Welcome to the Haven

by Cate Dean

  “Hern.” I waved at him, and he loped over, turning shy as he approached us. “This is Misty’s brother, Kenny. Kenny, meet Hern.”

  They studied each other, different species, but still boys. Kenny stuck his hand out, a comic book clutched in his fingers.

  “This one’s my favorite. You can—” He looked at Misty, panic skating across his face. “He can—”

  “Read? Yes.” Amusement edged Hern’s gravel voice, wrapped around us. Kenny jerked in surprise, then a slow smile crossed his face.

  “Is that you?”

  “The emotion?” Hern shrugged. “It’s like your sweat. I can’t completely keep it contained.”

  “Cool.” Kenny handed him the comic book, fingers hovering over the spikes on Hern’s shoulder. “Wanna go explore?”

  “Sure!”

  After a nod from me, they ran off, two boys excited to be together.

  “Whew.” Misty leaned against me, watching them race down the street. “I wasn’t sure Kenny understood what was down here. I mean, really understood. I thought he might freak when he saw the locals. But my brother is one amazing kid.”

  “Yeah, he is.”

  Hern’s laughter filtered back to me, followed by a wave of happiness that touched everyone in sight. Jake stepped out of the office, Candace and Louise behind him. Hern’s happiness cloud obviously didn’t touch them.

  “Stay here,” I said, and headed for the trio of gloom. “What is it?”

  Jake opened his mouth, but Candace beat him to it.

  “One of the residents is missing. And all the rune necklaces are here.”

  I forced down the panic at the thought of one of them wandering aboveground, completely visible. “Who?”

  This time Jake spoke. “Leo.”

  I closed my eyes. Leo was a night demon—one of the most phobic species ever. There’s no way he’d go wandering out of what he considered his safe zone.

  I didn’t realize I stumbled until Louise’s arm slid around my waist.

  “Let’s go inside, oui?”

  She guided me up to the boardwalk, and into the office. By the time I sat in the chair behind my desk, Candace’s words sank in.

  “What didn’t she tell me? Louise—what did Candace leave out?”

  She sat on the edge of the desk, sympathy in her eyes. “Jake found demon blood, near the entrance to the sewers.”

  I swallowed. It was Leo’s favorite place to wander. Everyone in the haven knew that. “You think—” I cleared my throat, fighting the tears that stung my eyes. Leo was a personal favorite, so shy, but so kind, to everyone. “You think he’s dead.”

  No one needed to answer.

  Slender arms wrapped around me from behind, and I knew it was Misty, because of the soft vanilla scent. She’d adopted my lotion, and it was now one of her signature scents.

  “We’ll find him, Alex.”

  I sniffed, and lifted my head. “I’ll be okay.”

  Her sky blue eyes studied me, for a long time. Somehow, she picked up that intense gaze that Zach always gave me when he was worried.

  “Then let’s go watch two boys become friends,” she said. “And figure out what to do next.”

  She pulled me to my feet, and hugged me. I returned it, so grateful she was here, and that she understood.

  “Okay.”

  We stepped out to the boardwalk, assaulted by the sound of wild, joyful laughter. It soothed the ache squeezing my heart. I adored Hern, and to see him so carefree was the best medicine.

  I leaned against Misty, and enjoyed what was probably the last peaceful afternoon for the foreseeable future.

  Until we found Leo, the future of the haven hung in the balance.

  ~ ~ ~

  Kenny’s visit was a huge success. It nearly took a crowbar to separate him and Hern. Only multiple promises for another visit—soon—persuaded them to let go of each other.

  Kenny chattered all the way back home. His voice soothed me, his vivid descriptions of their adventures fun and, best of all, distracting. Misty dropped him off, and we headed back to my house without me even asking for her company. Relief threatened to bring on the tears again.

  My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket. Sam’s smiling face was on the screen. I smiled back at it as I answered.

  “Hey, Sam.”

  “Alex—don’t come back to the haven. I need you to stay away. And tell Misty the same thing—”

  “What happened?” I heard the edge in his voice. The edge that told me he was minutes away from losing control. “Sam, talk to me.”

