“Just keep me close,” Ivy said with another cough. “I’ll try to come up with a charm.” She hoped he couldn’t detect the lie.
“You’ve done a pretty good job so far. I wouldn’t have been able to find you if you hadn’t used the overhead sprinkler systems to emit a Misting charm.”
She hadn’t done any such thing. He’d done it, she realized. Her father. Was he still here? She didn’t think so. He had a way of disappearing.
The fire inched closer. Ivy heard it advancing into the space behind her. Why wasn’t she sweating? Another couple of feet and the fire would reach them. One final time, she scanned the area for a means of escape.
“We’re going to make it, Ivy. We will. Just stay with me, keep moving.”
In front of them was a wall of flames.
Nick hugged her tightly against him. “I think there’s enough fire in your soul. What do you say we try? Fight fire with fire?”
She offered a thin smile, but her breath caught in her throat. Despite what Nick thought or whatever powers she’d acquired, Ivy suspected the flames would still claim her life. She’d turned her back on the books. Maybe they’d cursed her as she stepped over them.
At least she’d die holding Nick’s hand. He’d come back for her. She wouldn’t die alone.
If only things had been different. If only it hadn’t come to this before they worked everything out. Before she worked everything out.
Ivy thought of Raven and Gareth and wondered if they’d visit her headstone. She thought of how Shayde had stolen the book in order to help save her from its clutches. She recalled the way Devlin barked desperately for Shayde to release him so he could be by her side, even though that act of devotion would have cost him his life.
Be brave, she tried to tell herself. With a demon at her side, maybe death by fire would hurt less.
Ivy closed her eyes as Nick pulled her into the flames.
CHAPTER 36
The sound of the flames roared in her ears, and Ivy couldn’t breathe. Still, death by incineration wasn’t as bad as she’d expected. Instead of unbearable heat, she felt only mildly uncomfortable. When the din of the inferno stopped, a rush of fresh air hit her face like cold rain. Maybe she’d been allowed to go to heaven after all. Then she felt Nick’s hand still in hers and opened her eyes.
How had she been able to walk through fire? Her father had been inside, too. And, although she couldn’t prove it, Ivy was pretty sure he’d found a way out—that he’d pulled another disappearing act or had walked through the flames as well.
Bane, Spike, Devlin, and Raven caught sight of them at the same time. Raven beamed, then she ran to them with Bane right behind her. Spike was a bit slower, conscious again, although still unsteady on his feet.
After a quick embrace, Ivy pulled away and looked at them all. “Is everyone okay?”
Shayde hooked a thumb toward Spike. “Your hero here will have a headache, but he’ll be okay. And you know us werewolves—Bane will be fine probably before we walk in the front door. Raven—”
Raven finished for her. “I’m pissed my favorite jacket and sweater has a bloody hole in it, but I’m back to my perfect vamp self.”
“Devlin?” Ivy called.
A bark echoed from around Bane’s truck. Devlin raced toward Ivy and she dropped to the ground to greet him. He washed her face in warm, wet Beezlepup kisses and she hugged him fiercely. “I love you, Devlin. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She kissed him repeatedly on his head and snout.
“Now that we’re all back together, Ivy, how’d you do it? Witches can’t walk through fire,” Raven said.
Nick glanced over at Ivy, and she thought that same question flickered in his eyes. Then he winked. “True,” he said to Raven. “Witches burn, but Demons don’t.” He gave Ivy a grin. “Call it a little protective mojo.”
Ivy returned the grin. Nick wasn’t going to tell anyone it probably wasn’t him that had allowed her to walk through fire. Nick didn’t know how she’d done it, but he seemed content to let it be for now.
“You did it,” Nick said. “And you were amazing in there. A bit tense at times, but amazing.”
Ivy refrained from breaking into an all-out grin. She scanned the area for two more people—her father and Mr. Evans. Neither were in sight.
“It’s weird how Mr. Evans just disappeared,” Raven said. “We dragged him outside, then tossed him in the back of the pickup truck. Somehow, while we were making sure Spike was okay, he took off.”
