by K. A. Fox
Hearing this made me think of Angus and his fondness for reminding me of where all my good intentions were likely to end up.
Miss Tilly’s voice continuing brought my focus back to her. “Aften, tell me what you see when you look at this Companion.”
Her granddaughter did as she was ordered, stepping toward Moose and kneeling down to the clean-swept wood floor, resting her hand gently on his head. He stayed still, no hint of a reaction. She froze, silently evaluating my Hound, until easing her way carefully back, inch by inch, until she was at what might have seemed a safe distance. Standing, her voice hesitant, she said, “That’s no ordinary dog.”
Miss Tilly cackled, shivering the air around us. “Indeed. He’s not ordinary at all. But he loves the Girl and will do whatever is required to protect her. Perhaps not so good at following her orders, but he may still learn.” She lowered her head in a respectful nod. “A Hell Hound has never found its way into my store before. You are welcome.”
Moose stood up in response, walking over until he was directly in front of her and sitting down at her feet, lifting his right front paw to her knee. His movements were controlled and obviously intentional, conveying a sense of gravity and appreciation for her kindness. She smiled at him, touched his paw in acceptance and then released it. He returned to sit at attention next to me.
“Time is up. Things we all must do now,” she said, standing up. Her eyes seemed to peer into the far away for a second before focusing on what was directly in front of her. “I believe someone is waiting for you at the house. Or will be. It’s important. Goodbye.”
Dismissing us, she stepped aside to let us file past. As I was about to follow everyone out of the store, she stopped me, her deft fingers quickly sneaking a small vial into my palm. “The things I sent with you before. You must add this to it when brewing. Your guardians will need it so you can do what must be done. Adding everything to cold water when it’s ready is best. They won’t taste it.”
My mouth open in confusion, I was tempted to ask what she was talking about and how I would know when to use what she’d given me. A furtive shake of the head from Aften made me shut my mouth. Apparently, Miss Tilly believed things would become clear when necessary. I’d have to figure out the answers myself. She was only pointing me in the right direction.
I gave her my thanks and waved goodbye to Aften as she flipped the sign on the door to Closed, the lock clicking tight behind me. I could see through the front window that they stood together at the counter, silver and gold heads bent as they pored over something in front of them. The air around them looked hazy, and I wondered if it was the glass or a glimpse of the magic weaving between them.
Joining my entourage in the car, we sat in silence for a moment, processing the things we’d been told. There were a lot of holes that we needed information to fill in. It was reassuring to know that no matter what happened in the coming days, Hazelwood was protected, but that protection could only extend so far.
As we drove out of town, I decided to stop at the markers to examine them, test their energies and compare them to my own. The gleaming black stones appeared ornamental to those who didn’t know better. But I’d recognized the hum they generated the very first time I’d come to Hazelwood. It had been an instantaneous sign that this was where I needed to be. Someone had planted flowers around the monument that welcomed visitors to the town, native wildflowers that were often used in natural healing remedies. The people here had planted their beliefs where anyone could see them, but I was just as sure that most people weren’t able to read the signs.
My car pulled safely off to the side, I got out and approached the slabs of hematite shining in front of me. Even in the car, I’d felt the vibrations coming off them and getting closer, my teeth began to ache as the waves of energy got stronger. One stood tall enough that I could rest my hands down on top of it without sinking to my knees. I waited, my senses falling down into the depths, seeking out the magic that powered them.
It took a few seconds, but when I felt the zing through my fingertips, I knew I’d found what I’d been looking for. This magic was ages old, probably set by the very first settlers of this little town. The scent of crushed roses floated up around me, similar to what I smelled in Miss Tilly’s store, and what Aften had smelled like when she first greeted me. Not only was this magic old, I was sure it had been established by Miss Tilly’s ancestors. The spell itself was similar to the one I’d used with my stones, but supported by a deep foundation, magic built layer upon layer, reinforcing itself year after year. There was safety in the stones, but goodwill also, and it explained how Hazelwood had stayed so prosperous. I recognized the welcoming feeling I’d encountered when I’d first come to this town and understood now why I’d immediately wanted to stay. These spells were strong and made to last. I was confident the town was safe. It was time to head home and get to work.
Chapter Twenty·Eight
Pulling into the drive, I was surprised to see a truck waiting, but then remembered Donna Kay’s promise to send out a bed. The frame stood up in the back, the mattress resting against it. The young man who got out of the driver’s seat waved his hand in greeting. I recognized the person in the passenger seat as soon as he opened the door. Ernie had come along as an extra pair of hands, though I suspected he really wanted to check in on my dog.
Sure enough, when we stepped out of the SUV, his eyes shone as soon as he spotted Moose walking along beside me on his leash. Clapping his hands and walking toward us, he called out, “Oh wow, you did keep him. I was hoping you would.”
He crouched down, reaching out his hand to Moose for examination, then scratching his ears when Moose offered them up. “Seems like he’s doing okay out here. And his paw is all healed up.”
“He’s doing really well. I feel like I’ve been adopted,” I said, teasing him. But it was true. I did feel like Moose considered me family, regardless of why he’d been sent here in the first place.
