Welcome to the Haven

by Cate Dean

  I sighed, stood on tiptoe to kiss him again. His hands spread over my ribs as he drew me in, leaving me breathless and even more lightheaded than I already was.

  He reached around me to gently knock on the door. Misty answered, her hair tangled.

  “Hey.” Her eyes narrowed when she looked at me. “You. Bed. Now.”

  Sam laughed, and kissed her cheek. “Take care of each other, Misty. Zach and I will see you both in the morning.”

  “Not too early, or I may have to kill you.” She wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me to the closest bed. I slipped out of my ballet flats and crawled under the covers, already half asleep. “Good night, Alex.” I felt the blanket settle over my shoulder. “Thank you for sharing the best night ever.”

  It was. It may have been the exhaustion, but I was thinking I might want to do it again.

  16

  After much preparation, the time came to bring my parents down to the haven.

  The residents had been briefed, and those unwilling to be around strange humans agreed to stay out of sight. I only wanted the residents eager to meet them to be there when we arrived.

  To say I was nervous would be the worst understatement.

  I was terrified.

  My introduction to monsters may have been violent, but I had time to let it all sink in before I was surrounded by a town filled with them. Dad had a little more contact, but Mom was getting full exposure, all at once. I prayed she could handle it.

  We arrived at the McGinty house. I kept watching Mom, waiting for the first sign of freak out. She seemed calm, studying the house as we walked through the yard. Almost like she was planning a renovation. I wouldn’t put it past her—she rarely passed up a design challenge. And this place was a huge challenge.

  Maybe—it could be a way station of sorts, a place between the world and the haven. A welcome center. I’d have to talk to Sam about that. His family already owned the house—a precaution against it being torn down without warning. It might be time to take advantage of a large, empty house standing over the haven entrance.

  When we reached the open manhole, Mom finally flinched.

  “That’s the only entrance?”

  “For now,” I said. Yeah, we definitely had to upgrade. Sooner or later, a resident who can’t climb down a ladder—or fit into the narrow space—is going to arrive. We needed a better way to get in. “I can help you—”

  “Go ahead of us, Alex,” Dad said. He held Mom’s hand. “Let them know we’re on the way. Unless you want to wait, Beth.”

  “No.” She took a deep breath. Her grip on Dad’s hand was so hard that her knuckles were white. “I made the commitment. Everyone is waiting for us. I’ll be fine.”

  I climbed down the ladder, trusting Dad to calm her. It was so much easier with a fully healed ankle. I knew Zach was enjoying his free sandwiches—he called every time and thanked me. Again. He had no idea how much more I owed him. His healing went all the way to my soul, closed up wounds that had been there my entire life. The pain of not being accepted, of spending most of my life alone. I chose that path, but even choice can leave wounds so deep you don’t even know they exist.

  For the first time, I felt worthy of Sam, of the friendships I’ve made, of the life that found me.

  Sam waited for me at the bottom of the ladder, wrapping me in a hug the second I hit the ground.

  “Hi,” he said. “I missed you.”

  I stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “I missed you more.”

  His smile warmed me. We stepped apart when the sound of shoes on metal filtered down from above. Sam moved forward, helping Mom off the ladder.

  “Welcome to Hyattown, Mrs. Finch. The residents are excited to meet you.”

  “They—they are?”

  He sandwiched her hand, his voice calm, quiet. “They adore Alex. I know they’ll feel the same about you and Mr. Finch.”

  Dad appeared just as he said those words. “Thank you, Sam. I look forward to meeting them.”

  He took Mom’s hand, and they followed Sam to the welcome sign, and beyond it, into the haven.

  The gaslights were turned all the way up, to make them feel more comfortable being underground, surrounded by monsters. Louise stood next to the office, a smile on her face, her tattooed arms crossed.

  Mom’s eyes widened a little at the sight of her. “Is that the security you told me about?” She whispered the words. Unfortunately, even whispers carried, with the low ceiling.

  Louise’s smile widened, and she pushed off the wall, leaping off the boardwalk.

