Skin and Bones

by Susan Harris

  Tom pulled the phone away from him as the sound of the explosion boomed in his ear. The line went dead, and he tried to remain calm for those who stood beside him. Ever could see he was trying very hard not to scare the poor parents whose child had been taken. Unfortunately, Erika seemed to lack the subtlety needed to keep everyone calm and at ease.

  “What the hell was that?”

  Tom glared at her as he pressed buttons on his phone and scowled, continuing to press buttons until something connected. Relief washed over his suddenly tired face as Ever’s heart drummed in her chest. A strange sensation tugged at her, and as she braced herself against the wall, she knew that Derek was fine… but she wasn’t sure how she knew.

  “Derek, everyone alright? We could hear the explosion from here!” Tom spoke into the phone, huffing out a breath when he nodded to whatever Derek had said at the other end. After listening for a few minutes, Tom grimaced and said, “I agree. Watch your six, Derek. He could still be lurking in the shadows.”

  Tom slid his phone back into his pocket and faced Fern’s parents. “Please, do not worry. Neither Fern nor Donnelly was at the farmhouse. But my team is the best at what they do, and they will bring your girl home safely.”

  He called Ever’s name as well as Erika’s and beckoned them from the room, pausing only to get a uniform to step into the room with the parents. Tom kept moving toward the kitchen, closing the door behind them when Ever and Erika had stepped through. Ever perched on a breakfast stool, and Erika leaned against the wall, popping some luminous green chewing gum as she waited. Tom held up a finger as Ever made to speak and then flicked a switch on the wall. A radio began to play a classic eighties song at a low decibel.

  “Okay,” he began, “there was an explosion at the farmhouse. Nobody was seriously injured. A couple of burst eardrums as far as Derek could tell. They will survey the area, try and find a lead, but Donnelly knew they were coming.”

  “And he rigged the place to blow? How did he know what to do?” Erika asked. “Donnelly was a nurse, not a frickin’ bomb maker.”

  Ever shrugged. “Anyone with access to the Internet nowadays can see how to make a homemade bomb. Donnelly trained as a nurse, but he would have some concept of mixing chemicals, and that, I assume… would have made it easier for him to rig the place. Nobody was hurt too badly, that’s all that matters.”

  Tom sighed, and silence hung heavy in the kitchen. Ever chewed on the end of her thumb, anxious and a little jealous. Some part of her wanted to be out there, kicking ass and taking Donnelly down, but a mere mortal couldn’t compete with the supernaturally strong. And she chided herself for even thinking that Melanie, her only human ally, had now gone to the dark side and left her. God, that was such a horrible thought to have, considering what the girl had been through.

  Ever was dragged from her thoughts by the chirping of Tom’s phone.

  “Ricky? You okay?” Tom barked into the phone.

  The bear chuckled at whatever sarcastic quip Ricky had slung back at him. Then, as he continued to listen to the warlock speak, his gaze narrowed and a flash of green blazed as the man’s eyes merged with the bear’s.

  “Christ, I’ll never get used to that,” Erika whispered from over her shoulder.

  Ever glanced over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow, which made the mysterious girl grin. She waved her hand and said, “Strange coming from a supernatural creature, right? Where I come from, we don’t see a lot of shifters and the likes.”

  “And where’s that?” Ever ventured.

  The girl’s grin widened, a glint sparkling in her eyes. “Gotta keep some secrets, Ever. Maybe one day I’ll tell you all about it.”

  Ever shook her head and turned back to Tom, who had just hung up with Ricky. Her godfather closed his eyes and scrubbed a hand over his face. Tom had never seemed to age whilst Ever was growing up, but right now, the bear looked every bit of his age.

  “Melanie seems bored already with her new life and has decided to do some investigating on her own. Apparently, when the county council rezoned a lot of areas in Cork to accommodate pack living areas, the person who redid the plans for Watergrasshill omitted an outer building that Donnelly’s sister had used as a slaughterhouse. Ricky said Derek and the vampires have gone to see if that’s where Donnelly has taken Fern.