Bane shook his head and shrugged. “Damnedest thing ever. He was lights out when we dumped in the truck bed, and we never heard or saw him get out. We were parked only a few spots away.”
Yep. It had been her father. The others could believe what they wanted. They didn’t know anyone else was here. How he managed to take Mr. Evans without being seen, she’d probably never know, especially since he was long gone. Again.
The fire continued to engulf the building and part of the sagging roofline caved in.
“Come on, we’d better go,” Bane said.
That feeling, that odd sensation of someone watching, crept over Ivy. She wasn’t sure if it made her feel much better that she knew who it was or not. Now, the only mystery about their mystery man was why he’d come back. She caught a glimpse of his dark overcoat, standing by a dilapidated sign just inside a line of shadows. He nodded, then stepped back into the darkness.
She still wasn’t able to call him her father. So, what did she call him? As much as she disliked admitting it, he had been the one to save them today. Without him handing over The Book of Lost Souls, odds were that none of them would be alive right now.
Ivy followed the others toward the cars.
Raven gave Ivy a playful nudge. “You and Devlin go with Nick. I’ll handle this crew.”
Ivy nodded. “We’ve got one more stop to make—Forever View. It’s time Spike went home. What do you say, Spike?”
Spike nodded and a tear spilled down his cheek.
“Does your head hurt that much?” Shayde asked.
“No,” he said. “Sorry. It’s been a whole day without any bugs. I tend to get a little emotional.”
Shayde patted Spike’s shoulders as they got into Bane’s Suburban.
Ivy joined Nick and Devlin in the pickup. As they sped away, she looked back at the textile mill. Huge billowing smoke rose above the burning hulk of building while sirens wailed far off in the distance. She had to agree with Spike—she was a bit emotional right now. They could have died back there.
And then, there was her father. She didn’t know what to think about that.
“Are you okay?” Nick asked.
Ivy nodded and turned back around to stare out the windshield.
“Ready, Spike?” Ivy asked.
Spike’s smile had a hint of nervousness to it, but Ivy also didn’t think she’d ever seen him so happy.
“You look great,” Shayde said. “You’re the best-dressed lizard I know.”
“Thanks,” Spike said as he brushed a bit of lint off the purple velvet costume he wore.
“The perfect Romeo once again,” Raven added.
The four friends, plus Devlin, walked out of the parlor and back to the living quarters. Everyone else had piled into Gareth’s room, eagerly waiting. When Spike entered the bedroom, Nick, Gareth, and Bane stepped to the side, revealing Gareth’s daybed and the black and copper lizard on top of it.
“Grrruff!” Devlin said, executing a proud sit. His tail wagged furiously behind him.
“Welcome home, Spike. I think you’ve met Guinevere,” Gareth said. “A.k.a., Gwen.”
Shayde and Ivy had dressed Gwen in a tiny green Juliet costume, right down to the cream-colored headdress.
Gareth leaned next to Spike and whispered, “Are you sure? You could’ve dated the whole cheerleading squad.”
Spike looked lovingly at Gwen. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Okay,” Gareth said, smiling and clearly happy that Spike hadn’t decide
d to stay human any longer. “Just sayin’.”
“Gwen the Gecko,” Nick said with a nod. “Nice name.”
Spike embraced Ivy. “Thanks, Ivy,” he said, still hugging her tightly. “For everything. Check Dev’s collar later, okay? And just so you know,” he said, releasing her. “The note never was in my underwear. I don’t wear any.”
“Uh, well... thanks for the visual Spike.” Ivy grinned, although the information was enough to make Ivy wish for eye bleach. “Yeah, sure. I’ll check. Take care, Spike. As far as pets go, other than Devlin, I love you the most. And as for everything else? Anytime, Spike. Anytime.”
She stepped back and Spike nodded, ready. With a swish of a finger, she reversed the changing spell she’d first tried just seven days ago.
