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ACEBOOKSBYILONAANDREWS
TheKateDanielsNovels
MAGICBITESMAGICBURNSMAGICSTRIKESMAGICBLEEDSMAGICSLAYSMAGICRISES
MAGICBREAKSMAGICSHIFTS
TheWorldofKateDaniels
GUNMETALMAGIC
TheEdgeNovels
ONTHEEDGEBAYOUMOONFATE’SEDGESTEEL’SEDGE
Specials
MAGICMOURNSMAGICDREAMS
AnimprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLC
375HudsonStreet,NewYork,NewYork10014
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.
Copyright©2015byAndrewGordonandIlonaGordon.
Penguinsupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,
promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyformwithoutpermission.Youaresupporting
writersandallowingPenguintocontinueto
publishbooksforeveryreader.
ACEandthe“A”designaretrademarksofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.
Formoreinformation,visitpenguin.com.
eBookISBN:978-0-698-13677-9
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Andrews,Ilona.Magicshifts/IlonaAndrews.—Firstedition.
pages;cmISBN978-0-425-27067-7(hardcover)1.Daniels,Kate(Fictitiouscharacter)—
Fiction.2.Shapeshifting—Fiction.3.Magic—Fiction.4.Atlanta(Ga.)—Fiction.I.Title.
PS3601.N5526625M352015813'.6—dc232015016065
FIRSTEDITION:August2015
CoverillustrationbyJulianaKolesova.CoverdesignbyJasonGill.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductof
theauthors’imaginationsorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactual
persons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirely
coincidental.
Version_1
Acknowledgments
Tellingthisstorywouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithouttheeditorialinputandguidanceofAnneSowards.Thankyousomuchforyouradviceandfriendship.WewouldalsoliketothankNancyYost,ouragent,forherendlessoceansofpatienceandwillingnessto
dealwithaseeminglynever-endingstreamofphonecalls,e-mails,andcrises.
Asalways,wearegratefultoallofthepeoplewhohaveworkedonmakingthismanuscriptintoabook.Themanagingeditor,MichelleKasper,andtheassistantproductioneditor,JuliaQuinlan.JudithLagerman,theartdirector;JulianaKolesova,theartist
responsiblefortheimageonthecover;andJasonGill,thecoverdesigner.
Wewouldalsoliketothankourbetareaders,whoselflesslyendurethetorturesofproofreadingahalf-bakedmanuscript.Theyare,innoparticularorder:YingDallimore,LauraHobbs,MaríaIsabelAmorettidePagano,Nur-El-HudaaJaffar,KellyBrooke,BeatrixKaser,
OliviaToune,NicoleJoury,Christian,andespeciallyShannonDaigle.ThankyoutoVibhaPatel,LisaRigdon,JeNoelleFlom,LizSemkiu,OlgaZmijewska-Kaczor,andBambiParfanforhelpwithmedicalissues.Allerrorsareoursandoursalone.
Finally,thankyoutoallofyouforstickingwithusthusfar.Wehopeyouenjoythebook.
Contents
AceBooksbyIlonaAndrews
TitlePageCopyrightAcknowledgments
Chapter1Chapter2
Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12
Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22
Epilogue
CHAPTER
I1
RODETHROUGHthenight-drenchedstreetsofAtlantaonamammothdonkey.Thedonkey’snamewasCuddles.Shewastenfeettall,includingtheears,andherblack-and-whitehidesuggestedshemighthaveheldupaHolsteincowinsomedarkalleyandwasnow
wearingherclothes.Myownblood-spatteredoutfitsuggestedI’dhadaninterestingnight.Mostmountswould’vebeennervousaboutlettingawomancoveredwiththatmuchbloodontheirback,butCuddlesdidn’tseemtomind.Eitheritdidn’tbotherherorshewasapragmatistwhoknewwherehercarrotswerecomingfrom.
Thecitylayinfrontofme,deserted,quiet,andsteepedinmagic,unfurlingitsstreetstothestarlightlikeamoonlitflower.MagicrandeepthroughAtlantatonight,likeacurrentofsomephantomriver,slippingintotheshadowyplacesandwakinghungrythingswithneedle-longteethandglowingeyes.Anyonewithadropofcommonsensehid
behindreinforceddoorsandbarredwindowsafterdark.Unfortunatelyforme,commonsensewasneveramongmyvirtues.AsCuddlesquietlycloppedherwaydownthestreets,thesoundsofherhoofbeatsunnaturallyloud,thenightshadowswatchedusandIwatchedthemback.Let’splaywhocanbeabetterkiller.MyswordandIlove
thisgame.Noneofthemonsterstook
thebait.Itmighthavebeenbecauseofme,butmostlikelyitwasbecauseoneofthemwasmovingparalleltomyroute.Theysmelledhim,andtheyhidandhopedhewouldpassthemby.
Itwasalmostmidnight.I’dhadalongday.Mybackached,myclothessmelledoffetidblood,andahotshower
soundedheavenly.Ihadmadetwoapplepieslastnight,andIwasprettysurethatatleastonepiecewouldbeleftforme.IcouldhaveittonightwithmyteabeforeIwenttobed...
Anannoyingsparkofmagicignitedinmymind.Avampire.Ohgoody.
Thespark“buzzed”inmybrainlikeanangrymosquitoandmovedcloser.The
Immortuspathogen,thediseaseresponsibleforvampirism,killedthemindsofitsvictims,leavingbehindanemptyshelldrivenbyanall-consumingbloodlust.Lefttoitsowndevices,avampirewouldhuntandslaughter,andwhenitranoutofthingstokill,itwouldstarvetodeath.Thisparticularbloodsuckerwasn’tfreetorampage,becauseitsblankmindwas
heldinatelepathicgripbyanecromancer.Thenecromancer,ornavigatorastheywerecalled,satinaroomfaraway,directingthevampirewithhiswillasifitwerearemote-controlledcar.Thenavigatorheardwhatthevampireheard,sawwhatthevampiresaw,andifthevampireopeneditsmouth,thenavigator’swordswouldcomeoutofit.
MeetingabloodsuckerthisfarsouthmeantitbelongedtothePeople,anoddhybridofacorporationandaresearchfacility,whosepersonneldedicatedthemselvestothestudyoftheundeadandmakingmoneyontheside.ThePeopleavoidedmeliketheplague.Twomonthsagotheyhadfiguredoutthatthemanbehindtheirorganization,thenearly
immortalwizardwithgodlikepowersandlegendarymagic,happenedtobemyfather.Theyhadsomedifficultywiththatdevelopment.Sothevampirewasn’tforme.
Still...IknewmostofthePeople’spatrolroutesandthisundeadwasdefinitelyoffcourse.Wherethehellwasitgoing?
No.Notmycircus,notmyundeadmonkeys.
Ifeltthevampiremakeaninety-degreeturn,headingstraightforme.
Home,shower,applepie.MaybeifIsaiditlikeaprayer,itwouldwork.
Thedistancebetweenusshrank.Home,shower...
Anundeadleapedofftheroofofthenearesttwo-storyhouseandlandedontheroadnexttome,gaunt,eachshallowmusclevisibleunder
thethickhide,asifsomeonehadcraftedahumananatomymodeloutofsteelwireandpouredapaper-thinlayerofrubberoverit.
Damnit.Theundeadunhingedits
mouthandGhastek’sdryvoicecameout.“You’redifficulttofind,Kate.”
Well,well.ThenewheadofthePeople’sAtlantaofficehadcometoseeme
personally.I’dcurtsybutIwastootiredtogetoffmydonkeyandtheswordonmybackwouldgetintheway.“Iliveinthesuburbsandcomehomealmosteverynight.Mybusinessphonenumberisinthebook.”
Thevampiretilteditshead,mimickingGhastek’smovements.“You’restillridingthatmonstrosity?”
“Feelfreetostomphim,”
ItoldCuddles.“I’llbackyouup.”
Cuddlesignoredmeandthevampire,defiantlycloppingpastit.Thebloodsuckerturnedsmoothlyandfellintostepnexttome.“Whereisyour...significantother?”
“He’saround.”Hewasnevertoofar.“Why,areyouworriedhe’llfindoutaboutthisromanticrendezvous?”
Thevampirefrozeforasecond.“What?”
“You’remeetingmeinsecretonalonelystreetinthemiddleofthenight...”
Ghastek’svoicewassosharp,ifitwereaknife,Iwould’vebeenslicedtoribbons.“Ifindyourattemptsathumorgreatlydistressing.”
Hee-hee.“Iassureyou,thisis
strictlybusiness.”
“Sureitis,sweetcheeks.”Thevampire’seyeswent
wide.InanarmoredroomdeepinthebowelsofthePeople’sCasino,Ghastekwasprobablyhavingaheartattackfromtheoutrage.
“Whatareyoudoingoutinmyneckofthewoods?”
“Technically,theentirecityisyourneckofthewoods,”Ghasteksaid.
“True.”
TwomonthsagomyfatherhaddecidedtodramaticallyclaimAtlantaashisowndomain.Itriedtostophiminanequallydramaticfashion.Heknewwhathewasdoing,Ididn’t,andIendedupaccidentallyclaimingthecityinhisstead.Iwasstillfuzzyonhowexactlytheclaimingworked,butapparentlyitmeantthatIhadassumedguardianshipof
thecityandthesafetyofAtlantawasnowmyresponsibility.Intheory,themagicofthecitywassupposedtonourishmeandmakemyjobeasier,butIhadnoideahowexactlythatworked.SofarIdidn’tfeelanydifferent.
“Butstill,Iheardyouwerepromoted.Don’tyouhaveflunkiestodoyourbidding?”
Thevampiretwistedhisfaceintoahair-raisingleer.Ghastekmust’vegrimaced.
“Ithoughtyouwouldbehappy,”Isaid.“Youwantedtobetheheadhoncho.”
“Yes,butnowIhavetodealwithyou.Hespoketome,personally.”
Hesaid“he”withthekindofreverencethatcouldonlymeanRoland,myfather.
“Hebelievesthatyoumay
hesitatetokillmebecauseofoursharedexperiences,”Ghastekcontinued.“WhichmakesmeuniquelyqualifiedtoleadthePeopleinyourterritory.”
ShowinghowfreakedoutIwasabouthavingaterritorywouldseverelytarnishmyCityGuardiancred.
“I’msupposedtocooperatewithyou.So,inthespiritofcooperation,I’m
informingyouthatourpatrolshavesightedalargegroupofghoulsmovingtowardthecity.”
Ghoulswerebadnews.Theyfollowedthesamegeneralpatternofinfection,incubation,andtransformationasvampiresandshapeshifters,butsofarnobodyhadmanagedtofigureoutwhatactuallyturnedthemintoghouls.They
weresmart,supernaturallyfast,andvicious,andtheyfedonhumancarrion.Unlikevampires,whomtheysomewhatresembled,ghoulsretainedsomeoftheirformerpersonalityandabilitytoreason,andtheyquicklyfiguredoutthatthebestwaytogethumancarrionwastobutcherafewpeopleandleavethecorpsestorotuntiltheydecomposedenoughto
beconsumed.Theytraveledaroundinpacksofthreetofivemembersandattackedisolatedsmallsettlements.
“Howlargeisthegroup?”“Thirtyplus,”Ghastek
said.Thatwasn’tagroup.That
wasadamnhorde.Ihadneverheardofaghoulpackthatlarge.
“Whichwayaretheycoming?”
“TheoldLawrencevilleHighway.YouhaveabouthalfanhourbeforetheyenterNorthlake.Bestofluck.”
Thevampiretookoffintothenight.
Afewdecadesago,Northlakewouldhavebeenonlyafewminutesaway.Nowalabyrinthofruinslaybetweenmeandthatpartofthecity.Ourworldsufferedfrommagicwaves.They
beganwithoutwarningafewdecadesagoinamagic-inducedapocalypsecalledtheShift.Whenmagicfloodedourworld,ittooknoprisoners.Itsmotheredelectricity,droppedplanesoutofthesky,andtoppledtallbuildings.Iterodedasphaltofftheroadsandbirthedmonsters.Then,withoutwarning,themagicwouldvanishagainandallof
ourgadgetsandgunsonceagainworked.
Thecityhadshrunkpost-Shift,afterthefirstmagicwavecausedcatastrophicdestruction.Peoplesoughtsafetyinnumbers,andmostofthesuburbsalongtheoldLawrencevilleHighwaystoodabandoned.ThereweresomeisolatedcommunitiesinTucker,butpeoplesettlingthereknewwhattoexpect
fromthemagic-fueledwildernessanditwouldbedifficultforapackofghoulstotakethemdown.Whybother,whenlessthanfivemilesdowntheroadNorthlakemarkedtheouteredgeofthecity?Itwasadenselypopulatedarea,filledwithsuburbanhousesandborderedbyafewwatchtowersalongaten-footfencetoppedwithrazorwire.
Theguardscouldhandleafewghouls,butwiththirtycominginfast,theywouldbeoverrun.Theghoulswouldscalethefenceinseconds,slaughterthetowerguards,andturntheplaceintoabloodbath.
Therewouldbenoassistancefromtheauthorities.BythetimeIfoundaworkingphoneandconvincedtheParanormal
ActivityDivisionthatapackofghoulssixtimesthetypicalsizewasmovingtowardAtlanta,Northlakewouldbeanall-you-can-devourghoulbuffet.
Abovemeahugedarkshapedashedalongtherooftopsandleaped,clearingthegapbetweentwobuildings.Thestarlightcaughtitforaheart-stoppingsecond,illuminatingthe
powerfullymuscledtorso,fourmassivelegs,andthedarkgraymane.Thehaironthebackofmyneckstoodup.Itwasasifthenightitselfhadopeneditsjawsandspatoutaprehistoriccreature,somethingbornofhumanfearandhungryanimalgrowlsechoinginthedark.Ionlysawhimforamoment,buttheimageimprinteditselfinmymindasifchiseledin
stone.MybodyinstantlyrecognizedthathewaspredatorandIwasprey.I’dknownhimforthreeyearsnow,andtheinstinctualresponsestillhiteverysingletime.
Thebeastlanded,turnednorth,andvanishedintothenight,headingtowardNorthlake.
InsteadofrunningawayasfastasIcouldlikeany
sanepersonwoulddo,InudgedCuddles,hurryingheruntilshebrokeintoagallop.Onedoesn’tletherfiancéfightahordeofghoulsbyhimself.Somethingswerejustnotdone.
•••
THEEMPTYEXPANSEoftheLawrencevilleHighwayspreadbeforeme.Theroad
cutthroughashallowhillhere,andstonewallsheldbacktheslopeonbothsides.Iparkedmyselfatthemouthofthehill,justbeforeitmeltedintoavast,completelyflatfield.Asgoodaplaceasanytomakeastand.
Istretchedmyneckslowly,oneside,thentheother.I’dleftCuddlestetheredtoatreehalfamileback.Ghoulsnormallywould
havenointerestinher,butshesmelledlikemeandoneofthemmighttrytoripherneckopenjustoutofspite.
Themoonrolledoutoftheclouds,illuminatingthefields.Thenightskywasimpossiblyhigh,thestarslikediamondsinitsicydepth.Acoldbreezecame,tuggingatmyclothesandmybraid.ItwasthebeginningofMarch,andtheonsetofspringwas
suddenandwarm,butatnightwinterstillbareditsfangs.
ThelasttimeIwasthisfarfromthecity,IhadbeentheConsortofthePack,thelargestshapeshifterorganizationintheSouth.Thatwasbehindmenow.Thirtyghoulswouldberoughwithoutbackup.Luckyforme,Ihadthebestbackupinthecity.
WhenIhadclaimedAtlanta,theclaiminghadcreatedaboundary.Ifeltitfiftyfeetinfrontofme,aninvisiblelineofdemarcation.Ishould’vegonetoinspecttheboundarysooner,butI’dbeenbusytryingtoseparatemyselffromthePackandsettingupthenewhouseandworkingmyassoff,becauseeventuallyoursavingswouldrunout...Butpretending
thattheclaiminghadn’thappenedhaddonemenofavors.
Somethingmovedinthedistance.Ifocusedonit.Themovementcontinued,thehorizonripplingslightly.Afewbreathsandtheripplesbrokeintoindividualshapesrunninginanoddlopinggait,leaningontheirarmslikegorillasbutneverfullyshiftingintoaquadrupedal
run.Wow,that’salotof
ghouls.Showtime.Ireachedfor
theswordonmybackandpulledSarratoutofitssheath.Theopaque,almostwhitebladecaughttheweakmoonlight.Single-edgedandrazorsharp,thebladewasacrossbetweenastraightswordandatraditionalsaber,withaslightcurvethatmade
itexcellentforbothslashingandthrusting.Sarratwasfast,light,andflexible,anditwasabouttogetahellofaworkout.
Thedistortedshapeskeptcoming.Knowingtherewerethirtyghoulswasonething.Seeingthemgalloptowardyouwascompletelydifferent.Asparkofinstinctualfearshotthroughme,turningtheworldsharper,andmelted
intocalmawareness.Thintendrilsofvapor
rosefromSarrat’ssurfaceinresponse.Iturnedthesaber,warmingupmywrist.
Theghoulhordedrewcloser.HowthehelldidIgetmyselfintothesethings?
Iwalkedtowardthem,swordinmyhand,pointdown.Ihadfewsocialskills,butintimidationIdidwell.
Theghoulssawme.The
frontranksslowed,butthebackrowswerestillrunningatfullspeed.Themassofghoulscompactedlikeawavebreakingagainstarockandfinallyscreechedtoahaltjustbeforetheboundary.Westopped,themononesideoftheinvisiblemagicdivide,meontheother.
Theywereleanandmuscular,withdisproportionatelypowerful
armsandlong,spadelikehands,eachfingertippedbyashortcurvedclaw.Bonyprotrusions,likeshortknobbyhorns,thrustthroughtheirskinatrandomspotsontheirbacksandshoulders.Thehornswereadefensivemechanism.Ifsomeonetriedtopullaghouloutofitsburrow,thehornswouldwedgeagainstdirt.Awerewolfarmedwith
superhumanstrengthwouldhaveadifficulttimepluckingaghouloutoftheground.I’dseenthehornsgrowaslongasfourinches,butmostoftheonesdecoratingthiscrowdbarelyreachedhalfaninch.Theirskinwasdarkgrayonthechest,neck,andface,thekindofgraythatwasmostoftenfoundonmilitaryurbancamouflage.Smallsplotchesofmuddybrowndottedtheir
backsandtheirshoulders.Ifnotforthewateryyellowglowoftheiririses,theywould’veblendedintotheroadcompletely.
Noneofthemwerelame,starved,orweak.Theoddsweren’tinmyfavor.Ihadtothinkofastrategyandfast.
Theghoulspeeredatmewithoddlyslantedeyes,theinnercornersdippingmuchlowerthantheouterones.
Iwaited.Themomentyoustartspeaking,youbecomelessscary,andIhadnointentionofbeinglessscary.Theghoulsweresentient,whichmeanttheycouldfeelfear,andIneededeverybitofadvantageIcouldscroungeup.
Alargeghoulshouldereditswaytothefrontofthepack.Well-fed,withadefinedpowerfulbody,he
crouchedinfrontofme.Ifhestoodupright,hewouldbeclosetosevenfeettall.Atleasttwohundredpounds,allofithardmuscleandsharpclaws.Thebrownpatternonhisbackwasalmostnonexistent.Instead,longalternatingstripesofpaleranddarkergraysliddownhisflanks.
Theghoulrockedforward.Hisfacetouchedthe
boundaryandhepulledbackandstaredatme.Hewasn’tsurewhathewassensing,butheknewthattheboundaryandIweresomehowconnected.
Someghoulswerescavengers.Theywereharmlessandsometimesevengainfullyemployed.Welivedinanunsafeworld.Toooftenbodiescouldn’tberecoveredbecausetheywereunder
debrisorthescenewastoogrislyforthenextofkintoidentifytheremains.Puttingthebodiesintoamassgravewasarecipefordisaster.Humanbodiesemanatedmagicevenafterdeath,andtherewasnotellingwhatthenextmagicwavewoulddotothatmassgrave.Mostoftentheremainswerecremated,butoccasionallytheauthoritieswouldbringin
ghoulstocleanthesite.Itwascheaperandfaster.
I’dbetmyarmtheseghoulsweren’tlicensedscavengeworkers,butIhadtobeabsolutelysure.
Theghoulstaredatme.Igavehimmybestpsychoticsmile.
Theghoulblinkedhisyellowisheyes,tensedlikeadogabouttocharge,andopenedhismouth,stretching
hislipsinaslowdeliberategrin.That’sright,showmeyourbigteeth,prettyboy.
Arowofthicksharpteethdecoratedthefrontofhisjaw.Towardtheback,theteeththinnedout,becomingmorebladelike,withserratededges.Gotyou.
Theghoulunhingedhisjaw.Aroughraspyvoicecameout.“Whoareyou?”
“Turnaroundnowand
you’lllive.”Heclampedhismouth
shut.Apparentlythiswasn’ttheanswerhe’dexpected.KateDaniels,masterofsurprises.Don’tworry,I’mjustgettingstarted.
“We’realicensedcleanupcrew,”theleaderghoulsaid.
“No.”Halfamilebehindthe
ghouls,adarkshapemovedthroughthefield,sosilent,
forasecondIthoughtIwasseeingthings.Mymindrefusedtoacceptthatacreaturethatlargecouldbesoquiet.Hi,honey.
Theghoulsdidn’tnoticehim.Theywereconditionedtopayattentiontohumanflesh,andIwasstandingrightinfrontofthem,providinganice,convenienttarget.
Theleaderghoulturned,displayingatattooonhisleft
shoulder.
Columbia,SC014
Locationoflicenseandlicensenumber.HethoughtIwasbornyesterday.
“We’reapeacefulgroup,”theghoulcontinued.
“Sureyouare.You’rejustrunningintothecitytoborrowacupofsugarand
invitepeopletoyourchurch.”“You’reinterferingwith
officialmunicipalbusiness.Thisisdiscrimination.”
Thedarkshadowemergedontotheroadandstartedtowardus.I’dneedtobuyhimsometimetogetwithinstrikingrange.
Ilookedattheghoul.“Doyouknowwhatissospecialaboutghouls?Youhaveanunrivaledadaptability.Your
bodieschangetomatchtheirenvironmentfasterthanninety-ninepercentofanythingwe’veseeninnature.”
Myfavoritemonstercreptcloseronhugepaws.
Iraisedmysaberandrestedtheopaquebladeonmyshoulder.FainttendrilsofvaporescapedfromSarrat’ssurface.Theswordsensedtroubleandwaseagerforit.
“LetmetellyouwhatIsee.Yourcolorhaschangedfrombrowntogray,becauseyounolongerhavetoblendinwiththedirt.Yourstripestellmeyouspendalotoftimemovingthroughtheforest.Yourhornsareshort,becauseyounolongerhideinyourburrows.”
Theghoulsshiftedcloser.Theireyesglowedbrighter.Theydidn’tlikewherethis
wasgoing.“Yourclawsaren’tlong
andstraighttohelpyoudig.Theyarecurvedandsharptorendflesh.”
Theghoulsbaredtheirteethatme.Theywereahairawayfromviolence.Ihadtokeeptalking.
“Yourprettyteethhavechanged,too.They’renolongernarrowandserrated.Theyarethick,strong,and
sharp.Thekindofteethyougetwhenyouneedtoholdstrugglingpreyinyourmouth.Andyourfancytattooistwoyearsoutofdate.Allghouls’licensesinColumbianowhavetheyeartattooedunderthelicensenumber.”
Theghoulshadgonecompletelysilent,theireyeslikedozensoftinyshinymoonsallfocusedonme.Justafewmoreseconds...
“Killher,”anotherghoulchimedin.“Wehavetohurry.”
“Killher.He’swaiting,”athirdvoicechimedin.
“Killher.Killher.”Theyseemedawfully
desperate.Somethingweirdwasgoingon.
“Whoiswaiting?”Iasked.
“Shutup!”theleadingghoulsnarled.
Ileanedforwardandgavetheleaderghoulmyhardstare.“Youlookplump.You’vebeenraidingthecountrysideandgrowingfatfromgorgingyourselfonthepeopleyou’vemurdered.Igaveyouachancetoleave.Nowit’stoolate.Payattentiontothismoment.Lookatthestars.Breatheinthecoldair.Thisisyourlastnight.Thesearethelast
breathsyouwilltake.Iwillkilleveryoneofyou.”
Theleaderghoulsnarled,droppingallpretense.“Youandwhatarmy?”
Ibeganpullingmagictome.Thiswouldhurt.Thisalwayshurt.“That’sthegreatthingaboutwerelions.Youdon’tneedanarmy.Youjustneedone.”
Theghoultwistedhisface.“You’renotawerelion,
meat.”“I’mnot.”Inodded
behindthem.“Heis.”Theleaderghoulspun
around.Twogoldeyesstaredat
himfromthedarkness.Theenormouslionlikebeastopenedhismouthandroared.UntilImethim,Ihadneverheardanactuallionroar.Itsoundedlikethunder.Deafening,ravenousheart-
droppingthunderthatseveredsomevitallinkbetweenlogicandcontrolofyourbodydeepinsideyourbrain.Itwasablastofsoundsopowerful,Ihadseenhundredsofshapeshifterscringewhentheyheardit.Awolfhowlheardinthemiddleofthenightraisedthehaironthebackofyourneck,butalion’sroarpunchedthroughallofyourtrainingandreason
straighttothesecretplacehiddendeepinsidethatscreamedatyoutofreeze.
Theghoulsstopped,motionless.
Iopenedmymouthandspatapowerword.“Osanda.”Kneel.
Powerwordscamefromalong-forgottenage,soancientthattheycommandedrawmagic.Fewpeopleknewaboutthemandevenfewer
couldusethem,becausetolearnapowerword,youhadtoownit.Youmadeityoursoritkilledyou.Iknewahandfulofpowerwords,farmorethananyoneelseI’dmet,butusingevenonecamewithaheavypricetag.Formyfather,thepowerwordswerealanguage,onehespokefluidlyandwithoutrepercussions.Theydidn’thurthim,butIalwayspaida
price.Themagicrippedoutof
me.Ibracedforthefamiliartwistofagony.Thebacklashbitatme,tearingthroughmyinsides,butthistimesomethingmust’veblunteditsteeth,becauseitdidn’thurtnearlyasmuchasIremembered.
Themagicsmashedintothepetrifiedghouls.Theirkneesandelbowscrunchedin
unisonandtheycrashedtotheasphalt.Itwouldbuymeatleasttenseconds.Ifthemagicwavehadbeenstronger,Iwould’vebrokentheirbones.
Iswungmysword.Sarratmetaghoul’sbonyneckandslicedthroughcartilageandthickhidelikebutter.Beforeitsdeadbodyfelltotheground,Ithrustmybladeintothechestofthesecondghoul
andfeltSarrat’stippiercethetightballofitsheart.
Thelion’sbodyroiled,snappingupright.Bonesthrustupward;powerfulmusclespiraledupthenewskeleton.Ablinkandanewmonsterlungedforward,anightmarishmixofmanandlion,sevenandahalffeettall,withsteel-hardmusclesheathedingrayfurandcurved,terribleclaws.A
ghoulleapedathim.Hegrabbedthecreaturebyitsthroatandshookit,asifheweresnappingawettowel.Asickeningsnapechoedthroughthenightandtheghoulwentlimp.
Icarvedthethirdghoulintotwoseparatepiecesandslicedthefourthone’sthroat.
Theghoulswokeup.Theyswarmedus.Theleoninebeastswunghisclaws
anddisemboweledaghoulwithapreciseswipe.Intestinesrainedontotheroad.Thebitterstenchofghoulbloodmixedwiththeunmistakablesourreekofagutwoundsingedmynostrils.
Clawsrippedthroughmyclothes,drawingagonizingscalding-hotlinesacrossmyback.Youwanttoplay?Fine.Ineededaworkoutanyway.
Mysaberbecamearazor-
sharpwall.Itcut,sliced,andpierced,rippingfleshandhissingastheghoulbloodthatbatheditboiledfromitsmagic.Imovedfast,sidesteppingclawsandblockingteeth.Anotherfierygashstungmyback.AghoulclampedontomybootandIrippedmylegfreeandstompedhisskullintothepavement.Awelcomeheatspreadthroughme,turning
mymusclesflexibleandpliant.Theworldturnedcrystalclear.Timestretched,helpingme.Theghoulslunged,butIwasfaster.Theyrakedatmewiththeirclaws,butmybladefoundthemfirst.Isavoreditall,everysecondofthefight,everydropofbloodflyingpastme,everymomentofresistancewhenSarratcaughtmytargetonitsedge.
ThiswaswhatIwasraisedandtrainedfor.Forbetterorworse,Iwasakiller.Thiswasmycalling,andImadenoexcusesforit.
Aghoulloomedbeforeme.Isliceditdowninaclassicoverhandstroke.Itfell.Nobodytookitsplace.Ipivotedonmytoes,lookingforafight.Totheleftthewereliontossedabrokenbodytothegroundandturned
tome.Asingleghoulhuggedtheground,caughtbetweenus.
“Alive,”thewerelionsnarled.
Wayaheadofyou.Let’sfindoutwhothemysterious“he”is.Istartedtowardtheghoul,swordinhand.
Itshivered,lookedright,thenleft,lookedatthewerelion,thenatme.That’sright.You’retrappedandnot
goinganywhere.Ifitran,wewouldchaseitdown.
Theghoulreared,jerkeditsclawedhandstoitsthroat,andsliceditopen.Bloodgushed.Theghoulgurgledandcollapsedontheground.Thelightwentoutofitseyes.
Well,thatwasahellofathing.
Thelionmonsteropenedhismouthandahumanvoicecameout,hisdictionperfect.
“Hey,baby.”“Hey,honey.”Ipulleda
pieceofclothoutofmypocketandcarefullywipeddownSarrat’sblade.
Curransteppedovertomeandputhisarmaroundmyshoulders,pullingmeclose.Ileanedagainsthim,feelingthehardmuscleofhistorsoagainstmyside.Wesurveyedtheroadstrewnwithbrokenbodies.
Theadrenalinefadedslowly.Thecolorsturnedlessvivid.Onebyonethecutsandgashesmadethemselvesknown:mybackburned,mylefthiphurttoo,andmyleftshoulderached.I’dprobablywakeupwithaspectacularbruisetomorrow.
We’dsurvivedanotherone.We’dgettogohomeandkeeponliving.
“Whatthehellwasallthis
about?”Curranaskedme.“Ihavenoidea.They
don’ttypicallygatherintolargepacks.Thebiggestmarauderpackeversightedhadsevenghouls,andthatwasconsideredafluke.Theyaresolitaryandterritorial.Theyonlybandtogetherforprotection,butclearlysomeonewaswaitingforthem.DoyouthinkGhastekisconnectedtothis?”
Currangrimaced.“It’snotlikehim.Ghastekonlymoveswhenhehassomethingtogain.Havinguskillghoulsdoesn’thelphiminanyway.Heknowswhatwecando.Hehadtorealizewe’dgothroughthem.”
Curranwasright.Ghastekhadtoknowwe’ddispatchtheghouls.Hewouldn’thaveusedustodohisdirtyworkeither.Forallofhisfaults,
Ghastekwasapremiernavigator,aMasteroftheDead,andhelovedhisjob.Ifhewantedtheghoulsdead,hewould’veslicedthisgrouptopieceswithacoupleofvampires,orhewould’veusedthisopportunityasatrainingexerciseforhisjourneymen.
“Thisisn’tmakinganysensetome,”Isaid,pullingtracesofmybloodtoward
me.Itslidandrolledintinydrops,formingasmallpuddleonthepavement.Ipushedittotheside,solidifiedit,andstompedonit.Itshatteredundermyfootintoinertpowder.Bloodretaineditsmagicevenwhenseparatedfromthebody.ForaslongasIcouldremember,Ihadtoguardmybloodbecauseifitwereexamined,itwouldpointtomyfatherlikean
arrow.TherewasatimewhereIhadtosetanytraceofmybloodonfire,butnowitobeyedme.Icouldn’tdecideifitmademeabetterfighterorjustaworseabomination.“Theyseemeddesperate.Driven,almost,asiftheyhadsomesortofgoaltogetto.”
“We’llfigureitout,”Currantoldme.“It’salmostmidnight.Isaywegohome,getcleanedup,andclimbinto
bed.”“Soundslikeaplan.”“Hey,isthereanyofthat
applepieleft?”Curranasked.“Ithinkso.”“Ohgood.Let’sgohome,
baby.”Ourhome.Itstillhitme
likeapunch,evenaftermonthsofusbeingtogether—hewasrightthere,waitingforme.Ifsomethingattackedme,he’dkillit.IfIneeded
help,hewouldhelpme.HelovedmeandIlovedhimback.Iwasnolongeralone.
Wewerewalkingtomydonkeywhenhesaid,“Sweetcheeks?”
“Icouldn’thelpit.Ghastek’sgotastickuphisassthesizeofarailroadtie.Didyouseethelookonthevampire’sface?Helookedconstipated.”
Curranlaughed.We
foundCuddlesandwenthome.
CHAPTER
O2
URHOUSESATonashortstreetinoneofthe
newersubdivisions.Inapreviouslife,thesubdivisionwaspartofVictoriaEstates,anupper-middle-classneighborhood,aquietplacewithnarrowstreetsandoldtoweringtrees.Itwasasclosetolivingintheforestasone
couldgetandstillstayinthesuburbs.Thenthemagiccame,andthetreesofHahnForesttothesouthandW.D.ThomsonParkrevolted.Thesamestrangepowerofmagicthatgnawedskyscraperstomerenubsnourishedthetrees,andtheygrewatunnaturalspeed,invadingneighborhoodsandswallowingthemwhole.VictoriaEstatesfellpreyto
theencroachingwoodswithoutawhimperofresistance.Mostpeoplemoved.