Ernie smiled up at me, then stood. “Guess we better get this unloaded and into the house for you. Donna Kay was pretty specific.” He copied her voice perfectly, saying, “Get it all inside and set up. No stealing cookies or wasting time. They have serious things to do out there and can’t spend precious minutes babysitting you boys.” He laughed and turned back to his friend. “Let’s go, Man. I don’t wanna miss out on that dinner your aunt promised us.”
I opened the door for them as they lifted the bed frame up and began staggering toward the house. Cal and Torren were lugging in the box spring behind them and I whispered the words that would allow them to pass back and forth without a worry. With the four guys working together, the bed was easily set up in the small bedroom upstairs, and I sent the boys on their way with extra cash in their pockets and an envelope filled with the agreed amount for Donna Kay.
Torren began carrying his belongings upstairs, Callum behind him with a couple bags in each hand. I took that moment to slide into the kitchen and hide the little vial from Miss Tilly among my stash of herbal teas. If I needed to get to it, hopefully no one would pay any attention and assume I was making tea yet again.
I rested against the counter top, my thoughts whirling. The need to do anything bubbled inside me, itching under my skin. I was restless, a feeling I hated because I knew it meant I was scared. The heavy sounds of furniture moving around upstairs provided some distraction, but not enough. I chewed at the skin along the side of my nail as I tried to sort out who could want to hurt me so badly that they would kill women who resembled me even slightly. But I couldn’t think of any connections.
Steps on the stairs drew my attention away from my thoughts and I looked up, surprised to see Cal. “Already done up there?”
He shook his head. “Big stuff is taken care of. Torren’s putting the last of his things away. I need to meet with Angus.”
“Really? Why?”
“He calls, I answer. That’s all I know, Laney.”
“When
are you supposed to meet with him?”
“Right now.” His eyes drifted behind me, and I turned to see my father standing in the backyard. He was tapping his foot, like Cal was keeping him waiting.
“Okay, let’s go see what he wants.”
“No. Just me. He was specific about that.”
I was shocked, speechless as he walked by me and out to where Angus waited.
Through the kitchen window, I watched Angus and Cal, their heads bent close as they discussed things my father didn’t want me to hear. Moose rested in his bed in the corner, seemingly uncaring about my curiosity as I worried over the different things they might be talking about. It was an intent conversation if Cal’s rigid posture was any indication, but I really had no idea what it could be. Chewing my lip in frustration, I finally pushed open the back door and stepped out.
Seeing me, Angus nodded to Cal, handed him a small box that might have been made of wood, then clasped him on the shoulder before walking toward me.
I gave my father what I hoped was a charming smile. “Seems like you two had a lot to talk about. Care to share?”
Angus shrugged. “There were things he needed to be aware of. I don’t have a lot of time right now and I know Callum isn’t going to pester me with countless questions.”
“Hey, you’ve always told me information is the most important currency. Don’t be mad that I listened to you.”
He let out a brief laugh, then sobered up quickly. “Delaney, I love you. More than I can ever explain. I’ve taken steps to keep you safe when I can’t be here. Callum will tell you more. Please listen to him.” Kissing my forehead, he walked away, vanishing when he reached the trees, far enough away that I didn’t feel even a hint of the pressure from his departure.
I turned away from where my father had gone, to face Cal. “Let me see what he gave you.”
“Once we’re inside Laney. We need to make sure we’re not overheard.”
“You stood out here with Angus and didn’t worry about that. Tell me what’s going on.”
Cal’s jaw was set, his next words sharp. “Your father and I were surrounded by a silence spell, which he set so no one would hear what we were saying. Besides, what he told me pertains to everyone.”
I let Cal lead me back into the house. Patience had never been one of my virtues, but if this was truly that important and Torren needed to know about it, I could wait a few minutes. I just wished my father had come right to me with it.
When we walked into the kitchen together, Torren was waiting for us. “So, what was that all about?”
Cal set the box my father had given him on the table in front of me, gesturing at me to open it. Shaped into a pentagon, the wood had been intricately carved with wings spilling out from a central point. It was truly beautiful work. Laying my hand on the top, I felt power radiating from within and opened the cover. Nestled on soft blue velvet were four pieces of leather. I lifted the largest one, gasping as I saw the design cut into it. Thorns had been tooled across the front of it, small crystal roses a red accent at random intervals. Cal reached for it and gently wrapped it over the sensitive scars on my left wrist, covering the bright ridges from view.
“Your father was concerned the scars left by the Proles would make it easy to identify you. He had this commissioned for you.” I sucked in air as I felt the magic running through the butter-soft leather. It tickled at my skin before settling to a comfortable hum.
“What are the other things in there?” asked Torren.
Cal lifted the remaining pieces out and handed one to him. “These are for us to wear, all the time.”
I looked up sharply at that, some of my joy dimmed by this announcement and suspicious of my father’s motives. “Why is it so important that you always have them on?”
He met my gaze without flinching. “All of us need to wear these, including you. Your father had protections built into these for each of us. They’ll also allow us to find each other if we need to.”
“Trackers?”
