Playing With Fury

by Annabel Chase

  “Stand down,” I bellowed.

  The demons chittered amongst themselves. I had to convince them that I didn’t want to hurt them. Otto had been using their skills for nefarious purposes, most likely without their knowledge. By all accounts, the digger demons had left Otherworld and were trying to establish peaceful lives in this realm. It seemed unlikely they’d want to open the floodgates and allow Otherworld creatures to pour into Chipping Cheddar. They’d be opening the door and letting their past interfere with their fresh start.

  The demons remained rooted in place, observing the wolves with apprehension. They seemed unwilling to comply while the wolves were still a threat. I searched the darkness for Hugh but couldn’t find him.

  “Hugh! I need you.” I winced at my choice of words. He’d be throwing them in my face later, I had no doubt.

  A buff silhouette emerged from the shadows. Not the first time I’d seen a half-naked Hugh, sadly. “I knew you’d come around eventually,” he said.

  I ignored his smug expression. “Thanks for all your help, but I need you to send the pack home. I can take it from here.”

  “What about them?” He tilted his head toward the circle where two wolves stood sentry at Wilfrieda’s limp body.

  “They can go, too. I’ll take care of her, thanks.”

  Hugh bowed. “As you wish.” He seemed to merge with the darkness. A howl rang out and the rest of the wolves responded. The sound of their joined voices sent a chill down my spine.

  I kept a watchful eye on Wilfrieda as the wolves left the area. This time, I faced the digger demons alone. I was back to being alone—to being just me.

  “The wolves have gone. I’m not your enemy.” I dug my FBM badge out of my shorts pocket and showed it to them. “I’m Agent Eden Fury and I can help you, but you need to do as I say.”

  I directed them to return to their burrows for now until we could sort out next steps. Once they retreated, I conjured a cloaking spell to hide Otto until help arrived and then texted Neville to alert the FBM to the situation. They’d need to send handlers to deal with Otto as soon as possible.

  As I ran over to the circle to check on Wilfrieda, I was shocked to see a familiar figure striding across the grass.

  “Eden!” Chief Fox lit up when he saw me. “You’re back.”

  I threw my arms around him and Otto’s words came flooding back to me. The wizard was right. I had to do a better job of hiding my weaknesses and that included Chief Sawyer Fox. He was human and it would be too easy for enemies to use my feelings against me. I couldn’t put him in danger, not from my family or anyone else.

  “How did you know I was here?” I asked.

  “I didn’t.” He nodded to his aunt. “I was getting worried so I traced her phone to this location.”

  The perks of having a nephew in law enforcement.

  “She’s been sedated, but I think she’s okay,” I said.

  We crouched beside her. There was no sign of any cuts or bruises.

  “Aunt Wili, can you hear me?” the chief asked.

  She stirred and blinked open her eyes. “Sawyer?” She sat up and glanced around. “Why are we out here in the dark?”

  “You don’t remember coming here?” I asked.

  She rubbed the back of her head. “No. I have no idea what happened. Otto and I were having a drink and the last thing I remember hearing was…” She stopped and looked at me. “Fury time.” She laughed awkwardly. “That doesn’t make any sense, does it?”

  The chief helped her to her feet. “I’m glad I could track your phone. Let’s get you checked out by a doctor.”

  “Verity will do it,” I said.

  “There’s no need to worry about me. I’m fine.” Wilfrieda surveyed the area. “Do you think there will be another tremor?”

  “I think we’ve experienced the last of them,” I said.

  Her shoulders sagged with relief. “Where’s Otto?”

  “He’s gone,” I said, without explanation.

  “Oh, good. I’m relieved, to be honest. I should never have agreed to a second date. There was something about him I didn’t care for. I think it was his eyebrows.”

  The chief laughed. “I thought you always said not to judge a book by its cover.”

  Wilfrieda scoffed. “You can always tell a man by his eyebrows.”

  “Words to live by,” I said.

  She looked down at the magic circle. “What is all this? Were we having a picnic?”