  He paused for so long I looked at the phone to make we sure he hadn’t ended the call.

  “Jake found Leo. He’s dead.”

  I closed my eyes. “How?” I whispered. Misty pulled over, and gripped my free hand. I looked at her, glad she was here with me.

  “Mauled and bitten. It looks like a Fenris did it.”

  “Oh, God. Sam—”

  “I didn’t—Alex—” So much pain cut through his voice. I wanted to reach into the phone and wrap my arms around him. “I don’t remember what I was doing this morning.”

  “Stay there, Sam. I’m on my way.”

  “No! I don’t want—”

  “Tough. You’re getting my unconditional support, whether you want it or not.” I ended the call before he could answer. It buzzed again, and I sent the call to voicemail. Misty was already pulling onto the street when I turned to her. “Leo’s dead.”

  “Oh, Alex. I’m so sorry. Back to the haven?”

  I nodded, and she punched it.

  I held on with both hands, and asked a stupid question. “Can you go faster?”

  Misty flashed me a smile that should have scared me and tightened her grip on the steering wheel. The car shot forward, going so fast the cars in the other lane were a blur when we passed them.

  I distracted myself from the possibility of a fiery death by telling her about the call with Sam.

  “He can’t really think he did this,” she said. “You need to bring him back from the dark side, Alex.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  I took my life in my hands and let go long enough to dig out my phone. With shaky fingers I tapped in the number, hoping he’d be free to answer.

  “Hey, Alex.” Simon’s deep, warm voice eased the fear that was starting to take over. “What can I do for you?”

  “I need your help, Simon.” Misty’s head snapped around, her eyes wide. I gestured frantically to the road, and she refocused on driving before I had heart failure. “A resident has been killed, and Sam—he thinks—oh, God, he doesn’t remember what he did this morning.”

  “I’m a day’s drive out, Alex. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Be careful.”

  He ended the call, and I hugged the phone, forcing my mind not to go to all the dark places poked into life by Sam’s words.

  He couldn’t have killed. He loved the residents like family. There was another explanation—there had to be.

  I didn’t think I could handle the other option.

  5

  Misty waited for me at the car, to keep an eye out for anyone who might have followed us here. I knew she could handle it with no problem. People seriously underestimated her.

  Sam was the first person I saw when I limp ran into Hyattown. Yep—all the power walking I did in the mall caused more of a flare up than I expected. Because running away from an unseen monster wasn’t enough torture on an ankle that just didn’t have a chance to completely heal.

  “Alex!” Sam sprinted forward and caught me as I stumbled on the uneven ground. “I told you to stay away. I don’t know if I—”

  I wrapped my arms around him and held on.

  “I believe in you, Sam.”

  To my relief, he gathered me in, burying his face in my hair. “You shouldn’t be here,” he whispered. “Not when I could be the one who—”

  “Stop it.” I leaned back, met his eyes. Anguish darkened the grey-blue depths. “I won�
�t believe it, not until I see some hard proof that you—”

  “There’s a witness, Sam.” Jake stepped forward, pushing through the crowd of residents who had started to gather around us.

  “What do you mean?” I pulled out of Sam’s arms, but held on to his hand.

  “The Fenris who can keep himself from changing, the one I keep badgering you about? I asked him here. He arrived today, and he saw you—attack Leo.”

  My heart skipped. Oliver had been here longer—but I couldn’t say anything now, not without being forced to explain why I neglected to mention meeting him.

  “Sam.” I tightened my grip on Sam’s hand. “He doesn’t know anyone here. He could have seen something else—”

  “I am afraid not.” The familiar, accented voice spun me around. Oliver stood by the office, Louise right behind him. He was exactly as I remembered him. Rumpled, good looking, and oh so polite. “I am sorry—sorry that I wasn’t here sooner to prevent this. Sam had not changed completely when he attacked the demon.”

  I covered my mouth with one hand—and Sam jerked free of my other one. He backed away from me, what little color was left draining out of his face. “Jake, get her out of here.”

