Sound's Familiar

by Dana Marie Bell

  Paul nodded as he bit into his ketchup coated fry. “Hell, if we can figure out what his ritual is for, we might be able to stop him without needing to find him.”

  “If we could come up with a counter-spell, that would lead us to him as his spell rebounds back on him.” Jonah took the last bite of his burger, swallowing before he continued. “We need to talk to that Egyptologist pronto. Maybe she’ll be able to help us figure this out.” His sister could help with the runes, but Egyptian souls, religions, that sort of stuff, she’d be lost on. They had to find an expert in the subject to check out his and Paul’s theory.

  “Yeah, the Internet only goes so far.” Paul used a fry to point to his tablet. Luckily, it hadn’t been diving into the ketchup pool yet. “We might be able to find some scholarly papers on there, but I doubt either of us will fully understand what we’re studying without an expert’s help.”

  “Especially when it comes to funereal rituals.” Jonah swiped some of Paul’s fries, ignoring his friend’s protests. “One thing I noticed, in Egyptian rituals, the mouth was opened to release the bâ, but our victims’ mouths were closed.”

  Paul grunted. “Damn it. We just don’t have enough information that will lead us to what he’s after, the soul or the mana.”

  “Without that, figuring out the ritual will be nearly impossible.”

  They finished up their meal in near silence. Jonah’s thoughts were going in circles, trying to figure out the motive of the murderer. Normally, with a blood sorcerer case, it was simple. The sorcerer was after the mana.

  This case was different in so many ways he couldn’t even begin to list them. It might turn out to be one of the toughest cases of his career. He was certain it would be one of the most memorable.

  Each of them ordered dessert and coffee. Paul’s phone dinged, and he checked the message, smiling at Jonah when he was done. “The girls are having a good time.”

  “Oh?” Jonah sipped his coffee, smiling at the thought of his familiar roaming the mall, credit card in hand. “What are they up to?”

  “According to my wife, you’ll be broke in about half an hour if she has anything to say about it.”

  Jonah laughed. “Let them have fun. I can afford it.”

  “You say that now, but wait until you get the bill.” Paul shuddered. “A woman given an unlimited credit card and free rein? You’re going to be bleeding from the anus, my friend.”

  “Carol’s had nothing but secondhand clothes for years. Let her get what she wants.” Jonah wanted Carol’s time with Debbie and Rose to be both fun and stress-free. “I’m hoping she isn’t worried about the amount of money she’s spending.”

  Paul saluted him with his coffee cup. “It’s your wallet’s funeral.”

  Jonah rolled his eyes and changed the subject to small talk. The girls would signal when they were done. Until then, he was just going to enjoy spending time with one of his friends.

  Chapter 20

  “Oh, dear gods and goddesses, put that down.” Carol grabbed the couture Badgley Mischka dress—careful, mustn’t wrinkle it—out of Debbie’s hand and stared at her like she’d lost her mind. “Where the hell would I wear a twenty-five-hundred-dollar dress?”

  “The policeman’s ball?” Debbie glanced at the woman in the private dressing room who’d begun bringing them clothing. “Am I right?”

  “She’d be stunning in that ivory gown, especially with her red hair.” The saleswoman had a professional smile on her face, one that hadn’t been there when Carol, Rose, and Debbie had first shown up in the store.

  The saleswoman had taken one look at Carol’s secondhand Gap jeans and “vintage” T-shirt and had immediately begun to direct them to the discount racks found all over the huge, high-end department store. One look at the tattoo on Carol’s wrist and the woman had become all smiles, directing them to the private dressing room they now sat in.

  Carol was about to have a heart attack. Jonah was going to kill her if she spent that much money on a single dress. Debbie was a crazy woman, and she was only sorry she hadn’t noticed it earlier. “I told you I need work clothes, not—”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Rose dismissed her protest with a wave of her hand. “Honey, my friend needs a complete wardrobe overhaul.”

  “I agree,” the saleswoman said, her gaze traveling up and down Carol’s outfit with a quickly dismissed air of disdain.