  “Teenagers,” I said quickly. “They like to come out here to smoke and drink and they build these circles to let their friends know where to go.”

  She straightened her disheveled shirt. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, Eden. I was worried about you.”

  The chief looked at me and smiled, his relief evident. “Me, too.”

  Wilfrieda frowned at me. “Why are you covered in dirt?”

  I touched my face, remembering the smudge sticks from Magic Beans. “It’s so dark outside. I tripped and fell on the way here.”

  “Must be a family trait,” she said.

  I laughed. “Must be.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “I’m sorry you can’t stay longer,” I said. “We’ve loved having you here.” I stood at the bus station with Wilfrieda while the chief carried her bags to the handler. They were apparently no lighter upon departure thanks to her shopping sprees.

  Wilfrieda blew out a breath. “It’s time to go. Chipping Cheddar is a lovely little town, don’t get me wrong, and it’s been wonderful to spend time with my nephew, but it’s a bit dull here compared with home. At least we had the tremors to liven things up.”

  I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

  Wilfrieda reached into her tote bag. “I have a parting gift for you.” She produced a black and gold sweater with the word ‘Hawkeyes’ emblazoned across the chest. “I started knitting this for Sawyer before I came, but I’d like you to have it.”

  I held the sweater against my chest to admire it. “I guess I have to root for the Hawkeyes now.”

  “You can’t argue with the sweater,” she agreed.

  I didn’t have the heart to ask her which sport they played; I’d ask the chief to remind me later.

  I tucked the sweater under my arm. “Thank you, Wilfrieda. Come back again soon so we can spend more time together.”

  “I’d love for the two of you to visit me in Iowa, although I get the feeling neither of you gets many vacation days. You work a lot.” She patted my cheek. “You take care of my nephew. Look after one another.”

  “We will,” I said.

  “And please let me know if there’s anything else I can knit for you.” Her eyes radiated hope. “Anything at all, no matter how small.”

  I wanted to say don’t hold your breath. Instead I said, “A pair of fuzzy dice for my rearview mirror would be great.”

  Wilfrieda gazed at me for a moment longer. “You really do have the most interesting eyes. If you stare at them long enough, it looks like you have little flames around the irises.” She laughed to herself. “Silly, isn’t it?”

  “A trick of the light,” I said.

  Drops of rain splashed on the pavement around us. Wilfrieda seemed to pluck an umbrella from thin air and opened it over our heads.

  “Good luck with the housewarming party,” she said. “I’m sorry to miss it.”

  At the mention of my party, I fought the urge to jump on the bus with her. I’d gladly take a cross-country bus to avoid hosting my family.

  Chief Fox appeared behind his aunt. “Ready?”

  “Safe travels,” I said.

  A gust of wind blew past us and nearly tugged the umbrella from her hand.

  He kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you at your place soon.”

  “Wear armor,” I called as they walked arm-in-arm toward the bus.

  I spent the next hour running around the barn and preparing platters of food. I bought as many pre-sliced appetizers as I could, telling mysel
f with every purchase that I was pressed for time rather than lazy.

  Alice whooshed alongside me, making suggestions. “Where are the brandy and tobacco for the men? I don’t see them.”

  “Because this is the twenty-first century,” I reminded her for the third time.

  The doorbell rang and Princess Buttercup leapt to her feet and barked.

  “Showtime,” I said.

  I was relieved to welcome Julie, Meg, and Rafael as my first guests. They were easier to please.

  “The barn looks amazing,” Julie said. “I can’t believe this is where the pigs used to sleep.”

  “They did more than sleep here…” Alice began, and I cut her a silencing glance. This was one instance where the less I knew, the better.

  “You’re not serving pork, are you?” Meg asked. “Because that would be cruel.”

  Julie clapped her daughter’s shoulder. “Meg is on an animal cruelty kick, which makes things a little tense at home given her father’s occupation.”

  Meg rolled her eyes. “Mom, you make it sound like I’m the one being cruel to animals.”