How far everything had come since then. The spell worked better this time. Instead of the grotesque transformation he’d gone through before, a vortex of silvery mist swirled around Spike, and all Ivy could see was his outline shimmering behind it.
When the mist disappeared, Spike the human was gone. In his place was Spike the Horned Toad Lizard.
“I’ll miss you, Spike,” Ivy said, feeling a bit choked up. “I hope you were right. I hope you’ll remember your time as a human.”
Spike gave Ivy a wink and Ivy smiled. Maybe the Spike she’d come to know and love would always remember—just like he’d thought he might. She considered his lizard’s wisdom. Yeah, he was right—at least, it felt that way. Once touched by anything that changed your life, how could it not be part of you forever?
Gareth knelt and gently picked up Spike and set him on the bed next to Gwen. Raven raised her small pocket camera and took a picture of the two costumed lizards.
“I now pronounce you toad and gecko,” Raven announced.
Gareth placed his two pets into their terrarium and he and Raven tossed in a sprinkling of mealworms on the lizards.
Raven laughed. “You may now eat the bugs.”
“I think we’d better go,” Shayde said. “Besides, the newlyweds need their privacy.”
Raven closed the bedroom door behind them, and they all made their way to the parking lot.
“I’d say we’re all dead once our parents find out, but hey! I’m sort of already there, being the undead among us,” Raven said with a shrug. “Still, we’re all probably grounded for life once this gets out. Think our parents will go easy since we found the person behind all this?”
Ivy grimaced. “I’m not counting on it.”
Nick held the truck’s passenger door open and Ivy and Devlin got in.
Shayde waved as she hopped into the Suburban. “Well, if nothing else, see you guys at school.”
Ivy waved good-bye as Nick put the truck in reverse.
They passed a few vehicles on their way, even a patrol car that luckily kept going in the opposite direction. They were sure that the Northwick local thirteen fire station had responded to the fire by now. She wondered where Mr. Evans was, and if he was still under the influence of the books. She wondered what he’d tell the Council about tonight’s events once they caught up with him. Maybe he wouldn’t be so eager to explain things either.
The occasional trick-or-treater still wandered the street when they arrived at Ivy’s house just after seven. It was already dark outside and her mother had left the porch light on. The living room lights were also on and she wondered if her mother knew yet, but decided she didn’t. If her mother had known, she’d been on the front porch, arms folded. Weed control at Forever view would have been the least of her worries.
Nick helped her out of the car and Devlin scurried up the porch to wait.
They walked reluctantly after him, hand in hand, stopping halfway up the walk.
“Thanks for coming after me.” Ivy stared into his eyes, not knowing what to say next. All she knew was that words or not, she wanted to stand here with him all night.
“Still scared?” Nick wanted to know. “Still scared of letting anyone in?”
“No. Yes. But you’re too close to let go, Nick. I’m not sure I could stop it if I tried.” She took his other hand into hers, entwining her fingers through his. “And I really don’t want to try.”
Nick sighed and looked away for a beat. “In the woods that day, you were going to ask what I was thinking. Back then, I wasn’t sure. Kinda like the words got all jumbled up.” He laughed. “And it’s not any easier to put my thoughts into words now. See, you took my heart and I never saw it coming. You’re pure magic, Ivy, and it has nothing to do with the spell you cast from here.” He pulled a hand free and touched her forehead. “You cast the spell from here.” Ever so lightly, he slid his hand down her face and throat, coming to rest on the spot above her heart. “There isn’t a thing you do to me that isn’t magic.”
Ivy grinned. He was such a liar. He’d always been good with words. But right now, they sounded pretty good. “Did anyone ever tell you that for a demon, you’re really cool?”
Nick smiled slyly and shrugged almost confidently.
They stood there, staring at each other again.
“Are you going to force your girlfriend to make the first move?” Ivy finally asked.
“About that,” Nick said. “Think you can handle a demon boyfriend?” He grinned mischievously.
