Sound's Familiar

by Dana Marie Bell

  If so, Jonah was in more danger than she’d thought.

  Which was why she growled at him when he stepped into the hallway, standing next to her with his hands raised. A spate of words left his lips, words that twisted weirdly in her gut. No one but a sorcerer could speak the language that now poured from Jonah. It came with the magic, an instinctual knowledge similar to Carol’s bond with her wolf, a language that was simply there when a sorcerer called upon his magic. Deep and resonant, his voice calmed her despite her best efforts to remain vigilant. She focused on blending their magic, steadying the golden light that surrounded him until it was a steady glow that counteracted the flashing overhead lights.

  Their magic combined, wrapping around them both in an embrace that made them stronger than they’d ever been. Their renewed energy pushed into her muscles, her eyesight becoming sharper, her nose twitching with new scents that filled the hallway. Cinnamon and allspice mingled with the horrific scent of the wither, the former beginning to overcome the latter. Soon all she could smell was pumpkin spice—the scent of Jonah’s magic.

  The hallway was filled with light, banishing the shadows and dark spots. The sputtering lights were now nothing more than an annoyance, giving the wither no place to hide from Carol’s next attack.

  The wither screeched in anger, moving away from them so swiftly that Carol lost sight of it before she’d taken a step. The scent of it began to fade.

  “It’s gone back to Noctem.” The magic that surrounded her dulled, faded until their normal connection returned. He’d doused their magic to a small candle instead of the bonfire it had been.

  She snorted in disgust and turned her back on the hallway, trotting back into Chief Rivers’s office. Dean Hill was crouched next to the piece of wither Carol had spat onto the floor, still chanting in that multi-tonal voice unique to the elven race.

  “It’s gone. Why is she still chanting?” Chief Rivers seemed confused as the dean continued her spell.

  “She needs to finish the spell. If she doesn’t, the creature will return for its body part. It will be drawn here despite any demands its master might make.” Jonah answered Rivers, all the while petting Carol’s head and scratching behind her ears.

  She lowered her head so he wasn’t touching her anymore. She was pissed at him, damn it, and no wonderful ear scritches were going to get her to forgive him.

  “Yes, you’re a big bad wolf, but there was no way in hell I was leaving you alone out there.” Jonah chuckled, scratching behind her other ear.

  She refused to allow her leg to twitch. Absolutely no...

  Damn it. Her leg bounced, giving her away.

  “You’re so cute when you’re sulking.”

  Carol turned her back on him and sat.

  Jonah made kissy sounds. “Aw, c’mon, precious. I’ve got a biscuit for you.”

  She glared at him. She was going to bury his ass in the yard for that one.

  Chief Rivers chose that moment to pop his head over his desk. His eyes were wide, his skin pale. “What the hell just happened?”

  Carol sighed and laid her head on her paws. Let Jonah explain this one. Her furry ass was taking a nap.

  Chapter 12

  Man, Carol was cute when she was sulking, but there was no way she could think that he’d have left her alone to face the wither. He couldn’t hurt a wither directly. It would just absorb his magic, creating a link between them, but there were ways he could help in the fight. The only way to use his magic against a wither was peripherally, like making light.

  He had no idea how much Carol had learned about withers. Had she been aware that his power was limited against the creature? Was that why she’d been angry when he’d appeared beside her? If so, he’d be pleased beyond words, but her protective instincts would be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because she’d be his first line of defense against creatures like the wither.

  A curse, because he’d rather die than allow her to face an enemy alone.

  Dean Anthony was glaring at Chief Rivers. “Where the hell were you when our lives were in danger?” He began to chew Chief Rivers out for his cowardice, and Chief Rivers didn’t bother defending himself. He simply replied with things like “Yes, boss” and a lot of sorries. Dean Anthony was pale and shaking, probably taking his fear out on the chief. There hadn’t been a damn thing Chief Rivers could have done to the wither other than annoy it. He’d done the right thing in allowing Jonah and Carol to deal with it.