Aboutfouryearsagoanenterprisingdeveloperdecidedtoreclaimthespaceandcutanewkidney-beanshapeoutoftheforest,buildingpost-Shifthouseswiththickwalls,barredwindows,sturdydoors,andgenerousyards.Ourstreetlay
ontheinsideofthebean,closesttothewoods,whiletwootherroadsspunoutofittothenorthandwestinwideningarches.Ourswasashortstreet,onlysevenhousesontheothersideandfiveonours,withourhomeinthemiddle.
Asweturnedontoourroad,Istretchedmynecktoseethehouse.Itwasabigthree-storybeast,sittingon
roughlyfiveacres,allfencedin,withastableandapastureintheback.Ilovedeverybrickandboardofthathouse.ItbelongedtomeandCurran.Itwasourfamilyhome.I’dlivedinanapartmentbefore.I’dlivedinsomehellholes.I’devenlivedinafortress,butthiswasthefirsthouseinalongtimewhereIfeltcompletelyathome.EverytimeIleftit,Ihadaterrible
suspicionthatwhenIcameback,itwoulddisappear,collapse,orbeburnedtotheground.WhenIsomehowmanagedtoobtainsomethingnice,theUniverseusuallytauntedmewithitjustlongenoughformetocareandthensmashedittopieces.
Icouldn’tseeourhomeyet—thebendofthestreetwasintheway.IresistedmakingCuddlesclopfaster.
Shehadhadatiringnight.Curranreachedoverand
coveredmyhandwithhisclawedfurryone.“Onemonthleft.”
Twomonthsago,onJanuary1,CurranandIofficiallysteppeddownastheBeastLordandConsortofthePack.Onedaywewereinchargeofathousandandahalfshapeshiftersandthenextweweren’t.Technically
wehadsteppeddownafewdaysprior,buttheofficialdatewasJanuary1,forconvenience’sake.WehadninetydaystoformallyseparateourfinancesandbusinessinterestsfromthePack.IfanyonedecidedtheywantedtoleavethePackaspartofourstaff,theyhadtodoitbeforethattimeranout.
TodaywasMarch1.Thirtydaysandwewouldbe
completelyfree.Formally,weremained
partofthePack,butweweren’tsubjecttotheirchainofcommand.WecouldnolongerparticipateingoverningthePackinanycapacity.Fortheseninetydays,wecouldn’tevenvisittheKeep,thehugefortressCurranhadbuiltduringhisreignastheBeastLordthatservedasthePack’sHQ,
becauseourpresencewouldunderminetheauthorityofthenewalphacoupleastheytriedtogetestablished.Aftertheseparationperiodwasover,wewouldn’tbeturnedawayfromtheKeep,butitwasunderstoodwe’dlimitourtime.JustthewayIlikedit.
Guiltbitatme.ThePackwasCurran’slife.He’druleditsincehehadhammeredit
togetherfromisolatedshapeshifterpackswhenhewasonlyfifteen.Hewasthirty-threenow.He’dwalkedawayfromseventeenyearsofhislife,becausehelovedme.
LastDecember,aftermyfatherandIhadourlittlespatoverAtlanta,hegavemeachoice.EitherIsteppeddownfrommypositionofpowerinthePackorhewouldattack
thecity.Tensofthousandsoflivesononeside,beingtheConsortontheother.Ichosetowalkaway.Weweren’treadytofightRoland.Peoplewoulddiebecauseofme,andintheendwewouldlose.Icouldn’ttaketheguilt,soIleftthePacktobuyustime.Curranchosetobewithme.ThePackwasn’thappywithhisdecision,buthedidn’tcare.
“Doyoumissit?”Iasked.“What,theKeep?”Funnyhowheknewright
awaywhatIwasasking.“Yes.BeingtheBeastLord.”
“Notreally,”Curransaid.“Ilikethis.Gettingthejobdoneandthengoinghome.Thereisafinalitytoit.IcanlookbackandsayI’veaccomplishedthismuchtoday.Ilikeknowingnobodywillknockonourdoorand
dragmeofftodosomestupidshit.Nomorecommittees,nomorepettyrivalries,andnomoreweddings.”
Thebigmapleinfrontofourhouseswungintoview.Itwasintact.Maybethehousehadsurvivedaswell.
“Idon’tmissthePack.Idomissmakingitwork,”Curransaid.
“Whatdoyoumean?”“It’slikeacomplicated
machine.Alloftheclansandalphasandtheirproblems.Imissadjustingitandseeingitworkbetter.ButIdon’tmissthepressure.”Hegrinned,threateningthemoonwithhisscaryteeth.“YouknowwhatIlikeaboutnotbeingtheBeastLord?”
“Youmeanbesidesusbeingabletoeatwhenwewant,sleepwhenwewant,andhavesexuninterruptedin
gloriousprivacy?”“Yes,besidesthat.Ilike
thatIcandowhateverthehellIwant.IfIwanttogoandkillsomeghouls,Igoanddoit.Idon’thavetositthroughathree-hourPackCouncilmeetinganddebatethemeritsofghoulkillinganditseffectsonthePack’swelfareandeachgoddamnindividualclaninparticular.”
Ilaughedsoftly.ThePack
hadsevenclans,segregatedbythenatureoftheirbeasts,andeachclanhadtwoalphas.Dealingwithalphashadtobeoneofthecirclesofhell.
Curranshruggedhismuscledshoulders.“Laughallyouwant.WhenIwasfifteenandMahonpushedmetoreachforpower,IdiditbecauseIwasyoungandstupid.Ithoughtitwasacrown.Ididn’trealizeitwas
aballandchaininstead.I’moffmychainnow.Ilikeit.”
Ipretendedtoshiver.Consideringthewayhesaid“Ilikeit,”Ididn’thavetopretendveryhard.“Offyourchain.Sodangerous,YourMajesty.”
Heglancedatme.“Youmightbetooscary
toletintothehouse.Idon’tknowifIcanriskfallingasleepnexttoyou,Unchained
One.Whoknowswhatwouldhappen?”
“Whosaidanythingaboutsleeping?”
Iopenedmymouthtotaunthimandclampeditshut.Icouldn’tseethehouse,butIcouldseethesectionofthefrontlawnpaintedinayellowelectricglow.Itwaspastmidnight.Julie,myward,should’vebeeninbedlongago.Therewasno
reasonforthelightstobeon.Curranbrokeintoarun.I
urgedCuddlesforward.Cuddlesbalked.
Apparentlyshedidn’tfeellikerunning.
“Comeon,donkey!”Igrowled.
Shebackedup.Screwit.Ijumpedoffher
backandrantothehouse.Thedoorhandleturnedinmyhand.Ijerkedthedooropen
anddashedinside.Asoftelectriclight
bathedourkitchen.Curranstoodtotheside.Juliesatatthetable,wrappedinablanket,herblondhairamess.Shesawmeandyawned.Isloweddownjustenoughnottoramintothekitchentableandburstintothekitchen.Aone-armedwomanwithamaneofdarkcurlyhairsatatthetable
acrossfromJulie,acupofcoffeeinfrontofher.George.Mahon’sdaughterandthePack’sclerkofcourt.
Sheturnedtome,herfacehaggard.“Ineedhelp.”
•••
JULIEYAWNEDAGAIN.“Bye.I’mgoingtobed.”
“Thankyouforstayingupwithme,”Georgesaid.
“Noproblem.”Juliegatheredherblanketandwentupthestaircase.
Somethingthudded.“I’mokay!”shecalled
out.“Ifellup,butI’mokay.”Shethumpedupthestairs,
andthenthesoundofadoorclosingannouncedshehadreachedherbedroom.
Ipulledupachairandsat.Curranleanedagainstthewall.Hewasstillinhisbeast
shape.Mostshapeshifterscouldonlychangeformonceinatwenty-four-hourspan.Shiftingtwiceinashortperiodoftimeprettymuchguaranteedthatthey’dpassoutforafewhoursandwakeupravenous.Curranhadhighercapacitythanmost,butwe’dhadalongnightandthechangestilltiredhim.Heprobablywantedtobesharpforthisconversation.After
Curran’sfamilywasslaughtered,Mahonfoundhimandtookhimin.CurranhadgrownupwithGeorge.HerrealnamewasGeorgetta—andshethreatenedtopullyourarmsoutifyouusedit—andshewasasclosetoasisterashehad.
“Whathappened?”Curranasked.
Georgetookadeepbreath.Herfacewaspale,her
featuressharp,asifherskinwerestretchedtootightonherface.“Eduardoismissing.”
Ifrowned.ClanHeavymostlyconsistedofwerebears,butafewoftheirmembersturnedintootherlargeanimals,likeboars.EduardoOrtegowasawerebuffalo.Hewashugeineithershape.Inafight,hedidn’tbattle,hebulldozedhis
opponentsdown,andtheydidn’tgetuponceherolledoverthem.IlikedEduardo.Hewashonest,direct,andbrave,andhewouldputhimselfbetweendangerandafriendinaheartbeat.Hewasalsounintentionallyhilarious,butthatwasneitherherenorthere.
“Haveyouspokentoyourdad?”Curranasked.
“Yes.”Georgelooked
intohercup.“Hewasn’tunhappyaboutit.”
WhywouldMahonbehappythatEduardohaddisappeared?ThewerebuffalowasoneofthebestfightersClanHeavyhad.WhenweleftfortheBlackSeatoprocuremedicineforthePack,ClanHeavyhadthreespotsonourcrew.Georgevolunteeredforthefirst,Mahontookthesecond,
andhechoseEduardoforthethird.
“George,”Curransaid.“Startatthebeginning.”
“EduardoandIaretogether,”Georgesaid.
“Liketogether,together?”IthoughtEduardolikedJim’ssister.
Shenodded.Knockmeoverwitha
feather.IhadseenthembothintheKeepprobablya
hundredtimessincethenandIwould’veneverguessedtheyhadathing.Imust’vebeenblindorsomething.
NowthatIthoughtofit,theydidspendalotoftimetogetheronthevoyageback...
“Howlong?”Curranasked.
“Sincewecamebackfromgettingthepanacea,”Georgesaid.“Ilovehim.He
lovesme.Herentedahouseforus.Wewanttogetmarried.”
Wow.“Mahonisaproblem?”
Curranguessed.Georgegrimaced.“Ed
isn’tabear.NobodybutaKodiakwoulddo.IfnotaKodiak,thenatleastsomesortofabear.That’swhyweweresocareful.ItriedtalkingtoDadsevenweeksago.It
wentbadly.IaskedhimwhatwouldhappenifIgotseriouswithanothershapeshifterwhowasn’tabear.”
Shelookedintohercupagain.
“Whatdidhesay?”Curranasked,hisvoicegentle.
Georgelookedup.Hereyesflashedandforamomentmymindshotbacktoanenormousbearbursting
intoaroom,roaring.GeorgewasaKodiaklikeherfather.Underestimatingherwasdeadly.Ithoughtshewasdejected,butnowIfinallyidentifiedtheemotionthatsharpenedherface.Georgewaspissedoffandshewasusingeveryounceofherwilltokeepfromexploding.
Shespoke,hervoiceshakingwithrage.“Hetoldmehewoulddisownme.”
“Thatsoundslikehim,”Curransaid.
Sheshotoutofthechairandbegantopacethekitchen,circlingaroundtheislandlikeacagedanimal.“HesaidthatIhadadutytotheclan.ThatIhadtopassonmygenesandmakewerebearchildrenwithaproperwerebearman.”
“Didyoutellhimthatifhelikeswerebearmenso
much,maybeheshouldmarryone?”Isaid.IwouldpaymoneytoseeMahon’sfacewhenheheardit.
Shekeptpacing.“Ofallthearchaicidioticthings...Hisbrainmust’vecrustedover.Maybehe’sgonesenile.”
“Youknowhesaysshitlikethis,”Curranbegan.
Shespuntohim.“Don’tyoudaretellmehedoesn’t
meanit.”“No,hemeansit,”Curran
said.“Thatmanbelievesinhisheartthatbearsaresuperior.Hemeanseverywordwhenhesaysit,buthedoesn’tfollowthroughonit.IntheseventeenyearsIranthePack,Ihadabouttwodozencomplaintsabouthim,alwaysaboutthingshesaidandneveraboutthingshedid.Hehasfirmideasabout
conductunbecominganalphaandabear.TakingoutEduardowouldbeoutofcharacterforhim.”
“Youweren’tthere.”Georgekeptpacing.“Youdidn’thearhim.”
IfIgavethemachance,they’dtalkaboutMahonallnight.“Whathappenedafteryouspokewithyourfather?”
Georgeshookherhead.“Youknowwhatthisbullshit
aboutpassingongenesmeans?ItmeansthatifEduardoandIhadchildren,myfatherwouldthinktheyaredeficient.Youdon’tunderstand,Kate.I’mhisdaughter!”
“Ofcourse,Idon’t,”Isaid.“Ineverhadproblemswithmyfather.”
Georgeopenedhermouthandstopped.WhenitcametoDaddyissues,Iwonto
infinity.“Whathappenedafter
Mahonandyouhadachat?”Iasked.
“EduardoandItalkedaboutit.EduardowasdoingoddjobsforClanHeavyandalsohelpingmewiththelegalfilings.Thatwouldalldisappear.Jimneedsmydadtomaintainhispowerbase.Idon’thaveashredofdoubtthatifmydadmadeastink,
myjobwiththePackwouldevaporate,too.”
“Yourmomwouldkillhim,”Curransaid.
“Yes,shewould,”Georgesaid.“Butitwouldbeafterthefact,andtheargumentwouldbethatit’salreadydoneandJimcouldn’trehiremebecauseitwouldmakehimlookweakandindecisive.SoIbegantoquietlycashoutmy
investments,andEduardorentedahouseinthecityandregisteredwiththeGuild.”
TheMercenaryGuildwasthelargestfor-profitmagiccleanupagencyinAtlanta.Whenpeopleencounteredsomedangerousmagicbeastorproblem,theycalledtheParanormalActivityDivisionfirst,butcopsinpost-ShiftAtlantawereoverworkedandstretchedtoothin.Insome
casespeoplecalledtheOrderofMercifulAidnext,butdealingwiththeknightsmeantgivingthemcompleteauthority.Whenthecopscouldn’tcomeoutandthematterwaseithertoominorortooshadyfortheOrderofMercifulAid,youcalledtheGuild.Theydidbodyguarddetails,theydidmagichazmatcleanup,theydidsearchanddestroy—they
weren’tpickyaslongasmoneywasinvolved.I’dbeenamemberoftheGuildfornineyearsnow.Itusedtobeagoodplacetoearnmoney,butsincethedeathofitsfounder,theGuildhadgonetohellinahandbasket.
“HowdidhedoattheGuild?”Iasked.
“Hedidwell,”Georgesaid.“Hesaidsomepeoplegavehimtrouble,butit
wasn’tanythinghecouldn’thandle.”
EduardowoulddowellattheGuild.Hefitthetype.WhenpeoplecalledtheGuild,theywantedtobereassured,andasix-foot-fourmanmuscledlikeanOlympicmedalistwrestlerprovidedalotofreassurance.Someoftheregularswouldscrewwithhimbecausetheydidn’tlikecompetition,buttheGuild
zonedthegigs.Eachmercwasassignedaterritorywithinthecityandifajobfellintothatterritory,theyautomaticallygotit,sowhiletherestofthemercscouldruntheirmouthsandhassleEduardo,therewasn’tmuchtheycoulddotokeephimfromearningmoney.
“IthinkDadfiguredusout,”Georgesaid.“LastweekPatrickcametotalkto
Eduardo.”Imentallyriffledthrough
therosterofClanHeavyshapeshiftersforPatrick.HewasMahon’snephew,acarboncopyofhisunclewithamatchingattitudeandsize.
“HetoldEduardothatwhathewasdoingwaswrongandthatifhecaredaboutme,he’dleavemealoneandnottearmeawayfromthefamily.”
Currangrimaced.“WouldPatrickdo
somethinglikethatonhisown?”Iaskedhim.
Curranshookhishead.“No.WhenPatrickopenshismouth,Mahonspeaks.Patrickisanenforcer,notathinker.That’swhyMahonhasn’tbeengroominghimforthealphaspot.”
“Eduardotoldhimhehadnoideawhathewastalking
about.Patrickleft.OnMonday,Eduardodidn’tcomebacktohishouse.Iwaitedallnight.”
Igrabbedanotepadandapenfromthebuilt-inshelves.“WhenwasthelasttimeyousaworspokewithEduardo?”
“Mondaymorningatseventhirty.HeaskedwhatIwantedfordinnerthatnight.”
TodaywasWednesday,justbarely,sincewewerejust
pastmidnight.Eduardohadbeengoneaboutfortyhours.
“Hedidn’tcallmeatlunch,”Georgesaid.“Heusuallydoes.Ithoughtmaybehegotheldup.IwenttohishouseMondayevening.Henevershowed.Hedidn’tcallanddidn’tleaveanote.Iknowtherearesomebullshitrulesabouthowlongapersonhastobemissing,butI’mtellingyou,thisisn’tlikehim.
Hedoesn’tjustleavemehanging.Somethingbadhappened.”
“DidyoutalktotheGuild?”Iasked.
“Iwenttherethismorningandaskedabouthim.Nobodytoldmeanything.”
Thatwasn’tsurprising.Mercswerecagey.
George’svoicetrembledwithbarelycontainedrage.“WhenIcameout,mycar
wasgone.”Curranleanedforward.
Hisvoicewasicedover.“Theystoleyourcar?”
Shenodded.Thatwasscummyeven
fortheGuild.“Theythoughtshewasaneasytarget,”Isaid.“Youngwoman,alone,one-armed,doesn’tlooklikeafighter.”Theydidn’trealizethatshecouldturnintoathousand-poundbearina
blink.Igotup,walkedoverto
thephone,anddialedtheGuild.IfEduardotookajob,theClerkwouldknow.WhensomeonecalledtheGuildwithaproblem,theClerkfiguredoutwhichzoneitfellintoandcalledthatmerc.Ifthemercwasbusyorcouldn’thandlethejob,theClerkwouldthencallthenextpersonin“thechain”untilhe
foundsomeonetotakethejob.Ifhefailedtofindanybody,he’dpinthegigtickettoaboard,whichmeantanybodycouldgrabit.Somejobswenttoselectpeoplebecausetheyrequiredspecialqualifications,butthemajorityofgigsfollowedthispattern.Thegigdistributionranlikeawell-oiledmachineandtheClerkhadbeenthereforsolong,nobody
rememberedhisname.HewasjustClerkwitha“the”infrontofit,theguywhomadesureyouhadajobandwouldgetpaid.IfEduardohadtakenagigonMonday,theClerkwouldknowwhenandwhere.
Thephonerang.“Yeah?”agruffmale
voicesaid.“ThisisDaniels.Letme
talktotheClerk.”
“He’sout.”Odd,theClerkusually
workedthenightshiftduringthefirstweekofthemonth.
“WhataboutLori?”LoriwastheClerk’sstandby.
“She’sout.”“Whenwilleitherofthem
bein?”“HowthehellshouldI
know?”Disconnectsignal.Whatthedevilwasgoing
onattheGuild?IturnedbacktoGeorge.
“We’llgobytherefirstthinginthemorning.”EveniftheClerkwasn’ttherenow,heoroneofhissubswouldbethereinthemorning.“Iknowthisisahardquestion,butisthereanywayEduardocould’vegottenscaredoffandleft?”
Georgedidn’thesitate.“No.Helovesme.Andifhe
left,hewouldn’thaveabandonedMax.”
“Max?”Iasked.“Hispug,”shesaid.“He’s
hadhimforfiveyears.Hetakeshisdogeverywherewithhim.WhenIcamethereonMonday,Maxwasintheofficewithjustenoughwaterandfoodtolastthroughtheday.”
Eduardohadapug.Forsomereason,thatdidn’t
surpriseme.“What’sJimdoingabout
this?”Iasked.“Nothing,”Georgesaid.
“IreportedEduardomissingtohiminprivate.Hetoldmethathewouldlookintoit,andthentwohourslaterhesaidthatDadwasawareEduardohadn’tcheckedin.”
IglancedatCurran.“Mahonpulledtheclan
card,”Curransaid.
“Eduardo’sdisappearanceisaClanHeavymatter.UnlesstheshapeshifterisanemployeeofthePackoverallortheclanrequestsJim’sassistance,hecan’tdomuch.HecantellhispeopletobeonthelookoutforEduardobutwon’tactivelysearchforhim.”
“Can’torwon’t?”Iasked.“Both,”Curransaid.“An
activesearchwouldinvolve
questioningmembersofClanHeavy,whichwouldinfringeonMahon’sauthorityasanalpha.TherearestrictguidelinesthatprotecttheautonomyofeachclanwithinthePack,andthiswouldcrosstheline.Georgeisright.JimneedsMahontokeephispowerbasetogether.Hewon’tdoanythingtointentionallyaggravatehim.InayearortwowhenJim’s
wellestablished,itmightbedifferent,butfornowJimknowshe’swalkingatightrope.IfheactivelysearchesforEduardo,MahoncanspinitasJiminsultinghimandabusinghispositionastheBeastLord.ThemomentMahonpubliclyconfrontsJim,itwillbeseenasavoteofnoconfidenceinJim’sabilitytolead,andtherestoftheclanswillscream
thatJimisadictatorwhoisinfringingontheirrights.Ifthathappens,Jimcan’twin.Ifhedoesn’tdoanything,he’lllookweak,andifhechallengesMahon,he’lllooklikeadictator.It’sabadplacetobe,andJimistoosmarttogothere.”
CurranwasrightaboutMahon.ItwasunlikelythattheBear,asMahonwasknown,hadmadeEduardo
disappear.Itwouldn’tfitwithhisethicalcode.ButifEduardohadmanagedtodisappearonhisown,Mahoncouldtakeadvantageofthesituation.Hesimplywouldn’thavetosearchforhimthathard.Georgehadahugefamilyonherside.ShehadgrownupinAtlanta,andifshevanished,theentiretyofClanHeavywouldlookforher.ButEduardowasan
outsider.He’darrivedinAtlantaroughlythreeyearsago,andasfarasIknew,hehadnofamilyinthestate.
“Idon’tevenknowifhe’sdeadoralive.”George’scomposurebroke.Tearswethereyes.Hervoiceturnedintoaraggedsnarl.“Hecouldbedeadinaditchsomewhereandnobodyislookingforhim.Ikeepseeingitinmyhead,himcoldanddead
somewhere,coveredindirt.Imightneverseehimagain.Howdoesthisevenhappen?Howcansomeoneyoulovebethereonesecondandthengonethenext?”
Curranpushedawayfromthewallandputhismonsterarmsaroundhergently.“Itwillbeokay,”hesaidquietly.“Katewillfindhim.”
Ididn’tknowifIshouldbehappyhehadcomplete
confidenceinmeormadbecausehewasmakingapromiseIwasn’tsureIcouldkeep.Idecidedonhappy,becauseIcouldseeamineburiedinourpathandIhadtotellthemaboutit.
Georgecriedsoundlessly,worryandangerleakingoutfromhereyes.ShehadwatchedmybackduringthetriptotheBlackSea.She’dfoughtforthePackandshe’d
sacrificedherarmtosaveapregnantwomanfrombeingmurdered.Shewastheonewhowasalwaysupbeat,alwaysconfidentandcomfortableinherownskin.Shelaughedeasilyandshesaidwhatshethought,becauseshehadnotroubledefendingheropinion.Andnowshewascryingandfrantic,anditmademeangry,asifsomethinghadgone
reallywrongwiththeworld.Lifewasunfair,butthiswaspushingit.Ihadtofixthis.
GeorgesteppedawayfromCurranandrubbedherfacewithherhand,tryingtoerasethetears.
“Wehaveaproblem,”Isaid.“Oncewestartpullingonthisstring,theotherendmightleadbacktoClanHeavy.EvenifGeorgeofficiallyhiresusandCutting
EdgetolookforEduardo,Jimcanstillblockit.It’sinourcontract.WhenthePackauthorizedseedmoneyforCuttingEdge,theyputinaclausethatintheeventamemberofthePackisimplicatedinanycrime,theinvestigationhastobeclearedbytheBeastLord.Jimhasthepowerofveto.”
“Whoputthatin?”Georgegrowled.
InoddedatCurran.“Hedid.”
“Itseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime,”hesaid.
“Sohowdowegetaroundthis?”Iasked.
CurranlookedatGeorge.“IamgoingtoaskyouaquestionandIneedyoutothinkaboutitverycarefullybeforeyouanswer.HaveyoueverheardEduardoOrtegoexpressanintentiontoleave
thePackaspartofmyseparationstaff?”
Nice.IfEduardoleftthePackwithCurran,thenCurranwouldhaveboththeauthorityandthedutytoprotecthim.
Georgedrewherselftoherfullheight.“Yes.”
Ihadafeelingshehadjustlied.
“IalsointendtoleavethePackwithyou,”shesaid.
Ohboy.“Thinkitover,”Curran
said.“Thismeansyou’llbeseveringtieswithyourclan.Yourparentswon’tbethrilledeither.IfitturnsoutthatyourfatherhadnothingtodowithEduardo’sdisappearance,youmightregretit.”
“Givemethecontract,”Georgesaid.
Currandidn’tmove.
“Curran,givemethepaper.”
Hewalkedovertotheshelf,tookabinderfromthetop,andopenedittoablankseparationcontract.“Onceyousignit,youhavetocompletelyseparateyourselffromthePackwithinthirtydays.”
Georgetookthepenandsignedhernameontheline.“That’snotaproblem.Ican
leavetonight.”“No,youcan’t,”Isaid.
“Youhavetogoback.”“Why?”“Becausewecan’twalk
intotheKeepandstartaninvestigation,”Curransaid.“We’reblockedbyPacklaw.Youknowthis.It’satrade-off:wedon’tattempttoinfluencepeopleintoleavingwithus,andJimcan’tinterfereiftheydo.We’reno
longerpartofthePack,butyoustillare.”
“Youhavetogoback,doyourjob,andlisten,”Isaid.“You’rewelllikedandrespected.Eduardowaswellliked,too.Youmighthearsomething.IfsomeonefromClanHeavydidmakeEduardodisappear,yourbeingtherewillbeaconstantreminderofthat.Theguiltwilleatatthemandthey
mightfeelbadandcomeclean,oratleastpointyouintherightdirection.”
“Icanfight,”Georgegrowled.“JustbecauseIhaveonearm...”
“Iknowitdoesn’tslowyoudown,”Curransaid.“ButIneedyouinsidethePack.TalktoPatrick.Onyourworstdayyoucanruncirclesaroundhim.Complimenthimforlookingoutforyou.See
whatheknows.ItmighthelpusfindEduardo.”
Shethoughtaboutit.“Okay.”
Ipulledthewritingpadclosertome.“Now,IneedyoutotellmeaboutEduardo.Wherehelives,whathisfamilyislike,whathelikestodo.Tellmeeverything.”
Thirtyminuteslaterweweredone.
“Ishouldgohome,”
Georgesaid.“Wehavemorethan
enoughbedrooms,”Isaid.“Whydon’tyouspendthenight?”
Sheshookherhead.“No,Iwanttobehomeincasehecalls.Youwillfindhim,Kate?”
Georgewaslookingatmewithafamiliaranxioushopeinhereyes.Ihadseenitbeforeinthefacesofpeople
driventotheirbreakingpoint.Sometimesyoulovesomeonesomuchthatwhensomethingbadhappenstothem,you’lldoanythingtokeepthemsafe.IfIpromisedtomakeEduardomagicallyappearifGeorgestabbedherselfintheheart,shewoulddoit.Shewasdrowningandshewasbeggingmeforsomestrawtograsp.
Iopenedmymouthtolie
andcouldn’t.ThelasttimeIpromisedtofindsomeone,Ifoundherchewed-upcorpse.ThatwashowJuliecametolivewithme.“Ipromiseyouthatwewilldoeverythingwecan.We’llkeeplookingandwewon’tstopuntilwefindsomethingoryouaskustowalkaway.”
Thereliefwasplaininhereyes.Shehadn’theardathingIsaidexcept“we’llfind
something.”“Thankyou.”Georgeleft.Iheaded
upstairswhileCurranlingereddownstairstocheckthedoors.Itwasournightlyritual.HecheckedthedoorsdownstairsandIcheckedthewindowsonthesecondfloor,whileJuliecheckedthethird.Iclimbedtothesecondfloorandstopped.Juliesatonthelanding,wrappedinherblanket.Shewasholdinga
stuffedowl.Irememberedthelookon
Julie’sfacewhenshetoldmeshe’dseenthetorn-upbodyofhermother.Itwassearedintomymemory.AfterJulie’sfatherdied,hermotherdranktoomuchanddidn’tpayasmuchattentiontoJulie’sexistenceassheusedto,butshelovedherdaughterdeeplyandJulielovedherbackwiththesingle-minded
devotionofachild.ApieceofJulie’schildhooddiedthatday,andnomatterhowhardItried,Icouldneverbringitback.IhadwishedsobadlythatIcouldhavefoundJessicaOlsenalive,butshediedbeforeIhadevenstartedlooking.
Juliedidn’ttalkaboutit.Sheneversaidhermother’sname.Onedaywewerewalkingdownthestreetpast
ayardsaleandJuliestoppedwithoutsayingaword.Shewalkedovertotheboxoftoysandpulledoutabigstuffedowltoy,justaballofbrownvelvetwithtwodorkywhiteeyes,ayellowtriangleofabeak,andtwoflappywings.ShehuggeditandIsawaheartbreakingdesperationinhereyes.Iboughttheowlonthespotandshetookithome.Later
shetoldmesheusedtohaveonelikeitwhenshewasatoddler.Thatowlwasasecrettreasuredmemoryofbeinghappyandbeingloved,shelteredandprotectedbytwopeoplewhoadoredher,neversuspectingthattheworldwouldonedaysmashitalltopieces.Ithadbeenayearsincewefounditandshestillhuggeditwhenshewenttosleep.
“Igavehertherestoftheapplepie,”Juliesaid.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind.She’sabearandtheylikesweets.Itmadeherfeelbetter.”
“Idon’tmind,”Isaid.“You’regoingtofind
him,right?”“I’mgoingtotry.”“I’llhelpyou,”Juliesaid.
“Tellmeifyouneedanything.”
“Iwill.”
Shegatheredupherowlandherblanketandstoodup.“IlikeEduardoandGeorge.They’realwaysnicetome.”Shehesitated.“Idon’twanthertofeelwhatit’slike.”
Myhearttriedtoflipoverinmychest.Ithurt.“Iknow.”
Julienoddedandwenttothethirdfloor.
IwouldfindEduardo.Iwouldfindhimbecausehewasmyfriend,because
Georgehadsufferedenoughanddeservedachancetobehappy,andbecauseIknewwhatitwasliketohavesomeoneyouloverippedawayfromyou.
CHAPTER
I3
TWASMORNING,thetechwasup,andIwasinour
sunlitkitchen,makingasmalltowerofpancakes.Julie’sschooldidn’tstartuntilnine,becausetravelingthroughthedarkinpost-ShiftAtlantawastoodangerousforkids,andwemadeourownhours.Inourlineofwork,weweren’t
guaranteedalunchandweweren’talwayshomeintimefordinner,sobreakfastwasourfamilymeal.Shapeshiftershadfastermetabolismsthannormalhumansandtheyconsumedashockingamountoffood.Curranwasnoexception.Ihadapoundofbaconbakingintheoven—cookingitonthestoveresultedinburnedbacon,acloudofsmoke,and
everythingaroundmecoveredinbacongrease.Twopoundsofsausagesimmeredinanotherpan,andIwasonmytenthpancake.
Thesunshonethroughthewindows,drawinglongrectanglesonthetiledfloor,slidingoverthelightstoneofthecountertops,andplayingonthewoodofthecabinets,settingtheirdarkfinishaglowwithredhighlights.Theair
smelledofcookingbacon.Ihadopenedthewindowandagentlebreezefloatedthroughtheroom,toocoldbutIdidn’tcare.
AfterbreakfastJuliewouldgotoschoolandwewouldgototheMercenaryGuild.ItwasthebestplacetostartlookingforEduardo.AccordingtoGeorge,Eduardo’sfamilywasn’tinthepicture.Hisparentslived
somewhereinOklahoma,butEduardodidn’tkeepintouch.Hehadnosiblings.Hewasfriendlywitheveryone,butGeorgewashisbestfriend.Hespentallofhistimewithher.
Juliestompedintothekitchenandlandedinachair,tossingherblondhairoutofherface.Alongsmearofdirtcrossedherface.Moredirtstainedherjeans.WhenI
foundheronthestreetyearsago,shewasstarved,almostwaifish.Shewasfifteennow.Goodfoodandconstanttrainingwerepayingoff:herarmsshoweddefinition,hershouldershadwidened,andsheheldherselfwiththekindofreadyassurancethatcamefromknowinganattackcouldcomeatanymomentandbeingconfidentyoucanrepelit.
“Iwantanewhorse.”Iraisedaneyebrowather.Curranshoulderedhis
wayintothekitchenfromthebackporch.Blond,broad-shouldered,andmuscular,hemovedlikeapredatoreveninhishumanform.Itdidn’tmatterifheworefur,beat-upjeans,andasimplegraysweatshirtlikerightnow,ornothingatall;hisbodyalwayspossessedacoiled,
barelycontainedstrength.Amonthagohehadgonetoourfirstjobtogetherinhisothershapeandtheclienthadlockedhimselfinthecarandrefusedtocomeout.Curranturnedhuman,buttheclientstillfiredus.ApparentlyhumanCurranwasstilltooscary,probablybecausenomatterwhatkindofclotheshewore,theydidnothingtotonedownhisface.When
youlookedintoCurran’scleargrayeyes,youknewthathecouldexplodewithviolenceatamoment’snoticeandhewouldbebrutalandefficientaboutit.Exceptwhenhelookedatme,likenow.Hesteppedclosetomeandbrushedakissonmylips.Mmm.