  “That monster took her to a slaughterhouse?”

  The yelp startled them. With the music playing, no one had heard the young girl slip in the door. Tears brimmed, and she spun round, rushing from the kitchen and taking the stairs two at a time. Tom cursed, and Erika winced, but Ever stood to go after her.

  “Ever, you don’t have to go after her. I’m sure the family will make sure she’s okay.”

  Ever gave him a brief, almost bitter smile. “They don’t understand. She’s human and in love with a supernatural. They’ll never understand how helpless she feels, knowing she will grow old and die while the woman she loves won’t age. I do, to some extent. Maybe I can comfort her in some way.”

  “Ever…” Tom began.

  Ever pressed a kiss to his cheek. “It’s okay, Tom. I know who I am and where my place is in this world. I may not be content with that, but that’s my issue and I can deal. Now, let me go talk to the girl. I’ll be fine.”

  Slipping from the room, Ever tried to ignore not only the pitying looks she got from Tom and Erika, but also the tremendous pain that had spread throughout her chest. Here she was, planning on exploring this thing between herself and Derek, while he would have to feel the loss of her when she aged and eventually died. Could she do that to him? Be selfish and condemn him to such a life? Because even now, after only knowing him for a short amount of time, Ever wasn’t sure she could leave him.

  Just outside the kitchen door, she paused, gathering herself together before she went in search of Fern’s girlfriend. Closing her eyes, she took in a breath and could hear Erika and Tom talking from her spot outside.

  “I can’t wait to go back to my hotel and shower. I think I could sleep for a month after this.”

  “Why are you sleeping at a hotel?” Tom questioned, and Ever wondered the same thing.

  A pop of gum sounded, and Erika replied, “When the transfer came through, I was told it was immediate. I just shoved a case into my car and left. Not much time to hunt for somewhere to live or anything. If you know of anyone looking for a roomie, let me know.”

  There was a lull of noise, and the hairs on Ever’s arms stood up. She had the strange urge to storm the kitchen and protect Tom. Her fingers twitched, and absentmindedly she reached behind her to grasp nothing but air. What the hell?

  “You should ask Ever. She has an apartment above her garage. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you stayed with her for a while.” His voice sounded robotic—almost forced—but Ever considered she might just be a little paranoid.

  “Cool, boss! I’ll ask her for sure.” Another pop of gum, and the unease dissipated. Shaking out her tired limbs, Ever walked away from the kitchen and headed for the stairs. She could hear stifled sobs as she came to the top of the stairs. A door to Ever’s left was slightly ajar, and through the little gap, she could see the young girl cuddled up on a bed, holding a massive grey bear to her chest.

  Pushing the door open slowly, the girl’s head jerked up. When her eyes met Ever’s, she could see pain, fear, and despair all swirling around in the girl’s pale blue eyes. Ever gently set the door ajar again and went to sit on the edge of the bed. She gave the girl a little time to dry her eyes.

  Glancing around the room, it made Ever smile to think of Fern as nothing more than a typical teen. Band posters and pictures littered the walls. Clothing was tossed on the floor, and textbooks were stacked high at a desk that was covered in more clothing than space available.

  “She really is a slob. I’m always telling her to clean up and her dad might let her out more. But then she smiles and says one neat freak is enough in a relationship and opposites attract.”

  “I get
that,” Ever smiled. “She seems like such a free spirit, but then again, most nymphs are, right? I’m Ever.”

  “Siobhan.”

  Ever turned on the bed and bent her knee, letting it rest on the blanket. She braced her elbow on her knee and tried to give Siobhan a smile.

  “Is she dead? I wish someone would just tell me so I can know how I’m supposed to feel. Her parents don’t like me because I’m not one of them, but they can’t throw me out until we know.”

  Ever tilted her head. “Nobody will throw you out, Siobhan. And your Fern is not dead. My team is tracking her down right now, and my…” What had she called Derek?

  Champion, Kappi.