  “It is a pleasure, Madame Finch.” She held out her hand. Mom took it, squinting at her chest. Oh, no—I told Louise to take that necklace off—

  “BDG,” Mom said. “What does that stand for?”

  “It doesn’t—”

  “Bitch Daddy Gaga,” Louise said, her voice drowning out mine. “An inside joke. I wear it to remember the friends I share it with, though we are far apart.”

  “That’s—sweet.”

  I blinked. Sweet was never a word I’d use to describe Louise.

  “Thank you, Madame.”

  “Beth, please.” She held out her hand, and Louise took it, smiling. “I feel better, knowing you’re here.” After they shook hands, Mom moved over to me, leaning down. “I like her. She’s quite bad ass.”

  “Mom!”

  “The truth is never crass. Let’s go meet these residents.”

  I stared after her, seeing a part of my mom I never thought existed. I think I like it.

  The visit just got better.

  Residents were on their best behavior, greeting Mom and Dad like they were visiting royalty. It was all civilized and polite—until Hern bolted around the corner of the building and smacked right into Mom.

  I leapt forward. “Hern—”

  Sam intercepted his mom, using his calming influence to keep her from blasting everyone in striking distance.

  Mom grabbed Hern by the arms and set him on his feet. “Who do we have here?”

  Kenny, his partner in crime, skidded to a halt. His blonde hair had dirt streaking it, and one quick glance at Hern told me they’d been haunting the sewers. Again.

  “That’s Hern!” Kenny shot forward. “He’s my friend! He didn’t mean any harm!”

  “Kenny.” I grabbed his arm before he could do something stupid, like punch Mom. “It’s okay.”

  “Of course it is,” Mom said. She knelt in front of Hern, cradling his flat, scaled cheek. “Just two boys having fun. I bet there are some amazing places to explore down here.”

  I kept expecting Hern to blast her with his nervous emotion. But he surprised me.

  “Kenny helps me find them. He’s really good at not getting lost. Are you Alex’s mom?”

  “I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hern. Your mom must be as proud of you as I am of Alex.”

  He ducked his head, his claws digging into the ground. “I hope so. I try to be good, so we can stay.”

  Mom gathered the little demon into her arms. “You’re doing just fine.”

  I blinked, hard, tears stinging my eyes. Dad wrapped his arm around me, studying the impossible—my mom hugging a demon.

  “I think she’s adjusting quite well, don’t you?”

  I let out a choked laugh, and tucked myself into his side.

  My parents are the best.

  ~ ~ ~

  Mom and Dad stayed for hours, exploring the haven. Dad made some suggestions for strengthening the supports, improving the layout, and promised Sam he’d draw up some plans.

  Mom turned into Design Mom, pointing out ways to make the underground town more cozy, more welcoming. I had a feeling major changes were coming.

  Sam and I walked them to the ladder. Mom hugged me for a long time, and there were tears in her eyes when she finally pulled away.

  “I understand now, sweetheart. They are good people, and I am so proud of you for wanting to be part of this.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” I
fought my own tears when she hugged me again.

  “I hope you don’t think I’m interfering, Sam. They deserve a warm, comfortable place. I would be happy to help with that.”

  Sam surprised both of us by hugging her. “I would be happy to let you, Mrs. Finch. I want this to be home for them, in every possible way.”

  She smiled, and I saw the ideas already forming. She was going to be busy—and brilliant with it. She always is.

  Dad took my hand, and Sam’s, his voice quiet. “What you’ve done here is remarkable, and miraculous. Never underestimate what you’re capable of.” He kissed my cheek, then pulled both of us into a quick, hard hug. “Take care of her, Sam.”

  I stared at Dad. Did he just—

  He nodded. He just gave Sam his blessing.

  I watched them climb up, and out of sight.

  Sam stepped to me, so close I could feel his warm breath on my cheek.

  “You have the most amazing parents, Alex.”

  “Yeah.” I must admit, I was still in shock. “I think my mom wants to adopt Hern.”