“That’snice,”Juliesaid.“Istillwantanewhorse.”
“Requestdenied,”Curran
toldher.Iflippedmypancake.
Thisoughttobeinteresting.“What?Why?”“Because‘want’isnota
need.”Curranleanedagainstthekitchenisland.“Isawyouinthepasture.Youdon’twantanewhorse.Yourequireanewhorse.Layyourcaseout.”
“IhateBrutus,”Juliesaid.Iglancedthroughthe
windowatthepasture,whereanenormousblackFriesianstalkedincirclesalongthefence.BrutususedtobelongtoHughd’Ambray,myfather’sWarlord.KillingHughwasmylife’sambition.I’dtriedtwicenowandeachtimehehaddodgeddeathwithmagic.That’sokay.Thethirdtimewouldbethecharm.
AfterourlastencounterI
endedupwithHugh’sFriesian,andCurran,whodidn’tcareforhorses,forsomereasondecidedtokeephimwhenweretiredfromrunningtheshapeshifterPack.ThestallionwasimpressiveandJuliedecidedtoridehimtoschool.Itoldheritwasabadidea,butsheinsisted.
“Taketheemotionoutofit,”Curransaid.“Youwill
betterpersuadetheotherpersonifyoumakethemunderstandthereasonsbehindyourrequest.Youhavetodemonstratethatinyourplacetheywouldcometothesameconclusion.Oncetheyagreewithyou,sayingnotoyoubecomesmuchharderbecausetheywouldbearguingwiththemselves.”
OnceaBeastLord,alwaysaBeastLord.Old
habitsdiedhard,andinhiscase,theyprobablyneverwould.
Juliethoughtaboutit.“Hedoesn’tobeyanyofmycommandsandhekeepstryingtothrowmeoff.”
“You’renotheavyenough,”Isaid.“Hughweighsovertwohundredpounds,closertotwofiftyinfullarmor.You’retoolight.Hughisn’tgentlewithhis
horseseither.”Julieglaredatthe
Friesian.“He’sstupid.”“Heis.Itmakeshim
easiertotrainforbattle.”Ipouredmorepancakebatterintothepan.
“Andmean.LasttimeItookhimtoschool,hetriedtobreakthroughthestalltofightwithanotherhorse.”
“He’sawarstallion,”Curransaid.“He’sbeen
taughttovieweveryotherhorseasachallenge.”
Julie’seyesnarrowed.“IfIkeepgettinghurt,itwillcausebothofyouemotionaldistressandyouwillhavetopayformymedicalbills.IfIlosecontrolofhim,hemayinjureanotherhorseandyouwouldbefinanciallyresponsibleforthedamages.Andifanotherchildgothurt,youwouldfeelterrible.”
Currannodded.“Validpoints.Bringithome.”
“Ineedanormalhorse,”Juliesaid.“OneIcanridetoschoolandleaveintheschoolstableswithoutanyofusworryingaboutit.Acityhorse,whowouldrespondwelltocommandsandwouldn’tthrowmeandhurtme.”
Withtheconstantdanceofmagicandtechnology,
horseswerethemostreliablemethodoftransportationaroundthecity.Julie’sschoolwasfourmilesoutandbikingtherewasoutofthequestion.Magicconstantlygnawedonroads,andalotofthemwereindisrepair.She’dhavetocarryherbikeathirdoftheway.Nottomentionthattheamountofbooksshehadtodragtoschoolmadeithardtomaintainherbalance.I’d
liftedherbackpackacoupleoftimesanditfeltlikeitwasstuffedwithrocks.Ontheotherhand,ifanyoneattackedherandshemanagedtoswingitintime,she’dbrainthemforsure...
“Muchbetter,”Curransaid.
“I’llcallBlueRibbonStablesafterbreakfast,”Isaid.
Curranraisedhishead
andleanedtoglanceatthefrontdoor.AmomentlaterIheardavehicleslideintoourdriveway.
“Whoisit?”“I’mabouttofindout.”
Curranrosesmoothlyandwenttothedoor.
Iheardthedoorswingopen.AmomentlateratinyIndonesianwomanwithlongdarkhairandthickglassessweptintothekitchenand
droppedintoachair.“Dali!”Juliesmiled.Daliwavedather.After
weretired,JimShrapshire,Curran’sbestfriend,becametheBeastLord.ThatmadeDalitheBeastLady.Shenowhadmyjobwithallthepainandtroublethatcamewithit.
“Consort,”Isaid.“Youhonorus.”
“Fuckyou,”Dalisaid.“Fuckyourshit.Iquit.”
Ilaughedandreachedforapotato.Dali,despitebeingaweretiger,wasavegetarian.Pancakesalonewouldn’tholdherover.Juliecameover,pickedupanotherknife,andstartedpeelingnexttome.
Currancamein.“Didyouknowthereisadentinyourfrontbumper?”
“Iknow,”Dalisaid.“Ihitsometrashcansonthewayoverhere.Iwasfrustrated
andneededsomethingtohit.”Theneighborswouldjust
lovethis.“Whathappened?”“IhadafightwithJim.”“Why?”Curranasked.“Desandra.”Figured.Oftheseven
Packclans,ClanWolfwasthelargestanditsnewalphawas...colorful.
“ThereisnoprivacyattheKeep,”Dalisaid.
Youdon’tsay.
“Ithoughtofgoingtomyoldhouseortomymother’shouse,butJimwouldcheckformethere.SoIcamehere.”Dalistaredatme.“Ilikedmyhouse.LivingintheKeepsucks.”
“Iknow,”Itoldher.“CanIstayfor
breakfast?”sheasked.“Ofcourse.”Ihadjustpulledthebacon
outoftheovenandflipped
thehashbrownswhenanothercarpulledup.Curranlaughedandwenttothedoor.
“Hedidn’t.”Daliactuallygrowled.Ididn’trealizeshecould.
Jimwalkedintothekitchen.Somepeoplehadspecialtalents.Somewerecharming.Otherswereclearlyintelligent.Doolittle,thePack’smedmage,couldputpatientsateasejustby
sayinghello.Jim’sspecialtalentwasmenace.Sixfeettwoinchestallandbuiltlikehecouldpunchthroughsolidwallsanddodgeabulletatthesametime,Jimprojectedaconcentratedpromisetokickyourass.Itemanatedfromhimlikeheatfromasidewalk.Heneveractuallythreatenedyou,butwhenheenteredaroomfullofhardcases,biggermenbackedoff,
becausewhenhelookedatthem,theyheardtheirbonesbreaking.
AndnowIwouldhavetobeverycarefulaboutourmorningconversation.AnymentionofEduardocouldsetoffalarmbellsinJim’shead.Thelastthingweneededwashimshuttingdownourinvestigation.
“HailtotheBeastLord!”Iwavedmyspatulafor
emphasis.Jimsparedmeanugly
lookandturnedtoDali.“Youfollowedme!”Dali
jumpedoutofherchair,herfacefurious.
“Ididn’t.Icameheretotalktohim”—JimpointedatCurranwithhisthumb—“abouthismoney.Wejusthappenedtobegoingtothesameplace.”
“YouknewIwashere.”
Shesquintedathim.“Youhaveyourgoonsfollowingme,don’tyou?”
“They’renotgoons.They’reoursecuritypeople.Andyes,Ihavethemfollowingyou.We’reinadangerousposition.WejusttookoverthePackandIdon’twantanysurprises.”
“You’reaparanoidcontrolfreak.”
Thatwasputtingit
lightly.BeforeJimbecametheBeastLord,heservedasthePack’schiefofsecurity.IthoughtIhadahighlevelofparanoia,butJimtookittostratosphericlevels.
“Myparanoiaiskeepingussafe.”Jimbrushedhisface.Suddenlyheseemedtired.“Dali,IjustspenteighthoursarguingwiththePackCouncil.Doyouthinkyoucouldpostponeyellingatme
untillater?”“No!”Shesighed.“Yes.
Fine.”Ireachedintothefridge.
Wewouldneedmoresausage.
•••
NORMALPEOPLESPOKEwhiletheyate.Theysocialized,carriedonapoliteconversation,andeventold
jokes,pausingtheirfoodconsumptionwhiledoingallthosethings.Shapeshiftersatewithsingle-mindedfocus,asifeatingitselfwereaveryimportanttaskandtheyhadtoconcentrateonitcompletely.Talkingwhileeatingbeyondtheusual“passthat,please”wasconsideredrude.
Ittookfullyhalfanhourbeforetheyfinallyleaned
backfromthetable.Jimsighedquietly.Helookedhaggard.Itwasunusualforhim.Dalireachedoverandquietlystrokedhishand.Hetookherfingersintohisandsqueezed.
“Sowhatwasthefightabout?”Julieasked.
“We’retryingtopassasecurityreform,”Jimsaid.“OneoftheprovisionsrequiresPackmembers
residingattheKeeporattheirClanHousestosignoutbeforetheygointothecity.We’vehadafewissuesoverthelastcoupleofyearswithfindingeveryonewhenanemergencyhits.”
“Seemsreasonable,”Isaid.Sailorsdiditonshoreleave,soldiersdiditwhentheyleftamilitarybase,andtherewasnoreasonwhyPackmemberscouldn’tdothe
same.“It’shisfirstactasthe
BeastLord,”Curransaid.“Thealphaswilldigtheirheelsintoseeifhewillbend.”
“Wewerearguing,”Dalisaid.“AndthenDesandrasaidthatiftheBeastLordwantedtoknowwhereshewasatalltimes,shewouldbedelightedtomakeithappen.”
Ilaughed.Daliglaredat
me.“That’swhatshedoes,”I
said.“Whenshe’suncomfortable,shestartssayinguncomfortablethingstoknockyouoffyourstride.”
“Iwantedtocurseher.”DalijabbedherthumbinJim’sdirection.“Hewouldn’tletme.”
ConsideringthatDali’scursesbackfiredhalfofthetime,thatwasprobablya
verygoodthing.“WeneedtheWolfAlpha
topassthereform,”Jimsaid.“Iwasn’tgoingtokill
her,”Dalitoldhim.“Iwasjustgoingtosealhermouthshut.”
“KnowingDesandra,thatwouldkillher,”Curransaid.
“Ihandledit,”Jimsaid.“Itoldherthatifsherequiredsomeonetowatchheratalltimes,thePackwould
accommodateherwishesandassignanannytoher.Anyway,whathaveyoubeendoing?”
I’dbeenthinkingaboutwhetherMahonhadhadamomentofinsanityandmurderedhisfutureson-in-law.“Huntingghouls.”
“Why?”Itoldhimabouttheghoul
horde.Hefrowned.“Thirty.”
“Yeah.”“That’sahellofalotof
ghouls.Letmetalktomypeople.We’llseewhatIcanfindout.AreyougoingtoseeMitchell?”
“Iwasthinkingaboutit.”ThenumberofpeoplewhoknewaboutMitchellcouldbecountedonthefingersofonehand,andhereJimrattledoffhisnamelikeitwasnothing.WhywasInotsurprised?
Curranglancedatme.I’dhavetoexplainMitchelllater.
Jimleanedforward,hisgazeintentonCurran.“Look,you’vehadyourfun.It’sbeennineweeks.Youcancomebacknow.We’llsayitwasanextendedvacation.Asabbatical.”
Curranleanedforwardaswell,matchingJim’sstare.“I’mout.”
Jimdroppedhisforkon
thetableandsaggedinhischair.
“Ifyouhateitsomuch,stepdown,”Curransaid.
FrustrationtwistedJim’sface.“Ican’t.They’llscrewitup.”
Curranlaughed.“Thatwasmean,”Dali
said.“It’snotfunny,”Jim
growled.Ohno,itwasfunny.It
wasdownrighthilarious.IgrinnedatJim.“Iseemtorememberamanwhobroughtmeatwo-inch-thickfilejustlastSeptember,toldmethatClanNimbleandClanJackalhaddeclaredavendettaoneachotherandthedetailswereinthefile,andthenwalkedaway.”
“Ohyeah,”Curran’seyesshonewithgold.“Whatwasithesaid?”
“Hesaidthatwe’dhavetohandleitbecausehehad‘realshittodo.’”
“What’syourpoint?”Jimgrimaced.
“Payback’sabitch,”Itoldhim.
“Youcanmoanallyouwant,”Curransaid.“Thefactisyouwantedthejob.You’resmarterthanIamandyou’restrongenoughtoholdthepower.Youhadplansforthe
PackandIdidn’talwaysagree.Nowyou’vegotachancetodoityourway.”
Magicrolledoverusinafastinvisibletide.Everyonepausedforamomenttoadjust.
Jimpulledasimplebeigefileoutofhisjacketandputitonthetable.
“What’sinthefile?”Curranasked.
“Areyousureyouwantto
know?”Jimasked.“Oncewedothis,thereisnogoingback.”
Curranjustlookedathim.Jimopenedthefolder,
tookoutastackofpapers,andpassedthemtoCurran.Curranreadthefirstpage.“Whatthehellisthis?”
“It’slikethis,”Jimsaid.“Youowntoomuchcrap.Youholdatleastatwenty-fivepercentstakeinover
twenty-twopercentofthePack’sbusinesses.Onlyafewofthesebusinessesareestablishedenoughtobeabletocomeupwiththemoneytobuyyouout.Alotofthemarenewenterprisesandeachdollarofprofitisbeingputrightbackintothem.Ifwebuyyououtnow,thewayyouwantusto,thePackwillgobankrupt.”
“That’sbull,”Curran
said.Jimspreadhisarms.
“Thisiswhattheaccountantsaretellingme.Iunderstandyoumighthaveacashflowissue,butyouwouldn’thaveoneifyouwerestilltheBeastLord.”
Curran’sfacewentblank,unreadablelikeastonewall.Uh-oh.
“Don’ttestme.”“I’mnottestingyou.I’m
tellingyou,thisishowitis.Thecontractyou’reholdingoutlinesourproposal.Insteadofamonetarypayout,weofferyouabusinessintradeforfiftypercentofyourcollectivestakenow,andthen,oncetheotherbusinessesbegintobeprofitable,youcaneithercontinuetoownthemandcollectyourshareofprofitsorselloffyourstakeasyou
seefit.”“Thiswouldmakesense,”
Curransaid,“ifIhadnoeyestoreaditornobraintounderstandit.DidRaphaelwritethis?”
“Hemighthavelookeditover,”Jimsaid.
RaphaelwasthealphaofClanBouda.Hewastoohandsomeforhisowngood,matedtomybestfriend,AndreaNash,andacomplete
sharkwhenitcametoallthingsbusiness.IfRaphaelwrotethecontract,itwasagooddealforthePackandabaddealforus.
Weweren’tdesperateformoney,butalargechunkofourreadycashhadgoneintobuyingandfurnishingthishouse.IneveraskedCurranhowmuchmoneyhehad,becauseeventhoughhereferredtoitasourmoney,he
hadearnedthebulkofitbeforeheevermetme.ButIgottheimpressionthatweweren’ttoofarfromthebottomofourreserve.
NowthatwebothhadtimetodevotetoCuttingEdge,thebusinesswaspickingupanditwouldstartputtingfoodonourtablewithinayear.Troublewas,wefacedalotofstiffcompetition.Inthehierarchy
ofclearingparanormalhazmat,CuttingEdgescrapedthebottomofthebarrel,withtheGuildbeingourmajorcompetition.Wehadtounderbidthemercs,andwhiletheGuildwashavingseriousissues,competingwiththemwasdifficult.Itdidn’thelpthatthePackhadbankrolledCuttingEdge’sstartupcostsandbothCurranandIwantedtogetthatloantakencareof.
“Whatareyouoffering?”Iasked.
“TheMercenaryGuild,”Jimsaid.
“What?”Imust’vemisheard.
“TheMercenaryGuild,”Jimrepeated.
“That’sstupid,”Itoldhim.“IhavethebusinesssenseofawalnutandevenIknowit’sstupid.”
Eversinceitsfounder
died,theMercenaryGuildhadbeenrunbyanassemblyconsistingofveteranmercs,adminstaff,andthePackrepresentative.Therulebycommitteewasn’tworking.Iknewthis,becauseIwasthatPackrepresentative.I’dworkedfortheGuildsinceIwaseighteen.Mercsdidn’thavealonglifeexpectancy,butIwashardtokillandIhadpassedtheeight-year
mark,whichmademeaveteran.Ihadstreetcred,butevenwithmyreputation,myveteranstatus,andthepowerofthePackbehindme,IgotthroughtotheGuildonlyhalfofthetime.AslongasIwasthere,keepingthepeace,somestuffgotdone,butwhenIhadn’tbeenthere,fromwhatI’dheard,theinfightinggotsobad,theGuildwasonthebrinkof
bankruptcy.Jimknewallthis.Heusedtobeamerc,too,andhehadspiesalloverthecity.
“First,themercsandadminsaretoobusybeingateachother’sthroats,”Isaid.“Second,thePackdoesn’townenoughoftheGuildtomakeitworthwhileforus.”
“Wedo,”Jimsaid.“ThemercshavebeensellingofftheirsharesandI’vebeen
usingtheshapeshiftermercstobuythem.”
HemusthavethoughtIwasbornyesterday.“They’vebeensellingofftheirsharesbecausetheGuildhashurtledoverthecliffandisnose-divingintotheground.Ratsabandonasinkingship,youknowthat.”
Jimdismisseditwithabriskgesture.“That’sbesidethepoint.Kate,thePacknow
controlsthirty-sixpercentoftheGuild.We’lltransferthesesharestoyou,whichwillmakeyoutwothelargestsingleshareholders.”
“Thisisabadidea,”Isaid.
“We’renottakingit,”Curransaid.
“Bottomline,I’mtheBeastLord,”Jimsaid.“I’mtellingyou,that’souroffer.”
“Yourofferstinks,”Itold
him.“Ourofferismorethan
fair.”“Youcan’tcompelmeto
agree,”Curransaid.“ThePacklawiscrystalclear:asaretiredalpha,Ihaveautonomy.”
“No,Ican’t.ButIcancontrolwhatweofferyouandthisiswhatIamoffering.You’remyfriend,butthePackismyjobnow.Soyou
wantmetogobacktothesepeopleinwhosebusinessesyouinvestedandtellthemthatyoudon’tgiveacrapabouttheirlivelihood?”Jimsaid.“Justtryingtobeclear.”
“IowntenpercentofRaphael’sreclamationbusiness,”Currangrowled.“Hisannualearningsareinthemillions.”
Thelightdawnedonme.“That’swhyRaphaelwrote
thecontract.Hedoesn’twanttopay.”
“HewrotethecontractbecauseIaskedhim,”Jimsnarled.
Curranlookedathim.Animperceptibleshiftoccurredinthewayheheldhimself.Nothingobvious.Aslighthardeningofshoulders,astraighterspine,amutedpromiseintheeyes,butsuddenlyeveryoneknewthe
conversationwasover.ThiswashowheusedtosilencethePackCouncil.
“WethankthePackfortheirgenerousoffer,”Curransaid.“Theanswerisno.Julieneedstogettoschoolandweneedtogettowork.Thankyouforyourvisit.You’rewelcomeinourhomeanytime.”
Jimrose.“Thinkaboutit.”
DalilookedatJulie.“Doyouneedaride?”
“I’lltakeit!”Juliejumpedoffherchair.
Dalidrovelikeamaniac.“Donotkillmykid.”
Dalisnorted.“Ididn’tkillherwhenItaughtherhowtodrive,didI?”
Curranroseandwenttotheotherroom.JimandItradedglances.Hereachedforthefolder.
Imissmakingitwork...“Leaveit,please,”Isaid.
CHAPTER
T4
HEGUILDOCCUPIEDanabandonedhotelonthe
edgeofBuckhead.Onceafuturistic-lookingtower,ithadsuccumbedtothemagicwavesliketherestofthebusinessdistrict.High-risesfellintwoways:eithertheyslowlydeteriorateduntiltheycollapsedinaheapofdust
anddebris,ortheytoppled.TheGuild’sbasewasatoppler:thetowerhadbrokenoffaboutsevenstoriesupasifcutbyablade.Therenovationsandrepairsshavedoffanothertwofloors,andnowtheGuildhadfivefloors,onlyfourofwhichwerefunctional,thepriceoflivingthroughaslow-motionapocalypse.
Weparkedinabigopen-
airparkinglottotherightandgotout.Abouttwodozenvehicleswaitedforus.AccordingtoGeorge,EduardodroveahugeblackTahoethatlookedlikeatank.Notsomethingyou’deasilymiss.GeorgedroveanFJCruiser.Neitherwasintheparkinglot.
CurranandIwalkeddowntheparkinglane.Currantookshortquick
breaths,samplingthescents.WewouldneedDerektoreallyfollowatrail.Curran’ssenseofsmellwasmanytimesbetterthanmine,buthewasapredatorycat.Hehuntedmostlybysight,whileDerek,myonetimeboywonder,wasawolf.Hecouldtrackamoththroughpitchdarknessbyscentalone.
IhadcalledovertoCuttingEdgeandlefta
messageontheansweringmachineforDerekaskinghimtostayputincaseweneededhim.CurranhadsavedhimwhenDerek’sfamilywentloup,andtheyoungwerewolfwascompletelydevotedtohim.
“I’vebeenthinking,”Isaid.
“ShouldIbeworried?”Curranasked.
“Iwould’vethought
Derekwouldseparatewithus.IunderstandwhyBarabasdidn’t—helovespracticinglaw—butDerekhasbeenworkingforCuttingEdgesincethestart.”
“It’snotreallyatopicIcanbringup,”Curransaid.“It’sapersonaldecisionforeachindividualinvolved.Therecan’tbeanypressureonewayortheother.Jimcan’tofferthemincentivesto
stayandIcan’tusetheiremotionalloyaltytopressurethemintoleaving.”
Itmadesense,Isuppose.Wecombedtheparking
lot,predictablydidn’tfindtheTahoe,andheadedfortheGuildbuilding.
Theheavyirongatesstoodwideopen.Nobodymetusinthelobby.Icheckedthesign-inledgerrestingonthemetaltable.Eduardohad
signedinonMonday,February28.Therewasnosign-inforTuesday,March1.
“Hedidn’tmakeittotheGuildyesterday,”Isaid.
Curraninhaledtheairandgrimaced.
“What?”“Itsmellslikeagarbage
dump.Igethintsofhisscent,butthey’reold.I’dsayatleastfiftyhoursorso.”
Fiftyhourswasconsistent
withourtimeline.IfEduardocalledGeorgeatseventhirtyonMonday,heprobablygotdowntotheGuildanhourortwolater.
CurranandIpassedthroughalargewoodendoorandenteredtheinnerhall.Thehotelwasbuiltasahollowtowerwithanopenatriumatitscenter.Terracedbalconies,oneforeachfloor,linedtheinnerwalls,
allowingaccesstoindividualrooms.
Initsotherlife,thehotelhadbeenbeautiful,alllightstone,expensivewood,andelevatorswithtransparentwalls.Itwaswaybeforemytime,butI’dseensomeoldpicturesthatshowedthelobbyasanoasisofgreenery,completewithakoistreamwherefatorange-and-whitefishdriftedgentlybeneaththe
lilypads.Atrendycoffeeshophadoccupiedonecorner,nexttoitaraisedareahadbeensetoutforhappy-hourpatrons,andanupscalerestauranthadofferedlobsterandsteak.Allofthatwasgonenow.Thecoffeeshop,koi,andgreeneryhadvanishedwithoutatrace.Therestauranthadevolvedintoamesshall,offeringcheapbutdecentfoodtohungrymercs
comingofflongjobs,andtheraisedareathatwasoncethehappy-hourhangouthousedtheClerk’sdeskandabigjobboardbehindhim.
Usuallytheboardwasorganizedtowithinaninchofitslife.TheClerkwouldwritetheopenjobsonindexcards,markthemwithdifferentcolorsaccordingtopriority,andpinthemneatlytothecorkboard.Todaythe
boardwasamess.Randompiecesofpapercoveredit,stuckthiswayandthat,someontopoftheothers.Acouplehadcoffeestains.Onelookedahellofalotlikeauseddinnernapkinwhoseownermust’veindulgedingravy.Whatthehell...?
Abouttwentymercsloungedhereandthere,someatthetables.Iscannedthecrowd.Notmanyveterans.
TheGuildattractedallsortsofpeople.SomeworkedhardandsomehungoutattheGuildbullshittingorwaitingforjusttherightjobtofallintotheirlap.Mostoftheseguyswereofthesecondvariety.Afewlookeddrunk.Mostweren’ttooclean.Aswewalkedthrough,awomanontherighthockedaloogieandspatonthefloor.Charming.
ThesepeoplehungoutattheGuildeveryday.Someprobablyslepthere.Oneofthemhadeitherstolenacarfromaworriedwomanlookingforherboyfriendorknewwhohad.Theywouldtellmewhodidit.
Thesourstenchofrottenfoodfloatedintheair.Mudstreaksstainedthefloor.Thetrashcaninthecornerwasoverflowing.Thestaircase
thatleduptothethreeremainingfloorshadalovelypatinaofgrime.
“Daniels!”Iturned.Atandark-
hairedmaninhisfortieswavedatmefromanearbytable.LagoVista.Iwalkedoverandtookaseat.Curransatnexttome.Lagohadbeenamercenaryallhislifeonewayoranother,buthe’djoinedtheGuildaboutthree
yearsago,whenhemovedtoAtlantafromLagoVista,Texas.HelikeditwhenpeoplecalledhimLago.Itwasn’treallyhisname,buthenevertalkedaboutthethingshe’dleftbehind,soIdidn’task.HeandIhadworkedtogetheronacoupleofjobs.Hewasn’tasfastasheusedtobe,buthehadalotofexperienceandheknewwhattodowithit.Hedidhisjob,
hediditwell,andhedidn’tgetmeoranybodyelsekilled.Thatmadehimadecentmercinmybook.Ifyouneededasecondforagig,youcoulddoalotworsethanLago.Ifyoucouldputupwithhiscome-ons,thatis.Lagowasanagingjock.Helikedone-nightstands,andheviewedhimselfasasmoothoperator.
“Haven’tseenyouaround.”Lagolifteda
coffeepot.“Needsomefuel?”Thecoffeeintheglass
carafewassolidblackandlookedviscous.“Isthatlastnight’sbatch?”
Lagoshrugged.Lastnight’sbatchthathad
probablybakedforabouttwelvehours.Nothanks.“WhereistheClerk?”
“Youdidn’thear?TheClerk’sgone.Thecleaningstaff,too.Alloftheadmins
aregone.You’relookinggood,Daniels.Lookingreallygood.”Lagogavemealongonce-over.
“Stoplookingatherandyoumightlivelonger,”Curransaid,hisvoiceniceandfriendly.
LagoglancedatCurranandheldhisarmsupintheair.“Hey,nooffense.Justacompliment.”
Currandidn’tanswer.
Lagoshiftedinhisseat,uncomfortable,andturnedtome.“Who’stheguy?”
“He’smy...”Fiancé,honey-bunny?“He’smine.”
Lagonoddedknowingly.“ThethingwiththeBeastLorddidn’tturnout,huh?That’sokay,Iheardthatguyisadick.Youdon’tneedthatshit.”
Curran’sfaceshowednoemotion.Lagostuckhishand
out.“LagoVista.CallmeLago.”
“Lennart.”CurranreachedoverandshookLago’shand.IheldmybreathtoseeifLago’sfingerswouldsurvive.Hedidn’twritheinpainandnobonescrunched.AndthatwasexactlywhyCurranwassuchascarybastard.Whenhelostcontrol,itwasbecausehemadeadeliberatechoicetodoso.
“Sowhathappenedtotheadmins?”Curranasked.
“TheGuildAssemblyfailedtopassthebudget.Nobudget,nopaycheck.Thecleaningcrewwasthefirsttowalkoff,thenthecookingstaff.TheClerkhungonforaboutsixweeks,butheleft,too.”
Holycrap.“Who’stakingthecalls?”
Lagoshrugged.“Whoever
feelslikeansweringthephone?Itdoesn’tringmuchanymore.”
Great.“Whydidn’ttheypassthe
budget?”Curranasked.“BecauseBobCarver
wantedtoraidhispensionfund.”Lagogulpedhiscoffeeandgrimacedatthetaste.
BobCarverhadbeeninforaboutfifteenyears,andhewasoneoftherarebreedof
mercenarywhoplayedwellwithothers.Hewaspartofafour-personcrewknownastheFourHorsemenandtheytookthelarger,moredifficultjobs.HalfoftheAssemblyconsistedofadminsandtheotherhalfofmercs,andBobCarverwaschiefpersonnelofficerandthemercs’leader.Beforemyfatherdecidedtotakeanactiveinterestinmyexistence,Ifunctionedasthe
thirdpartofthattriangle,representingthePack’sinterests.Ididn’tthinkImadethatmuchdifference,butitmust’vebeenjustenoughtokeepthetideofcrazyatbay,becauseinmyabsencetheGuildhadclearlygoneofftherails.
CurrankeptlookingatLago,listeningandwaiting.Lagogulpedmorecoffee.“Itworkslikethis:ifyoulast
twentyyearsintheGuild,yougetapension.Youstartpayingintoitfromyourfirstjob.Notmuchmoney,likefivepercent,butattheendoftwentyyearsitaddsup.Ifyoudiebeforeyourtwentyyearsareup,you’rescrewed.Whateveryoupaidintothepensionfundstaysthere.Yourfamilygetsthedeathbenefit,butthat’sit.Idon’tknowwhatthehellBob
neededthemoneyfor,buthewantedtoborrowagainsthiscontribution.”
“That’sillegal,”Curransaid.“Andstupid.Ifeveryoneraidsthepensionfund,therewillbenopensionfund.”
Lagowinkedatme.“Ilikehim.Butyeah,you’reright.That’sbasicallywhatMarksaid.Mark’souroperationsmanager.Bobreallyneedsthemoney,I
guess,becausehegotabunchofmercsonhissideandhammeredenoughvotestostopthebudget.Hesayshewon’tbackdownuntiltheygivehimhismoney.”
Awesome.Justawesome.Ileanedcloser.“Lago,do
youknowEduardoOrtego?Bigguy,darkhair,lookslikehecanrunthroughwalls?”
“I’veseenhimaround.”“Didhehaveabeefwith
anyone?”“Sure.Youremember
ChristianHeyward?”“Bigguy?African
Americanwiththebulldog?”“That’stheone.”TheChristianHeywardI
rememberedwasagenuinelynicefamilyman,whohadaverylowtoleranceforbullshit.HecameinwithhisAmericanBulldog,didhisgigs,andwenthometohis
wifeandkids.“HehadaproblemwithEduardo?”
“No.HequitthedayEduardoregistered,sotheygavehimHeyward’szone.It’sagoodzone.Somepeoplegotpissedoffbecauseofit,butnothingtoomajor.Youknowhowitis:yourguylookedlikehecouldhandlehimselfandnobodywantedtogethurt.Theybitchedbehindhisback,butthat’sas
farasitgot.Nobodywantedtheirbonesbroken.”
“Hisgirlfriendwashereyesterday,”Curransaid.“Lookingforhim.Someonetookhercar.”
“That’sashame.Can’thelpyou,man.Iwasn’thereyesterday.Butoneofthemmight.”Lagoglancedatthegathering.“Mostoftheseassholesarehereeveryday.Goodluckgettingtheir
attention,though.Halfofthemaredrunk,halfofthemarehungover,andtheotherhalfdon’tgiveashit.”
“Thanks.”Ihadnoproblemwithattentiongetting.
Igotup.Ineededtodosomethingflashyandloudbutnottooscary,orthemercswouldjusttakeoff.Iheadedforthetableclosesttothedoor.Iftheyran,they’d
havetogetpastus.Curranwalkednexttome.“SoIamadick?”
“Ican’thelpthatyouhaveareputation.”
Hegrinned.“Youwanthelp?”
“No,Igotit.”Hiskindofhelpwouldlikelyinvolvearoar,andthemercswouldscatter.
IfIstartedwithEduardomissing,I’dgetnowhere.
TheyallprobablysawGeorgeaskingquestionsabouthimyesterday.Nobodyhelpedherthenandnobodywouldhelpmewithitnow.Amissingpersonwasseriousbusinessandmercsdidn’tlikeattention.They’dclamup.Noneofthemwouldwanttobeawitnessortovolunteeranyinformation.IhadtomakeitaboutthemissingSUV.Thatwastheft—serious
theft,butstillonlytheft—andeveryonewouldunderstandthatwe’dhandleitwithoutthecopsinvolved.
Adried-upFrenchfrycrunchedundermyfoot.
“Ican’tbelieveJimtriedtosellusthisleakyboat.”ThenexttimeIsawhim,I’dlethimknowexactlyhowIfeltaboutit.
“JimisaBeastLord,”Curransaid.“Packcomes
first.Friendshipscomesecond.”
ThreefeetfromthetableIjumpedandlandedonitstop.Ididn’tlandsoftly.Ilandedwithaseriousthud.
Themercsturnedandlookedatme.Recognitionregisteredonsomefaces.
“Youknowme,”Isaid.“YouknowwhatIcando.”
Theywerelookingatme.“Aone-armedwoman
camehereyesterdayinablueFJCruiser.Someonetookit.Iwanttoknowwho.”
“Daniels.”Awomangotupfromhertableandstartedtowardme.Forty,builtlikeabrickhouse,andmeaneyed.Shelookedfamiliar.Herclothesandthebruiseonherfacesaidshehadhadaroughnightandwaslookingforsomeoneshecouldusetoventherfrustration.“Iowe
you.”Iknewherbutcouldn’t
rememberthename...Igavehermyhardstarejustincase.Shekeptcoming.Shoot.Iwasoutofpractice.“Really?”