  “Stop chewing him out,” Jonah said as the tirade continued. “He couldn’t have helped us, not with this.”

  Dean Hill cleared her throat. She’d finished banishing the piece of flesh, sending it to Terra Noctem. She was pale and swaying, even seated on the ground. “The detective is right, Frank. Knock it off.”

  Dean Anthony huffed and puffed, but thankfully, he didn’t continue.

  “So. A wither.” Dean Hill leaned back against the desk, staring out into the hallway. “We’re dealing with a blood sorcerer, then, one strong enough to summon a wither.”

  “But how did it know we were watching it on tape?” The confusion in Chief Rivers’s voice was echoed in his expression.

  “Withers can do that. They can sense when they’re being watched, even if it’s on a week-old tape, and react to it. Especially if one of those watching has magic.” Jonah had no sympathy for withers or blood sorcerers. Blood sorcerers had options other than killing others for power. The stronger the blood sorcerer, the more likely he or she would become a wither, eternally hungering for something they no longer had. They had nothing but their unending hunger and a cunning that had gotten more than one unwary sorcerer killed.

  “That eliminates all of my students,” Dean Hill continued. “None of them would have the control to summon a wither. That comes with time and practice as well as raw talent.” She turned to Chief Rivers. “Get me a list of every professional sorcerer who was on campus that day, both those who are part of the college and those who are not.”

  “Got it.” Some of Chief Rivers’s color had come back, but his hands were still shaking. He began typing on his computer, his brow furrowed in concentration. “It’ll take me a bit, though, probably a week. There were a number of sorcerers on and off campus during that time that I’ll need to identify, including those who were visiting their kids or here for guest lectures. I want to make sure it’s complete and correct before I send it to you.”

  “Can you email me the list once it’s done?” Jonah nudged a napping Carol with his toe. “We should get going, find out what else we can dig up on this.”

  “Not a problem.” Dean Hill blew out a breath. Her eyes were still glowing green with power, but it was slowly fading. “Add me to the list, Rivers.”

  Jonah’s brows rose. “I doubt you’d use a wither, Dean Hill.” The thought of an elf using a wither was laughable. Not only did they despise them, their magic didn’t trigger the hunger of a wither. Elves didn’t need familiars, as they didn’t use mana, but ley lines, the energy of the earth itself. Withers simply couldn’t devour that type of magic. Even if they could, it would be like drinking from a magical fire hose rather than dining on steak.

  The magic of the elves was tied to the earth in ways Jonah didn’t understand. Jonah had some theories on that, but he’d leave the theoretical stuff to his sister, Lessa.

  The dean straightened her spine, looking much better. Her color was slowly returning. “Every sorcerer should be listed and eliminated. If you want to strike me off immediately you can, but remember, I’m half-human. It’s entirely possible I have sorcerer powers beyond my elfin ones.”

  “And telling me to investigate you would make me less likely to do so.” He nodded. “All right. I appreciate your willingness to put your neck on the chopping block.”

  “The blood sorcerer killed one of my students.” The green glow in her eyes brightened for a moment. “I want him or her dead.”

  And that was very un-elf-like. Elves didn’t believe in a death
penalty. They believed that everyone, even the worst offenders, could be redeemed with enough time and education.

  “Do the same for me, Chief.” Dean Anthony held out his hand. “I’m sorry we weren’t introduced under better circumstances, detective. I’m Dean Anthony.” He shot Dean Hill an admonishing look. “One of the things I’m in charge of is campus security. Chief Rivers reports to me.”

  Jonah shook the dean’s hand. “Detective Sound, MCU. This is my familiar, Carol Voss.”

  “Arrange a time to come and talk to me, please.” Dean Anthony’s handshake was firm, almost too firm. This was a man who wanted others to be aware that he was the one in charge. “I want to do everything I can to assist in the investigation.”

  “Thank you, sir, I appreciate that.” Jonah smiled the agreeable smile he broke out for people he had to question. It wasn’t overly friendly, but it couldn’t be called cold either. His mother had taught him very well how to fake pleasantries. “Should we go through your secretary or call you directly?”