  The voice was back, whispering words of madness in her mind, but she squashed it down. “My friends will do their very best to bring your Fern back to you.”

  Hugging the bear tighter, Siobhan leaned back against the solid-wood headboard. “They all think it’s a phase for both of us. That Fern wanted to try out a human, and I wanted to try out a supernatural. But we love each other. I knew from the moment she walked into school that I loved her. Do you believe in love at first sight?”

  Of course you do… did you not lay eyes on your champion and know you had to have him? Think, Ever…

  Ever’s breath hitched. Calmly, she waited until she could articulate a sound, and then she answered, “I’m not sure. I’ve never been in love before, so I can’t really understand what it is that you feel for Fern. But the way you talk about her, the way your face lights up at the mere mention of her, if that’s what love looks like, then I can’t wait to experience it.”

  The girl rubbed the back of her neck. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  The girl shifted positions on the bed. “For treating me as an equal even though I’m young and human.”

  Ever reached out and nudged her knee. “We ‘mere humans’ need to stick together.”

  Siobhan’s eyes widened. “You’re human?”

  “Yup, and I hang out with supes every day. You can hold your own, I bet.”

  The girl considered her words, and a thought ran through her mind before she giggled and replied, “Fern says that I must have been supernatural in my past life because I’m as ruthless as a vampire, as loyal as a wolf, and sometimes as much a pain in her ass as her brother. God, if she’s not okay, I don’t think I’ll survive it.”

  Ever shifted closer to Siobhan and took the girl’s hand in her own. “If Fern was able to make a strong, resilient, young woman like you fall in love with her, then she’s as determined to get back to you as you are to hold her in your arms again. She’ll come back to you.”

  The girl’s shields cracked, and she launched herself at Ever, throwing her arms around her neck and sobbing into her shoulder. Ever hushed and whispered reassurances to the girl, suddenly aware they were no longer alone in the room. The door creaked slightly as a boy a little older than Fern stood in the doorway. Eyes red from crying, the boy had pale, freckled skin with brown hair that was tinged with a berry shade of red.

  “Fern will be fine, Siobhan… she’s too stubborn not to be.” His voice was musical and bewitching, and Ever sensed that he was using his magic to calm down his sister’s girlfriend. He nodded at Ever in greeting.

  The girl detangled herself from Ever and sniffled. “Do your parents want me to go, Finn? I know your dad hates me, so I can go wait outside if he wants.”

  Finn strode over with an elegant glide and ruffled the girl’s hair. “My da doesn’t hate you, Shivs; he’s actually quite fond of you. He’s just afraid for you both. There’s a reason why most supes date within their own kind. You’re welcome in our house anytime.”

  Turning to Ever, he held out his hand, and she shook it, surprised by the firmness of his shake. For someone who moved with the fluidity of a dancer, Finn was stronger than he looked. Then again, for all her beauty, Ever was certain there was a ruthlessness behind Caitlyn that very few lived to talk about.

  “Do you really think Fern will be brought home safe?” he asked her, his tone wavering slightly for all its sternness.

  “Yes, all of those searching for your sister will fight tooth and nail to bring her home safe and sound. Just make sure that you are there for her when she comes back. She’ll need all your love and support.”

  Her phone vibrated in her jeans pocket, and she reached in to pull it out, hoping it was Derek saying the girl had been found. Ice covered her veins as she read the text and stood up abruptly. Both Finn and Siobhan watched her, and she forced a smile onto her face.

  “It’s just my mom checking in… even when you’re a grown-up, your mom likes to fuss over you. You guys okay if I head out to give her a call?”

  Finn inclined his head. “Sure. I’ll make sure Siobhan is okay. My sister will kick my ass if I don’t.”

  That brought a genuine smile to her face as Ever headed out the door.

  “Ever.”

  She peered over her shoulder.

  “Thanks. For a mere mortal, you’re kinda special.”

  “Right back at ya’, hun.”