Ivy narrowed her eyes playfully. “Try me.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her lightly, then again, longer this time and she eagerly and readily kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He was right—this was magic. This felt right. Everything except Nick ceased to exist, not the breeze around them, not the stars just making their appearance high above. It was like that afternoon in the woods, only better. This time, the dancing fireflies were in her heart.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said, smiling at her. She let her hands slide around his waist, and he kissed her again.
When they broke apart, neither said another word. Other than wow, what could she say? She watched, breathless, warm, and unwilling to move as Nick slid behind the wheel of his Uncle’s truck and drove away.
“Yes!” she said as the truck’s taillights drove out of sight. Ivy raced up the front porch steps, taking two at a time. This is what it meant when people said love could make you leap over mountains.
Devlin hiccuped once and a tendril of smoke drifted out of his nostrils. He wagged his tail and looked up at her, black little Beezlepup eyes shining happily. She knelt down to hug him and remembered to check his collar.
Spike. She’d almost forgotten. At some point, he’d attached a tiny note to Dev’s collar. Ivy removed it, watching as the piece of paper unfolded and expanded until it was just longer than her hand. Handwritten words appeared across the page as she read it.
Dearest Daughter,
I can’t begin to explain. Just know that I’ve never been more proud, and that I never stopped loving you and your mother. I left to protect you both. It appears that I didn’t do such a good job. You and your mother are still in danger.
I’ll do what I can, but I can’t be seen, so I’ll need your help. No one must know I’ve returned.
You have questions, and in time, you’ll have answers. Unfortunately, more than is probably best for you.
I’m glad that Devlin is safe. He’s a great dog.
You’ll need a new book bag, but I’ve returned the gardening book. It’s on the chair on the side porch. I’ve taken The Rise of the Dark Curse and The Book of Lost Souls. As you’ve guessed, they don’t burn. They need to be in a safer place.
Maybe that’s a secret we should keep for now.
Unfortunately, I believe your mother is a bit upset that you were late for dinner and didn’t call. That, I’m afraid, you’re still on the hook for.
All my love,
Dad
The noted unfolded once more.
P.S. Nick is a real nice boy, but be careful dating demons, Ivy. Relationships with them can be rather intense. For the record, my money is on you. Enjoy this
time in your life. Right now, the world is yours.
Ivy had no idea what her mother would learn about tonight’s events, and she was glad she wouldn’t have to explain. Regulars had their memories wiped all the time. She supposed that it wouldn’t be any more unusual to wipe the mind of a Kindred, although very few Kindreds even knew how to do it. Kindred minds were harder to alter.
Why her father had changed Mr. Evans’s memory was an entirely different matter, and doing it without Council approval was outlaw. Had he done it to protect himself, or his daughter? On the other hand, he could just as easily killed Mr. Evans if he truly was an outlaw.
A thought crept into her mind. Could her father be telling the truth? Did he still care? Did he still love her? Ivy looked at the note, unsure of what to do with it. Crumple it up, or stuff it in her pocket? She glanced down at Devlin and decided to tuck the note into her pocket—for now, anyway.
Out of everything that had happened to her in the past week the biggest of them all had occurred just a minute ago. No matter what new powers she had or where she’d gotten them, Nick had said it best—love was the one true magic above all others. Regardless of the chaos it presented.
Chaos.
Ivy smiled. What better way to get to know love than with a demon who knew all about mischief and mayhem? “See you tomorrow, Nick,” she whispered.
Everything hadn’t worked as planned, but turned out fine just the same. Better than fine. Better than better, even.
Ivy laughed and spun around on the porch, careful not to knock over the Jack O' lanterns. Dating a demon might be pretty intense, but it was something she looked forward to. Adventure had grown on her as well, and it’d be a nice break from sticking her nose in a book all the time. In fact, she might take a reprieve from books for a while.
After tonight, what could possibly happen? Change was good. Danger? What was that old saying? If it doesn’t kill you, it’ll only make you stronger? So, danger or not, with friends like hers, and a boyfriend like Nick, Ivy felt that she could take on all the danger and chaos in the world.
The Book of Lost Souls Page 26