  “She does need some clothing appropriate for an officer of the law, but she needs other outfits as well,” Debbie added. She must have noticed Carol’s discomfort and hopped in to save her.

  Then she ruined Carol’s warm, fuzzy feelings by continuing, “Cute things she can wear that won’t make her appear inferior to a Sound sorcerer.”

  Carol’s protest froze on her tongue.

  With an evil look, Debbie continued. “Especially for when she meets the parents.”

  Game, set, match, damn it.

  The woman nodded and left briskly, leaving behind the admittedly gorgeous gown.

  “He’s gonna kill me,” Carol muttered, falling back into the provided chair. “I’m gonna spend so much money I’ll be in debt three hundred years after I’m dead.”

  Rose put her hands on her hips and kicked Carol gently on the shin. “He told me to take you here, silly. Said his parents always do this for his new familiars. It’s on them, okay? Now, enjoy the experience, ’cause it will probably never happen again.”

  Carol closed her eyes, utterly embarrassed. She didn’t belong in this part of the store with its designer clothing and six hundred-dollar shoes.

  “After this, we’ll take you to Sephora,” Debbie crooned in her ear.

  Carol sat up immediately, her mind racing with all the makeup she’d been dying to try. “Let’s get this show on the road. There’s a Tarte eyeshadow palette just waiting for a loving home.”

  Debbie chuckled. “Damn straight.”

  Outfit after outfit was brought out for Carol to try. Some of them she refused outright after being shown the price tag, but others she tried on with an air of inevitability. She tried her best to keep the amount of money the girls wanted her to spend down, but in the end, she spent far more than she’d wanted to.

  Who knew a simple pair of jeans could cost that much?

  By the time they were done, Carol was ready to head somewhere that she’d be far more comfortable in. “We’re going to Target next.”

  “Fine,” Debbie whined, her shoulders drooping and her feet dragging. “I still say you could have spent more.”

  “Three hundred dollars for jeans, Debbie? Seriously?” The only part she’d truly enjoyed about the experience was that they were going to deliver the clothes she’d bought to Jonah’s house. “That’s so stupid, I can’t comprehend how stupid it is. Jeans are meant to be lived in, not framed in a museum.”

  She’d put a stop to that set of protests immediately. The trip to Target was for everyday wear, while the department store had been for the parties she’d been told she’d have to attend as Jonah’s familiar.

  It wasn’t that she was truly unhappy with her purchases so far. They’d wear well, and she’d done her best to pick pieces that would never truly go out of style. She just wished she’d spent her own money on the clothing, not Jonah’s. Not that she’d ever have the same amount of money he did. She’d have to win the lottery for that to happen.

  “I’m picking up some wear and tear clothing there, stuff that if it wrecks, I won’t start weeping in my Cheerios.” Carol was determined to keep this part of the trip down-to-earth. “And I need some sensible shoes, ones I won’t care about scratching up. Ones I can run in.”

  “I agree, actually.” Debbie dropped the pouty act and caught up to Carol. “Seriously though. Jonah’s not going to be upset, I swear.”

  “That doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty.” Carol strode into Target, glad that it was part of the mall. “Now help me find some real people clothes.”

  “I swear, the people who shop at that department s
tore are real people.” Rose glanced around and grabbed a cart. “Except their boobs, lips, butts, tummies...”

  Two hours later, Carol had jeans, underwear, some tank-tops and T-shirts, and a cute pair of shoes she’d been unable to resist. At a shoe store, she found a pair of loafers she could wear that wouldn’t look out of place on an officer of the law and went with the several pairs of work slacks she’d picked up. The soles were sturdy rubber, good for running if need be.

  “All done?” Debbie grabbed hold of her arm before she could respond. “Good. Let’s get some makeup.”

  Carol didn’t resist being dragged to Sephora. She’d been in one more than once, dreaming of what she could pick up if only she had the money.

  By the time they were done, she’d spent more on skincare, haircare, and makeup than she had at the department store and Target combined. She clutched a striped shopping bag, cackling like a maniac. “It’s all mine, Precious.”

