eyes. “Huh. That’s weird. One of the other mothers said that Cissy’s daughter was friends with your daughter and that she disappeared close to this house.”

  I pursed my lips and shook my head. “It doesn’t ring a bell. I’m often caught up with my own stuff. I could ask Aric, though. He might remember.”

  Corinne waved off the suggestion. “Oh, well, I’m sure it’s not important. I was just wondering because it’s such a big story around these parts. Of course, if you don’t remember it … .” She left the statement hanging, but we both knew what she was getting at.

  I decided to take the problem head on rather than play games. I was so very tired of games. “What are you?”

  Corinne balked. “I’m sorry?”

  “What are you?” I repeated. “Witch? You’re clearly not a vampire, because it’s sunny out. I don’t smell wolf on you, although I know there are other types of shifters. I can’t quite place what you are, and yet … you remind me of a sphinx I once knew.”

  Corinne’s eyes flashed and I knew I was on to something. “Have you lost your mind? What are you talking about?” She said the words, but she delivered them with a flat effect that couldn’t be mistaken for anything other than going through the motions.

  “You’re a sphinx,” I muttered, shaking my head. “I should’ve known. Did you know Zach?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Corinne barely bothered to put effort behind the lie. “Perhaps I should be going.”

  “In theory, I can see where that would be your best course of action,” I offered, bobbing my head. “It’s not going to happen, though. I didn’t sense anything magical about you, but I never sensed anything about Zach either. I guess that’s normal.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Corinne shakily got to her feet, but I remained seated.

  “You tapped your spoon on the mug three times after dumping in the sweetener,” I noted. “You turned the cup three times before drinking … each time. That’s a sphinx thing. You’ve got those little quirks, like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, that you can’t quite shake. That’s what made us discover Zach’s true identity, too.”