“Yeah.Youtookmygig.”Ah.AliceGolansky.The
lasttimeIsawherwasalmosttwoyearsago.Well,wasn’tthatablastfromthepast.
“Soletmegetthis
straight.You’remad,becausetwoyearsagoyouweretoodrunktodoajobandpassedoutintheGuild’smesshall,andtheClerksentmeoutinyourplace?”
Sheshruggedhershouldersandraisedherfists.Well,well.Someonehadsomekaratetraining.“I’mgoingtoteachyounottostealjobs.”
“Youdorealizethatgig
wasassignedtome?”Nottomentionthatthejobhappenedtwoyearsago.
“Youthinkyou’resohighandmighty.I’mgonnapullyouoffthattableandstompyourfacein.”
Curransmiled.Okay.“Youthoughtthis
through?”Iasked.Shelookedupatmeand
punchedherpalmwithherfist.“Ohyeah.”
Idroppedtomykneeandhammeredapunchintoherjaw.Myfisthadshotdownlikeajackhammer.I’dsunkallofthemomentumofthedropintoit.Knockingsomeoneoutwastricky,becauseitrequiredpower,speed,andtheelementofsurprise,butwhenitworked,itmadeastatement.Alice’seyesrolledintoherhead.Shewentrigidandfellstraight
back,likeacuttree.Herheadbouncedoffthefloorabit.
Thehallwassuddenlysilent.Ha!Stillgotit.
“Anybodyelsegotanydisputesthey’dliketosettle?”Iasked.
Themercssatsilent.“I’llaskagain.”Istood
up.“BlueFJCruiser.Whohasit?”
Noanswer.“Maybeyoudidn’thear
her,”Curransaid.“Ormaybeyoucan’tseeherwell.Letmehelp.”
Thetableundermemoved.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawhimholdingitafootoffthegroundwithonehand.Okaythen.
Themercsfroze.“ItwasMac,”alarge
Latinomanwearingfadedfatiguessaidfromtheleft.HisnamewasCharlieandhe
usedtobearegularwhenIworkedfortheGuild.“Macandhisidiotredneckcousin,what’shisname...Bubba?Skeeter...?”
“Leroy,”Crystalsaid,tossingbackherbleachedblondhair.“MacandLeroy.”
Thenamesdidn’tsoundfamiliar.CurranquietlyloweredthetablebacktoEarth.
“Yeah,Leroy,”Charlie
said.“Isawthemgettingintoitthismorning.TheyweregoingtodoajobinChambleeonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”
IwasprettysureChambleeusedtobeinHeyward’szone.
“Thecatlady?”ashortskinnyguyinaredsweaterasked.“Theonewhocalledbefore?”
“Yeah,”Charliesaid.
“She’sgotsomethingwithwingstryingtoeathercatsonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”
That’sright,tellmemore.“Again?”Crystalasked.
“EduardoalreadywentoutthereonSunday.Hesaidthisladyhadagianttickeatinghercats.”
“Thiswasnotick,”Charliesaid.“Shesaiditflew.Ticksdon’tfly.”
“Well,whateveritwas,”
Crystalsaid,“IknowhekilleditonSunday,becausehecamebackheretogetpaid,andthenshecalledagainonMondayandhewentoutthereagain.That’sthelastIsawhim.”
Itwasarepeatjob.TheclientcalledtheGuildthefirsttimeonSundayaboutatick,andEduardowentoutandtookcareofit.Thenshecalledagain,onMonday,
probablybecausetheproblemrecurred.Hewentouttothatcallanddisappeared.Thentheclientcalledforthethirdtime,today,whichmeantthateitherthecreaturebotheringherhadalargefamilyorthatEduardonevermadeittoherjob.ButhedidfinishtheSundayjob,whichmeanttherewouldbearecordofit.
“DidthisladysayEduardoshowedupon
Monday?”Iasked.Charlieshookhishead.
“Shewasatwork,soshedidn’tknowifheshowedup.Butshewasreallyheateditwasn’ttakencareof.”
“WhendidMacandLeroyleave?”Iasked.
“Halfanhourago,”Charliesaid.
We’djustmissedthem.“Aretheypoachingin
Eduardo’sterritory?”Iasked.
Crystalspreadherarms.“Heain’theretocallthemoutonit,ishe?”
“They’vegotaproblemwithhim?”Curranasked.
Charlieshrugged.“They’vegotaproblemwitheveryone.Ortego’sgotgoodterritory.Theytriedmusclinginonhimandhebeattheirassesforthem.”
“Hewasn’tworriedaboutit,”Crystalsaid.
“Youknewhimwell,huh?”Iasked.
“Shetalkedtohimeverytimehecamehere,”Charliesaid.
Crystalshothimadirtylook.
“Don’tstareatme.”Hepointedatus.“Theyhaveissueswithyou.Theyhavenoissueswithme.Don’tdragtherestofusinwithyoursorryass.”
“Itriedtoknowhimwell,ifyoucatchmymeaning.”Crystalmadeasourface.“Apparentlyhe’soneofthose‘gotagirlfriend’types.Shewasoverhereyesterday.Nothingspecial.Andshe’sacripple.”
Oh,yousad,patheticexcuseforahumanbeing.Myfistitched.IreallywantedtopunchCrystalintheface.
“Soyousawayoungone-armedwomandesperatelylookingforherguy.YouknewLeroyandMactookhercarandyoudidn’tsayanything.Noneofyouassholestoldherorofferedtogiveheraridebackhome?”Icouldbarelykeepagrowloutofmyvoice.“Youmust’veallhadimportantshittodolikesittinghere,gettingdrunk,andspittingonthe
floor.”Nobodylookedmeinthe
eye.“Whatareyou,the
moralitypolice?”anolderdrunken-lookingmercasked.
“Yeah,Iam,Chug.RememberthattimeyourlegwasbrokenandJimandIcametogetyououtoftheholeunderacollapsedbuilding?”
“Sowhat?”
“Nexttimeyou’reintrouble,don’tcallme.”
“I’llsurvive,”hesaid.“Don’tmakepromises
youcan’tkeep.”IjumpedoffthetableandheadedfortheClerk’sdesk.Weneededjoblogs.
“Wherearewegoing?”Curranaskedquietly.
“Togetthelogbook.Whenajobiscompleted,it’swrittenintothelogbook
beforethepaymentisauthorized.Accordingtothoseclowns,Eduardohadalreadygonetodoajobatthataddress.OnSundaythisladycalledaboutagianttick,andhewentoutandkilledit,andhegotpaid.Thelogbookshouldhavearecordofit.”
TheproblemhehadgoneouttofixonMondaywasstillactive,becausetheclienthadcalledtheGuildagainaboutit
thismorningandthecar-stealingredneckstookthejob.Sometimesthathappened—youkilledsomecreaturebutdidn’trealizeitwasn’talone,soyouhadtogooutthesecondtimeandcompletethejob.Wehadtotalktotheclient.MacandLeroywould’vetakenthegigticketwithheraddresswiththem,sothelogswereourbestbet.
Somethinghadhappened
toEduardoonMonday,duringthesecondjoboronthewaytoit.Ifhewereanormalhuman,I’dbecallinghospitalstoseeifhewassomewherewithaninjury,butthestandardprotocolforhurtshapeshiftersdictatedthatmedicalpersonnelnotifythePackimmediately.ThePackhaditsownmedmages,ledbyDoolittle,whohadbroughtmebackfromthe
brinkofdeathsomanytimesIhadlostcount.Eduardocouldbehurt,hecouldbedead,orhecouldbeinjail,arrestedforsomething,buthewasn’tinahospital.
IcrouchedbehindtheClerk’sdeskandtriedthelogdrawer.Normallyitwasunderlockandkey.Thedrawerdoorswungopen.
Themercswatchedus.“Trytolookcasual.”I
pulledthetopbookoutandputitonthedesk.
“Why?”“BecausewhatI’mdoing
isillegalwithoutawarrant,andwehaveabouttwentywitnessesobservingoureverymove.”
Currancrossedhisarms,makinghisbicepsbulge,leanedagainstthedesk,andfixedouraudiencewithhisstare.Everyone
spontaneouslydecidedtolookanywhereelsebutatus.Right.Casual,myfoot.
“See,”hesaid.“Nowitnesses.”
Iflippedthepages.Eduardowaslikeabrand-newmerc.Hewoulddothingsbythebook.OnlythreelogentriesonSunday.Wow.Thereshouldhavebeenadozenormore.OnagooddaytheGuildusedtobe
chaoticwithasteadystreamofmercscomingandgoing,andSundayduringastrongmagicwaveshould’vebeenagooddayforbusiness.
Secondnamedown.Mrs.Oswald,30862ChambleeDunwoodyRoad.Complaint:gianttickeatingcats.Status:resolved,Biohazardcontactedtoremovetheremains.EduardoOrtego.
Oneofthetwoconference
doorsintheoppositewallopenedandMarkMeadows,theGuild’sheadadmin,steppedout.Ialmostdidadoubletake.MarkhadstartedastheGuild’ssecretary,butafterthedeathoftheGuild’sfounder,Markbecamechiefadministrativeofficer.Mark’ssloganinlifewas,“I’mmiddlemanagementandproudofit.”Hisjawwasalwaysperfectlyshaved;his
faceshowednobruises;hishandshadnocuts.Hisnailsweremanicuredandthelightscentofexpensivecolognefollowedhimwhereverhewent.Hestoodoutamongtherough-and-tumblemercslikeaprofessorataprisonrodeo.Mostmercsdespisedhim,becauseMarkhadnomercy.Profitwashisgodandnohard-luckstorywouldswayhimfromfollowingtheletter
oftheGuild’slawinpursuitofthebottomline.
ThatwastheoldMr.Meadows.
ThisMarkhadlethimselfgo.Hisnormallyimpeccablesuitwasrumpled.Hisfacewasred,hisexpressionflustered.Hishairlookedlikehe’dclutchedatitwithhishandsbutstoppedshortofactuallypullingitout.Hisfaceworeahaunted
expression.NodoubtcomingoffanothersessionoftheGuildAssembly.
Donotseeme,donotseeme...
Hiseyeslitup.“Daniels!”Damnit.“Idon’thave
time,Mark,”Icalled.“Butyouhavetimeto
breakthelawandinvadeclientprivacybyreadingthelog.”
Ugh.“I’mlookingfora
missingmerc.”“Toobad.I’mamember
oftheAssemblyandIcallonyoutoformallyappearbeforetheAssembly.Youcan’trefuse.”
ThehellIcan’t.Islappedthebookclosedandsliditintoitsplace.“Thisismerefusing.”
“Well,well,well!”BobCarveremergedthroughtheopendoor.Hewasthesame
heightasMark,andtheirhaircolorwasasimilarshadeofbrown,buttheretheresemblanceended.Markwasinhisthirties,atewell,andspentalotoftimeatthegym.Hewastoned.BobCarver,ontheotherhand,wasleanandhard,whittledbylifelikeawalnutwoodcarving.Inhislateforties,helookedlikeaguywhohadbeenthroughsomeroughshit
andcameoutofittougher.“Lookwhatthecat
draggedin.”Hewasplayingtothe
audience.Nevergood.“Ishetalkingtomeor
you?”Curranasked.Hisvoicewasdeceptivelylight.
“Idon’tknow,”Isaid.“ButI’msurehe’llgetaroundtotellingus.”
“Hello,YourHighnesses.”
Bobpretendedtobowwithaflourish,eyeingus.Behindhimmorefamiliarfacesappearedasthemercsinsidetheroomcameouttoseewhatthehubbubwasabout.VeteranGuildmembersRiganandSonia,andtherestofBob’sFourHorsemen:Ivera,afirebuggoodwithbladedweapons;Ken,themage,tallandphlegmaticwithadistant
lookonhisnarrowface,asifhewereperpetuallyponderingsomethingbeyondhumanunderstanding;andJuke.Jukewasafewyearsyoungerthanme,agooddealthinner,andshewantedveryhardtobeedgyandhard-core.Insteadshemanagedapissed-offGothPixielook:hershorthairstuckoutfromherheadinashortasymmetriccut,herarms
werethinlikechopsticks,andhersmokyeyesandpurplelipstickmadeherdelicatefeaturesevenmorefragile.ShestudiedSōjutsu,theartofyari,Japanesespear,andshewasprettygoodwithit.
“Sogladyougraceduswithyourpresence,”Bobsaid.“Cametoslumwithusmeremortals?”
BobandIneverhadaproblem.JukeandIhada
problem,becauseIenjoyedjerkingherchain,butBobandIalwaysleveled.Wherewashegoingwiththis?Ileanedback.“You’dhavetocleantheplaceupabitforitbeaslum,Bob.”
Bobnarrowedhiseyes.“Iknowwhatyou’vebeendoing.IknowyourPackconnedenoughmercsintosellingyoutheirsharessoyou’dcontrolathirdofthis
Guild.Iknowyou’rethinkingofbuyingthoseshares.”
JimwouldbeoverjoyedtohearthatsomeonehadbeentalkingtotheGuildbehindhisback.Thatwouldn’tincreasehisparanoia.Notatall.
Bobwasbuildingupsteam.“Sothat’sit,huh?Youthoughtyou’dcomehere,throwyourweightaround,andsaveus.Whipusinto
shape.I’vegotnewsforyou.”Helookedarounddramatically.“Nobody’swhippingus.Therewon’tbeanybowingorscraping.”
Curranshrugged.“Okay.Finebyme.”
Bobglowered.“Idon’tgiveafuckifyouthinkthat’sfineornot.I’mtellingyouhowit’sgoingtobe.”
Bob,yousad,sorrysonovabitch.IfIdidn’tsteer
thisawayfromCurran,hewouldredecoratetheplacewiththeFourHorsemen’sguts.
Igrinned.Whenindoubt,pissthemoffwithhumor.
“Somethingfunny,Daniels?”Jukeaskedme.
“Justenjoyingwatchingyourbossheredigtheholedeeper.”InoddedatBob.“Keepgoing,Bob.Don’tholdback.Shareyour
feelingswiththegroup.Getitallout.”
Mercsatthetableschuckled.
Bobgrowled.That’sright,concentrateonme...
“Youusedtobesomebody,Lennart.”
Damnit.Hewasaskingforhisheadtobebashedin,andifhesaidtoomuchmore,Iwoulddoitmyself.
Hekeptgoing.“I’vegot
newsforyou:you’reanobody.”
Really?Anobody?Bobsquaredhis
shoulders.“We’llthrowyououtonyourass...”
AdeepinhumansoundrolledthroughtheGuild,thesoundofapredator’svoice,humorlessandice-cold,andIrealizeditwasCurranlaughing.Iswallowedthesuddenlumpinmythroat.
TheGuildHallwentcompletelysilent.Ohno.
CurranstudiedBobCarver,asifhehadn’treallyseenhimbeforethismomentandnowhe’dfinallynoticedBobexistedanddecidedtodedicatehiscompleteattentiontothatfact.Hiseyessparkedwithgold,hisgazepinningBobinplace.Iknewtheweightofthatstare.Itwaslikelookingstraightintothe
jungle’shungrymaw.Itknewnomercyandnoreason.Itonlyknewthatitwashunterandyouwereprey.Bloodrushedtoyourlimbs,yourbreathingspedup,andyourthoughtsfracturedandmeltedintoyourbrainuntilonlytwooptionsremained:fightorflight.Pickingonewastorture.
Bobpaled.Hesteppedback,almostinspiteof
himself,fallingintoafamiliardefensivestance,half-turnedtowardCurran,hishandsraised.Allofhisblusterfaded.Suddenlyeveryoneknewwhothebaddestmonsterintheroomwasandnobodywantedtobehistarget.
Curranpushedofffromthedesk,hismovementsmoothandmeasured.Hiseyeswereliketwoshining
moons.Hisvoicehadadeepundercurrentofasnarl.“Soyouwanttothrowmeoutonmyass?”
Bobswallowed.“Therearen’tenough
peoplehere,Bob.Youneedtogetreinforcements.Goahead.”Hesmiled,baringhisteeth,asharpcarnivoregrin.“I’llwait.”
Peoplewereslowlyreachingfortheirweapons.
Themercshadleanedforward,theirweightbarelyontheirchairs.Anyloudnoiseandthey’drun.
Inthequiet,Curran’svoicerolledthroughtheGuildHall.“WhenIcameheretoday,Ihadn’tdecidedwhatIwasgoingtodo.Thankyou.Youhelpedmetoreachadecision.Youchosetostartsomethingheretoday.Whenit’sover,youwill
cometomeandyouwillaskmetotakechargeofyou.”
IhadtogiveittoBobCarver.Hemanagedenoughwillpowertoopenhismouth.Andthenhisbrainmust’vekickedin,becauseheclampeditshut.
Curranturnedtome.“Kate?Doyouhaveeverythingyouneed?”
“Yes.”“Good.Thenwe’redone
fornow.”Wewalkedout.Nobody
saidaword.
•••
ITTOOKUSfourteenminutestochanttheJeepintoaction.Carswithenchantedenginesranduringmagicwaves,buttheymadeenoughnoisetomakeevenmetalheadteenagersbegtoturnthe
volumedown.TheJeep’scabhadbeenisolatedagainstnoise,butwestillhadtoraiseourvoicestobeheard.
Currandroveoutoftheparkinglot.Thestreetsflashedby.Iopenedtheglovecompartmentandpulledoutacoupleofthrowingknives.Accordingtothemercs,thecat-eatingcreatureflew.Ididn’tuseguns.Ididn’tgetalongthatwellwithtech-
relatedprojectileweaponsingeneral.Icouldmanageadecentshotwithabow,butgivemearifleandI’dmissanelephantfromthreefeetaway.
Curran’sfacewascalm,thelineofhismouthrelaxed.
“ArewegoingtotakeovertheGuild?”Iasked.
“Yes,weare.Well,Iam.Youareinvited.”Heglancedatme.“Youshouldjoinme.
Itwillbefun.”“AfterwefindEduardo.”“Iwasn’tgoingtodrop
everythingandcrushtheFourHorsemen,”Curransaid.“Givemesomecredit.Eduardoisoneofourown.Findinghimisallthatmatters.Besides,ifI’ddecidedtopullCarver’sspineoutofhisbody,Iwould’vedoneitalready.”
“Canyouactuallydo
that?”Curranfrowned.“Idon’t
know.Imeantheoreticallyifyoubrokethespineabovethepelvis,youcould,butthenthereareribs...I’llhavetotryitsometime.”
Okay,then.Thatwasnotdisturbing.Notatall.“Whatdoyousupposenormalpeopletalkaboutontheircarrides?”
“Ihavenoidea.Tellme
aboutBobCarver.”Isighed.OnceCurran
focusedonatarget,gettinghimtochangecoursewasliketryingtonudgeamovingtraintotheside.
“Bobisashark.Ireadsomewherethatsharkshavetokeepswimmingortheydrown.Ihavenoideaifthat’strue,butIcantellyou:Bobkeepsswimming.Ilearnthings.Everyfightisan
opportunity.Everytimewespar,Ilearnmore.Ilearnedfromfightingtheghouls.IlearnedfromwatchingandfightingHugh.”
AmuscleinCurran’sfacejerkedslightly.Itwasatinymovement.HadIblinked,Iwouldhavemissedit.Hughwasstillaproblemforbothofus.
“Bobislikeme.Peopleseehimandthink,‘Oh,he’s
pasthisprime.He’sgood,butheisn’tasfastorstrongasheusedtobe.’ButBobislikeoneofthosemartialartsinstructorswhohavebeenhoningtheirbodiesforyears.Whenheneedsto,hemovesfast,becausehedoesn’tthinkaboutit.Hejustdoesit.Ioncesawhimtakedownamanwhowasfifteenyearsyounger,faster,andbettertrained.Agroupofseven
mercs,includingtheFourHorsemen,haddoneajobandthisguydidn’tlikethewayitwentdown.HegotitintohisheadtofightwithBob.Hisexactwordswere,‘I’llbeattheshitoutofyouandmakeyoueatitwithyourface.’”
Curransmiled.“Apoet.”“Yeah.Bobwarnedhim
thatiftheguyputhishandsonhim,itwouldn’tendwell.
Theguysaiditwasfinewithhim,sotheybrawledintheGuildHall.Bobgoadedhimduringthefight.Hewentforfuncheapshots.Aslaponthecheek.Aquickkicktotheshin.FinallytheguylosthispatienceandthemomentBobgavehimanopening,hewentforBob’sthroat.Bobalmostlethimgethishandsaroundhisneckandthenhithimreallyfastwiththeflatofhis
handintheAdam’sapple.Theguylethimgo,staggeredabit,andkeptgoing.Thirtysecondsandhestartedgettingsluggish.Bobworkedhimoverforanotherminuteandthentheguywentdown.FiveminuteslatertheGuildparamedichadtocuthisneckopen.Bobhadhithimjustrightandtheblunt-forcetraumatothetracheacausedinflammation.Hiswindpipe
hadswollenshut.”“Didhesurvive?”“Hedid.Hemovedoutof
thecity.Hereisthething:whiletheparamedicwastryingtorealignthetrachea,Bobwenttothemesshallandgothimselfahamburger.Bob’snotreallyanasshole,untilyouputyourhandsonhimortrytoscrewhimover.Thenallbetsareoff.Thankyoufornotkillinghim,
though.”“Ihavenoplansofkilling
him.Hemightbeuseful,andoneshouldneverthrowawaygoodmanpower.”
“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dsayinyourheadyoualreadytookovertheGuild,restructuredit,andfoundaplaceforBobinit.”
Hesmiledatme.Sometimeshe...
“scared”wouldbethewrong
word...alarmedme.TheGuildhadnoideawhatwasabouttohitit.
WeturnedontoChambleeDunwoodyRoad.
IbracedmyselfwithmyhandagainstthedashboardasourJeephitabumpintheroad.Thevehiclejumped,Curranmadeasuddenright,andtheJeepscreechedtoahalt.Myseatbeltjerkedmeback.
“Thereitis.”Alargetwo-storyhouse
ofbrownbrickroseattheendofadriveway.Thehousehadbeenbuiltpre-Shift,beforemagicandtechnologystartedtheircrazywaltz.Modernbuilderskepttheirwindowssmall.Lesschanceofsomethingwithteeth,glowingeyes,andanappetiteforhumanmeatsurprisingyouinthebedroomaftera
harddayofwork.ThewindowsofthishousewerelargeenoughforCurraninhisbeastformtogothrough.Mrs.Oswaldcompensatedforthewindows’sizebyinstallingtwo-inchsteelbarsoverthem.Mostofthegrateswereintact,butthebarsonalargewindowabovethegaragewerebenttothesides,asifsomethinghadsmashedagainstthemwithgreatforce.
Abeigewoman’sshoewithahighheellayonthegroundmidwayupthedriveway.Alittlefartheron,amatchingbeigepurselayonthelawn.Mrs.Oswaldmust’vecomeout,seensomethingthatalarmedher,andrunbackinside,droppingherpurseandhershoe.Whatevershesawscaredhersomuch,shejustleftherthingssittingthere.
Irolledmywindowdown.Currandidthesame.
“Idon’tsmellanyblood,”hesaid.
Nobloodwasodd.Ifthiswasthehouse,LeroyandMacshould’vegottenherebynow.They’dleftalmostanhourbeforeus.Thestreetwasempty.Wherethehellwerethoseidiots?
“Eduardo’sscentisheretoo,butoldandfaint.Ido
smellsomethingodd.Smellslikeawolf.”
“Awolf?”Henodded.“Withatouch
ofbittersweetscenttoit.”Fromwhatthemercshad
said,thecreaturethreateningMs.Oswald’scatshadwings.Awolfwithwings?Russianmythologyincludedawolfwithwings,andaprominentvolhv,aRussianpaganpriest,hadoneasapet.Ireally
hopedtheRussiansweren’tinvolved.Dealingwithvolhvesmeantdealingwithwitches,andclaimingAtlantahadnotendearedmetothemintheleast.
Wesatquietly.Minutesdraggedby.Ahigh-pitchedshriek
rangfromtheskyabove.Itstartedonahighnote,aforlornmourningcry,andbuiltonitself,growing
harsherandsharperuntilitshreddedtheairlikeahigh-velocitycrossbowbolt.Adarkshapeswoopedfromtheskyandrammedthebars.Thesteelgrateshudderedfromtheimpact.ForamomentIthoughtitwouldfalloutofthebrickwork,butthebarsheld.
Thecreaturefelltotheground,landingonallfours.Grayfurcovereditslean
body,sheathingitsflanksandlonglupinetail.Itslegsterminatedinfurry,owl-likefeetarmedwithsickle-shapedtalonsthesizeofmyfingers.Twomassivewingsspreadfromitsshoulders.Thebeastturnedtowardus.Aneaglelikeheadcrowneditspowerfulneck,completewithadarkbeakthesizeofahatchet.
“Kate?”Curranasked.
“It’sawolfgriffin,”Imurmured.“LiongriffinscomefromCreteandGreece.ThisguyisfromNorthAfrica.TheyarementionedinBerberfolklore.Somethingaboutagiantbirdandawolfmating.”
“AnythingIneedtoknow?”Curranaskedme.“Doesitspitfire?”
I’drunacrossawolfgriffinonlyonce.“NotthatI
knowof.TheoneIencounteredbeforedidn’t,butIcan’tguaranteethisonedoesn’t.”
Thewolfgriffinduckeditsheadandfixeduswithanunblinkingpredatorystare.Itwasatleastfortyinchesattheshoulder.
“Dowetakecareofitordowewait?”Iwondered.
“Wecouldkillit.”Curranfocusedonthegriffin.“That
waywhenthosetwoscumbagsshowup,wedon’thavetodealwiththemandthegriffinatthesametime.Besides,weneedtogetintothehousetotalktotheowner,andthat’snothappeninguntilthisthingisdead.”
Webothlookedatthegriffin.
“Thisisthesecondcat-huntingcreatureMrs.Oswaldreported,”Ithoughtoutloud.
“Someoneorsomethingisdeliberatelytargetinghercats.Ifwekillit,thereisagoodchancethatMrs.Oswald’smysteriousnemesiswouldjustsendsomethingelse.”
“It’snotourjob,”Curransaid.
“Iknow,butwhatifsomethingworseshowsupthenexttime?”
Thegriffinspreaditswings,tookarunningstart,
andflewup.Wewatcheditrisewitheverybeatofitswings,untilitbecameadotamongtheclouds.Wedidn’tevenknowifMacandLeroywoulddothisjob.Maybethey’ddecidednottoshowup.
Thegriffinswoopeddownandrammedthebarsagain.Theybent.Hehungonforalongmoment,hisclawsscrapingattheglass,and
droppeddowntothedriveway.
“Thenexttimehehits,he’llgetthrough,”Isaid.Ifhemanagedtogetinside,whoeverwashidinginsidethehousewouldgetrippedtopieces.Thiswasnolongeraboutcats.
“Wenetit,”Curransaid.“Icanwounditswingsandwe’llwrapitinthenet.”
“Oncewe’redonewith
MacandLeroy,wecanletitrunhome,”Ifinished.Trackingitthroughtheairwouldbehard,buttrackingitonthegroundwouldbeapieceofcake.“Righttoitsowner.”
“Soundsgoodtome.”Currannarrowedhiseyes,measuringthedistancebetweenusandthegriffin.“Mindplayingbaitagain,baby?”
“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”
CurranandIopenedourdoorsatthesametime.Islippedout,heldmyarmsouttomakemyselfbigger,andmovedforward.Thewolfgriffinfocusedonme.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIcouldseeCurranglidingsoundlesslyacrossthepavement.
Itookanotherstep.That’s
it.Easydoesit.Thegriffinspreadits
wings.Itshacklesrose,thefurstandingstraightuplikespikesonahedgehog.
Easynow.Thegriffinbentitsneck,
turningitswingsdownward,sotheentirewidthofitsgray-and-blackdappledfeathersfacedme.Itlookedhuge.That’sright,prettyboy.Showmeallyou’vegot.I’ma
threatandI’mcomingforyou.
Curranwasalmostinpouncingrange.Hecouldleapfromwherehewas,butthegriffinlookedagileenoughtododgeandthenitwouldbegone.Threemorefeetandwe’dbethere.
Theroarofanenchantedwaterenginerolleddownthestreet,comingtowardus.Argh.Thatwasthelastthing
weneeded,someidiotneighbortospookit.
Itookanotherstep.Thegriffinclickeditsbeakatme,thetwohoney-coloredirisesglowingfaintly.Itwasashametohurtit,butitcouldn’tbehelped.Currangatheredhimself,abouttoleap.
Easy...AblueFJCruiserhurtled
towardus,spittingthunder,
andscreechedtoastop.Thedoorsofthecabpoppedopen.Alargemaninblackpantsandatiger-stripecamoT-shirtjumpedout,combat-rolled,struckaposeheftingacrossbow,andfiredtwoboltsatthegriffin.
Curranleanedoutoftheway,preternaturallyfast.Theleftboltwhistledpasthissideandplanteditselfinthegaragedoor.Therightboltbit
intothegriffin’sthroat.Thebeastshriekedinoutrage.Asecondmanfiredacrossbowoverthehoodofthetruck.Theboltpunchedintothegriffin’schest.Thegreatwingsbeatonce,inadesperateattempttolaunchthebodyofftheground,andwentlimp.Thegriffinsanktothepavement.Honeyeyesshoneatmeforthelasttimeanddimmed.
Didthatjusthappen?“Yeah,bitch!”thefirst
manroared.“Yeah!Comeatme!”
Curranspunaround,hisfaceterrible.Hesprangattheman,grabbedhim,andhurledhimacrossthelawn.
HisbuddyinurbanfatiguepantsandablackT-shirtgotthehelloutfrombehindthetruck,brandishinghiscrossbow.Imovedathim,
butmyswordwassecurelyhiddenintheleathersheathonmybackandCurranwasbiggerandscarier,soCamoPantsignoredme.“Hey!Hey,youlethim—”
Ikickedhiminthegut.Itwasalowfrontkickthattookhimrightabovethegroin.Peopleoverextendedonthesekicks,butthetrickwasnottokick.Thetrickwastoliftyourkneehighandstomp.
CamoPants’armswenttowardhislegs,andhewentbackwardandslammedagainstthetruck.
Onthelawn,theloudmouthrolledintoacrouch,hiscrossbowstillinhishands.Curranstartedtowardhim.Theloudmouthfired.Curranleanedoutofthewayjustenoughtolettheboltwhistlepasthimandkeptcoming.
IyankedCamoPants’weaponoutofhishandandthrewitaside.Heswungatme.Icaughthiswristandtwistedit,rightandup.HewentdownonhiskneesandIkneedhimintheface.Hetookamomenttocometotermswithit,andIlockedhiselbowwithmylefthandandtwisted,justincasehedevelopedanyinterestingideas.
Theloudmouthswunghiscrossbowlikeahammer.Currancaughtit,jerkeditoutoftheman’shands,andbrokeitinhalf.Thepiecesofthecrossbowwentflying.Currangrabbedtheman,pinninghisarmstohisbody,andliftedhimoffhisfeet.TheskinonCurran’sfacecrawled.
“No,”Icalledout.Curran’shumanfeatures
melted.Bonesshiftedashis
jawsextended,growingthicker,stronger,hisskullexpanded,andgrayfursheathedhisnewface.Themercinhisgripstaredatthenewmonstrousface.TherestofCurranremainedcompletelyhuman.Inevermetashapeshifterwhocoulddoapartialtransformationthewayhedid.Hiscontroloverhisbodywasabsolute.
Themercopenedhis
mouth,wideeyesstaringintotheviolentgoldinCurran’sirises.“Mwamaahmaaah...”
Curranunhingedhisjaws.Ifhetookthatman’sheadintohismouthandbitdown,themerc’sskullwouldburstlikeaneggdroppedonconcrete.
“No,”Irepeated.“He’sgonnakillhim,”
CamoPantswheezed.His
eyeswerewatering.Beingkneedinthefacewilldothat.
Curran’sfangsemergedfromhisjaws,becominglongerandlonger...Ineverrealizedhowcreepyitwastoseeteethgrowinginrealtime.Here’soneformynightmares.
“Curran,youcan’tbitehisfaceoff.”
“Yes,Ican,”Curransaidinamonstervoice.
“Youshouldn’t.”“HestoleGeorge’scar.
Andheshotme.”“Hemissed.”“Hemissed,becauseI’m
fastandImovedoutoftheway.IfIbitehisheadoff,hewon’tshootmeagain.”
“He’sgonnakillhim!”CamoPantstriedtopulloutofmygripandItwistedhisarmalittlehigher.
“IfIneedyourhelp,I’ll
askyouforit,”Itoldhim.“Curran,pleasedon’tbitehisheadoff.”
“Why?”“Becauseit’sillegal.
Technicallyyouassaultedhimfirstwhenyouthrewhimacrossthelawn.”
“Ididn’tthrowhimveryfar.”
Irolledmyeyes.“Icould’vethrownhim
straightupandlethimland
onthepavement.”“Thatwouldalsobe
illegal.”“Youkeepbringingthis
‘illegal’thingupasifitmeanssomethingtome.”
Icouldn’ttellifhewasjustscaringthemorifhereallyintendedtokillthem.
“Asafavortome,pleaseholdoff.”
“Fine.”Curranloosenedhisgripslightly.“Wantto
addanythingtothisdiscussion?”
Thebigmercsuckedinahoarsebreath.Hisfaceshookwiththestrainofmakingwordscomeout.“...Fuckyou!”
Oh,youdimwit.“Fuckyou!”“Leroy!”CamoPants
barked.“Andfuckyourbitch,
too!”Leroydeclared.
Curranlookedatme.“Howaboutnow?CanItwisthisheadoffnow?”