  Rose laughed.

  Debbie just shook her head. “Ready for the food court?”

  Her stomach rumbled on cue. “Yes, please.” She whimpered and whined, giving Debbie her best puppy-dog eyes. “I want a huge-ass pretzel and some ice cream.”

  “How about real food?” Debbie once again grabbed her arm and began dragging her along.

  “If I drop my makeup, I’ll hurt you.” Carol clutched the Sephora bag tighter with one arm, the Target bags and shoe store bag held in the other. She ignored the way those bags kept banging against her leg as she practically ran after Debbie. Rose trailed behind them, still cackling.

  Real food turned out to be mall pizza, her coveted pretzel, and a hot fudge sundae. By the time she was done, she was leaning back in her chair, rubbing her stomach in contentment. “That hit the spot.” And she’d paid for it with her own money, making it that much more satisfying.

  “I texted the guys and told them that we’re almost done.” Debbie picked up their trash and heaped it on one of the trays.

  “Almost?” Rose glanced around. “Where else are we headed?” Her eyes lit up. “Oh, scented candles? Or the jewelry store?”

  Gods, Carol hoped not. She couldn’t imagine the amount of money the crazy duo would try and convince her to spend in a jewelry store. Carol stood, too, grabbing her bags before following after Debbie and Rose. She was starting to get used to following them around.

  Hell, she was afraid she was learning how to heel. Soon, Debbie would be tossing her Scooby Snacks for being a good girl.

  “Yup.” Debbie’s expression was wicked. “There’s one more thing you need to make me happy.”

  Uh-oh. “And that would be?”

  “A haircut.” Debbie dumped the trash and placed the tray on top of the trash can. “I made an appointment for...” She checked her watch and groaned. “Now. Let’s go.”

  “Wait, wait, wait!” Carol ran after Debbie, doing her best to avoid banging into the mall-goers. “Why do I need a haircut?”

  “When was the last time you had a trim?” Debbie kept going without looking back.

  “Uh...” Did she have to admit she cut her own hair?

  “That’s why.” Debbie pointed. “There. That’s where we’re going.” She swerved and entered a shop that smelled of hair coloring chemicals, perm solutions, and wet hair. “Sheila? I’ve brought you something interesting!”

  Carol groaned. “What have you gotten me into this time?”

  A woman popped her head around a partition, smiling and waving at Debbie. “Hey there! Is that her?”

  “Yup!” Debbie put her arm around Carol’s shoulders. “She’s Jonah’s newest.”

  “Oh?” The woman came around the partition, scissors in hand. “Hmm. This one’s cute.”

  “She’ll be cuter without the dead ends, am I right?” Debbie winked and took Carol’s bags. “Follow Sheila, sweetie. She’ll make you look like a goddess.”

  “I just want to look like Carol,” she muttered in reply. She followed Sheila obediently, ignoring the way Debbie was cackling to herself. Rose was conspicuously absent, probably hunting down cinnamon-apple-scented candles. The bitch. How dare she ditch Carol in the chemical hell of a hairdresser’s shop?

  Half an hour later, Carol had to admit her hair appeared much healthier than it had before she’d entered the salon. For a moment, she even contemplated forgiving Rose for her desertion. “I didn’t realize having someone else cut your hair could make such a difference.”

  The twin looks of horror on Sheila and Debbie’s faces made her laugh out loud.

  Sheila went to the register and grabbed a card, scribbling something on it before returning it to Carol. “Here’s your next appointment.” She leaned in close, her eyes narrowing. “You will keep it.”

  Carol shrank back from the crazy lady with the scissors. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sheila handed a second card to Debbie. “You too.” The glare she sent Debbie wiped the grin right off her face.

  Debbie twitched into a salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Now then.” Sheila returned to her previous, happy demeanor as she stared at Carol. She tilted her head, fingering one of Carol’s curls. “Have you ever considered highlights?”

  “Wolf shifter. The smell of the chemicals makes me sick.” Just being in here had her nose twitching with the urge to sneeze. That, and she’d never once thought of dyeing her hair. She loved her red hair as it was.