  “I can’t wait to see what you’re serving.” Rafael marched straight into the kitchen and stopped short when his gaze alighted on the island. “Where’s the food?”

  I looked at the dozen platters of food on the island. “Are you looking for something in particular?”

  The warlock clucked his tongue. “Eden, my sweet cousin. If you needed help, you only had to ask. I would’ve been more than happy to assist you in the preparations.”

  It was hard to please a chef when it came to food. “Next time,” I said.

  Everyone seemed to arrive at the same time. Chief Fox entered with Neville, right behind Clara and Sassy. Moyer and Tomas. Anton and his family.

  Sally and my father set up camp in the kitchen and I wondered whether my parents would spend the entire party on opposite sides of the barn, glaring at each other.

  “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” Alice said, once the party was in full swing. She drifted over to the island and looked longingly at the cheese tray. “It’s moments like this I realize how much I miss cheese.”

  “It would be one of the main disadvantages to being dead,” I agreed.

  “What would be?” Clara asked.

  “Not being able to eat cheese.” I popped a slice into my mouth and relished the taste. It felt good to be alive—and seen.

  “What does Alice think of the barn’s new look?” Clara asked.

  “She approves.” I glanced at Alice for confirmation but she was already gone.

  “I’m sorry Quinn couldn’t be here,” Clara said.

  “I’m sorry for you,” I said. “You’re forced to endure conversations with my family. With Quinn, you’d have a buffer.”

  Clara offered a bashful smile. “A buff buffer.”

  Neville entered the kitchen with an empty plate. “I had to escape. Your mother is trying to put me on a diet.” He began to replenish supplies, choosing five different cubes of cheese as well as a selection of cured meats. “She thinks that’s why I’m not dating more.”

  “Tell my mother to mind her own business,” I said.

  Neville gave an adamant shake of his head. “I’ll leave that to you. I value my life.”

  I glanced out the window to where Princess Buttercup was frolicking in the yard with Neville’s foster dogs. “Looks like the four-legged guests are having a good time, too.”

  “I didn’t even have to introduce them,” Neville said. “Instant friends like us.”

  I smiled at the portly wizard. “I’m glad you’re here, Neville.”

  “And I’m glad you’re here in all your physical glory. I missed your constant looks of consternation.” He bit down on a cube of cheese. “The best part is you don’t have to worry about more fury traits.”

  No, that was true. It was Otto’s magic that rendered me invisible, not my own powers, and the use of my wings didn’t seem to be significant enough. There’d be no surprise gifts—not this week at least.

  Grandma intercepted me as I wandered into the great room with a cocktail to chat with the other guests. “I don’t suppose you’ve reconsidered shutting down the club,” she said.

  “Honestly, I’ve been too busy to give it much thought.”

  “Maybe there’s something I can do to persuade you.” Grandma lifted her eyebrows.

  “Are you threatening me at my own party?”

  “No, no. I’m talking about greasing your palm.” She leaned closer and dropped her voice. “I can trade you a few rare critters.”

  “I don’t play Little Critters, Grandma,” I said.

  “You could start and then you’d be the envy of all the local players. You should see the way some of those little kids get worked up when you kill their critters.” She cackled softly and shook her head. “Kids today are so soft.”

  “Stop trying to bribe me, Grandma. It won’t work.”

  Anger flashed in her eyes. “Fine. Then I’m putting you in my act.”

  “I’m already in your act.” I pointed to myself. “Elsa, remember?”

  She glared at me. “How would you like to be that buffoon Olaf?”

  I gave her a pointed look. “Not exactly helping your case.”

  “You two look like you’re conspiring over here.” My mother sauntered over to our side of the room with a drink in her hand. “It’s clearly not to set me up on a date. There isn’t a bachelor in sight.” She smiled and waved to someone across the room. “I stand corrected. Here’s Chief Fox.”

  “This corner looks like trouble,” he said, winking at me.

  My mother’s flirtatious giggle was nauseating. “If you only knew.”

  “Love the new digs,” he said to me. “You have great taste.”