  “Call me directly. The fewer people involved in this, the better.”

  Jonah was far less sympathetic than elves. “I agree.” He nudged Carol once more. She grumbled and climbed to her feet, yawning and stretching. “You have a good nap, princess?”

  She wagged her tail and yipped, causing everyone but Jonah to chuckle.

  Jonah rolled his eyes. “Change. We’re heading out.”

  Carol shifted, the process fascinating Jonah as always. She shimmered, light flowing around her wolf body, brightening until it was near blinding. The light moved from all fours to upright, finally dimming and extinguishing. In the afterglow stood the woman who’d managed to push almost all of his buttons in a matter of days. She grinned at him, cheeky as hell. “Where to, boss?”

  He turned his gaze on Dean Hill. “I also need a copy of that video with the wither on it.” He glanced at Carol, ready to explain his seemingly insane request. “There’s a safe room at the precinct where the wither can’t come no matter how often we watch the video.” He returned his attention once more to Dean Hill. “We’ll take care of it and follow any leads it shows.”

  Withers could sense things that others couldn’t, like someone watching it on a fucking video. He should have taken precautions against such a thing, but he hadn’t thought they’d be facing a dimen instead of a human. Damn it. Carol had him distracted with the adorable way she’d tried desperately not to nod off while watching the videos.

  Carol poked him on the shoulder, her brow furrowed. “What if it shows us nothing?”

  “Then at least we can close that line of inquiry.” He bit his lip, thinking hard. “The wither might decide to come after us no matter what precautions we take, in which case we’ll be forced to stay at one of the precinct’s safe houses.”

  Dean Hill raised her hand. “There’s another option if it comes for you.”

  That offer wasn’t going to go over well with either his bosses or his familiar. “No. We can take care of this. I’m not putting the elves in danger.” There were enclaves of elves all over the city, each one defended from outsiders, including humans. To enter an elven enclave was a high honor, one very few humans had experienced.

  “We can guard you in ways humans can’t,” she replied softly.

  “I appreciate the offer, I really do.” Jonah smiled softly. He really liked her. “But you’re a civilian.”

  Dean Hill gestured toward Carol. “So is your familiar. She hasn’t gone to the police academy yet.”

  “Yet.” Carol’s voice was so cold he had to check out her expression.

  If that glare had been turned on him, he would have backed away immediately, fearful that she’d attack at any moment. Something about the way the dean had spoken, or something he’d said or done, had caused his familiar to turn on the dean. He’d have to ensure that Carol didn’t try and take a bite out of the elven woman.

  The paperwork on that sort of thing was exhausting.

  Jonah turned back to the dean, eager to set his familiar’s mind at ease. “She’s my partner, officially and unofficially.” He ignored the way the dean’s eyes widened, too intent on keeping Carol calm. “Can you copy that video for me?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small USB drive. It had a carved symbol in it for protection, one Jonah charged while he held it out. It would keep the wither from sensing the video on the drive.

  The dean took the drive, her fingers brushing against his. Carol growled again, but Jonah leaned toward her, whispering in her ear. “Shh.”

  Carol huffed. “I’ll be in the hall.” She stomped out the door, her expression thunderous.

  What. The. Fuck?

  “I think she’s jealous.” The dean winked at him as she put the drive into the USB slot and began copying the file.

  “Why?” Jonah was confused. He had no romantic intentions toward the dean. She didn’t make his cock hard the way Carol did. Carol should be able to scent his lack of interest. The dean was attractive but not his type.

  He preferred cute, growly women who curled up in his lap and trusted him to protect them from big, bad thunderstorms.

  “She senses that you like me, maybe?” The dean’s smile was wicked. She winked at him.

  Oh, shit. “As a person, not... I mean, you’re good-looking and all, but...” Jonah was rarely flustered, but right now, he was tired and ruffled.