“They’re more than that, Laney.” I could tell that Cal was trying to keep his tone soothing, but that only needled me more. “There were protection spells layered into the leather as it was prepared. Each red stone set in there can be charged with energy so you’re less likely to need to draw on one of us in an emergency. Angus knows how much you want to avoid that.”
That was at least considerate. “But you’ll all be able to find me wherever I go?”
“If we are separated or something happens, the cuffs will help us locate each other. That’s all. These are not meant to be anything other than a back-up system in case things go wrong.”
I nodded, a tightness in my chest taking me by surprise. My father had thought of me when planning this but he’d also considered Callum, Torren, and Moose. He’d recognized their safety was important to me. Cal knelt down next to my dog and took off the sparkly purple collar he’d been saddled with wearing since he’d come into my house.
“This is for you, Hound. Wear it well. It will change with you as needed.”
Moose licked Cal’s hand as a thank you, then settled back down, his paws crossed in front of him, the very picture of sincere canine repose.
Torren held up the strip of leather that Cal had set in front of him, his jaw set. “I don’t wear jewelry.”
“It’s not jewelry. It’s a tool to keep us all safe.”
“Are you going to wear that one all the time?”
Cal took what I assumed was a calming breath. “Yes. I’m going to wear it all the time. Because doing that means I’m more prepared to keep Laney safe.”
I held out my hand for the cuff Torren was examining. “May I see it?”
He handed the leather to me and I turned it to decipher the design. “This is really amazing work,” I whispered, awed. Stars repeated across the surface, dye worked into the edges of the stars until they almost glowed. I handed it back to Torren, then grabbed Cal’s. A series of swords and shields did battle, telling a story about him I didn’t have enough information yet to fully decipher. Warrior. That much I understood. “Well, it’s obvious Angus put some very specific thought into each one of these.”
“He did.” Cal leaned toward me from across the table. “We should be able to use them to transmit some spells if we have to, as well. If one of us is hurt or in danger, you might be able to channel your shield spell to one of us for a bit.”
“That could come in handy.” My voice was higher than normal, words coming quickly in my excitement at the idea. “I hope it gives us enough time to get there and deliver help in person.”
“Your father will be glad you appreciate his gift.”
“He’s not a bad guy, most of the time. Overbearing, yes. Overprotective, absolutely. But not bad. Not around me, at least.”
Cal seemed to find that funny, but he never explained exactly why.
Chapter Twenty·Nine
With the addition of Torren to the house, our routine had to change again. Being close to me eased something in him, his angry tension gradually fading. We found a balance somehow. Callum started working one on one with Torren, teaching him some of the history of magic while explaining demons. They went over the different types, what their skills were. Most importantly, what their weaknesses were.
Cal also found excuses to get Torren out of the house from time to time. They were nearby, tinkering in the garage or keeping up with the maintenance things I took care of before. It gave me room to breathe, and it helped Torren test his limits when he was away from me.
This morning, Cal had mentioned seeing marks around one of the ward stones guarding the house. It looked as if someone or something had tried to dig it up. The two of them struck out for the back edge of my land, looking for any other signs that danger was nearby. Moose was given the task of staying with me, making sure I was safe inside. I watched them walk away and turned to the notes I had strewn across my desk. I needed to refresh my own memo
ry of demonology. Uncle Newt had drilled me on this information, focusing on each demon’s weapon of choice, from magical strengths to pure brawn. My earlier education had been brief and really only hit the highlights, prepping me for which demons were most likely to think I tasted good and where to hit them so they’d change their minds. Those had been my lessons when I’d first moved out here, but since little had threatened, I hadn’t kept up the knowledge. Now I needed it. Fast.
Moose launched up from his position at my feet, a low growl vibrating from his throat. He paced the floor next to my desk, walking a circuit along the front windows, then back to me, only to do it all over again. Leaning over, I ran my fingers over the silky fur at the top of his head, scratching soothingly. He submitted to the attention for a moment before returning to his sentinel stalking, releasing more growls from time to time. His head was cocked to the side, like he was listening for something I couldn’t hear.
I had a nagging feeling that something wasn’t right, and there was no way that random demons were finding their way to me just because I’d killed one of their own. Both Angus and Newt had reassured me that my resonance hadn’t changed and there wasn’t a demon attracting beacon flashing overhead. So why had the Proles been sent here? As my thoughts wandered, turning over possible connections, I found myself wondering about the man Torren had seen that day in the coffee shop? Was he involved in this somehow? Did he even exist?
I huffed out a breath in disgust with my inability to harness the thoughts swirling inside my head. I wasn’t going to figure this out right now, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t do something productive. Like target practice. With knives.
Standing up and stretching, I rotated my neck, letting the muscles relax and ease the stress I was starting to feel gather in my shoulders. Just when I was ready to head to the basement to work on my aim, Moose let loose a howl and threw himself toward the back of the house, shifting from the sweet, small dog that had been pacing my floors to a large black streak as he ran. The back door crashed open as he hit it full force and I raced to keep up with him. Making it to the back porch stairs, I spotted two figures running toward me. There was a wave of movement behind them, hazy in the distance. My first thought was that the trees were just moving with the wind. But then my vision cleared, and I could make out the lumbering figure following behind them.