“Stillillegal,”Itoldhim.CurransqueezedLeroy’s
shoulder.Bonesgroaned.Leroyclampedhismouthshut.
“Don’t!”CamoPantsyelled.
SinceCurranwasplayingwithLeroy,thisknuckleheadhadtobeMac.“Don’tworry
abouthim.Worryaboutme.WhatdidyoudotoEduardo?”
“Idon’tknowanyEduardo!”Macwheezed.
Itwistedhisarmafractionmore.Hecriedout.
“IknowyournameisMac.Iknowthat’syourredneckcousinLeroy.Iknowyou’reinEduardo’sterritory,musclinginonhisgig,andIknowthatyoustoletheFJ
Cruiserfromhisfiancée.Lookatme.Lookatmyeyes.”
Maclookedupatme.Hisfacewentwhite.
Myvoicewasbarelyaboveawhisper,butIsankalotofrageintoit.“Eduardoismyfriend.Hisfiancéeismyfriend.Sheishissister.”IpointedatCurran.“TellmeeverythingyouknoworI’llbreakyourarmrighthere.”I
tappedhisshoulder.“ThenI’llkeepbreakingithereandhereandhere.Noamountofmedmagicandsteelpinswillfixit.It’llneverworkrightagainanditwillalwayshurt.”
Macstaredatme,hiseyesglassy.Wordscametumblingout.“Wedon’tknowwhathappenedtoEduardo.Thiswashisgig,buttheladycalledthismorningandsaidEduardodidn’tshowup
yesterday.Wetooktheone-armedchick’scar.Weweregoingtodoherman’sjobanyway,andit’sanicecar,sowewerejustgoingtoborrowit.”
“Liebetter,”Curransaid,hisvoicecold.“ShecamelookingforEduardolastnight.Youdidn’tknowyouwouldbedoingthisjobuntilyougotacalltoday.”
Mac’svoicebroke.“What
thehelldoyouwantfromme,man?Yes,fine,wetookthedamncar!Wetookit!Doyouknowhowmuchadouble-enginecarcosts?Itwasjustsittingrightthere.Wefiguredifthatdickheaddidn’tcomehome,hewasprobablydeadanyway.Whatthehellwouldhiswomandowiththatcar?She’sgotonearmanyway.Weneededacar,sowetookit.”
Andtheywoulddoitagain.Icouldhearitinhisvoice.I’dmethistypebefore.Somepeoplehadamoralcode.Itmightnothavematchedthecurrentlaws,butitwasstillacode.MacandLeroy’scodeconsistedofonesentence:dowhateverhelpsMacandLeroy.Itdidn’tmatterwhogothurt.Itdidn’tmatterthatapersontheystolefromwouldhavetodo
withoutorcould’vebeeninjuredorkilled.IfGeorge’shalf-eatencorpsewerediscoveredthismorningbecauseshewasmurderedwhilewalkinghome,theywouldn’tfeelbadaboutit.Theywouldsimplykeepgoing.
IftheykilledEduardo,itwouldhavetobeashottotheheadwithasilverroundfromfaraway.Therewasnoway
theycould’vebeatenhiminacloseandpersonalfight,andtheyknewit.Andiftheysomehowmanagedit,theywould’vetakenhiscarandhisequipmentandtheywouldbewearingit,becausetheyweretoostupidtohideit.
IglancedatCurran.Heshookhisheadslightly.Leroydidn’tsmelllikeEduardo’sblood.
“Doyouknowwhatthe
Guilddoeswithmercswhostealequipmentfromothermercs?”Iasked.
Macshookhishead.“Theyfinethem.Ten
grand.Poachinginanothermerc’szoneisanothertengrand.That’sfortygrandbetweenthetwoofyou.GuesswhatI’mgoingtodowhenIgobacktotheGuild?”
“Nobodyknowsyou,”Macsqueezedout.
“You’rewrong.Everybodyknowsme.Ihavenineyearsin.”
Mac’sfacewentslack.“Soyouhaveachoice,
Mac.Youcantakeyouridiotcousinandyoucanleavethiscity.OryoucangobackandfacetheGuildandworkovertimeforthemforthenextfiveyearsorso.Butwe’llbearoundandIpromiseyou,I’llmakeyourlifeashardasI
can.”Iletgoofhisarm.Curran
casuallytossedLeroyonthepavement.Leroylandedonhisass,jumpedup,andrushedatCurran.Curranlethimgetcloseandbackhandedhim,almostasanafterthought,thewayonewouldswatafly.TheblowlandedonLeroy’sear.Thebigmercspun,stumbling.Maccaughthim.
“Ourgearisinthetruck,”Macsaid.
“YoucanpickitupattheGuild,”Itoldhim.
“You’reafuckingbitch,youknowthat?”Macsaid.
“I’llhavetolivewithmyself.”
“Thisisn’tover!”LeroyjabbedhisfingeratCurran.Heprobablymeantittolookaggressive,buthewasswayingonhisfeet.
“Yes,itis,”Currantoldhim.“GobeforeIchangemymind.”
Thecorpseofthewolfgriffinshivered.Fleshbulgedinthemiddleofit,likeabloodyredtumor,growingbiggerandbigger.
“Whatthehell?”Curransnarled.
“Idon’tknow.”IpulledSarratfree.
Thetumorruptured.
CHAPTER
C5
URRANANDIbackedaway.Athree-foot-long
orange-brownspikeshotoutofthegriffin’scorpse,stabbingtothesky.Thesecondspikepiercedthecorpsefromwithin.Thespikesbent,restingonthepavement,eachbristlingwithsix-inch-longrigidhair.The
corpseshuddered,asifitwerebeingsuckedintosomethingfromtheinside.
Thespikesflexedandahugeinsectoidheademerged,coveredwithbristles.Twopairsofdarkbrownmandiblesjuttedfromitliketwocrabpincersthesizeofscimitars.Dark,nearlyblackserratedteethlinedtheinsideofeachpincer.
Holycrap.
Thecreaturekeptcomingoutofthegriffin’scorpse:twofatcheliceraesupportingthemandibles,abigroundblobofaheadwithabumpinitscentercrownedwithtwoblackbaseball-sizedeyes,legs,morelegsemergingsegmentbysegment,thorax,alongsegmentedabdomen.Thewolfgriffincorpseshriveled,deflating,andvanished,pulledintothenew
creature.Thegiantinsectlandedinthedriveway.Tenlegs,thefirstpairhugeandlong,theotherssmaller,thrustfromitsten-foot-longbody,heldaboutfivefeetofftheground.ThedamnthingwasthesizeoftheFJCruiserparkedbehindus.
Thegiantinsectgrounditsmandiblepincers.Agrindingscreechsplitthequiet.Iwinced.
“Whatthehellisthat?”Currangrowled,movingtotheright.
“Idon’tknow.”Iwalkedtotheleft.Itlookedlikeascorpionandareallyhairyspiderhadsomehowmatedandtheiroffspringgrewtofiftytimesitsnormalsize.I’dneverseenanythinglikeit.Thosemandible-pincerslookedliketheywouldslicethroughbonelikeitwas
butter.Wecouldn’tletitgetintothehouse.Itwouldripthewholefamilyapart.
Thelegswereallchitin.TryingtocutthroughthemwithSarratwouldjustbreaktheblade.Tryingtoclawatitwouldn’tdoanygoodeither.Itsfatabdomenwassofter,butgettingtoitwouldbeabitch.
Adeepdryvoicerolledthroughthestreet,so
saturatedwithmagic,italmostreverberatedonmyskin.“Die.”
Whyme?“Wedon’tdorequests.TryIowa.Ihearthey’remoreaccommodating.”Hey,Dad,IfoundalovelypresentforthiscomingFather’sDay.Enjoy.
Theinsectpointedalegatme.“Die.”
Curran’seyeswentgold.Hisclothestore,fallingin
shredstothestreet,asthemassivemeldofhumanandlionspilledout.“Let’sseeyoutrythatshitonme.”
TheinsectlungedatCurran,shockinglyfast.Curranjerkedhisarmsup,catchingtheinsect’sfrontpairoflegsinhisgrip.Hisfeetslid.
Holycrap.Hisfeetslid.Idashedtotheside,trying
tocirclethecreaturefromthe
left.Alegstabbedatmelikeaspear.IdodgedanditscouredtheconcretewhereIhadstoodamomentago,gougingachunkfromit.Theotherlegswungatme.Isawitcoming,butIcoulddonothingaboutit.Itsweptmeoffmyfeet.Iflewacrossthegrass.Mybacksmashedagainstsomethingsolid,woodsnappedwithadrycrunch,andIcrashedthrough
thefence.Ow.Irolledtomyfeet.Curranstoodinthe
middleofthestreet,hishandsstilllockedontheinsect’sfrontpairoflegs.Thespider-scorpionwaslungingathimagainandagain,tryingtogriphimwithitspincers.IfthosemandiblesclosedonCurran,they’dslicehisarmsoff.
Ohno,youdon’t.Ichargedthespider.The
legsstabbedatme.Idodgedbackandforth.Howthehellcoulditevenseeme?Aleglandedinfrontofme;Iduckedleftandsawoneoftheblackeyeballsswivel,followingme.Itcouldlookbackandfrontatthesametime.
Ithrustintotheopeningbetweentwolegs.Sarratslicedintotheinsect’sabdomenandIrippedthe
bladeback,openingacut.Alegcutatme,scrapingagainstmybackandsideasIspuntoavoidit.Painlancedme.Ijumpedback.Clearichordrippedfromthecut,revealingclumpsoftranslucentguts,likeclustersoffishbladders.Anacridstench,sharpandfetid,liketheodorofrottingfish,washedoverme.Theinsectdidn’tevennotice.
“Kate,”Currangroundout.“Hititwithmagic.”
“Ican’t.”Thelegsslicedatmelikeawindmillofblades.“You’reholdingit.You’llbehit,too.Letgoofit.”
“IfIletgoofit,itwilltearmeapart.”
Hecouldn’tthrowiteither.Theinsect’scenterofmasswassuspendedtoohighabovetheground.Curran
didn’thavetheleverage.Theonlywordthat
wouldn’tcausehimdirectharmwouldfreezethespider-scorpionforfourseconds.Iwouldn’tbeabletodoenoughdamage.Themomenttheybothcameto,theinsectwouldcutCurrantopieces.
Hecouldn’tholditforever.
Thelegdirectlyabovemerose,aimingtopiercemy
chestfromabove.Idoveunderit,rightundertheabdomenpulsingwithcontractions,andstabbedstraightup.Ichordrenchedme.Myeyeswateredfromthestench.Istabbedagainandagain,rippingtheslipperyfish-bladderinnards.Thegutsspilledthroughthegashes,hanginglikesomegrossfruit.Iwasn’tdoingenoughdamage.
Curransnarled.Theabdomenmoveduphalfafoot.Thethingwasgainingonhim.
IthrustmylefthandundermyT-shirt,wheretheleghadcutme.Myfingerscameoutbloody.IsatstraightupandthrustmywethandintothecutI’dmade.Themagicinmybloodscreamed,eagertobeunleashed.Igaveitapush.
Thebloodstreamedfrommywoundupmyshoulder,upmyarm,intothespider-insect,andturnedsolid.Adozenthinspikespiercedthecreaturefromwithin.
Thespider-scorpionscreeched.Feltthat,didyou?Havesomemore.
Theabdomenplungedatme.Theinsecthadreared,tryingtocrushme.Ithrustmyarmsup,crossingthemto
block.Suddenlytheabdomendisappeared.Irolledrightandjumpedtomyfeet.
Onthestreetthespider-scorpiondashedatCurran.Themeatchunkofitsheadthatpoweredtheleftmandiblelookedmangled.Curranmust’vepuncheditwhenitreared.
Iranatit.Thespiderthrustwithits
frontleg.Curranbattedit
aside.Thesecondlegstabbed,toofast.ThenarrowbladeofthefrontsegmentslicedintoCurran’sshoulder.Hegrabbedthelegwithhislefthandandsmashedhisrightpalmagainstthejoint.Thefrontsegmentbrokeoff.
Ilungedbetweentheinsect’sbacklegs,jumped,andlandedonthespider-scorpion’sback.Thecreatureflailed.IstabbedSarratas
deepasitwouldgoandclungtoit.
Curranrippedthechunkofthespider-scorpion’slegoutofhisbodyandburieditintheinsect’sside,rightunderthebrokenlimb.
Idraggedmyselfupalongtheabdomen,tryingtogettotheheadandthetwoblackballsoftheeyes.
Currangrabbedthebrokenlegandkeptstabbing,
hittingthesamespot.Ichorflew.Theinsectscreechedlikenailsonchalkboardandflailedbackandforth.
Iwouldn’tgettotheeyes.Itwouldthrowmeoff.
IyankedSarratout,grabbedontotheedgeofthewoundI’dmade,andslicedintothecreature’sthorax,tryingtosawitsabdomenfromitschest.
Currankeptstabbing.
Pierce,pullout,pierce,pullout,pierce...
Curranbitintothespider’slegandrippeditout.
Pierce,pullout,pierce...
Momentsflewby.Mybreathwascoming
outinraggedgasps.Die,damnyou.Diealready.Die!
Thespider-scorpionshuddered.
Curranleapedontoits
head.Clawsflashedandthespider-scorpionwentblind.Ikeptcarving.Curranbeganpunchingthebackofthespider-scorpion’shead.
Thethoraxbrokeofffromtheabdomen.Thegutswayedandfell,splatteringthetranslucentinnardsoverthepavementinawetsplat.Thechitinsheathingthespider-scorpion’sheadcavedinandbroke.Thefrontpartofthe
creaturecareenedandfell,takinguswithit.IblinkedandthenIwassittingonthegroundfacetofacewithCurran,thewetichorunderusslidingoutfromthespider-scorpion’scrushedcarapace.
MywholebodyachedasifIhadrunalongrace.Iwasoutofbreath.Rapidlycoolingsweatslickedmyhairline.Ifeltlight-headed.Imighthavepulledouttoomuch
blood.Curranwasbreathing
deep.Thewoundonhisshouldergapedwithred.Theedgeshadbeguntopulltogether,butlongbrownbristlesstuckoutofit—thestiff“hairs”thathadlinedthegiantinsect’sleg.
“Dowehaveaflamethrower?”Curranasked.
“No.”“Weshouldgeta
flamethrower.”Welookedateachother.
Thestenchwasalmostunbearablenow.Iwascoveredheadtotoewithspider-scorpionslimeandmyownblood.Curranleanedoverandspattotheside.That’sright.He’dbittenthedamnthing.
“...waterofthespeedandthespirit...”amalevoiceintonedtotheright.
Iturned.AcrossthestreetMacand
LeroyweretryingtochanttheFJCruiser’swaterengineintolife.
You’vegottobekiddingme.
Thetwomercssawus.MystareandMac’sconnected.Iforcedmyselftostandup.
“Oh,no,no,no.”Macjerkedhisarmsup.“Don’t
getup.We’releaving.”NexttomeCurranbared
histeeth.Leroygrabbedabagout
ofthecar.“Thisismyshit!”Theytookoffdownthe
streetatarun.IturnedtoCurranand
pointedatthem.Ihadnowordsleft.Heshookhishead.
Ireachedoutwithmymagic,searchingforsmall
dropletsofmyblood.Itansweredmycall.Ipushed.Thebloodflowedoutofthespider-scorpioncorpse,poolingonthepavementintoasmallpuddle.Itturnedsolidandshatteredintopowder,allofitsmagicgone.Thewindswipeditoffthepavementasifithadneverbeenthere.
ThefrontdoorofthehouseopenedslowlyandanAfricanAmericanwomanin
herfortiessteppedout.Shewaswearingabusinesssuit.Behindhertwoteenageboyscranedtheirnecks,tryingtosee.
Thewomanwalkedovertous,carefullypickingherwaybetweenpuddlesofslime,andheldoutacheck.Theedgeofthecheckdanced,trembling.IwipedmyhandonmyjeansthebestIcouldandtookit.
Sheturnedaroundtoherboys.“Gettheanimalsintothecratesandtakewhatyouneed.Tony,callyourfatherandtellhimwe’llbeatRedRoofInn.Hecanmeetusthere.”
“Ifthereisanythingelse...”Istarted.
“Therewon’tbeanythingelse,”shesaid.“Wearemoving.”
•••
MRS.OSWALDWASN’Tacooperativewitness.Shewasmostlyconcernedwithgettinghertwochildren,twocats,andahuskyintohercarandescapingthesceneasfastasshecould.TheonlyreasonwegotanythingatallwasthatCurranandIagreedtostandguardoverherwhileshepackedandstartedher
SUV.Shehadnoideawhowasafterhercats.Shehadn’tfoughtwithanyneighbors.Shehadnoconflictsatwork,atleastnothingthatwouldwarrantanattackonhercats.Herhusbandwasoutoftownonabusinesstrip.
OnSunday,February27,Mrs.Oswaldcamehomeandfoundaverylargetickinherbackyard.Theticktoldherinacreepyvoicethatitwas
afterhercats.ShecalledtheGuild.AnhourlaterEduardoarrivedandkilledthetick.Somepeoplefromthecity—likelytheBiohazarddivisionofPAD—cameandgottheremainsthatnight.ThewolfgriffinappearedonMondaymorning.Itwasthesizeofaspringerspanielatfirst,anditignoredherandhertwosonscompletely.Itkepttryingtoclawitswayintothehouse,
butthebarsheldandthesmallbeastdidn’tseemlikeaterriblethreat,soshe’dcalledEduardoagainandgonetowork.Whenshecamehome,thegriffinwasgone.ConsideringthatthemagicwaveendedonMondayaroundnineinthemorning,thatwasn’tsurprising.ShethoughtEduardocameoutwhileshewasatworkandtookcareofitorthatthewolf
griffinflewaway.ThismorningwhenMrs.
Oswaldwasabouttoleaveforworkafteramagicwavecame,amuchlargergriffinswoopeddownonherandtriedtomaulher.She’drunbackinsideandcalledtheGuild.
Watchingitturnintoagiantbugwastoomuchforher.
“CanIuseyourphoneto
callBiohazard?!”Iyelledovertheroaroftheenchantedwaterengine.
“Dowhatyouneedtodo!Ihavemykidstotakecareof!”
Mrs.Oswaldsteppedonthegasandpeeledoutofthedrivewaylikeabatoutofhell.Iwentinsideandcheckedthephone.Dialtone.Well,somethinghadgonerightforonce.Idialedthe
Biohazardnumberfrommemory.
“Biohazard,”agruffmalevoicesaidintothephone.
“Myname’sKateDaniels.Ihaveagiantdeadspider-scorpionthingonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.Ineedyoutocomeandgetit.”
“Sure,”thevoicesaid.“Letmegetrightonthat.You’reeighthinline.Itwillbetwenty-fourhours.”
“It’sanRMinaresidentialneighborhood.”
Thephonewentsilent.“Howbad?”
“Itwentfrommammaltoinsectafterdeath.Theinsectistenfeetlong,notcountingthelegs.”
“Sittight.We’llbethereinhalfanhour.”
Experiencesaiditwouldbemorelikeacoupleofhours,butIwouldtakewhatI
couldget.IdialedCuttingEdge.Derekanswered,hisvoiceraspy.“CuttingEdge.”
“Canyoumeetushere?”Igavehimtheaddress.
“I’mleavingnow.”“Thanks.IsAscanio
there?”“Readyandwilling,”
Ascaniosaidintothephone.“CalltheDunwoody
PoliceDepartmentformeandpleasecheckiftherewereany
complaintsagainsttheOswaldsonChambleeDunwoodyRoad.”Igavehimtheaddress.
“Yes,Consort.”Eitheritwasforceof
habitorhewasjerkingmychain.Probablythelatter.Ihungupandwentintothegarage.Atoolboxsittingbythewallyieldedapairofneedle-nosepliers.Perfect.
IfoundCurranoutside.
Hehadturnedintoahuman,hadpulledhisclothesondespitebeingcoveredinslime,andwastryingtorinsehismouthoutwithahose.
“Didittastethatbad?”“Youhavenoidea.This
goodoesn’twashoffwithwateralone.Itried.”
“Letmeseeyourshoulder.”
Heglancedatme.Iliftedthepliersandmadepinch
motionswiththem.“Arewedone?”heasked.“No.Wehavetowait
hereuntilBiohazardshowsup.”
“Why?It’sdead.”Isighedandsatonthe
stairsinfrontofthedoor.“Becauseitexhibitedreanimativemetamorphosis.Itwasdeadandinsteadofstayingdead,itturnedintosomethingelseandcame
backtolife.Italsowentcross-phylum,frommammaltoinsect.Thatmeansthereisagoodchanceitmightcomebacktolifeagainassomethingreallystrange,likeaterrestrialoctopusshootinglightningfromitstentacles.”
“Whydon’twejustsetitonfireandscattertheashes?”
“Becausetheashescouldstillmetamorphoseintosomethingnastylikeleeches
orflesh-eatingflowers.Wekilledit.ThatmeansweinitiatedtheRMprocess,sonowwehavetowatchoverthecorpseuntilBiohazardshowsupandquarantinesit.”
“Andifwedon’t?”Histonewasgettingharsherandharsher.
“It’samandatoryten-yearprisonsentence.”
“Soweperformedaservicebykillingthisthing
andnowtheyarepunishingusforit?”
“Yep.”“Thisisridiculous.
You’rebleeding.Don’tlietome,Icansmellit.You’rehurt.Youneedamedmage.”
“I’mnothurtthatbadly.”Hislipswrinkled,
showinghisteeth.“Howbadlydoyouhavetobehurt?”
“Thereisaright-to-life
exemption,whichpermitsustoleavethesceneifourinjuriesarelifethreatening.We’dhavetoprovidepaperworkfromahospital,oraqualifiedmedmage,showingthatwehadtogettreatmentorwewould’vedied.Myinjuriesarenotlifethreatening.”
“Paperworkisnotaproblem.”
“Yes,butIwon’tlie.”
“Howdoyouknowyourinjuriesaren’tlifethreatening?You’recoveredinthefluidfromitsguts.Howdoyouknowit’snotpoisonous?”
“Ifit’spoisonous,we’lldealwithitwhenIfeelsick.”
“Fine.I’llstayherewiththisthing,andyouwilldriveyourselftothehospital.”
“No.”Hehitmewithanalpha
stare.Iopenedmyeyesaswide
asIcould.“Why,ofcourse,YourMajesty.WhatwasIthinking?Iwillgoanddothisrightaway,justpleasedon’tlookatme.”
“Kate,getinthecar.”“Maybeyoushouldgrowl
dramatically.Idon’tthinkI’mintimidatedenough.”
“Iwillputyouinthecar.”“No,youwon’t.First,it
tookbothofustokillthatthing,andifitreinventsitselfagain,itwilltakebothofusagain.I’mnotleavingyoualonewithit.Second,ifyoutrytophysicallycarrymetothecar,Iwillresistandbleedmore.Third,youcanpossiblystuffmeinthecaragainstmywill,butyoucan’tmakemedrive.”
Hesnarled.“Argh!Whydon’tyoueverdoanythingI
askyouto?”“Becauseyoudon’task.
Youtellme.”Weglaredateachother.“I’mnotgoingtothe
hospitalbecauseofashallowcut.”Andpossiblyasprainedshoulder,afewgashestomylegs,andabruisedrightside.“Itcouldbeworse.Icould’vehitabrickwallinsteadofanice,fragileoldfence...”
Hehelduphishand.“I’m
goingtogetamedkitoutofthecar.”
Ididn’tevenknowanymedmagesbesidesDoolittle,whoworkedforthePack.ThewomanwhousedtopatchmeupbeforeImetCurranhadmovedaway.I’dhavetofigurethisoutbeforelong.Inourlineofwork,accesstoagoodmedmagewasparamount.
HisGrumpinessreturned
withthemedkit.Ipulledmyturtleneckup,tryingnottowince,andturnedmybacktohim.
Silence.“It’snotthatbad.”Hishandsbrushedmy
skin,warmandcareful.ThecoldsalinesolutionwashedoverthecutandIshivered.
“Whataboutthis?”Curran’sfingerstouchedtheachingspotonmyleftside.
“That’sfromtheghoulstheothernight.I’llchantoveritonceyou’redonecleaning.Itwillhealitself.”
Coldwindtouchedmywetback,makingmyteethdance.Thanks,weather.Screwyou,too.
“Therationaleis,sincewekilleditonce,wecouldprobablykillitagain.Thisisaresidentialneighborhood.Wearegoingtodotheright
thingandwatchoverit.”“Thisisadumblaw,”
Curransaid.“It’seasiertojustnotgetinvolved.”
Igrinned.“Aha!Nowyouarecatchingon.Welcometohumansociety,YourMajesty.”
“Kate.Chant.”Tenminuteslaterhe
decidedthewoundhadclosedenoughtoputabandageoverit.Ipulledmyturtleneckover
myback.Unfortunatelywhileitwasrolledup,ithadtimetocoolandnowitfeltlikeiceonmyskin.Beingcoveredinichordidn’thelp.Curransatnexttome.
“Shoulder,”Itoldhim.Hetookhisshirtoff,displayingtheworld’sbestchesttothewind.Iclampedthefirstinsecthairstickingoutofhimwithmypliers.Itwasaboutthesizeofathinmetal
skewer.“Ready?”“Doit.”Irippedthehairout.It
wastenincheslong.Hemadeashortgritty
noise.Ithadtohavehurtlikehell.Iwipedthebloodoffhisshoulderwithgauze.“Fourmore.”
“Notimelikethepresent.”
Imanagedallfourinunderaminute.Thelesshe
hurt,thebetter.Curranputhisshirtbackonandpulledmeclose.Hiseyesweredark.Whateverhewasthinkingwasn’tgood.
“Youokay?”Iasked.“Yeah.”Ihadafeelinghewas
thinkingthatifhewerestilltheBeastLord,bynowhewould’vehadateamofshapeshiftersstandingguardoverthecorpsewhilehe
drovemetotheKeep,whereDoolittlewouldputmebackonmyfeet.
“Beingahumanisn’tthatbad,isit?”Iasked.
“YouremembertheSavells?Thehouseacrossthestreetfromus?”
HeatherSavellwasathorninmyside.Theareadidn’thaveahomeowners’association,butHeatherverymuchwantedtohaveone.In
herhead,shepretendedtheHOAwasrealandshewasitspresident.Shetookthoseimaginarypowersandresponsibilitiesveryseriously.“Sure.”
“Theysprinkledcayennepepperaroundtheborderoftheirlawn.”
Ialmostgroundmyteeth.TheysprinkledcayennepeppertokeepCurranofftheproperty,likehewasastray
dogcomesniffing.“Apparentlytheydon’t
understandIcouldstepoverit.”
“I’lltalktothem.”Heshookhisheadagain.
“No.They’rescaredbecausetheydon’tknowme.Igetthem.Idon’tgetyou.Whyareyouprotectingthem?”
“Becausetheycan’talwaysprotectthemselves.”
Curranlookedatme,his
facehard.“InthePack,everyoneisofakind.Weallbelongtogether.Weareunited.Everyonecontributes,somemore,someless.Weworktowardacommongoaloflivingasafelife.”
“Sodothesepeople.”Currangrimaced.“IfI
werebeatingyouinthestreet,theywouldn’tliftafingertohelpyou.”
“Ifyouwerebeatingme
inthemiddleoftheKeep,wouldanyoneliftafinger?Orwouldtheyallsimplydecidetolookawaybecausealphasarefightingandit’snoneoftheirbusiness?”
Currangrowled.“Kate...”
“Youhaveaprejudiceagainstpeoplewhoarenotshapeshifters.”Ileanedagainsthim.Heputhisarmaroundme.“It’snota
baselessprejudice,becausewhenpeoplefearsomeone,theytreatthemwithsuspicion.Toalotofpeople,shapeshiftersaremonsters,andyouwerethekingofthemonsters.Iunderstand.TothePack,Iwasamonsterandtheytreatedmeaccordingly.”
“Notallofthem.”“No,notallofthem.
That’sexactlymypoint.”Iturnedmyheadand
kissedhim.Hislipswerewarmandthefamiliartastedashedacrossmytongue.
“You’veneverlivedamongnon-shapeshifters,Curran.Ihave.I’veseenamanrunintoaburningbuildingtosaveadog.I’veseenpeoplesacrificethemselvesforstrangers.Notallofthemarewillingtodothis,butenoughtomatter.That’swhyIhelpthem.Give
themachance.Ithinktheymightsurpriseyou.”
Hesighedandsqueezedmeclosertohim.
“AreyouseriouslyconsideringtakingovertheGuild?”Iaskedhim.“It’sinshambles.”
Hegrinnedatme.Itwasthehappysmileofanamusedpredator.“I’vegotthis.”
“TheywillneverbeanotherPack.They’retoo
independent.Andtheydon’tlikeauthority.”
“Idon’tneedanotherPack.ThePackhastoomanyrulesanyway.Ihavesomeideasfortheseguys.Theyjustdon’tknowityet.”
“They’llfightyoueverystepoftheway.”
“Ihopeso.”Curranlaughedquietly.“I’dtakethemononeatatimeorinbatches.Itwouldbefun.”
Thisunchainedthingwasmakinghimscary.“That’swhatIloveaboutyou,YourFurriness.Yourhumilityandmodesty.”
“Don’tforgetmyrazor-sharpwitandboyishgoodlooks.”
“Boyish?”“TheGuildhassomething
thePackdoesn’t,”Curransaid.“Variety.Thereareshooters,meleefighters,and
magicusers.Itmightbewhatwewillneedto...”Hepaused.
“Whatisit?”“Thewindchanged.”
Curranroseandwalkeddownthesidewalk.Ifollowedhim.Wepassedalamppost,another...AnothertwentyyardsandIwouldhavetoturnback.Weweregettingtoofarawayfromthespider-scorpion’scorpse.
Curranstoppedandcrouched.Alargepalescrapecrossedthesidewalk.Heinhaleddeeply,wrinklinghisface.
“Whatisit?”Hisexpressionwasgrim.
“Ghouls.Lotsofghouls.”Alongululatingshriekof
magic-poweredsirensrolledthroughthestreets.Thecavalrywascoming.
CHAPTER
B6
IOHAZARDARRIVEDINstyle:twoblackSUVs
andanarmoredsemicarryingsteelcontainersinsteadofatrailer.TheSUVsvomitedtenpeopleinBiohazardcontaminationsuitsandonestocky,dark-hairedmaninaredhoodie.Onthehoodiewhitelettersspelledout
WIZARDATLARGE.Smallworld.
Thewizardatlargestabbedhisfingeratme.“You!Theuncleanone!Tellmeeverything.”
“Hi,Luther.IthoughtyouworkedforthePAD.”
Hemadeasourface.“Toomuchpolitics¸toolittlemagic.Theyhaveissueswithmyprofessionalstrategy.Also,theirdentalsucks.”
“Soyougotfired?”“Iquit.”“WhenIquittheOrder,
youtoldmeIwasbesmirched.”
“That’sbecauseyouquitinahuffoversomesillinessliketryingtosavepeople’slives.Iquittomaximizemyearningpotential.Don’tyouknowbeingaheroisalosingbet?Thepayisshitandpeoplehateyouforit.”
LutherlookedatCurran.“Whoisthemalespecimen?”
CurranofferedLutherhishand.“Lennart.”
LuthergrabbedCurran’shandandsmelledit.“Shapeshifter,feline,probablyalion,butnottherun-of-the-millAfricanSimba.You’vegotanoddscentaboutyou.”Heglancedatme.“Whydoyoualwayshangoutwithweirdos?”
“It’sherspecialtalent,”Curransaid.“Sheattractsuslikebeestohoney.”
Luthershookhisheadandturnedtothecorpseofthebug.TheBiohazardartistwasbusilytryingtosketchit,whiletherestofthecrewstoodarounditwithacidandflamethrowers.“Tellmeaboutthething.”
IexplainedMrs.Oswald’sstory.
“Itspoke?”Lutherasked.“Yes.”Normal
apparitionsweren’tsentient.Theydidn’tspeak,andiftheydid,notwiththatmuchpower.“Therewasalotofmagicinthevoice.Youcouldfeelitonyourskin.”
“Idon’tlikeit,”Luthersaid.
Ididn’tlikeiteither.“Someonehasagrudgeagainstcats.Idon’tknowifit
wasMrs.Oswald’sparticularcatsoranycatsingeneral.Butthecathaterispersistent.Firstheorshesentatick.AfterEduardokilledit,theSummonerfolloweditwiththegriffin,andwhenthegriffinwastoosmalltobreakthroughthebars,heorshemust’vesunksomemagicintoittomakeitbigger.Andthenitturnedintothat.”Inoddedatthecorpse.“Idon’t
evenknowwhatthehellitis.”
“WegotabugguybackatHQ.I’llgiveyouacallwhenhesortsitout.”Lutherponderedthecorpse.“Thecross-phylummetamorphosisbothersme.”
Itbotheredme,too.Thesketchartistwaved
hissketchbook.“Done.”“Okay,mates,”Luther
called.“Bagit,tagit,and
chainitup.”Thecrewbeganrolling
outplastic.“Hey,Luther,”Isaid.
“Youguysdidn’thireanynewghouls,didyou?”
Lutherspuntome,hiseyesfocused,likeasharksensingadropofbloodinthewater.“Youknowsomething.Tellme.”
“ThePackscoutsfoundalotofdeadghoulsonaroad
totheeast,”Curransaid.“WehadbreakfastwiththeBeastLordandhementionedit.”
Lutherponderedhim.“Sure,I’llbuythat.Ohwait,Ihaveabrain.Sorry,completelyforgot.Theghoulswerefoundinpieces.Someonerippedthemapartwithclawsandcutthemtopieceswithasword.Andherethetwoofyouare,onehasclawsandtheotherhasa
sword.”“We’renottheonly
peopleinthecitywithswordsandclaws,”Curransaid.