  I smiled. “You think so, huh?”

  “Yes, this place has been completely transformed,” my mother interrupted. “Now if I only we can do a similar makeover on Eden.” My mother regarded me. “I’d start with the hair. The right brush can do wonders.”

  “And shampoo,” Grandma added. “That helps.”

  Chief Fox flinched. “As far as I’m concerned, Agent Fury doesn’t need to change a thing.”

  Uh oh. As much as I appreciated him coming to my defense, I didn’t want him to say anything that would rouse their suspicion.

  “You haven’t seen her on a Sunday morning with a hangover,” Grandma said. “Tell us then she doesn’t need to change a thing.”

  My mother placed a hand on his arm. “There’s no need to pander, Chief Fox. Yours isn’t an elected position.”

  I tapped his ankle with my foot and hoped he got the message to let it be.

  Anton broke into our small circle. “I’m seriously impressed with the work John did here. It’s giving me ideas.”

  My mother smacked his arm. “You’re not allowed to renovate another thing in that house of yours. Don’t even repaint a room, do you hear me?”

  Anton laughed. “What’s the problem, Mom? Not interested in having us back as houseguests?”

  Grandma pointed. “Not until Ryan learns not to draw on the wall with lipstick.”

  I followed Grandma’s finger to the far side of the room. Verity scooped up the offender and carried him kicking and screaming to the bathroom. A bright red smiley face on a white wall stared back at me.

  “I didn’t know Verity wore red lipstick,” my mother said. “I never see her in anything except pale pink. It’s far too subtle for her complexion.”

  I squinted. “It’s a very deep red. Are we sure it’s lipstick?”

  Anton made a nervous sound at the back of his throat. “I’ll see if I can scrub it off.” He slipped past me and hurried across the room.

  I was enjoying myself more than I anticipated. Everyone was on their best behavior and my parents even passed each other in the upstairs hallway during a tour and the barn didn’t explode.

  “This is going well,” Clara said. She and Sassy li
ngered in my bedroom after the rest of the tour group left.

  “No one’s been murdered, so yes, I think it is,” I said. “Do you want to go to Gouda Nuff later? I won’t feel like cooking dinner after all this.”

  “I totally would, but I have a date,” Sassy said.

  Clara’s head swiveled to face her. “Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it feels strange to be going out with someone so soon,” Sassy admitted.

  “It’s not strange at all,” Clara said. “It’s important to put yourself out there and meet someone who deserves you.”

  I nodded. “Absolutely. What’s his name?”

  “Wyatt,” she said. “His handle on the dating app was cowboy99 because he was named after Wyatt Earp.” A blush crept into her cheeks. “Isn’t that adorable?”

  I smiled to myself but said nothing. It seemed that my attempt to meddle was successful.

  “What does ninety-nine have to do with Wyatt Earp?” Clara asked.

  She waved a hand. “Oh, nothing. He said there are lots of other guys who like to use the word ‘cowboy’ as a username.”

  We rejoined the party downstairs where the Grace sisters were teaching Olivia how to do the Hustle. It was the most normal thing I’d ever seen my niece do.

  Slowly, the party thinned out until only Chief Fox was left.

  “You probably shouldn’t be last,” I said. “Someone might notice.”

  He cupped my cheeks in his hands and kissed me. “I know, but I missed your face too much to leave. The novelty of not seeing you wore off real fast.”

  “Same here,” I said. “I reached the point where I didn’t care if I came back with wings and snake hair, as long as I was visible.”

  He brushed a stray strand of hair away from my eye. “You know I wouldn’t mind either way.”

  “You say that now…”

  His lips touched mine. “And forever.”

  “You know I’m the only one of us that’s immortal, right? Forever for me actually means…forever.”

  He held me closer. “What can I say? I like a challenge.”

  I pressed my head against his chest and listened to the slow and steady beat of his heart. Maybe it didn’t matter that I was an anomaly. That I didn’t have a pack. Right now, this was exactly where I belonged.