  “She’ll have to fight a long line of residents.” He smiled, right before he kissed me.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, moaning when he deepened the kiss. It was different, more powerful, more intimate. He pinned me against the wall, his hands spreading over my ribs. I held on, riding the wave of passion he ignited.

  By the time he freed my lips, I couldn’t see straight.

  “Sam—”

  “It’s going to be a long seven months,” he whispered.

  “Until my birthday.”

  “When you turn eighteen.” He swallowed, his hand shaking when it cradled my cheek. “I want to marry you, Alex Finch.”

  My breath caught, my heart pounding so hard I was afraid it would snap my ribs. “Sam—”

  “You don’t need to say yes, not right now. I just want you to know my intentions—”

  “Yes.”

  He studied me, those grey-blue eyes so intense, I couldn’t look away.

  “You mean it?”

  “There’s never been anyone else for me.”

  With a whoop, he picked me up and swung me around. I laughed, and held on to him. My Sam. In a few months, he’d be mine. Forever.

  ~ ~ ~

  After announcing it to the entire haven, Sam and I spent a long time receiving congratulations, advice, and more than our share of winks. I was ready to hole up in the office when a loud, female shriek turned me around.

  Misty rushed me, hugging me so enthusiastically I stumbled.

  “Oh, my God!” She hugged me again, bouncing up and down. I felt a little sick to my stomach by the time she let me go. “I can’t believe it. He really proposed to you?”

  “Yeah.” The reality of it was starting to sink in. I was thrilled, terrified, happy, and terrified. “Dad gave Sam his blessing, and then—I think I need to sit.”

  Misty helped me to the nearest step, draping her arm over my shoulders.

  “Please tell me I’m your maid of honor.”

  “Who else?”

  She whooped, nearly deafening me. “Sorry—I’m just so excited for you. Sam is one lucky guy.”

  I felt pretty lucky myself. My lifetime crush loved me—how often did that happen?

  Misty interrupted my thought. “I came to pick up Kenny. He loves it down here so much, my mom is thinking of letting him stay over a few nights during the summer.”

  I stared at her. “Your mom doesn’t know—”

  “Are you kidding me? She thinks this is some rich kid summer camp. Kenny’s happy to go along with the lie, since it allows him to spend time with Hern.” She stood, pulling me to my feet. “I’ll see you at school?”

  “Yeah.” I’d been out on a doctor’s note, but I felt ready to go back. “We have to finalize the details of our presentation.”

  “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m actually looking forward to it. Look what you’ve done—you turned me into a nerd.” She hugged me again. “I’m so happy for you, Alex. You know I love you?”

  “I love you, too. Thanks, Misty. For always being there when I needed you.”

  “Goes without saying.” She let me go and faced the street. “Kenny! Get your butt out here!” She flashed me her cheerleader smile. “This weekend—you and me, and every bridal magazine I can get my hands on.”

  I just managed to keep from groaning. “Okay.”

  At least it wasn’t the mall.

  “The mall is next weekend.” She grinned, like she’d read my mind. “You’re going to become well acquainted, my best friend.”

  I watched her and Kenny head for the ladder, my heart light. For this, for Sam, I’d do anything.

  Even brave the mall.

  ~ ~ ~

  I settled at my desk, and pulled the guide out of the top drawer. The guide that started all this.

  Taking my favorite pen, I opened up to the notes section in the back.

  For anyone who may find this: my name is Alex Finch. I started out as a normal teenage girl—until I discovered that monsters are real.

  If you’re reading this, you’ve discovered the same secret. I’m here to tell you it’s not all bad. It changed my life, in ways I never expected.

  This is my advice to you, future monster hunter – follow your heart, trust your instinct, and don’t let the word monster trip you up. There are all kinds of monsters in the world, and some of them are human.

  I thought about Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt. Once, I wouldn’t have called them monsters. I know better now.