Luthersquintedatus.“Whatareyoutwoupto?”
“Rightnow,nothing,”Isaid.
“Idon’tbelieveyou.”Derekjoggedupthe
street.Heworeagrayhoodieandapairofoldjeans,andhewasrunninginthatparticular
wolfgaitthatlookedunhurriedbutdevouredmiles.Nineteen,justundersixfeet,withdarkhairandamuscularathleticbody,Derekturnedheads.Thenpeoplesawhisface.Acoupleofyearsagohetriedtosaveagirl.Thecreatureswhoownedhercaughthimandpouredmoltenmetalonhisface.Herecovered,buthisfacelookeddifferentnow.Hisfeatures
wererougher,theironce-handsomeperfectiongone.Hiseyesmadeitworse.Theyweredarkandhard,thekindofeyesthatbelongedtosomeoneolder,someonewho’dbeenthroughthegrinderofpainandsufferingandcomeoutofitdamagedbutunbroken.HeleanedagainstourJeepandslouched.
“Fine,”Isaid.“Wehavea
missingshapeshifterandwe’retryingtofindhim.Wecouldusesomehelp.”
Lutherhelduphishand.“Stoprightthere.ShapeshiftersarePackbusiness.Unlesstheyrequestourhelpinwriting,Ican’tdoanything.Idon’tevenwanttohearit.”
Whatasurprise.Holdmebeforemyheartgivesoutfromthepureshockofthat
surprise.“Wow,soniceofyoutocare.”
“TheBeastLordisanasshole,”Luthersaid.“I’vedealtwithhisrepresentativesbefore,andletmetellyou,Idon’twanttopisshimoff.”
IreallywantedtolookatCurran’sface,butIwouldhavetoturnanditwouldseemodd.“Tellmeabouttheghouls,Luther.”
“Icanneitherconfirmnor
deny.”Seriously?“It’samatter
ofpublicrecord.IcangodowntoCityHallandspendthreehoursdiggingthroughtheBiohazarddisclosuresoryoucouldjusttellme.IfIhavetowasteallthattime,I’llbeirritated.”
Lutherleanedback.“Bestillmyheart.AndIsupposeIshouldbeterrifiedofthat?”
“No,justpointingoutthat
Idon’tliketosharewhenI’mirritated.Youwanttoknowwhyahordeofghoulstriedtoenterthecity.Wealsowanttoknowwhythathappened.WewilleventuallyfigurethisoutandthenwecantakeittoyouortoyourformerbossesatPAD.”
Hesighed.“No,wedidn’thireanynewghouls.”
“HaveyoutalkedtoMitchell?”Iasked.
“Hedoesn’twanttotalk.”Luthergrimaced.“Somethingisgoingonwithhim.”
“Hemaytalktome.”“That’strue.”Luther
sighedagain.“Itellyouwhat,I’llletyouseeMitchell,butifhetalkstoyou,youtellmewhathesaid.Iwanttoknowwhat’shappeningtohim.”
“Deal.”I’dbeanidiotnottotakeit.“Tonight.”
“No,tomorrownight.We
fedhimlastnight.He’ssleepingitoff.”
Mitchelldidn’tliketheoutside.Hehidinhisburrowmostofthetime,andgettinghimoutofitafterheatewouldbeimpossible.Ihadtriedbeforeandgottennowhere.“I’lltaketomorrowthen.”
“Good.We’redonehere,youarereleased,shoo,go,scram.Don’tdoanythingI
wouldn’tdo,kids.”Istartedtowardthecars.“Wait,”Luthercalled.“Yes?”Hetrottedovertome.
“Doesthecityfeeldifferenttoyou?”
“Differenthow?”Hedraggedhishand
throughhishair.“SomethinghappenedinDecember.Somethingstrange.”
Movealong,nothingto
seehere,nocityclaimingpeopleareonthepremises.“Strangethingshappenallthetimehere.”
“No,thiswasdifferent.Itfeltlikeastorm.Amagicstorm.Itrolledthroughthecityandnowitfeelsdifferent.Doesitfeeldifferenttoyou?”
Lie,lie,lie.“No.”Luthersearchedmyface
withhisgaze.“I’mnotcrazy.”
No,you’renot.“That’sabovemypaygrade.”
“It’slikeanitchIcan’tscratch.”
“Maybeyoushouldseeadoctorforthat,”Curransaid.
Lutherpointedhisfingerathim.“Idon’tlikeyou.”
“Bye,Luther.”Igrinned.Hewalkedaway.“Iwill
figureitout!I’mnotcrazy!”Ifheeverfigureditout,I
wouldhavealotof
explainingtodo.
•••
“DOESEVERYBODYTHINKIamanasshole?”Curranasked.
“Onlypeoplewhoknowyouorhavemetyou.”
Helookedatmeforalongsecond.
“YouwereazealousadvocateofthePack’scauses,”Isaid.“ThePack’s
interestsareoftenatoddswithhumaninterests.Istillloveyou.Derekstillthinksyou’rethestuff.”
Derekwaskneelingbythescrapeonthepavementandinhalingdeeply.“Threeghouls.Onemaleandtwofemales.Thescentisaboutfiftyhoursold,giveortakeanhour.”
FiftyhourswouldbejustaboutthetimeEduardo
wouldhavecometorespondtoMrs.Oswald’sphonecallonMondayaboutthewolfgriffin.
“Interestingtiming,”Isaid.
“Theycamehereandleftalongthesametrail,”Dereksaid.
“Howlongweretheyhere?”Curranasked.
“Afewhours.”Derekpointedtoanarrowspot
betweenthesideofthehouseandawoodenfence.“Theyhidthere,behindthetrashcans.”
Threeghoulsjustsittingtherewaitingwhiletheresidentsofthehouseleftforwork.Don’tmindus,we’rejustchillinghere,behindyourtrashcans,rubbingourbigsharpclaws,whileyourdeliciouschildrenleaveforschool.Andthatwasn’t
creepy.No,notatall.“Why?”Ithoughtout
loud.“Iftheywerehiding,therearebetterplacestohide.”
“Mm-hm.”Curran’sfacetoldmehewasthinkingthesamething.“Badplacetohidebutagoodplaceforanambush.”
IglancedbackatMrs.Oswald’shouse.Acoupleofhousesdown,thestreetended
inacul-de-sac.Onlyonewayinorout.
“Anyotherscents?”Iasked.“Anyhumanscents?Anyonetheyattacked?”
Derekshookhishead.Curranlookedatme.
“Doesthisseemoddtoyou?”“Everythingaboutthis
seemsoddtome.Ghoulsaresolitary.Theylivenearcemeteries,theyhideinburrows,andtheytravelat
dawnorduringthenight.Theydon’tbandintogroupsandpranceaboutinbroaddaylightinaresidentialneighborhood.Unlesstheownerofthathouseisaserialkillerandhe’sgothisvictimsburiedinhisbackyard,thereisnoreasonforthemtobehere.”
“Therearenobodiesinthebackyard,”Dereksaid.“Iwould’vesmelleddecomp.”
Senseofhumorcheck,failed.
“Thepointis,it’shighlyunlikelythatthesetwooddthings”—Ipointedatthetrashcanswithonehandandatthecorpseofthespider-scorpionwiththeother—“aren’tconnected.IthinktheywerewaitingforEduardo.”AndIwouldgiveayearofmylifetoknowwhy.“Theghoulswekilledin
Lawrencevillewereansweringsomeone’scall.Theysaidsomeonewaswaitingforthem.Theydon’tmeetpeopleforcoffeeorbrunch.Ithinksomebeingisusingthemfortheirownmeans.”
“Thatwouldexplaintheirorganizationandunusualbehavior,”Dereksaid.
“Canyoutrackthem?”Curranasked.
“Sure.”Dereksmiled.“Let’sgoaskthem,”
Curransaid.“I’llgetthecar,”Isaid.I
wouldonlyslowthemdownonfoot.
FifteenminuteslaterIchasedtheminaJeep.I’dhavetosendsomeonebacklatertopickupGeorge’scar.
Lionsweren’tknownfortheirmarathonracingabilities,butCurranwasa
werelionandbyhumanstandardshewasasuperbrunner.HeandDerekflewdownthestreetatthirtymilesperhour,whichforthemwasprobablyarefreshingpace.
GhoulscamefromtheArabicmythos.OneoftheearliestknownreferencestothemoccurredinOneThousandandOneNights.Thewolfgriffinswererumoredtohavebeennative
toNorthAfricaandwerefamiliartoBerbers.MuslimsconqueredNorthAfricaaroundtheseventhcenturyBC,sotechnicallytherewassometenuousgeographicalconnectionbetweenthegriffinandtheghouls.Andthat’swhereitallstoppedmakingsense.Ghoulsdidn’tanswertoanyhigherauthority.Theyweren’tundead,theyretainedtheir
freewill,andallattemptstocontrolthembyoutsideforcesusuallyendedbadly.Theywerecowardlysolitaryscavengersorpredatorsofopportunity,whodugdeepburrowsandhidfrompeopleandsunlight.Ihadnoideahowthespider-scorpionthingorthecatsfitintoit.
MaybewhoeverwasbehindthecreaturesattackingMrs.Oswaldgotreally
annoyedatEduardo’sinterferenceandhadtheghoulskidnaporkillhim?Butthatwouldimplythatthiswhoevercouldcontrolanarmyofghouls.Ormaybeknewsomeonewhocouldandthatsomeoneowedhimafavor.Ifyou’repowerfulenoughtocontrolghouls,whywouldyouevencareaboutsomecats?
Iblewtheairoutofmy
mouth.Allthiswildspeculationwasjustthat—speculation.Untilwefoundsomeevidence,allmyoutlandishtheorieswereworthless.
AheadCurranandDerekturnedleftonValleyViewRoad.Ifollowed.Smallresidentialhouseslinedthestreet,couchedintreesandbrush.Itlookedlikearelativelyquietneighborhood.
Noneighborhoodwascompletelysafeinpost-ShiftAtlanta,butthiswasoneofthemorestableones.AndasfarasIknew,Eduardohadnoconnectiontoitbesidestherandomjobhe’dtakenattheGuild.
Thismesswasgettingmoreandmoreconvoluted.Convolutedwasn’tmyfavorite.IrememberedGeorgethrustingherselfin
frontofabladetoprotectapregnantDesandra.MymindhelpfullybroughtuparecollectionofEduardoknockedoutcoldandcoveredinhisblood.He’dtriedtokeepamonsterfromattackingDoolittleandJim’ssisterandnearlydied.GeorgeandEduardohadsufferedenough.They’dearnedtheirhappiness.Iwantedtoputthembacktogetherandsee
themhappy.Iwantedthemtomarryandhavecutebabies.
Wherethehellareyou,Eduardo?Whathaveyougottenyourselfinto?
WeturnedleftontoAshfordDunwoodyRoad.TheremnantsofaWalmartcameintoviewontheleft.CurranandDerekveeredtowardit.ThethreehundredyardsbetweenmeandtheWalmartlookedlikesomeone
hadtakenablendertoawarehouse:sharpchunksofconcretelitteredtheground,boundtogetherbytwistedmetalrebarandbrokenwoodenbeams.Brokenglass,dullwithdirt,glitteredhereandthere,catchingarandomrayofthesun.Great.IfIfollowedthem,Imightaswelljustjumpoutandslicemytiresnow.
Derekslowedandmade
smallcirclesamongthedebris.Theghoulsmust’velingeredthere.
Currantensed,hiswholebodycompressinglikeatightspring,andleapedontoasix-foot-highconcreteboulder.Helandedlightandstraightened,hisgazefixedonthecrumblingcorpseofthebig-boxstore.Hisbroadshouldersandthelineofhisbackcurvedslightly.The
windpulledonhissweats,revealingaglimpseofhishardbody,musclesreadytolaunchhimatsomeunseenthreatinaninstant.Thatpotentialpowerwaslikeamagnet.IfIdidn’tknowhimandIwasdrivingby,Iwould’vestoppedtogetasecondlook,tryingtofigureoutwhothatscaryhotbastardwas.
Iwouldgohomewith
himtonight.Gome.Okay.Therewas
somethingseriouslywrongwithme.First,Iwasstaringathimlikesomesortoflove-struckidiot.Second,Iwasdoingitwhilesittinginthemiddleofthestreetwiththemotorrunning.Ifanothervehiclecamebarrelingdowntheroad,I’dgettoexperiencethefunandexcitementofahead-oncollision.Ipulledthe
cartothecurb.Itwasaconsequenceofthebloodloss.Sure.Thatwasit.
Derekdidaone-eightyandranpastmedowntheroad.Curranleapedofftheboulderandcaughtupwithhim.Herewegoagain.Ieasedoffthebrake.MeadowLaneRoad...Aruinedparkinggarageloomedonourleft,half-hiddenbehindpines.CurranandDerekducked
intoit.IparkedtheJeepandwentdowntheslopeafterthem.
Theparkinggaragestretchedbeforeme.Istoodforamoment,lettingmyeyesadjusttothegloom.Barevines,stillreelingfromwinter,blanketedtherightandleftsidesofthegarage,growingdensertowardtheback,wheretheceilingofthestructurehadcavedin.Three
cars,pinnedinplacebythecrushingweightofconcrete,rustedquietlyinthefarleftcorner.NexttothemCurranwaited.Derekcrouchedbyhim.Infrontofthemafissuresplittheconcretewall.Fromhereitlookedsolidblack,atleasteightfeettallandthreefeetwide.
Ofcourse.Whywouldn’titbeaterribledarkpit?JustonceIwouldlikeittobea
breezypaththroughsomegardenwithrosesandsunshine.
Ijoggedtothem.Derekpivotedonhisfeettowardme.“Thetrailleadsinthere.”
No,itdoesn’t.“Okay.”Derekduckedintothe
gap.Ilookedafterhim.Theconcreteendedafteraboutfivefeet,mergingintoatunnelduginsoil,anglingdown.Acold,dankodor
washedoverme.No.IfeltCurranbehindme
andstraightened.Mybackbrushedagainsthischest.Ididn’twanttogodownintothathole.Iwoulddoalmostanythingelse.Ijustdidn’twanttogodownthere.
“Baby?”Curranasked.“Yes?”RightnowEduardocould
bedownthere,waitingfor
help.Isteppedintothegapandstartedmoving.Ijusthadtoputonefootinfrontoftheotherandnotthinkaboutthousandsofpoundsofsoilandrockthatwouldburymealiveifitcollapsed.
“Youokay?”heaskedquietly.
“I’mgreat.”IcouldbarelyseeDerekinthedarknessmovingaheadofme.Myimaginationpainted
anavalancheofloosedirtdroppingintothetunnelinfrontofme,buryingme,gettingsuckedintomylungs...Itastedadrenalineonmytongue.Tunnelswereneveronmyfavoritelistofthings,buttodaymybodywasgoingintooverdrive.
“Yourpulseisspeedingup.”
Ijusthadtopickashapeshifter.“Apparently
darknarrowtunnelsleadingdeepundergrounddon’tagreewithme.”
Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme.Istopped.Myheartwashammeringagainstmyribs.Whatthehellwaswrongwithme?
Currankissedmyhair.Hisvoicewasaquietwarmwhisperinmyear.“Thisisn’tMishmar.”
Memoriescascaded
throughmymindlikeabucketofcoldwaterdumpedovermyhead.Beingtrappedinatunnelfilledwithwater,clingingtothemetalgrate,holdingGhastek’sheadsohewouldn’tdrown,runningthroughthedarkpassagewayswhilehundredsofundeadchasedus...
Curran’svoicecutthroughit,calmandreassuring.“Wearen’t
trapped.It’sjustaholeinthedirt.”
Iinhaleddeeply,leaningonhim.Breathingfromthebottomofyourlungsshort-circuitedanxiety,andsoIbreathedslowly,tryingtogetmyexhalestolastlongerthanmyinhales,andstoodwrappedinhim.
Mypulseslowed.Theodduncomfortablepanicwasstillthere,butitrecededfar
enoughthatIcouldkeepalidonit.Isqueezedhishand.“I’mgood.”
HeletmegoandIpushedmywaythrough,tryingtospeedup.
Thetunnelnarrowed.Myshouldersbrushedthedirt.Great.Theanxietyhammeredatme.Iconcentratedonmybreathing,slowanddeep.
Aminutepassed.Another.
Justkeepmoving.Keepmoving.Itwillend.
Itwillend.Itfeltlikewe’dbeen
undergroundforeternity.Ithadtobeatleastthirtyminutes.
Ithadtoend...Howfardidthisdamn
tunnelgo?Ahandrestedonthe
smallofmybackandsliddown.
“Didyoujustgrabmybutt?”Iwhispered.
“What?”“Curran!”“Yes?”Icouldhear
controlledlaughterinhisvoice.
Unbelievable.Ispedup.“We’retrackingghoulsandyou’regrabbingmybutt.”
“Ialwaysmakesuretopayattentiontoimportantthings.”
“Sureyoudo.”“Besides,ifthetunnel
collapses,Iwon’tgettodoitagain.”
“Youwon’tgettodoitagainanyway.Ican’tevenseeDerekanymore.Heprobablyheardaboutyourbutt-grabbinganddecidedtogiveussomespace.”
“Maybeyoujustmovetooslow.”
Argh.
“Youshouldtrymakingmorenoiseasyouwalk,too.”Curransuggested.“Maybetheghoulswillmistakeyouforasmallundergroundelephantandrunoff.”
“Whenwegetoutofhere,I’llkickyou.”
“You’lltry.”Thetunnelturned.Afaint
lightilluminatedDerekalmostfiftyyardsaheadofme.Hejumpeddownintothe
light.Idouble-timedit.AmomentandIgrabbedontotheedgeofthetunnel’sopening.Alargeopencavernspreadbeforeme,itsflooraboutsevenfeetbelow,illuminatedbydaylightstreaminginthroughaholeinitsceiling.Therayoflightfellontoamangledvehiclesittinguprightinthemiddleofthefloor,itshoodacrushedCokecanofamess,
itsbackupintheair.Derekwasnowhereinsight.
Amangledblackvehicle.Asickfeelingpulledat
mystomach.Ijumpeddown.Theimpactofhardgroundpunchedthesolesofmyfeet.Thecavernstretchedintoalargetunneltotheleftandtotheright,toouniformnottobemanmade.Itjustgotbetterandbetter.
Curranlandednexttome,
silentlikeaghost.Itwasn’tfairthatamanthatlargecouldmovethatquietly.
“MARTA,”Itoldhim.Hefrownedatme.“MetropolitanAtlanta
RapidTransitAuthority.WejustenteredtheRedLine.”
MARTAbeganinthe1970sandgrewintoanetworkofbuslinesandheavyrailstations,someaboveground,someunder.In
itsheyday,overfourhundredthousandpeoplerodeitdaily,butthemagicwavescrushedit.Thetrainswerethefirsttogo.Notthatmanyofthemcrashed,butmagicspawnednightmarishcreatureswhoenjoyedhidingindarktunnelsandgrabbingtastysnacksconvenientlyaggregatingontheplatformsforthem.Peoplerefusedtogounderground.Thebuses
heldoutforawhile,butfinallythecitythrewinthetowel.NowMARTAstationsstoodabandoned,theirtunnelsturnedintolairsbythingswithsharpteeth.
“Howfardoesitgo?”Curranasked.
“Ihavenoidea.TheywereexpandingitwhentheShifthappened.Thereareprobablymilesofrailunderground.”Tracking
ghoulsthroughmilesoftunnelswouldbelikehuntingaratinamazewithadozenexits.
Wemovedtogether,quietlywalkingtowardthevehicle.Wherethehellhadboywondergottenoffto?
TheSUVsatdirectlyunderthehole.Ilookedup.Itwasjustlargeenoughforavehicletopassthrough.
“IsitaTahoe?”
Curranreachedup,grabbedthetransmission,andpulled.MetalgroanedasthebuttoftheSUVtippedtowardCurran.It’sgoodtobeawerelion.
“Yep.It’saTahoe.”Dreadwashedovermein
acoldclammywave.IthadtobeEduardo’scar.Theghoulshadkilledhim,lefthisbodytorot,andpushedthecarinhere,wherenobodywould
findit.CurranloweredtheSUV
andletitfallthelasttwofeet.Longgashesscouredthepaintonthesides.Ghoulclaws.Thetintedwindowsofthevehiclehadcrackedbuthadn’tfallenout.Dustsheathedthecracks.Icouldn’tseeanything.Ireachedforthedriver’s-sidedoor.Inmyhead,Eduardo’smangledcorpsesoakedinhis
ownbloodinthedriver’sseat.
Don’tbedead...don’tbedead...
Ipulledthedooropen.Itswungwithascreech,revealingthecab.
Empty.Ohphew.Phew.Curranpulledtheother
dooroff.“Ismellhim.It’shiscar.”
TheinterioroftheTahoe
lookedlikeithadbeenthroughatornadomadeofknives.
“Doeshesmelldead?”“No.”Heinhaled.“It
reeksofghouls.”“Ourghouls?Theones
wekilled?”“No,adifferentgroup.
Thesescentsareolder.”Sowehadmorethanone
groupofghoulsrunningamok.
Derekwalkedoutofthelefttunnel.“Thetrailstopshere.”
“Whatdoyoumean,stops?”Iasked.
“Iwalkedinbothdirections.”Derekleanedagainstthegrimywall.“Thetrailcomeshereandthensimplystops.Therearenofreshghoulscenttrailsineithertunnel.”
“Theydidn’tjustflyoff,”
Isaid.“Couldtheygrow
wings?”Curranasked.“Idoubtit.”Ghoulswith
wings,thatwasallweneeded.“Iftheycouldgrowwings,theywould’vedoneitbynow.It’sagreatdefensiveadaptationandtheyarecowards.”
“Theirscentsaystheygothereandthentheyvanished,”Dereksaid.
Irubbedmyface.“Thatwouldsuggestteleportation.”
“D’Ambrayteleports,”Curransaid.
“Yes,butHughusespowerwordsandspecialwaterthat’sbeenmessedwithbyRoland.Thatteleportationismyfather’sexclusivetrick.Besides,IwouldknowifHughwereinthecity.”
“How?”Derekasked.“Iwouldfeelhim
crossingtheborderintoAtlanta.”
Curranleanedtowardme.“Thereisaborder?”
“Yes.”“Wereyouplanningon
sharingthatwiththeclass?”Hisvoicewasquiet.
“Itdidn’tcomeup.”Hedidn’tlookhappy.
Whenintrouble,changethesubject.“Thepointis,teleportationisadifficult
thingthattakesacraptonofmagic.”
“Is‘crapton’atechnicalterm?”Derekasked.
Smartass.“Yes,”Igrowled.“IexaminedasceneofteleportationduringtheLighthouseKeepermess.Itwasdonebyvolhves.”
VolhveswereRussiandruids,andunliketheactualdruids,whowerestrugglingtoovercomethehistorical
stigmaofhumansacrifice,volhvesdidn’tgiveadamn.
“Thesewerereallypowerfulpaganpriests,buttheyhadtosacrificeahumanbeingtogetenoughjuice.”
“What’syourpoint?”Curranasked.
“Lookaroundyou.Nosignsofaritual.Justdirt.”
Thethreeofussurveyedthecavern.
“Ihavenoideawhatwe
aredealingwith,”Isaid.“Ireally,reallydon’tlikeit.”
“WeneedJulie,”Curransaid.
Oncemagiccameonthescene,itwasquicklydeterminedthatfiguringoutthenatureofmagicatanygivencrimescenewasvital.Thatwaswhyinvestigatorsusedm-scanners,clunkyheavycontraptionsthatsampledthemagicandspat
outcoloredprintoutsofit:blueforhuman,purpleforvampire,greenforshapeshifter,andsoon.Juliewasthehumanequivalentofanm-scanner,andshewasmuchmoresensitivethanthemostadvancedmodel.
Ipulledthekeysoutofmypocket.“Sheshouldbeathomebynow.”
Curraneyedtheholeinthecavern’sceiling.Itwas
fullyfortyfeetup.Derektookthekeys,puttheminhisjeans,andbackedupforarunningstart.Curranlockedhishandstogetherandcrouched,holdingthemoutlikeastep.Derekchargedhim,fastlikeablur.HisrightfootsteppedonCurran’sfist,Curranstraightened,hisarmspropellingDereklikeaspring,andtheboywondershotuplikeabullet.Fora
secondIthoughthewouldfallshort,andthenhishandcaughtabrokenmetalpipestickingoutoftheedgeofthehole.Hepulledhimselfupandvanishedintothedaylight.
CHAPTER
L7
ONGRIPSSCOUREDtheTahoe’sfrontpassenger
seat,theedgesofthefabricfrayed,rippedbyclawsratherthancut.Amuchsmoothercutscarredthedashboardandthefaredgeofthepassengerseat.Dentspotholedthedashboard,somewithpiecesofboneandclumpsofdark
redtissuestucktothesurface.Severaldarksmears,thick,thecolorofreddishtar,stainedtheinsideoftheTahoe,allexceptforthedriver’sseat,whichmeantEduardowasinitwhenthefighthappened.Isatinthedriver’sseat—myfeetcouldbarelytouchthepedals—andswungmyhandout.Yep.Eduardohadsomesortofashortbladeinhishand,
probablyamachetejudgingbythecutinthedashboard,andhe’dhackedatsomethingwithit.Thenthebladewasrippedoutofhishand¸andhestartedbashinghisattackersintothedash.
Ipulledasmallplasticbagoutofmypocketonmybelt,gotapinchofpowder,andsprinkleditontheblood.Thedarkgreenpowderturnedwhite.
“Ironweed,”IexplainedtoCurran.“Ghoulsdon’tlikeit.Notsureifithurtsthem,butitreactswiththeirblood.”
Curranexaminedthedash.“Forbeingpinnedbytheseatbeltandswarmed,heputupahellofafight.”
“Andthat’swhatpuzzlesme.”IreachedoverandtouchedtheremainsofEduardo’sseatbelt.Abouteightinchesofithungfrom
thetopbracket,theendofthesectionroughandfrayed.
“Gnawedthrough,”Curransaid.
“Yes.Hewaswearingtheseatbeltwhentheyjumpedhim.You’reaghoul.Thisguy’shackingatyouwithabladeandcrushingyourbuddies’skullsleftandright,andinsteadofkillinghimrighthere,whileheistrappedbyhisseatbelt,youtakethe
timetochewthroughitandpullhimout.”
“TheywantedEduardoalive,”Curransaid.
“Butwhy?”Wesearchedtherestof
theTahoe.IfoundEduardo’sbackpackwithhislunchandhiswalletinitwithahundredbucksincash.ThecacheofweaponsinthebackoftheTahoewasintact.Anyhumanpredatorwould’vetakenthe
gunsandthetacticalblades.WhoevertookEduardohadnointerestinhisweaponsorhismoney,whichprobablymeantourghoultheorywascorrect.NotonlyhadtheghoulskidnappedEduardo,theypushedhiscarintoaholetohideit.Theyweren’tthatdeviousundernormalcircumstances.Somesortofmalevolentintelligencewascontrollingtheghouls,andit
clearlyhadaplan.Ifonlywecouldfigureoutwhatthatplanwas.
Isatonarock.Curranstretchedoutnexttome.Helookedlikehell.Sometimeagotheichorcoveringushadbeguntosmelllikerottenfish,andwhilewecrawledaroundunderground,loosedirthadmixedwithittoformacement-likesubstanceonhisskinandmine,inmycase
nodoubttaintedbywhateverbloodseepedthroughthebandages.Myshoulderhurt.Mybackhurt,too.Neitherofushadeatensincemorning.Curranhadtobestarving.Somepairwemade.
Henoticedmestudyinghim.“Hereweareinafilthyhole.”
“Yep.Lookingliketwoghoulswhorolledinsomerottingcorpses.”
Heflashedagrinatme.“Hey,baby.Wanttofoolaround?”
Ilaughedathim.“IfIwereplanningto
kidnapEduardo,”Curransaid,“andIknewwherehewasgoing,theeasiestthingwouldbetostationsomeshapeshiftersnearhisdestinationsotheycouldambushhimashearrived.Exceptthatdestination
happenstobeinaresidentialneighborhood,whichmeantifmypeoplejumpedEduardothere,theywouldhavetodraghimthroughthestreetskickingandscreaming.”
“Yes.Toorisky.Tooexposed,andtoomanypotentialwitnesses,”Iagreed.
“Iwouldwanttograbmyvictimoffthestreetfastandquiet,soIwouldscoutthepossibleroutestohis
destination,findgoodplacestojumphim,andputagroupofshapeshiftersateachrouteandonefinalgroupnearthedestinationitself,justasinsurance.”
“Makessense.”Thatwasexactlywhattheghoulsdid.
“SowhatissospecialaboutEduardo?”
“Idon’tknow.”Isighed.“Maybehe’sasecretghoulprince.”
IwantedtoclimboutoftheholeandkillsomethingtomakeEduardobeokay.InsteadIhadtosithere,twiddlingmythumbs.IreachedovertoCurranandsqueezedhishand.
“Don’tworry,”hesaid.“We’llfindhim.Theytookhimalive,sotheywantsomethingfromhim.”
“It’snotfindinghim.It’sfindinghimintime.”
“Heknowshelpiscoming,”Curransaid.“Georgeloveshim.Heknowsshe’ssearchingforhimandshe’dmakethePacklookforhim.”
“IkeepwonderinghowImissedit,”Imurmured.
“What?”“GeorgeandEduardo.”“Theywereverycareful,”
Curransaid.“Georgelovesherfather.Shedidn’twant
himandEduardofighting.MahonisthePack’sexecutionerandhasmoreexperience,butEduardoisyounger,fivehundredpoundsheavierinbeastform,andhewouldbeverymotivated.Itwouldn’tmatterwhowon.Whentheyweredone,oneofthemwouldbedeadandtheotheronedying.”
“WouldhereallyfightEduardo?”
“Dependsonthecircumstances.MarthacanpullMahonbackmostofthetime,butsometimeshisbrakesmalfunction.”
“Butwhy?Whatwouldthataccomplishexceptmakeseveryoneinvolvedmiserable?”
Curransighed.“Mahon’sproblemisthathehassomeverydefiniteideasaboutwhataman’ssupposedtobeand
whatamalewerebearshouldbe.Itsoundsgreatinhisheadandhegetscarriedawaywithit.Heisn’tshyaboutsharinghisbearwisdom.Thenhisviewscollidewithrealityandtheymostlydon’tsurvive.AtthecoreMahonisn’tevil.Hemeanswellandhewantstobeseenasagoodperson,sowhenpeoplereactbadlytothenonsensecomingoutofhismouth,hegetsshocked
andhastoreadjust.Forexample,thefirsttimeAuntBcametothePackCouncil,hetookituponhimselftolectureherabouthowmenshouldbemenandwomenshouldbewomen,andClanalphasshouldbemenwithwomenhelpingthem,nottheotherwayaround.”
Ilaughed.“Whatdidshedo?”
“Shepettedhisshoulder
andsaid,‘Blessyourheart,youmustbeawfulinbed.’”
Ha!“Thensheturnedto
Marthaandtoldherthatifsheeverwasinneedofamanwhorespectedwomenenoughtothinktheywerehumanbeings,shehadseveralavailableinherclan.”
ThatsoundedlikeAuntB.“Mahonturnedpurpleand
didn’tsayanotherword
throughthewholeCouncilmeeting.”Currangrinned.“Neverbroughtitupagain.Ilefthiminchargeonceforaboutamonth,becauseIhadtotraveloutofourterritory,andcamebacktoafullrevolt.Itwasn’twhathedid—heactuallygovernedwellwhileIwasgone—itwaswhathesaidatthePackCouncil.Hesaidhewastryingtogivetheotheralphas
guidanceandhewasmystifiedwhyeveryonewantedtotearhisthroatout.ItwouldbethesamewithEduardo.HisinitialreactionwouldbetorageandprobablygoadEduardointoattackinghim,becausehelovesGeorgeandhewantstobeagoodfather,andinhismindthebestthingtodo,theproperthingtodo,istosteerherawayfromwhathesees
asaterriblematch.He’sprobablyconvincedthatifGeorgeonlysawthingsfromhispointofview,shewouldagreewithhim.”
“I’mprettysurehethinksthatabouteverybody.”I’dbeenonthereceivingendofMahon’swisdom.Itmademefantasizeaboutviolence.
Curransighed.“Mahonadoreshisdaughters.IfGeorgewenttoherdadright
nowandcriedandsaidthatshewasmiserablewithoutEduardoandshefeltawful,MahonwoulddropeverythingandruntolookforEduardo.”
Iblinked.“Seriously?”Currannodded.“Butshe
won’tdoitandIagreewithher.Fromherpointofview,whyshouldshehavetomanipulateherfather?Sheisn’taskinghimforapuppy.
She’stellinghimthatthisisthemansheloves,andsheexpectshimtodealwithitlikealovingparentshould.She’shisdaughterandshe’sjustlikehim.They’vebuttedheadsforaslongasI’veknownthem.Shealwaysloveshim,butsometimesshealsohateshim.Thisisoneofthosetimes.”
Itmust’vebeenaninterestingfamilytogrowup
in.“Doyoumanipulatehim?”“IknowwhatMahon’s
versionoftheBeastLordshouldsayanddo.WhenIwanthimtodosomething,Iframeitinthatlight.WithMahonsometimesit’senoughtogrowlanddeclarethathewilldothisbecauseI’mtheBeastLord.Heexpectsoccasionaldictatorship,becauseinhisheadthat’swhatacapableBeastLord
woulddo.IfItriedthesametacticwithJim,he’dtellmehe’dcomebacklaterafterIhadmyheadexamined.”
“Mahon’sBeastLordisahardmanwhomakesharddecisions,huh?”