  “Sam—”

  “Don’t come back, Alex. Not until this is over. I don’t want—I can’t protect you, not like this.”

  Anger shoved the tears away. “I never asked for your protection.”

  “I can’t control this!” He kept retreating, and with every step it felt like he was tearing a piece of my heart out.

  “I’m not abandoning you, Sam.”

  “But you heard what he said!” He gestured to Oliver.

  “A stranger, who doesn’t know you.” I looked at Oliver. “I need to hear more before I condemn.”

  “Jake, get her out of here—”

  “I called Simon.” Both Sam and Jake froze. Simon freaked them out, more than a little, since he now carried the consciousness of the angel who had once been their shield. And along with him, every secret the haven ever held. “He was a cop, and he can help us.”

  “She’s right.” Candace appeared next to Jake, and her hand closed over his shoulder. The contact seemed to unclench his muscles. “We need to keep this down here, where we can control it. Simon understands that, and his history as a cop can only help.”

  Sam turned on her, and I recognized the start of a change. “I will not have a stranger digging through my personal—” He doubled, on his hands and knees by the time I reached him.

  “Breathe, Sam.” I took a chance, and wrapped my arm around his back. He leaned into me, shaking as he fought to stay human, to stay Sam. “I’m right here, and you’re going to be fine. We’ll find the truth, I promise you. I know Simon, and you can trust him. Please, Sam.”

  His panting slowed, evened out, and he finally pushed himself up, sitting on his heels. Sweat slicked his face, dripping off the ends of his hair. Before I could think to say anything, he dragged me into his arms and held on.

  “I can’t live like this, Alex.”

  My heart pounded, hard and fast. We’d been through this before; last time I lost him, when he decided the wilds of England would be the only safe place for him to stay.

  “We’ll find a way,” I whispered. “Candace is—”

  “Closer to a way to control it,” she said. She crouched next to Sam, one hand rubbing his arm. “Give me time, Sam. I’ve been studying your blood, and Jake’s been testing some preliminary serums. I think I’m close to a breakthrough.”

  “So all that blood you’ve been taking—”

  “Has been put to good use.” Candace smiled at him. “I’m not going to get technical, since Jake’s eyes tend to go glassy when I do.” She raised an eyebrow at Jake and he grinned. “Your blood is different, and if I can find a way to—correct the difference, I may find a way to help you control it.”

  “That’s the reason I asked Oliver to come here,” Jake said. “You know he’s the first one to survive a Fenris attack. He knows how to control the change, and he’s willing to share. You’re stupid if you don’t take him up on his offer.”

  With a low growl, Sam let go of me and stood. “You brought him here, even after I told you no. Repeatedly.”

  Jake backed out of reach. Candace stood and stepped between them. I had to commend her for her guts—they both were a hot second away from lunging at each other.

  “Sam.” She took his hand, and he calmed, his shoulders slowly dropping down from the vicinity of his ears. “Jake thought he was doing what was advantageous for both of you. And before you gloat, wolf boy,” she turned to Jake, poking her finger into his chest. “You should have talked to Sam before you contacted Oliver. For all you know, they already met and are mortal enemies.”

  “How the hell could they—oh.” Jake scrubbed his face, and met Sam’s eyes. “Sorry, cousin. I didn’t think you met anyone out on the wilds of our property, not when Oliver lives in the haven outside London. He’s the only victim who never changed after his attack. Never, in more than twenty years. I had to bring him here, so he could help.”

  I stared at Jake. There was no way Oliver had been a Fenris more than twenty years. He didn’t look any older than Sam—

  “A side effect,” Candace said. She obviously read the disbelief on my face. “What changes their blood also slows the aging process. Dramatically.”

  “Oh.” I glanced at Sam. The idea of him not aging while I did—was a thought I’d put aside for later. Much later.

  Candace took Jake’s arm, leading him away. She probably figured that it was safer for them to have some distance for a while. I agreed.

  She stopped next to Oliver, poked her finger into his chest. “I want blood from you.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Pardon me?”