  I never would have chosen this path. It found me, but I’m glad it did. I wouldn’t change a thing. Before you dismiss the information that was probably thrown at you without warning, ask yourself this: would you rather have an ordinary life, or an extraordinary one?

  I’ll tell you my answer.

  I chose extraordinary.

  And it exceeded my wildest dreams.

  ~ ~ * ~ ~

  Thank you for joining Alex and her friends in their final adventure!

  Want an advance notice of the next release– and be in on some exclusive contests? Then sign up for my list: http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list/.

  Need more of Alex, Sam, and the rest of her friends? They join Zach in his new series, The Remarkable Life of Zach Wiche Continued. I’ll leave you with a preview of Once Fallen, which is available now. Enjoy!

  Once Fallen Excerpt

  Zach Wiche set down the last box, shoved sweaty hair off his forehead, and stumbled over to the couch, landing face down.

  “Done.”

  After weeks of arguing, he finally got Mom on his side. Sort of. Today he moved what few belongings he had into his own apartment—plus a truckload of new “necessities” from Mom and Marcus. The amount of stuff they bought embarrassed him, but he was also glad he wouldn’t be living in a nearly empty place, eating over the sink, his mattress on the floor.

  He was ready to be on his own—and he really had no choice.

  Not with a ghost who popped in whenever, claiming he couldn’t control it.

  “Nice place.”

  Speak of the devil.

  Zach was too wiped to do more than open his eyes. Simon was crouched next to him, and he smiled when Zach met his eyes. Simon Asher—former military, former cop, priest, now dead. And a huge pain in his—neck.

  “I can swear out loud now, if I want,” he muttered.

  “A man can do anything he wants in his cave.” Those clear green eyes studied him, waiting. Zach couldn’t get over that Simon didn’t look like a ghost. The one time they touched was a constant reminder; it hurt like the devil, lighting up his tattoo brighter than a neon sign. “What did you want, Zach?”

  “Nothing.” Zach frowned at him. “What are you talking about?”

  “You called for me.”

  Zach pushed himself up. “I did not.”

  “I wouldn’t be here if you—”

  “I just finished moving, and I’m resting on my
new couch, trying to enjoy it. I wasn’t even thinking… oh.”

  Simon crossed his arms. “Yeah. Oh.”

  Zach swallowed. “Please don’t tell me even thinking about you is enough to have you show up. That could get awkward.”

  “Tell me about it.” With a sigh, Simon rubbed his face and lowered himself to the carpet. For a dead guy, he sure looked tired. “If we can figure out why I’m attached to you, maybe I’ll—unattach.”

  “You mean—cross over?” Panic Zach didn’t expect shot through him. “I don’t—I mean, maybe you’re not supposed to, um… what?” Simon’s smile widened with every word.

  “You’d miss me.”

  “Duh.”

  Laughing, Simon reached out—and remembered, just before he touched Zach. Pain flared in his eyes. "I'd miss you, too. I think."

  “You think?” Zach raised his eyebrows. “Last I checked, you're the priest in the room.”

  “Former priest. I'm just as clueless about what happens after.”

  “What about when you're not—here?”

  “Nothing.” Simon closed his eyes. “I don't remember a damn thing. I just know every time you drag me here it drains me a little more.”

  “Wait—I drag you here? I had nothing to do with you coming back. You just showed up.”

  “Because of you.” Simon got to his feet. “And I'm really sorry about this, Zach.”

  Dread shot through him. “No. Simon, don't—” He pushed off the couch and sprinted for the door. Simon appeared in front of him, blocking his escape. “God—” He skidded across the tile entry, trying to stop himself.

  “Zach—”

  “No—please don’t say—”

  “I need you to find out why I'm here.”

  Zach doubled, dropping to his knees, the need to find clawing his gut. “Simon—”

  He crouched next to Zach. “I'm sorry, son, but this is the fastest—”

  “Touch me,” Zach whispered.

  “What?”

  “Pain—clear my head.” He found that out the hard way, when a nutball stabbed him. “Touch—God—” The claws in his gut became white-hot. “Simon—”