“Mm-hm.Andwhodoesn’thavetimeforfoolishness.”Curranlookedup.“Acar.”
AmomentlaterIheardittoo,thedullroarofwater
engines.Itsputteredanddied.Julie’sblondheadpokedthroughthehole.“Hello.”
“Hi,”Isaid.Julie’sheaddisappeared,
replacedbyherfootintheloopofarope.Theropemoveddown,loweringJulietothefloorofthecavern.Sheworeherworkclothes:oldjeans,ablackturtleneck,andboots.Atacticaltomahawkrestedinalooponherbelt.
Thirteenincheslong,theKestreltomahawkweighedeighteenounces.Itswidebeardedbladetapereddowntoawickedspikethatcurveddownward,sharpenedtoanarrowpoint.Itwasmeantasatoolthatoccasionallycouldbethrownatrottenlogsforfun.Juliehaddecidedtomakeitherweaponofchoice.Noneofmyexplanationsabouttheversatilityand
lightnessofswordsmadeanydentinher.
Isighed.Ihadplentyofperfectlygoodswords,balancedandmadespecificallyforher.Whenshefirststartedcarryingtheaxe,ItriedtopushhertowardtheswordandsheresisteduntilIfinallyaskedherwhyshedraggeditwithhereverywhere.Shesaid,“BecauseIcanmakeahole
inanything.”Idecidedthatwasgoodenoughforme.
Ifthedeadcouldjudgetheliving,Voron,myadoptivefather,wasprobablyspinninginhisgraveovertheaxe.He’ddedicatedhislifetoteachingmehowtouseasword.Hevieweditastheperfectweapon.ButthenVoronwaslongdeadandIhadexorcisedhisghostoutofmymemory.Hestillspoketo
meonceinawhile,buthisvoicenolongerruledmylife.
Juliewinced.“IsthatEduardo’scar?”
Inodded.Dereksliddowntherope.
“Okay.”Sheturnedtothehalf-crushedTahoe.“Uglyyellowishorange...Ghouls.Alotofthem.”
Shecircledthecar,movingslowly,andlookedup,hergazefixedonapoint
aboutsixfeetabovethecar.Hereyeswidened.Shesmiledslightly,asifshewerelookingatsomethingbeautiful.
“It’slikeaflame,”shemurmured.“Beautifulflame.Notorangeoryellow.Morelikecopper.”
“Copper?”Whatthehellregisteredcopper?
“Agoldish,silverishkindofcopper,”shesaid.“There
wasanexplosionofitrightthere.”ShepointedabovetheTahoe.“Likerosegold.Verypretty.I’veneverseenthisbefore.”
Bluemeanthuman,silvermeantdivine,weakyellowmeantanimal...Ihadneverrunacrossgoldish-silverishcopperbefore.WhatthehellwasIsupposedtodowiththat?Itdidn’tevensoundright.Thecreatureregistered
arosegoldcolor...I’dgetlaughedat.
Julietiltedherhead.“It’snotthatvariable.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Curranasked.
“Magicisn’tusuallyonecolor,”shesaid.
“Them-scannersprintitasonecolorbecausethey’renotreallythatprecise,”Isaid.
“Realmagicshiftsandchangesshades,”Juliesaid.
“Ghoulmagiclooksyellow-orangebutit’smorelikestreaksofoliveandorangemixingtogetherwithsomereallylightbrown.Eventhevampireshavetracesofredandblueintheirpurple.”Sheglancedup.“Whateverthatis,it’sveryuniform.Thereareverylightflecksofgoldandsilverinit,butmostofitisonecolor.”
Auniformmagic
signaturemeantwhatevermadeitemittedveryconcentratedspecificmagic.“Anyblue?”
Julieshookherhead.Bluestoodforhuman
magic.Anysortofhumanderivative,likeaghoul’sorashapeshifter’s,showedblueintheirmagicsignature.Theycouldnevercompletelygetridofthetracesoftheirhumanity.Whateverthiswas
didn’tstartoutasahuman.Irubbedmyface.Itdidn’t
givemeanynewinsights.“Whereaboutisthiscopper?”
Juliefrowned.“Aboutfourfeetabovethecar.”
IsteppedontotheTahoe’shoodandclimbedontoitsroof.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Curranasked.
“Idon’tknow.I’mjusttryingtogetasenseof
things.”Istoodup.“Okay,you’reinit,”Julie
said.Ididn’tfeelanything.I
staredupatthesky,waitingforacluetofalloutoftheheavensandlandonmyhead.Atthispoint,I’dwelcomethehit.
FromhereIcouldseethewholecave,thetwotunnels,thewholeareafromwhichwehadcome,thedirtfloor
againstwhichtheTahoehadimpacted,theloosesoilchurnedbytheghoulsastheyscrambledacrossit.Aglintcaughtmyeyetotheright.Somethingshinyreflectedthelightamongthedirt.Anidenticalsparkglowedtotheleft,exactlythesamedistance.Hmm.Iturnedslowly.Moresparks,buriedunderthedirt.
IslidofftheTahoe.From
heretheglintwasinvisible.Ipulledsomegauzeoutofmypocket,kneltinthespotIthoughtIsawit,andbrushedatthedirt.Theloosesoilslidaside,revealinganarrowribbonoftranslucentshinysand.Itlookedbrittle,butheldtogetherasifsomegreatheathadtouchedthesandandhalffuseditintoglass.
Juliekneltnexttomeandreachedtobrushmoredirt
off.“Don’ttouchit.”Ipassed
herthegauze.ThefirstruleofstayingaliveinAtlanta:ifyouseesomethingweird,staythehellawayfromit.
Webeganbrushingthedirtaside,JulieandIfromoneside,CurranandDerekfromtheother.IntwentyminuteswehaditclearedandIclimbedtheTahoeagain.Aperfectlyroundribbonof
glasssand,abouteightincheswide,circledthevehicle,lyingontopofthedirtlikeathincrustofdirtyiceonthesurfaceofapondafterthefirstfrost.Someone,probablytheghouls,hadtriedtocoverit,butthereitwas.
“Copper?”IaskedJulie.Shenodded.“Whatdoesitmean?”
Curranasked.“Ithinktherewasaburst
ofmagicupthere.”Ipointedtotheareaabovethecar.“It’sprobablytheteleportationfootprint.ThegroupofghoulsfromtheOswalds’neighborhoodcamehereandwereteleportedtowherevertherestoftheghoulshavegathered.Andthisglasslikeringisthephysicalevidenceofit.”Atleastitwassomething.“Teleportationusuallyrequiresananchor,
somesubstancefromtheplaceyouareteleportingto.Hughcarriedwater.Thisglassthingisprobablyananchor.Idefinitelywantasampleofit.”
Maybeifwegotthisanalyzed,wecouldfigureoutwhatitwasandwhereitcamefrom.AndthenwewouldgothereandasktheghoulstogiveusEduardoback.Prettypleasewithsugar
ontop.“Ifitoccurredasthey
teleported,whocoveredit?”Curranasked.
“Maybetheycovereditbeforetheyteleported,”Juliesaid.
IjumpeddownfromtheTahoe,pulledaziplockbagfrommypocket,andunsheathedSarrat.“Youmightwanttogivemesomespace.”
Theybackedaway.Iquicklyslicedwith
Sarrat.Thethincrustofglassbrokeintosections.Iwaitedtoseeifitwouldsproutneedlesordeliversomeotherlovelysurprise.Itlayinthedirt,lookinginert.Iusedthegauzetopickupapiece,aboutfourincheswideandthreeincheslong,andslidthetranslucentchunkintotheziplockevidencebag.
Juliesquintedatusandwrinkledhernose.“Yousmellhorrible.DidyouguyscrawlthroughaDumpster?”
Whatwouldmylifebewithoutteenagesass?
“Longstory,”Currantoldher.“Canyouseeanythingelse?”
Sheshookherhead.“Lotsofghoulsandthecopperexplosion.That’sit.”
“We’redonehere,then,”
hesaid.Eduardohadbeenmissing
forwelloverforty-eighthours.Everyminutemadefindinghimlesslikely,andIhadnoideawheretolooknext.
•••
WESENTDEREKandJuliebacktothehouse,instructingthemtoswingbythe
Oswalds’placetopickupGeorge’scar,anddrovetoEduardo’shouse.TheideaofJuliedrivingstillgavemenightmares,butIhaddrivenatherage,soIhadnoroomtotalk.
Wedrovewiththewindowsdowndespitethecoldwind.Wewerebothtoofragrantotherwise.IconsideredabriefdetourtoCuttingEdgeforaquick
shower,butitwouldbeeasiertojustgoandgetthehomesearchoverwith.
EduardolivedinaniceplaceinSandySprings,asturdytwo-storybrickhomebuiltpost-Shiftsittingonahalf-acrelot.Thewallsofthefirststorylookedreinforced,theirwindowsnarrowandshieldedbysteelbars.Thesecond-storywindowsranlarger,butthesteelbarson
themwerejustaswellmade.Nofence.Anyshapeshiftergonelouporaloosevampirewouldscalethetallestfenceintheblinkofaneye,andrazorwiredidn’tgivethemmuchpauseeither.Inpost-ShiftAtlantafencesdidn’tkeepmonstersout.Theykeptpeopleinforconvenientsnacking.
Curranunlockedthesteelsecuritydoorandthenthe
solidinnerdoorwiththekeysGeorgeleftforus.Hardwoodfloors.Cleanhouse,airydespitethenarrowwindows.Neat.Curraninhaled.“I’mgettingEduardoandGeorge,nobodyelse.I’mgoingtowalkaroundoutside.”
Iwentintothekitchen.Granitecountertops,cleanandpolished.Niceoakcabinets.Happykitchentowelswithbrightredapples
sewnonthem.Abigsolidtable,nofrills,andonlytwochairs.Thisplacemust’vecostasmallfortunetorent.Nosignsofstruggle.Noblood.Ikeptwalking.Familyroom.Bookshelvesstoodagainsttheleftwall,mostlyempty.Acoupleofcomfortableshapeshifter-sizedcouches,eachlinedwithaknittedafghan,offeredasoftplacetosit.Astackof
bookslayonthecoffeetable,thetoponehalf-closedbecausesomeonehadstuckapencilintoit,probablytoholdtheirplace.Ateacup,alittlebitofteastillinthebottom,waitedbythebooksforitsowner.Thiswasn’tsomepristinehouse.ThiswasEduardo’shome,aplacewherehehopedGeorgewouldlivewithhim,andIfeltoddmovingthroughthis
space,asifIwereinvadingtheirprivacywithouttheirpermission.IcouldpictureGeorgeandEduardosittinghereonthecouch,eachwiththeirowncupoftea,readingtogetherundertheknittedblanketsontheoversizedcouch.
Nopicturesonthewalls.Georgewasright.Eduardoprobablydidn’tkeepincontactwithhisfamily.In
fact,thehousewasbarelyfurnished.Theyprobablyhadn’thadachancetogetallthefurnitureorcouldn’taffordit.
Thelivingroomended.Anotherroom,arectangular,relativelynarrowspace,layacrossthehallway.Probablyaformaldiningroomatonepoint,nowithadbeenturnedintoanoffice,withalonesquarewindow,largeenough
forapersontosqueezethrough,buttoosmallforanythinglarger.Adeskstoodagainstonewall,supportingaphoneandayellowbook.Weaponshungonthewalls,mostlytacticalblades.Mostshapeshiftersusedtheirclaws.Afew,especiallythosetrainedspecificallyforcombat,armedthemselveswithknives.Eduardodidn’tgrowclaws.Hisarsenal
consistedofvariousshortswords.Twomassiveweaponshungonthewall:abigsteelmaulwithawoodenhandleandanequallyheavyaxe.IfItriedtofightwitheither,itwouldrequiretwohandsandtakemeagestoswingthem.EduardocouldprobablyswingthemaboutaseasilyasIswungmysword.
IpausedbyapairofIberiansteelfalcatas,twenty
inchesoverall,withfourteen-inchblades,single-edged,slightlycurved,andconvexnearthepointbutconcavenearthehilt.TheswordsthatsurprisedtheRomansintheSecondPunicwar.
Ihadapairoffalcatasfromthesamesmithy—theyborethesamesmallmarkonthehilt.Thesewerehandforgedfrom5160high-carbonsteeland
marquenchedinamoltensaltbathtominimizeflaws,distortions,andcracking.Therewasagreatdealofdifferencebetweenaswordandaswordlikeobject.Ihadseenveryprettybladesmadefromstainlesssteelthatlookedgreatuntilsomeoneactuallytriedtousethemandtheysnappedinhalffromstress.Battle-readyswordsrequiredfatigue-resistant
springsteellike5160.Pre-Shift,peopleuseditfortrucksprings.Itcontainedchromeandsiliconandwasexpensive,but5160tookahellofalotofpunishmentbeforeitbroke.Eduardohadgoodtaste.
Imovedontothedesk.Thecorkboardheldscrapsofpaper.Mostlookedlikemercnotes,thenumbersofclientswithsmallnotationsbythem.
1728MapleDrive,wingedsnakeinatree.345Calwood,feraldog.CallGuildaboutWalters,5dayslateonpayment.Ipluckedthecorkboardoffthewall.Iwouldgothroughittonight.Unlikethefictionaldetectiveswhosolvedcrimesinaburstofbrilliance,I’vesloggedmywaythroughinvestigationsandI’velearnedthatbeingthoroughpaysoff.
Astackofopenmaillayonthecornerofthedesk,pinnedinplacebyalargesmoothrock.Imoveditasideandflippedthroughthestackofmail.Bills.Allcurrent,nopast-duebalances.Abankstatement.Eduardohadatotalofsixthousanddollarsinsavingsandtwothousandinchecking.Apagewaspinnedtothebankstatement,detailingalistofexpenses,
utilities,insurance,andsoon,eachwithanotationbyitwritteninabold,widehand.Theamountsonsomenotationsweremultipliedbytwo.HewasdoingthebudgetforhimandGeorge.UnderneathinbiglettersEduardohadwritten,Needmoremoney,andunderlinedittwice.
Icheckedthedeskdrawer.Paper,pens,sticky
notes,astackofgigtickets...Ileafedthroughit.Themostrecentonewasfromaweekago.Hemust’vefiledthemweekly.Somedayshadthreegigs,sometimessix,sevenhoursapart.Hewasworkinghimselfintotheground.Hewouldtakeajob,finishit,returntotheGuild,andsleepthereuntilanothergigcameup,andhediditdayafterday.Georgecouldn’t
haveknown.Shewould’vemadehimstop.
Imovedthegigstubsaside.Asmallwoodenbox...Ipickeditupandflickedthelatch.Aringrestedonthecushionofvelvet.Abigroundsapphiresetinaframeworkoftriangularpetals,resemblingalotusflowerstuddedwithtinydiamonds.Themetaloftheringwassolidblack.
Fourteen-karatgoldplatedwithblackrhodium.Itwould’vebeenexpensivebeforetheShift;now,withtechnologysuffering,thepricewascrazy.Shapeshiftersdidn’tlikethefeelofpreciousmetals.Silverwaspoisonandgoldwasonlyslightlybetter.Rhodiuminsulatedthemagainstgold.RaphaelhadgivenablackrhodiumringtoAndreafor
herbirthday,startingacraze.ThePackwouldn’tshutupaboutitfordays.
Iwaslookingatmorethanseventhousanddollarsinthistinybox.Georgewaswaytoopracticaltoeverexpectablackrhodiumring.IfIaskedher,shewouldtellmestainlesssteelwasjustfine.Buthe’dboughtitforheranyway.Hewantedhertohavethebesttherewas,andif
sheeverfoundouthowmuchheworkedtogetit,shewouldprobablykillhim.
Thesapphirecaughtthelightfromthewindow,thefirewithinsparkling,asifadropofpureseawaterhadsomehowcrystallized,retainingallofthecoloranddepthoftheoceaninsideit.Thefutureoftwopeoplesittinghereonavelvetpillow.George’swordscame
backtome.Hecouldbedeadinaditchsomewhere...Worrygnawedatme.Ipackeditaway,intothedeepplaceinsideme,andsnappedtheboxclosed.Eduardodidn’tneedmyemotions.Heneededmyhelp.
Ireachedforthewastebasket.Sometimesthethingspeoplethrewawaysaidmorethanthethingstheychosetokeep.Ahilt
protrudedaboutaninchfromthepapersinsidethebasket.Thepommelhadtheunmistakablepalesoftnessofbone.Hmm.Odd.
Ipulledtheweaponout.Aslightlycurveddaggerinasheath,abouttwenty-fiveandahalfincheslongoverall.Thesheathwaswoodwrappedinblackleather.Silverleafcoveredthetipofthesheathandabouttwo
inchesatthetop,twistingintoacomplexornatepatternwithplaitedsilverwire,giltfiligree,andniello.Icountedthebraidedstrands:one,two,fivetotal.Thehandlehadbeenpainstakinglycarvedtogivethebonejustenoughtexturesoifthegripbecamebloodied,itwouldn’tslipfromyourhand.Abrightblue-greenturquoisestonethesizeofmythumbnail
decoratedthegripandanevenlargerbright-redcarneliangracedthepommel,likeadropofopaqueblood.Wow.
Iwrappedmyfingersaroundthegrip.Thebonewaswarm,soft,andslightlyrough.Likeshakinghands.
Thebladecamefreeofthescabbardwithasoftwhisper.Theseventeen-inchdouble-edgedblade
shimmered,arayofsuncaughtandboundintosteel.Silverscript,delicateandelegant,ranthelengthofthegroovedblade.Ididn’tspeakArabic,butI’velearnedtorecognizesomeverses.ItwasoftenusedbyMuslimsagainstevilspirits.HasbiyaAllahulailahaillahuwaàlayhitawakkaltuwahuwarabbual-àrshial-àzhim.Allahsufficesme;thereisno
godbutHe;inHimIplacemysoletrust;HeistheLordofthemightyThrone.
Akindjaldagger.NotoneofRussianmake.Theprofilewastoocurved.ThiswasakindjalwithanArabicspinonit.Ibalancedthedaggeronmyfinger.Perfect.Fulltang,sharpbutnotbrittle-edged,andthekindofweightdistributionthatletthedaggersinkintothebodyalmoston
itsown.Thiswasn’taweapon.Itwasamasterpiece.Thekindofbladeyoutreasureandpassontoyourchildren.
Sothefalcataswereonthewall,butthekindjalgotthrownintothewastebasket.Why?IfEduardodidn’tlikeit,whynotsellit?Heneededthemoney.
Thetinyhairsonthebackofmyneckrose.My
shoulderstensed.Someonewaswatchingme.
Ilookedupslowly.Outsidethewindow,thesunwasbeginningtoset.Someonestoodintheshadowofatreeaboutfiftyyardsaway,halfhiddenbyalowbranch.Icouldbarelymakeoutadarksilhouettebythedarkertrunk.
Threesecondstothedoor,fivesecondstocoverthe
distance.Toolong.Ifthewatcherwasn’tcompletelyhuman,he’dbegonebeforeI’dgetoutthedoor.
Ileanedforward,focusingonthewatcher.Mybodytensed.
Theshadowwasstillthere,bythetrunk.Definitelyhuman.
Comeout,comeout,whoeveryouare.
Thehumanshapemoved.
That’sit.Comeforward.Comeouttoplay.
Thebranchslidoutoftheway.
Ireachedformysword.Curransteppedintothe
open.Damnit.Igrabbedacanvassack
fromashelf,slidthedagger,thecorkboard,andthebillsintoit,andmarchedoutside.Hewasstillstandingbythe
tree.“Quitscaringme.”“Eduardowasbeing
watched.”Henoddedatthetrunkofthetree.Abarelyperceptiblescrapemarkedthebarkaboutthreefeetup.Igrabbedathickbottombranch,putmyfootagainstthescrape,andpushedupintothetree,intothespotwherethethicktrunksplitintotwinbranches.IfI
crouched,Icouldstillseethewindowandthedeskbyit.Ifthelightwason,Icouldseeinsidetheoffice.
“It’salayeredscent,”Curransaid.“Human.Male.Hecamehereseveraltimes.Lasttimeacoupleofdaysago.”
“Astalker?”Ijumpedoutofthetree.
“Looksthatway.”“Didhedoanythingwhile
here?”Curranshookhishead.
“No.Hedidn’tjerkoff,didn’tspit,anddidn’tsweat.Occasionallyhewasinthetree.”Currancrouchedbythedryleavesandmulchattheroots.“Mostpeoplemovearoundwhiletheywait.Theyshiftfoottofoot.”Hepointedatthemulchwithhishand.
“Doesn’tlookdisturbed,”Isaid.
Henodded.“Thescentisoldbutdense.Hecamehereoftenandstayedforsometimeinonespotwithoutfidgeting.Thisisaguywhoknowshowtonotbeseen.Hewasn’tindecisive.Hewasn’tworriedaboutbeingcaught.Hejuststoodandwatched.Whenhewasdone,hewalkedtotheendofthestreet.Thetrailendsthere.Likelyhehadgottenintoa
car.”Disciplinedandpatient.
Goodforhim,badforus.“WouldEduardoknowhe
wasbeingwatched?”“Hardtosay.”Curran
frowned.“Ifhewereacatorawolf,hewould’vepatrolledhisterritory,sohewouldnoticethescentimmediately.Eduardoisabison.HellifIknow.”
“Isitpossiblehecould’ve
missedthescent?”“Thistimeofyear,the
windusuallyblowssoutheast.Ididn’tsmellhimuntilIwasrightuponthetree.Eduardowouldn’thaveanyreasontocomeouthere,unlesshewasmowingtheyard,whichheprobablywon’tdoforanothercoupleofmonths.Soyes,itispossiblehemissedit.Butbisonhavegoodhearingandanacutesenseofsmell.Sohe
mayhaveknownaboutit.”“Ifhehadknownaboutit,
wouldn’thehaveruffledthemulchorsomethingtoputhisterritorialstamponit?”
“Idon’tknow.Ihavenoideawhatbisondobesideschargingintruders.”
“Couldweasksomebody?”
Curranstaredatmehelplessly.“ThePackhasonewerebisonandhe’smissing.”
Ugh.Everycluewefoundledtoadeadend.“You’renohelp.”
“WhyamItheexpertallofasudden?”
“Ofthetwoofus,youhavemorestalkingexperience.”
Heleanedback.“Really?”“Yes.Whenyoulet
yourselfintomyapartmentbeforeweweredating,didyoufidgetwhileyouwatched
me?”“Willyouletitgo?”he
growled.“No.”“Ididn’tfidget.Ichecked
onyoutomakesureyouhadn’tgottenyourselfkilled.Iwantedtoknowthatyouweren’tdyingslowlyofyourwounds,becauseyouhavenosenseandhalfofthetimeyoucouldn’taffordamedmage.Ididn’tstandthereandwatch
you.Icamein,madesureyouwereokay,andleft.Itwasn’tcreepy.”
“Itwasalittlecreepy.”“Itworked,didn’tit?”“Workedhow?”“You’restillalive.”“Yes,ofcourse,takeall
thecredit.”Welookedatthemulch
somemore.Wewerebothirritated.Eduardohadbeenmissingforfartoolong.
“Noghouls?”Iasked.“Noghouls.Iwalkedthe
entireperimeteroftheproperty.Youfindoutanything?”
“HewasmakingabudgetforhimandGeorge.Heneededmoney.”
Curranstaredatthetree,frustrationclearonhisface.
“Alsothis.”Ishowedhimthedagger.
“Nice,”Curransaid.
“Ifounditinthetrashcaninhisoffice.Itwasmadeforaman.”
“Howdoyouknow?”“Becausethiscostavery
solidchunkofmoney.Ifsomeonewaswillingtospendthatmuchonagiftforawoman,itwouldhavegoldonitsomewhere.InIslamthewearingofgoldandsilkformenisharam,forbidden.Muslimmenaresupposedto
bedetermined,steadfast,andresolute,dedicatedtotheirfaithandtheprotectionoftheirfamily.Goldandsilkaresignsofluxury,whicharefineforwomenbutfrowneduponformen.”Istrokedthesilveronthescabbard.“Thisisadaggermadeforamale.Ithasaprotectivesupplicationonit,andit’sdecoratedwithferuz,turquoise,whichhelpsobtain
divinehelpandvictoryinbattle,andaqiq,carnelian,whichprotectsagainstevilandmisfortune.”
Irealizedhewasstaringatme.
“What?”“Howdoyoueven
rememberallthis?”“It’smyjobto
remember.”Bladeswerethetoolsofmytrade.Ifitcutahumanbody,anditcutit
well,Iknewsomethingaboutit.
Hetookthebladefrommeandsmelledit.“It’sbeensoakedinsomethingthatkillsthescentandthenpolishedwithcloveoil.Smellslikeoneofyourswords.”
“ThisisnotEduardo’susualfare,”Isaid.“Hetendstowiderbladesorheavyweapons.Thisisaprecisionself-defensedagger.Ghouls
originateinArabia.Wolfgriffinsaregeographicallyclose.WasEduardoaMuslim,byanychance?”
“No.Wewould’veseenhimpraywhileontheship,andheandItalkedbeforeandhementionedhewasn’treligious.Maybehebeatuphisstalkerandtookthedaggeraway.Butthenwhynotsellit?Whythrowitaway?”
“Ihavenoidea.Icantakethedaggertoasmithtomorrow.”
“Ifitwasgiventohim,I’mwonderingaboutthethinkingbehindgivingashapeshiftersomethingdecoratedwithsilver,”Curransaid.“Eitherthedaggerwasmadeforsomeoneelseoriginallyorthegiftgiverisclueless.”
“Orhemighthave
thoughtthatEduardomayhavetoattacksomethingthatdoesn’tlikesilver.”Isighed.
Inanyinvestigationtherecomesatimewhenyourunoutofthingstodo.Wehadjusthitthatpoint.Nothingelsecouldbedoneuntilthemorning.
“Let’sgohome,”Curransaid.
CHAPTER
I8
DROVETHROUGHthecity,guidingthevehiclearoundoddobstaclesAtlantathrewinourway.Curranrelaxedinthepassengerseat,hiseyesdistant.
“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Iasked.
“Theirhouse,”hesaid.“WhenIgetmyhandsonhis
kidnapper,I’llbreakhisneck.”
“IkeepthinkingaboutEduardo’sstalker,”Isaid.“GeorgesaidEduardohadrentedthehousesixweeksago,aboutaweekafterhertalkwithMahon.Yousaidthestalkerdidn’tsmelllikeashapeshifter.Eduardowasracingtomakeasmuchmoneyaspossible.HespentallhistimeattheGuildor
doingjobs.Therewasn’tmuchinteractionwiththeoutsideworld,justtheGuildandGeorge.”
“ThestalkermustbeconnectedtotheGuild,”Curransaid.“Someoneheworkedwithorsomeonehemetduringagig.”
“Yes.Weneedtogetacompleterecordofhisjobs.Chancesare,thestalkerguyissomewhereinthere.”
“Howcanwegetarecord?”
“Wecan’t.”Ileanedbackintheseat.“Thelogonlygoesbackafewdays.KnowingtheClerk,heclosedthebooksbeforeheleftandfiledeverything.Togetatthecompleterecord,wewouldhavetogetMarktounsealtheoldlogs.Hewon’tdoit.”
“Whynot?”“Becausetechnicallyit
wouldbeillegalwithoutawarrant,becausetheGuildcouldbesuedifEduardo’skidnappingisconnectedtoit,andbecauseheisaGradeAassholewhoenjoysusingwhatlittlepowerhehas.Ifthereisnoprofitinitforhim,hewon’teventwitchhispinkie.IfwehadtheClerk,Icouldtalkhimintolettingmelookatthelogs,becausetheClerkhadtheultimate
responsibilityforthemandbecausethesafetyofaGuildmemberisatrisk,buttheClerkisgone.Markwon’tdousanyfavors,andBobandhiscrewwon’teither.”
IhadbrieflycontemplatedbreakingintotheGuildandstealingthelogs,butIwasn’tsurewhereMarkhadmovedthemto,sincetheyweren’tintheClerk’scountersafe.AndtheGuildwasneverempty.
UnlessIcouldturnmyselfinvisible,pullingoffthisheistwhileadozenmercswatchedwouldbeverydifficult.
“ThenI’llgettheClerkback,”Curransaid.
“Youwouldhavetogetthemtorehirehim,andtheywon’tdoit.Theydidn’thaveenoughmoneytokeephimoninthefirstplaceandI’mnotsuretheGuildcommitteewouldevenwanthimback.
Theyareallsettoraidthepensionfundandcallitquits.”
Curran’seyesgrewdistantagain.“I’lltakecareofit.”
ThesunhadsetbythetimeIturnedontoourstreetandIsawourhouse,itswindowslitupbythebluishglowoffeylanternsinside.Thesilverinthebarsshieldingitswindowsglowed
slightly,reactingwithmagicandmoonlight,asifcoatedinfluorescentpaint,matchingtheglowofthesecuritydoor.
Ihadspentthefirstmonthafterwe’dmovedinputtingupwardsallaroundourfive-acreplot,andasIturnedintoourdriveway,thereassuringmildpressureofpassingthroughthedefensivespellslidoverme,asifthehousepattedmyhair.
Mystomachhurtfromthelackoffood.Myshoulderachedwithalowgnawingpain.Mysideshurt,too.Iwastired,starving,andfilthy,andIsmelledlikethree-day-oldroadkill.Thespiderichorhaddriedtoacementlikesubstanceinmyhair.Iwould’vekilledforashower.
Acrossthestreet,HeatherSavellfinishedspeakingwithMrs.Waltonandstarted
towardus.Curranlockedhisteeth.Ihadnodoubtthat,inherhead,Heatherwaspreparingaspeechonbehalfofourneighborhood’snonexistentHOA.Shehadalreadykindlypointedouttousthatmostpeoplehidetheirtrashcansinthegarageinsteadofputtingthemonthesideofthehouseandthatwehadatwo-foot-widebaldpatchinourlawn,wherethe
workershaddugupthegroundtogettoaburstpipe.
Ihadverylowtoleranceforpeoplewhotriedtotellmewhattodo.Curranhadevenless.He’dlivedinacabininthewoodsuntilhewastwelve.Thenloupskilledhisfamily,andhelivedonhisownforalmostayear,starvingintheforest,untilMahonfoundhim.TwoyearslaterCurranbecametheBeast
Lord.Whenhespoke,everyoneintheKeepwentsilent.Whenheenteredaroom,alleyeswereonhim.Ifhewantedsomething,itwasbroughttohimwithapologiesthatittooklongerthanthirtyseconds.Livingamongregularpeoplewasn’tinhisframeofreference,andtodayhaddonenothingtoputhimintoacharitableframeofmind.ThefactthatHeather
hadsprinkledcayennepepperonherlawndidn’tendearhertohimeither.NotthathewouldbiteHeather’sheadoff,butIcouldseehimputtingitinhismouthandholdingitinthereforabit.
“Myturn,”Itoldhim.“Youdidthelastone.”
“Callforbackupifyouneedme.”Hegotoutandwentinside.Isteppedoutandlingeredbythecar.Icoulddo
this.Ijusthadtobecordialandnotpunchher.Pieceofcake.
“Hi,”Heathersaid,stretchingtheword.Shewalkedcarefully,asifworriedI’dbiteher.
“Hi!”KateDaniels,agoodneighbor.Wouldyoulikesomecookies?
“I’msorrytobotheryou...Whatisthatsmell?”
Spiderguts.“HowcanI
helpyou?”“Umm,theneighbors
askedmetobringsomeissuestoyourattention.”
Ibettheydidandshebravelysoldieredunderthatburden.“Shoot.”
“It’saboutthemailbox.”Icouldseethecommunal
mailboxoutofthecornerofmyeye.Itseemedintact.
“Yousee,themailmansawyourhusbandduringone
ofhiswalks.”“He’smyfiancé,”Itold
her.“Wearelivinginsin.”Heatherblinked,
momentarilyknockedoffherstride,butrecovered.“Oh,that’snice.”
“It’sverynice.Ihighlyrecommendit.”
“AsIwassaying,hesawyourfiancéwhenhewasinhisanimalshape.Howtoputit...Hebecamealarmed.”
ThatwasgenerallyanormalreactionwhenencounteringCurranforthefirsttime.
“Wearenotsureiftheywilldelivermailagain.”
“Didyoureceiveanyofficialnoticesfromthepostoffice?”
“No,but...”Heathertriedasmile.“Wewerethinkingmaybeyourfiancécouldnotdothatanymore.”
“Dowhat?”IhadasuddenurgetostrangleHeather.IwassotiredofpeopleactinglikeCurranwasaninhumanspreekillerwhowouldmurderbabiesintheirsleep.
“Walkaroundinhisanimalshape.”
Nostrangling.Stranglingwouldnotbeneighborly.
“Itwouldalsobeniceifhelimitedtherangeofhis
walks.”Ihadhadareallylong
day.Mynerveswerestretchedthinandshewasjumpingupanddownonthelastofthem.
Iinhaledslowly.Twoyearsofsortingshapeshifterpoliticsandtheirrun-inswithhumanshadtocountforsomething.“AccordingtotheGuzmanAct,ashapeshifterintheUnitedStatesisfreeto
wearwhatevershapeheorshechooses.It’safederalcrimetodiscriminateagainstshapeshiftersbasedontheformoftheirbody.It’salsoillegaltomakeregulationsinterferingwiththeirabilitytofreelychangeshape.Isincerelyhopetheneighborhoodhasn’tconsideredsigningsuchapetition.”Becauseiftheydid,Iwouldmakethemeatit.
Slowly.“No,no,ofcoursenot.”“I’msureyouweren’t
suggestingthatmyfiancéshouldbelimitedinwhichshapehewearsonastreetinhisownneighborhood?”
“No,ofcoursenot,”shesaid,backpedaling.“Itjustthatitupsetsthedogs...”