  “For my tests. You don’t change, and I want to compare your blood to theirs, see if there’s any difference. It is the reason you came all this way—to help.”

  “Of course. Once I have settled in, I will be happy to—”

  “Now works for me.”

  “Candace.” Jake caught the hand still prodding Oliver and pulled her away. “Give him a chance to breathe. There’ll be plenty of time for your tests.”

  She let him lead her away, but she glanced over her shoulder and gave her signature glare. “Blood. Soon.”

  Oliver stared after her, then turned to Sam. “Is she always so—demanding?”

  “That was mild Candace you just met. Wait until you experience her bedside manner.”

  “I can hardly wait. Jake told me it would be all right for me to move into the haven’s temporary quarters. Is this a good time?”

  “Sure.” Sam held out his hand, and relief flooded me. I was afraid he might push Oliver right out of the haven. “Thanks for coming all the way over here.”

  “My pleasure.” Oliver shook his hand, both of them studying each other as they tried to squeeze the life out of each other’s hand. I managed to keep from rolling my eyes. After they proved their manliness, Oliver finally let go. “I will return sometime tonight, then.”

  I watched him walk down the street—and caught a glimpse of blonde hair before the owner ducked behind the office building. Diana.

  Standing on tiptoe, I kissed Sam’s cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

  I followed her down the path that divided the back of the Main street buildings from the new forest of support beams. That’s what we called the huge lot of thick wood supports that stretched along the side of town, added during the renovation. No one spent any time there, since the gaslight didn’t extend beyond the buildings. They lined up like naked trees, disappearing into the shadows. I hated going in there, and most of the residents avoided the area. It was for support, but they could have made it less—creepy looking, in my opinion.

  “Diana.” She froze at the sound of my voice. “It’s okay.” I moved to her side, and what I could see of her face was white, and strained. “Tell me what’s going on.”

&n
bsp; “Alex—y’all have been so generous, letting me stay here, leaving me alone when I need to be—”

  “Spill, Diana.”

  She let out a quiet sigh, and finally turned to me.

  “It’s Sam,” she whispered. My heart skipped. Since she saw only death, in all its forms, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear any more. “I saw death surrounding him.”

  “Not—his death?”

  “No.” She gripped my hand. “I’m so sorry I had you thinking that. I’m like bad news walking.”

  “Stop.” I held both her hands, looked into the troubled blue eyes. “You have a gift, Diana. It’s not an easy one, but because of you, we were able to find Simon. Now tell me exactly what you saw around Sam.”

  She took a shaky breath, and nodded. “It wasn’t Sam, but someone close to him. Someone he spends time with. I don’t know who, because I didn’t recognize the—energy is the only way I can describe it.”

  “Can you tell—how they died?”

  “Alex.” Diana pulled away, crossing her arms, like she was protecting herself. “I never told you this, but I only see violent death.” Relief fled, my heart pounding harder with every word. “Someone passing away in their sleep? I don’t read that. I only see the death if it’s unnatural.”

  “Like murder,” I whispered. She nodded, backing out of range. “Diana—please don’t go. I’m not afraid of you—”

  “Only what I represent.”

  I rubbed my face, wanting to keep her from climbing back into the protective shell we’d finally coaxed her out of.

  “What you can do—we’ll find a way for you to work with it, use it to help.”

  “That won’t happen. Death never helps anyone, Alex.”

  Before I could stop her, she spun around and ran into the forest of supports.

  I wasn’t surprised she found refuge there, since no one else did more than glance at it and walk faster.

  “Alex!” Sam stood next to the back corner of the office. I let Diana go, and limped along the path. He met me halfway. “How is she?”

  “Not so great. She’s having a hard time adjusting to what she can see.”

  “I’ll have Candace talk to her.” He held up his hand when I opened my mouth. “Before you say anything, Candace happens to be amazing with the more difficult residents. Her way of getting straight to the truth seems to work well with them. Diana’s tough, because her ability is unique. We don’t have any sort of guideline for her—except to make it up as we go.”