  “Honey, when the grays start showing, you’ll suck it up. Believe me, I’ve seen it plenty of times.” Sheila pointed to her own perfectly streaked dark mane. “You think I come by this naturally?”

  Fifteen minutes later, Carol slunk out of the shop, her tail between her legs and appointment card clutched in her hand. “That woman scares me.”

  “Me too, but her skills are out of this world.” Debbie linked arms with Carol and began dragging her along. “Now, let’s get the boys and get out of here before I start shopping for me.”

  “Why would that be a problem?” Carol obediently followed Debbie.

  Debbie grinned. “Not all of us have the credit limit Jonah has, and one of the dresses in that department store was being way too seductive.”

  Carol chuckled. She was damn glad Debbie had agreed to come shopping with her. The woman was a blast.

  “There you are.” Debbie glared at Rose, who’d just appeared out of the crowd. “Where were you?”

  Rose stared at Carol. “You’re alive!” She hugged Carol tight. “I thought you’d die in chemical hell.”

  Carol smacked Rose on the shoulder. “No thanks to you, Chicken Little.”

  “When the cluck fits,” Rose replied, laughing.

  An evil, devious thought came to her. “Debbie? I think Rose needs to meet Sheila.”

  The two shared a calculating grin. Oh, yes. Rose would get hers.

  Debbie turned back to the salon and shouted, “Stella!” in the best Marlon Brando style.

  Luckily, earth elementals didn’t run very fast, and Carol’s revenge was both satisfying and smelly.

  Carol grinned as Stella bullied Rose into a second appointment, snickering behind her hand as Rose stood at attention and saluted.

  Definitely worth it.

  Chapter 21

  Jonah seemed confused as Carol held out the receipt with a shaking hand. How was she supposed to explain this? She still couldn’t believe she’d let Rose and Debbie talk her into all of this...stuff.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She couldn’t look at him as he glanced over the receipt. She should have turned down so much of it, but they’d been insistent that Jonah wouldn’t mind. The guilt had nearly overwhelmed her more than once on the way home. How could she have been so greedy?

  Jonah’s warm hands cupped her cheeks. She glanced up at him through her lashes to see him smiling gently at her. “It’s fine, sweetheart. I expected you to spend more, actually.”

  “Huh?” She blinked, shocked. “What did you do, dip into a trust fund?”

  “Something like that
,” he replied, shocking the fuck out of her. “I earn my own money, and I live on that, but my parents like to spoil my new familiars. They’re paying for this.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And they don’t take no for an answer either.”

  “But—”

  This time, he kissed her lips, stopping her protest. “I double-checked with my parents. They were thrilled when I told them what was going on.” He scowled, looking more wolf-like than ever. “They said you should be spoiled more often, and I agree with them.”

  She shook her head, unsure if she was charmed or if he was totally off his rocker. She decided to go with both. “The trust fund is for what, exactly?”

  He put his arms around her, tossing the receipt onto the floor. “Well, spoiling my lovely familiar is now top of my list.” He twirled one of her curls around his finger. “I like the haircut.”

  Oh God, he noticed! Sawyer never noticed when her hair was cut. She squinted up at him, eager to tease him. “Are you sure you’re not gay?”

  He chuckled. “First off, that’s sexist.” He kissed the tip of her nose before she could protest. “Second, I think I proved that not too long ago.” He dug his fingers into her hips, the pressure just enough to send a throb of desire through her. “Want me to prove it again?”

  His voice had deepened, making her swallow the puddle of drool that was threatening to escape. “Sure. That works.”

  He put his hands under her ass and lifted her into the air. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding tight as he carried them upstairs. “Get the door for me.”

  Jonah’s voice was calm, but his pupils had dilated. His stare held her captive, making her fumble as she tried to do as he commanded. She finally grasped the doorknob, turning it and pushing the door open.

  “Good girl.” He transferred her to the bed and began methodically stripping her of her clothing. “Now, I want you to put your hands on the headboard and hold them there.”