  She left the two teens behind and fumbled her way down the stairs, pulse racing and fear blossoming deep inside her. Ever just needed to slip out unnoticed, and everything would be okay. Peering into the family room and spying Tom with the family, she passed the room quickly and quietly. Thankfully, Ever managed to make it to the kitchen without attracting anyone’s attention.

  “Where you off to?” A pop of gum sounded, and Ever realized she wasn’t alone. Erika was perched on the countertop with a tablet in hand. She flicked through it without looking up, and Ever began to think about how she was going to get around the woman.

  “Was just going to get some air.” She stepped forward, stopping short when Erika’s suspicious eyes met hers.

  “Before you do… Tom said you had a spare apartment that you might be willing to let me crash at for a bit. I’ll pay rent and stuff, just don’t wanna be stuck in a hotel for ages.”

  Eager to get by her, Ever nodded her head. “Sure, no hassle. Once we get done here, I’ll show you around the place.”

  Beaming, Erika said, “Awesome! Cheers, Ever. ‘Preciate it.” Her gum popped again, and Ever inched her way toward the back door.

  “You want some company? You shouldn’t be by yourself out there at the moment.”

  She held up her phone. “I need to call my mom. She’s been hitting my phone up all night to check in. I’ll be fine. I’ll stay close to the house. Promise.”

  “Okay.” The girl dropped her gaze and continued whatever she was doing on her tablet.

  Ever let out a sigh of relief and tried to walk calmly to the back door. She hurried and sent a text as she closed the door behind her, stepping down onto the lush, wet grass. Stars twinkled in the sky, faint hints of lights against a navy skyline, the three-quarter moon mostly hidden behind grayish clouds. Under different circumstances, Ever could have sat for ages admiring the stark beauty of the night.

  The wind gathered, and Ever caught the faint scent of smoke on the wind. Trees rustled, and an owl hooted in the distance. She began to have second thoughts, wondering if she shouldn’t have told Erika exactly what was going on, but it was too late now. Her phone buzzed again, and she checked the screen.

  Her gut told her it was a bad idea—a tremendously stupid idea—but with a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching her, Ever put one foot in front of the other and delved into the forest. The smell of trees and rain surrounded her as she made her way deeper into the forest until the lights of the house had vanished and the only light that paved the way was the barest hint of moonlight through the trees.

  Panic began to set in, and she suddenly wished Derek was here and safe and they could leave all this mess behind them. A fox scurried across her path, and she jumped in surprise, barely managing to stifle the scream that bubbled in her throat. Rain began to fall, a light drizzle muddying the ground around her.

  Ever ke
pt an eye on her phone, hoping it would ring and she could make a run back for the house.

  You are a warrior… act like one.

  The voice scolded her, and she staggered. Maybe she was really going insane. It wasn’t like she knew anything about where she came from. Maybe her mother had been a schizophrenic. She knew the illness manifested in your early to mid-twenties. Could she really be going mad?

  A tear leaked from her eye, and she brushed it away, unwilling to admit that she might be losing the only thing that made her in any way special—her mind.

  A thump dragged her back to awareness, and Ever clenched her fists by her side. The air suddenly turned from the smell of trees and rain to wrongness, like something wasn’t right. Her senses pricked and tension built up in her neck.

  “I knew you’d come. Like an angel sent to save me, I knew that you’d come.”

  She shivered at the tone of his voice as the monster stepped out from behind the cover of a tree trunk.

  “Hello, Stephen.”

  He stood only meters from her, nothing remotely human about the man who now faced her. He took a step in her direction, and she backpedaled. He seemed amused by her actions.

  “You came to save the girl and the wolf. That doesn’t surprise me, Ever. I knew from the first moment we met that I had been searching in all the wrong places. That you would be my salvation, my way to becoming immortal.”

  “And how are you going to do that, Stephen? I am utterly human.”

  He pulled a silver blade from his hip, and fear drenched her.

  “I’m going to eat your skin and bones before you mature into your powers because you, my sweet, delicious Ever, are anything but human.”

  Something clicked inside her, but Ever didn’t have a chance to process anything as Stephen lunged for her with death in his eyes.