  The dean’s chuckle was just as evil as her smile had been. “Tell her that.”

  Jonah gazed out the door to find Carol pacing the hall. “Almost done,” he called out, hoping he sounded calm. The dean’s quiet chuckle didn’t help.

  “Good.” She continued to pace, her gaze going over and over again to the lights. “I want out of here.”

  “I don’t blame you.” He stepped into the hall, halting her progress. “Was that your first encounter with a wither?”

  She nodded, the anger that had been there earlier giving way to disquiet. “How often do you face those things?”

  “More often than I like, but less often than you’d imagine.” Jonah pulled her close, hugging her, trying to comfort her. He rubbed her back, breathing in her scent. She smelled of earth and sky and running, clean water, all things he loved. “I’ll protect you, I swear it.”

  She stiffened and pulled away. “Understand something right now. I’ll be the one protecting you, Jonah.”

  The determination in her gaze, the way she stared him right in the eye, made his cock twitch. God, she was one sexy little wolf.

  He couldn’t let her announcement go unchallenged, however. “I don’t think so.” He held tight as she tried to pull all the way out of his arms. “I mean it, Carol.”

  “Perhaps the two of you could protect each other.” The sound of the dean’s voice startled Jonah. He’d been so intent on his familiar that, for a moment, he’d forgotten that anyone else was there.

  The dean held out the USB drive, barely holding it with her fingertips. Jonah took it with a muffled thanks. “I appreciate your help.”

  The dean glanced behind her to where Chief Rivers sat, watching them quietly. She turned back to them, nodding. Softly, she replied, “We appreciate what you’re doing. If those other detectives had their way, an innocent familiar would now be in jail. I’d have lost two of my students.”

  Jonah finally released Carol but remained close to her. “We’ll get out of your hair. Contact us directly if anything else happens.” He gave the dean his card.

  She took it, careful not to touch him. “It was a pleasure meeting both of you. Remember, if the wither becomes more than the police can handle—”

  “We’ll be fine,” Carol replied firmly, shutting the door once and for all on the dean’s offer of help.

  The dean nodded farewell and returned to Chief Rivers’s office, closing the door behind her.

  Carol sniffed, tilting her chin in defiance as she walked away.

  Jonah shook his head. He had the notion that whatever had set Carol off had nothing to
do with the dean and everything to do with being afraid of the wither. He’d have to make sure she was safe, no matter what happened.

  Nothing, nothing would happen to Jonah’s brave little familiar.

  Chapter 13

  Carol slipped inside the precinct behind Jonah. “I could fill out paperwork while you watch the video. I still need to get my employee pass and all of my employment stuff done, like health care plans and vision.” Please say yes, please?

  “No can do.” Jonah nodded to the officer manning the front desk. This time it wasn’t Officer Bob, but a female who kept her gaze to herself when it came to Carol’s chest. “I need your perfect eyesight in case I miss something.”

  “What makes you think it’s perfect?” She squinted at him, hoping he’d believe the lie that her vision was wonky. “Maybe I have trouble seeing.” She blinked rapidly and wiped at her eyes.

  He chuckled. “Where are your glasses? Or your contact lens stuff?”

  Damn it. She was caught. The last thing she wanted to do was glimpse the wither again, but for Jonah, she’d bite the bullet and do what she could. However, that didn’t mean she had to stop a pout from making her lips droop. “Fine. I guess I can fill it out tonight.”

  He grinned back at her, the expression filled with affection. “That’s my girl.”

  Carol’s cheeks heated. My girl. She was beginning to wish she was exactly that. Jonah was strong, protective, funny, and hot as hell. He was the complete package, all wrapped up in a police uniform. How was she supposed to resist that?

  Jonah took her to a room with magical symbols on the door, along the jam, and even on the knob. They weren’t taking any chances with anything like a wither getting into the precinct. Any dimens working as cops would avoid this place like the plague.

  The door closed quietly behind her. Carol shivered as she scanned the room. Her wolf whimpered quietly, wanting out.