“Also,heisn’ttakingawalk.Heispatrolling.Welivenexttoawoodedarea.
I’msureyou’veheardcoyoteshowling.Judgingfromthe‘lostpet’posterstapedonlamppostsandfences,anumberofdogsandcatshavedisappearedfromthisneighborhood,butnoneafterJanuaryfifteenth.Doyouknowwhythatis?”
Shedidn’tanswer.“It’sbecauseonJanuary
fifteenthwemovedintothishouse.Myfiancéisatop-
levelpredator.Hehasclaimedthisterritory,andalloftheotherlesserpredatorsknowbetterthantochallengehim.”
Themagicvanished,likeaveiljerkedaside.Thefeylanternswentoutandtheelectricporchlightcameon,illuminatingmeinallofmybloodynastyglory.Heathersuckedinasharpbreath.
“Willtherebeanything
else?”Iasked.“No.”Herfaceturned
pale.“Thankyousomuchfor
stoppingby.Ifyougetanythingfromthepostofficeaboutinterrupteddelivery,bringittome.I’lltakecareofit.”
Shenoddedandtookoffacrossthestreettoherhouseatanearrun.
Iwalkedintoourhouse,
lockedthesecuritydoorandthefrontdoorbehindme,andexhaled.Adeliciousscentofstewfloatedtome.Mymouthactuallywatered.Sohungry.
ImademywayintothekitchenjustintimetoseeCurran,alreadyshowered,pullapotofstewJuliemust’vemadefromthecoaloven.Grendel,ourfreakishlylargeblackattackpoodle,sprawledontherug,cleaning
abigbone.Hewaggedhistailatmeandwentbacktostrippingshredsofmeat.Juliesetoutthebowlsfordinner.
“Didyouseethemailmanwhiledoingyourroundsyesterday?”Iasked.
Curran’sfaceturnedcarefullyblank.“Yes,Idid.”
“Didyoudoanythingtoscarehim?”
“Iwasperfectlyfriendly.”“Mhm.”Pleasecontinue
withyournicestory.Nonjudgmental.
“Hewasputtingthingsintothemailbox.IwaspassingbyandIsaid,‘Hello,nicenight.’AndthenIsmiled.Hejumpedintohistruckandslammedthedoor.”
“Rude!”Julievolunteered.
“Iletitpass,”Curransaid.“We’renewtotheneighborhood.”
TheformerBeastLord,akindandmagnanimousneighbor.“Soyousneakedupbehindhim,startledhimbyspeaking,andwhenheturnedaroundandsawasix-hundred-poundtalkinglion,youshowedhimyourteeth?”
“Idon’tthinkthat’swhathappened,”Curransaid.
“That’sexactlywhathappened,YourFurriness.”Ilaughed,pullingoffmy
boots.“Georgecalled,”Julie
said.“Twice.”“Didshesayshefound
outanything?”Iasked.“No,shejustwantedto
knowwhatwashappening.Also,somepersoncalledSiennacalledandlefthernumber.Iputitontheboard.”
SiennawastheMaidenoftheWitchOracle.Officially
theAtlantawitchcovenswereindependentofeachother.Unofficially,theyalllistenedtotheWitchOracle,consistingofthreemembers:theCrone,theMother,andtheMaiden.Eachofthethreehaduniquepowers.Siennasawintothefuture.Mystomachsank.Shenevercalledme.ThelastfewtimesIspoketotheOracle,Ihadbeensummonedtotheirlair
inwhatoncewasCentennialPark.
Iwenttothephone,checkedthenumberwrittenonthesmallchalkboardaboveit,anddialed.
“Hello?”ayoungwomansaidontheotherend.
“Sienna,thisisKate.”“Iamgladyoucalled.”“Doesthismeanthe
Oracledecidednottocursemeintooblivion?”The
witchesandIhadmadeadeal:theywouldhelpmeandIwouldkeepmyfatherfromclaimingAtlanta.WhenIclaimedthecityinstead,theydidn’ttakeitwell.
“I’mnottalkingtoyouasamemberoftheOracle,”Siennasaid.“I’mtalkingtoyouasawomanwhoselifeyousaved.Ilookintoyourfuture,Kate.Forobviousreasons.”
ThewitcheswereworriedthatIwouldmoveagainstthecovens.MeandallofmygreatpowerthatIhadnoideahowtoaccessoruse.
“InthepastIsawyourfutures.Theyweremanyandvaried.LatelyI’vebeenhavingthesamevisionoverandover.Iseeamanstandingonahill.Thedayisfullofsunshine.Theskyisbrightandblueandthegrass
underhisfeetisemerald-green.HisfaceisasmudgeandeverytimeItrytoconcentrateonit,Imeetawallofresistance.Heisholdingsomething—Ican’tseewhatitis,butIknowit’svital—andthenheturnsandwalksaway.Ithinkthemanisyourfather.Ican’tthinkofanyoneelseconnectedtoyouwithenoughpowertodeliberatelyobscuremy
vision.”Onthatweagreed.“Any
hintatallatwhathemightbeholding?Howbigisit?”
“It’s...ablur.Itfeelslikeaweapon,Kate.Itfrightensme.”
Great.“Thankyou.Willyoutellmeifyouseeanythingelse?”
“Iwillconsiderit.”“Thanksagain.”Ihungup.Curranglanced
atme.Shapeshifterhearingsurpassedhuman,andhewould’veheardtheentireconversation.Whatevermyfatherwascookingup,itwouldbebadforus.Catastrophicallybad.Isodidn’tneedthisrightnow.
Thedownstairsbathroomdooropenedandathinmansteppedout.Hishairwaspurewhiteandhiseyes,brightblue,werelikethe
clearsky—notasinglethoughtinsight.Ohno.
Christophersawme.Hiseyessparkled.Hesmiledasifgivenapreciousgiftandutteredonehappy,quietword.“Mistress!”
•••
ISLUMPEDAGAINSTthewall.Christopherusedtobebrilliant.Healsousedto
workformyfather.Wenevergotthewholestoryoutofhim,butsomethinghehaddonedispleasedRoland,whopunishedhimandthengavehimtoHughd’Ambray,whoputhimintoametalcageandwasslowlystarvinghimtodeathwhenIgothimout.Christopherreferredtohimselfasshattered,andthat’sexactlywhathewas.Hismindfloatedabout,
brokenintoathousandshards,andyouneverknewwhichparticularshardwasincontrol.Sometimeshewassosmart,ithurt;atothers,hewaschildlike;andthenoccasionallyhedidthingslikeclimbingtothetopofoneoftheKeep’stowersandtryingtotakeflight.Hewasconvincedheusedtoknowhowtoflyandthathestillcould,ifonlyheremembered.
UsuallyittookmeorBarabastotalkhimdown.
WehadleftChristopherbehindattheKeep.Itwasthesafestplaceforhim.Heknewhowtomakepanacea,avitalmedicinetheshapeshiftersdesperatelyneededtokeepfromgoingloup,andthePackwouldguardhimandseetohiseveryneed.Hecouldn’treallybeleftunsupervised.
IturnedtoJulie.Sheshrugged.“HewassittingonourdoorstepwhenDerekdroppedmeoff.”
“Mistress,”Christophersaidhappily.
Ohboy.“Hi,Christopher.”ImademyvoiceasgentleasIcould.“Howdidyougethere?”
“Iwalked.”Walked.TheKeepwas
almosttwohoursawayby
vehicle.Howintheworlddidheevenfindus?
Christopherkeptsmiling,hisalpinelakeeyesblissfullyempty.
“Whydon’tyoustayfordinner?”Itoldhim.
•••
ITTOOKMEfifteenminutesandtwohandfulsofshampootogetthespidergunkoutof
myhair.Italsogavemetimetothink.TomorrowIneededtotaketheglasstoanexpert.Unfortunatelyanyprivatelabanalyzingmagicallyamazingsandwouldhaveawaitinglist,andtakingittothecopswouldaccomplishnothing.Eduardowasagrownman,ashapeshifter,andhehadissueswithhisalpha.Fromanoutsider’sperspective,itwasentirelypossiblethat
he’dsimplyputsometimeanddistancebetweenhimandhisproblems.Theywouldlookforhim,buthewouldn’texactlymakeitontheprioritylist.
Therewasonepersoninthecitywhomightbeabletoanalyzetheglassonshortnotice.GoingtoseehimwouldmakeCurran’shairstandonendanditwouldcostmeanarmandaleg.But
ithadtobedone.Timewasshort.
ThekindjalofferedanotherplaceIcoulddig.Thesilverworkonthescabbardwaselaboratebutnotexactlyunique,butthebladewasadeadgiveaway.Theinscriptionhadbeenwrittenviathekoftgarimethod,wherethesmithscratchedtheblade,hammeredfineflatsilverwireintoit,andthen
heatedittohelpthesilverstick.Koftgarididn’tstandupwelltoprolongeduseandthekindjaldidn’tlooklikearefinishedantique,soithadtobearecentpurchase.Thereweretwosmithsinthecitywhocouldproduceaweaponofthatquality,andonlyoneofthemusedkoftgari.Theotherfavoredinlay,cuttingdeepgroovesintothebladeandfillingthemwithwire.I
wouldgoandknockonNitish’sdoortomorrow.Ihadboughtweaponsfromhiminthepast.Hewouldn’tlikeit,buthewouldtalktome.
IwishedIcould’vespokentoMitchelltonight,butbeggarscouldn’tbechoosers.MitchellsurvivedbecauseBiohazardhidhimfromthegeneralpublic.Icouldonlyseehimattheirconvenience.Pissingoff
Biohazardwasn’tinmybestinterests,nomatterhowmuchIwantedtoknowabouttheghouls.
Asidefromthat,thereweren’talotofpathswecouldtake.AfewyearsagoIwould’vetriedalocatingspell,butthey’vebeenthoroughlydiscreditednow.Themagicbehindthemmisfiredmostofthetime,sendingyouonawild-goose
chaseandwastingtime.Idriedoff,pattingthe
towelgentlyovermyscrapes,andlookedatmyselfinthemirror.Mybackhaddevelopedalovelyplumlikecolor.Twistingtolookatitinthemirrorhurt.Anotherday,anotherwound.
Idressedandwentdownstairstohavedinner.
AnhourlaterdinnerwasoverandIwasputtingaway
thedishesCurranhadwashed.SinceJuliehadcooked,shewasoffkitchenduty.ShespreadherhomeworkoutonthetableandChristophersatnexttoher,leafingthroughhertextbooks.
Idriedaplatewithatowel.“I’mgoingtoseeSaimantomorrow.Ineedhimtoanalyzetheglasswefound.It’sgoingtobeexpensive.”
Curran’seyesturneddark.“TakeDerekwithyou.”
“No.I’mgoingtoseeSaimanwithoutababysitter.”
“Idon’tlikeit.”Christopherquietlygotup
andwalkedoutofthekitchen.
“Doyoutrustme?”ThelineofCurran’sjaw
wenthard.“Itrustyou,”hesaid.“Idon’ttrustthatdegeneratewithyoursafety.”
“Iknow.ButEduardoneedshim.Anyotherlabwilltaketoomuchtime.”
“Istilldon’tlikeit.”“IfSaimantriesanything,
I’lltakehimapart.”Curranlookedatme.I
lookedback.ImeantwhatIsaid.IfSaimangotoutofline,IwoulddowhateverIhadtodotogethimbackbehindit.
“Whileyou’redoingthat,
I’mgoingtoswingbytheGuild,”Curransaid.“Youdon’tstalksomeoneyoudon’tknow.Eduardoandthemanwhowatchedhimcrossedpathssomehow,andwhilewecan’tlookatthelogbooks,Ihavehisscentnow.Ifhe’sbeentotheGuildinthepastweek,I’llrecognizeit.”
“IfEduardowasbeingstalked,wouldhetalkto
anyoneinthePack?”Ithoughtoutloud.
“Hedidn’ttellGeorge,”Curransaid.
Thatwastrue.Shedidn’tmentionitanditwasn’tthekindofthingonewouldconsiderirrelevantwhenyourlovedonewasmissing.
Christopherstillwasn’tback.
“Julie,wheredidChristophergo?”
Sheraisedherheadfromherpaper.“Hesaidhewasgoinghome.”
“What?”Home.Inthedark.AllthewaytotheKeep.
Itossedthetowelontotheislandanddashedoutside,intothecold.Ourfrontyardwasempty.Isprintedtotheendofthedrivewayandspunleft,thenright.Therehewas,walkingdowntheneighbors’driveway.
“Christopher!”Hewavedatmeand
headedstraightfortheirdoor.Iranafterhim,tryingnottoslipontheicypavement.Inretrospect,shoeswould’vebeenanexcellentidea.
IgottoChristopherjustasheknockedontheneighbors’door.
“Hey,”Itouchedhisshoulder.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Home.”Hesmiled.“Ilikehome.It’swarmandtherearebooks.”
“Thisisn’t—”Thedoorswungopenand
Barabasappearedintherectangleofelectriclight.HeworesweatpantsandaT-shirtthathungfromhisleanframe.Hisredhair,spikyasalways,stoodstraightuponhishead,makinghishandsomeangularfaceseem
evensharper.Hesawmeandhiseyesgotwider.
“Um,”Barabassaid.“Eh.Goodevening,Kate.”
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Eh.”“Welivehere,”
Christopherexplainedtome,andwalkedintothehouse.
They’dmovedinnextdoortous.ChristopherandBarabashadmovedinnext
doortousandnobodyhadtoldme.
Barabasfinallyrecoveredhisabilitytospeak.“Thereisthiswonderfulinvention.It’smadeofleatherandlinedwithsoftfabric,anditgoesonyourfeettoprotectthemfromcoldandroughsurfaces.It’scalledshoes.Youreallyshouldtryit.”
“Yourentedahousenexttous?”
Barabaswrinkledhisnose.“Notexactly.Pleasecomein.YourtoeslookliketheymightfalloffandCurranwouldevisceratemeifIletyougetfrostbite.”
Icameinside.Theirbottomfloorwasopen,justlikeours.Abigstackofcardboardboxesoccupiedtheleftsideofthelivingroom.
“Youjustmovedin?”Iasked,myvoicesweet
enoughtospreadontoast.Movedinanddidn’ttellme.
“Abouttwoweeksago.ThoseareallChristopher’sbooks.Weareputtingshelvesinoneofthebedroomsandsomedowntherealongthewall.”Barabaswavedattheleftsideoftheroom.
Someoneknockedonthedoor.
“Comein!”Barabascalled.
ThedoorswungopenandDerekstuckhisheadin.“Hey,doyouhaveanyducttape?”
Hesawme,steppedback,andclosedthedoorwithoutaword.Well.
“Coward,”Barabassaid,loudenoughforDerektohear.
“Where?”Iasked.“Thehouseontheother
sideofyours.”
“AndIsupposethishouseandtheoneDerekisinjusthappenedtobeforsale...”
Istopped.Currandidn’trelyonluck.Hewasthorough,andhethoughtahead.Irecalledourstreet.Onourside,fivelargehouses,includingours,backedtothewoods,andIcouldn’trememberseeingtheirownersortheircars.Hemust’veboughtoutthewhole
street.Ohwow.Thatexplainedwhywewererunninglowonfunds.
“DidyouseparatefromthePack?”Iasked.
“Yes.”Barabasinvitedmetositontheplushbrownsofa.
Isatandtuckedmycoldfeetunderme.
“Whoelse?”“SofarChristopher,
Derek,andI.Jezebelwas
thinkingaboutit,butdecidedagainstit.”
Inodded.JezebelwasinarelationshipwithLouis,whowasverymuchaPackkindofshapeshifter.Louiswasawidower.Hisdaughter,whomJezebeladored,wasfive,andLouiswantedhertobebroughtupinthesafetyofthePack.AfterbeingJulie’sbabysitterandseeingeverythingthatcouldhappen
toachild,Jezebelagreed.“IgetDerek,”Isaid.
TherewasnoplaceforDerekamongJim’speople.Derekunderstoodsecurityandhewasagoodfighter.Hehadnootherskills.Ioncetriedtotalktohimaboutcollegeandhesmiledatmeandwalkedaway.
ThesecurityavenuewasclosedtoDerek.Robert,oneofthealphaRats,hadtaken
overthepositionofsecuritychief.Hehadtotrusthisstaff,andheandDerekhadn’tworkedtogetherenoughforthattrusttoform.Robertwouldbebringinginhisownpersonnel,andifDerekjoinedthatparade,hewouldhavetostartfromthebottomup.HisonlyotheroptionwastogobacktoClanWolf,whereDesandrawouldpressurehimintoabeta
position,becausehewasskilledandrespectedandbecauseshecouldn’taffordtohavehimasarival.Derekwantedtohavenothingtodowithclanpolitics.Hewasquiteclearonthatpoint.ItmadesenseforDerektoseparate,butBarabashadthrivedasthePacklitigator.
“Idon’tgetyou,”Isaid.“Youlovepracticinglaw.”
“NowIwillpracticeitfor
youandCurran.”Hehadpracticallyrunthe
legaldepartmentinthePack,andhehadwalkedawayfromallofit?Ididn’tknowifIhadtofeelguilty,frustrated,orgrateful.“Idoubttherewillbemuchworkforyouhere.”
“You’dbesurprised,”Barabassaid.
“IthoughtyouwereallsettoworkwithJim.”
Barabasshookhishead.
“Istayedlongenoughtoeasethetransition.Jimneedsadifferentlawyer.Trishaistakingoverfromme.Shewilldoverywellforhim.”
“AndChristopher?”Barabassighed.
“Christopherwouldn’tstayintheKeepwithoutyouorme.Onceherealizedthatbothofushadleft,hewanderedthehallwayscryingandthenwentcatatonic.”
Igroundmyteeth.“Itoldthemtocallmeiftherewereproblems.”
“Theycalledmeinstead,”Barabassaid.“SoIcameandgothim.”
“AndJimjustlethimgo?”Afterall,Christopherwastheonewhohadbroughttherecipeforpanaceatous.
“Hehadnochoice.Christopherdecidedtoliveherewithme.I’lltakegood
careofhim.Jimalwaysviewedhimasasecurityrisk,andifthepanaceamakersrunintoanyproblems,theyknowwheretofindhim.”
Christopherhadbeendoingbetter.Inthepastsixmonthshehadmanagedtokeepaschedule,dresshimself,andmaintainpersonalhygiene.Buthestillhadmomentsofcompleteconfusion.IntheKeepour
securitystaffalwayskeptaneyeonhim,butherethewholeweightofresponsibilityrestedonBarabas.
“Hecooksnow,”Barabassaid.“Itwasverysudden.Hewalkedintothekitchenandjuststarteddoingit.”
“Whatdidhemake?”“Creampuffsshapedlike
swans.Theywereridiculouslydelicious.”
“Barabas...”“Kate,Iliketakingcare
ofhim.Heisnotrouble.”Barabasraisedhishead.“Curranisoutside.”
“Didyouhearhim?”Whenhewantedto,Curranmovedcompletelysilently,afactIoftenregrettedbecauseheenjoyedpoppingupbehindmeoutofthinairandmakingmejump.
“No.Ifelthim.”Barabas
grimaced.“It’shardtodescribe.It’sakindofawareness,likesomethinglargeanddangerouspassingbyyouinabsolutedarkness.Youdon’thearit,youdon’tseeit,youdon’tsmellit,butyouknowit’sthere.ItwasbetterattheKeep.HewasalwaysattheKeep,soyoualwaysfeltasmallmeasureofit,andtheplacewasalwayscrowded,which
helpedsome.Nowit’smorejarring.Heisn’tthereandthensuddenlyheisthere.”Heblewalongbreathout.“Thiswilltakesomegettingusedto.”
Ha!Iwasn’ttheonlyone.Curranknockedonthe
door.“It’sopen,”Barabassaid.Curransteppedinside.He
washoldingtheGuild’sManualandJim’scontractin
hislefthandandapairofmysoftpaddedbootsinhisright.
Hehandedmethebootsandsmiled.
Ismiledbackandputthebootson.
CurranheldouttheGuild’sManualandJim’scontracttoBarabas.“TheGuildissufferingfromcashflowproblems.Themercswanttoraidthepensionfund,sotheyforcedashutdown.
Theadminstaffwalkedoffduetononpaymentandthey’velosttheircleaningcrews.I’dliketotakeitover.”
“I’llseewhatIcando,”Barabassaid,takingthecontractandtheManual.“Doyouwanttomuscleinorbemoresubtleaboutit?”
“Iwanttoknowmyoptions.Iwroteasummaryinthefront.Lookatthelast
provisioninMembershipPowersandseeifyoucanfindmeawayin.”
“I’llhavesomethingbytomorrow.”
Icouldn’trememberwhatthehellthelastprovisioninMembershipPowerswas.IusedtoknowtheManualcovertocover,butithadbeenawhilesinceIhadtopullthatknowledgeoutofmyhead.
“Don’tforgettobillme,”Curransaid.“Exorbitantly.”
Barabasflashedhimaquicksmile.“I’llbeverygenerousinmybillablehours.”
Wewalkedhomethroughthecold.“Youdidn’ttellme,”Isaid.
“Itwasn’tmyplacetotell.”
“Idon’tunderstandwhytheydidn’ttellmeeither.”
“Allofthemwerepartofourinnercircle,”Curransaid.“TheyknewexactlyhowmuchyouwantedtobeawayfromtheKeepandthePack.Theywantedtogiveyouspace.”
“DidtheythinkIwouldthrowatantrum?”
“Baby,you’renotthetantrumtype.Youarethescary-smile-and-stabbingtype.”
Ilookedathim.“Hard-staretype.”He
grinned.“Theyknewyouwantedprivacy.Theydidn’twantyoutofeelliketheychasedusdown.Butitwasgettingabitridiculous,soit’sgoodChristophergavethemanudge.”
Iwavedatoursideofstreet.“Howmanyofthesehousesdoyouown?”
“Weown,andallof
them.”“Doweownanything
else?”“Wealsoownthewoods
directlybehindus.”Thosewoodsextendedfor
quiteawhile.Thereusedtobeahugegolfcourseandashoppingcenterbehindus,buttreesandbrushhadswalloweditlongago.“Howmanyacres?”
“Fivehundredand
twelve.”Iopenedmymouthand
nothingcameout.“Ithoughtofcallingitthe
FiveHundredAcreWood,”Curransaid.
Mymouthfinallyworked.“Howmuchdidyou...?”
“Threemillion.”OhmyGod.“Itwasasteal.Theykept
tryingtoclearit,butthetreesthereseemtohaveareally
highaffinityformagic.Everytimetheyclearsomething,thewoodsgrowbackinweeks,whichisperfectforus.Onceweallowthewoodstodevelop,thegrowthwillself-regulate.”
“Isthiswhywe’reoutofmoney?”
“Yes.”Hesmiledatme.“We’renotoutofmoney.Wejusthaveafirmbudget.”
Ilaughedquietly.
Somehowitallcompletelymadesense.
“Ididtellyouaboutthewoods.Onthreedifferentoccasions.”
No,hedidn’t.“Idon’trememberthat.”
“BeginningofFebruary,ItoldyouthatIwasthinkingofbuyingalittleextralandwithourhouse.”
Ihadnorecollectionofthatconversation.Also,a
littleextralandmeantanotheracre.NotaforestfivetimestheonePoohBearlivedin.“WhatdidIsayback?”
“Yousaid,‘Youwanttotalkaboutthisnow?’Andthenyousaid,‘Can’tyoujustbitehiminhalf?’”
Ah,nowIremembered.“Wewereinahalf-floodedgaragewithaderangedlunaticwhowasshootinglightningatus.”
“AndthenIbroughtitupagainthesecondweekendafterwemovedin.Wewereinourbedroom.YouweredoingpaperworkandIcameoutoftheshowerandIsaid...”
ThatIhadaperfectrecollectionof.“Yousaid,‘Hey,baby,comehereoften?’”
“Beforethat.”“Idon’trememberwhat
yousaidbeforethat.Youmadeitdifficulttoconcentrate.”
“Inmydefense,youweredoingpaperworknaked.”Currangrinned.
Whatever.“Whenwasthethirdtime?”
“IbroughtittoyouatworkandIsaid,‘Lookatthis.I’mbuyingthisland.’Andyousaid,‘Ifeelawkwardtellingyouhowtospendyour
money.Ifyouwanttobuyextraland,Ithinkyoushould.’”
Okay,sohehadapoint.Curranreachedoverand
squeezedmyhand.“What’sdoneisdone.ThePackbelongstoJimnowandforallofhisgrandstanding,ifIdecidedtotakeitback,hewouldfightmeforit.Butnowwehavetotakecareofourpeople.Theleastwecan
doistoprovidethemwithaplacetolive,aplacetorunatnight,shouldtheysochoose,andthemeanstoearntheirliving.”
Themoonchosethatmomenttobreakthroughtheclouds,floodingthestreetwithgentlepalelight.Ialwayslikedthedarkness.Theworldseemedbiggersomehowundertheendlessnightsky.Anoddcalm
settledoverme.“I’mworriedabout
Eduardo.”Isaid.“Whatwehaveisbetterthannothing,butallofourleadsareslim.Wearemovingtooslowly.Thelongerhe’sgone,thesmallerthechancesoffindinghimalive.I’malousydetective...”
Curran’seyebrowsrose.“Could’vefooledme.”
Iheldupmyhand.“I’ma
lousydetective,butI’mexcellentatannoyingpeople.”
“Yes,youare.”Ha-ha.“Normallyatthis
pointIwouldmakemyselfintoapaininthekidnapper’sass.I’dmakeitpersonalandbecomeatarget,sowhoevertookhimturnshimselfinsideouttryingtonukeme.Itwouldgivemeawayinanditwouldkeepotherpeoplefrom
gettinghurt.”Curran’seyesshonewith
apredatorylight.“Solet’smakeitpersonal.”
Ipointedovermyshoulderatthehouse.“Julie.”BeforeJuliewasattheKeep.Nowshewashere.Therewasaworldofdifferencebetweenatowerfullofkillersandahouseinthesuburbs.Itwasaverywell-protectedhouse,butstill.
“Juliewillbefine,”hesaid.“Wehavestrongwardsandgooddoors,andourneighborsareveryinvestedinhersafety.Howdowegetunderhisskin?”
“Ghouls.Idon’tknowifhecaresaboutthem,butheusesthem.”
“Sowe’llhithisghouls.”“I’lltalktoGhastek,if
youtalktoJim,”Isaid.“Betweenthevampiresand
theshapeshifters,someonehastohaveseenghoulsmovingthroughthecity.Wefindthemandkillthem.Ifweknockoutenoughofhisteeth,eventuallyhe’llgetpissedoffandcometopunchusintheface.”
Curranbaredhisteeth.“I’mgoingtoenjoythis.”
“Thatmakestwoofus.”Atleastwehadaplan.
Evenabadplanwasbetter
thannone.Thepurrofacarengine
rolledthroughtheneighborhood.APackJeeppulleduptoourdriveway.Georgejumpedout.
“Didyoufindoutanything?”Curranasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Didyoufindhim?Didyou—”
“Weknowtheghoulstookhim,”Isaid.“Hewasalivewhentheygothim.We
don’tknowwhy.”Herfacewasapalemask,
herteethclenched,hereyesfeverish.“Ghouls?What?”
“Comeinside,”Itoldher.“We’llexplaineverything.”
CHAPTER
C9
UDDLESCLOPPEDDOWNthestreetatajerkytrot.
Shegallopedlikeachampandwascomfortabletorideatawalkoracanter,buthertrotwasrattlingteethinmyskull.Islowedherdownacoupleoftimes,butshefeltliketrottingthismorningandonceshegotsomethinginto
herhead,noforceonEarthcouldchangehermind.I’dtakenherbecausethemagicwaveshadbeencominginshortburstslately,andanenchantedenginetookforevertowarmup.AlsobecauseacoupleofweeksagoBuckheadhadexperiencedaninvisiblehailstorm.Youdidn’tseethehail,butyousawtheimpact.Itdidn’tcausethatmuch
damage—mostofBuckheadwasinruinsanyway—butitturnedtheroadsintoanobstaclecourseofpotholes.
“You’retryingtokillme,isthatit?”Ishiftedinthesaddle,tryingtofindaspotwheremybackdidn’thurt.
Cuddlesignoredmeandkepttrotting.
ThismorningwhenIwokeup,mybodyletmeknowjusthowdispleasedit
wasthatIwasn’tspendingthedayinbed.Idraggedmyselfup,wemadebreakfast,andthenIwentonewayandCurranandJuliewenttheother.MaybeIshouldhavetakenacar.IneededtomakeprogresstodayandSaimanwasmybestbet.
SaimanmadehislairintheposhluxuryofaChampionHeightspenthouse.
Thebuildingwasimpossibletomiss.Itwasjustabouttheonlyhigh-risestillleftstandinginBuckhead.Itsownershadsunkanobsceneamountofpowerintoitswards,trickingmagicintothinkingthebuildingwasaverylargenaturalrock.Duringthemagicwavespartsofitlookedlikeagranitecrag,butrightnowitwasafifteen-floorbuilding,
shroudedinmorningfogandbacklitbytheraysoftherisingsunlikesomemysticalspireofaneviloverlord.
Cuddlessnorted.“Idon’tlikeiteither,”I
toldher.“Butyou’lllovetheirstable.It’stodiefor.”
Wepassedaparkinglotfilledwithslick,expensivevehiclesandIsteeredCuddlestothestable.ThenthestableemployeeandIhad
abriefdiscussionaboutwhetherCuddlesactuallyqualifiedasamount.However,Ihadtwentybucksandwaswillingtopartwithit,soIwonbydefault.WithCuddlessafelyplacedintoastall,Iclimbedthestairstothefrontdoors,whereasecurityguardleveledanAK-47atme.IgavehimSaiman’spasscodeandafewmomentslatertheelevator
spatmeoutonthefifteenthfloor.Theyhadreplacedthehallwaycarpetsincemylastvisit.Thenewonewasmidnight-blue,withridiculouslyhighpile.IfIsteppedintoit,I’dprobablysinkinuptomyears.Theyshould’veequippedtheelevatorwithalifevestjustincase.
IwalkedtoSaiman’sdoorandknocked.
Noanswer.Hewashome.Saiman
wasacreatureofhabit.Catchinghimatnightwashitormiss,butnomatterhowadventuroushehadgotten,hewouldreturnhomeinthemorning.
Istoodbythedoorandwaited.He’dheardmyknock.Oncewasenough.Eventuallyhiscuriositywouldgetthebetterofhim
andhewouldopenthedoor.Amomentpassed.
Anothercrawledby.SaimanandIhadalong
history.WemetduringaGuildjob.HemanagedtopissoffsomevolhvesandIendedupbodyguardinghimforoneverylongnight.Saimanwasapolymorph:hecouldassumeanyhumanshape,anygender,anyage,andanysizewithinhuman
norm.Duringthenight,hedeclaredthatifheassumedtherightshape,anypersonwouldhavesexwithhimandthenhepropositionedme.Itoldhimthatsexrequiredmorethanphysicalattraction.Saimandidn’tlikebeingturneddown.Hegavemealargediscountonhisservicesinanefforttokeepmearoundsohecouldkeeptryingtoprovehispoint.
ThenhetriedtousemetogetbackatCurranforsomeinjurytohispride,andmysweetandunderstandingfiancébrokeintoSaiman’swarehouse,rippedanengineoutofoneoftheluxurycarsstoredthere,andusedittodemolishtherestofSaiman’soverpricedcarfleet.Sincethentheyhadsomewhatburiedthehatchet—lotsofmoneywasinvolved—but
therewasnotellingwhatsortofreceptionIwouldget.
Thelockclickedasthedeadboltslidaside.Thedoorswungopen,revealingSaiman.Hewaswearingmyfather’sface.
He’dduplicateditperfectly,fromtheelegantjawtothestraightnoseandthemasterfulsweepofsable-blackeyebrows,buthecouldn’treproducetheeyes.
Roland’seyesshonewithbarelysuppressedpower.Hughoncetoldmethatfacinghimwaslikelookingintotheeyesofthesun.Ihaddoneit,andthemagicemanatingfrommyfatherwaslikeanavalanche.Itcausedmetobackdownforthefirsttimeinaverylongtime,notbecauseIwasafraidIwoulddiebutbecauseIwasafraidthateveryoneIloved
woulddiewithme.This“Roland”hadSaiman’seyes:sardonic,conceited,andresignedtocoexistingwithidiotswhohadafractionofhisintellectandweren’tworthytosharetheairhebreathed.
Ilaughed.Saimanponderedme,
clearlyknockedoffhisstride.Hemust’veplannedtointimidateorunsettleme.
Unfortunatelyforhim,hecouldn’thavelookedlesslikemyfatherifhe’dbeenaneighty-year-oldwoman.
Itriedtolookathimagain,lostit,andlaughedlouder.
“Comeinside,”hesnapped.
“Yes,Dad.”Ifollowedhimin,snickering.
Saiman’sfaceacquiredalovelypurpletint.“Thereis
nothinghumorousaboutthis.”
“You’regoingtohavetodosomethingaboutyournewoutfit.Youkeepcrackingmeup.”
Saiman’sfacecrawled.Mystomachforgotitwasinsidemeandtriedtofleeinhorror.Hisbonesmoved,stretchingtheskininavomit-inducing,grotesquejigasiftennisballswererolling
underhisskin.Hishairdisappeared,absorbed,hisbuildslimmeddown,andfinallyanewmanstoodinfrontofme.Bald,ofmediumbuild,hisfaceneitherugly,norhandsome.Ablankcanvasofafacestuddedwithsharpeyes.Thiswashisneutralform,theoneheworemostoften.
“Muchbetter,”Itoldhim,tryingtopersuademy
stomachtokeepdownbreakfast.
Saimaninvitedmetositdownwithasweepofhishand.Hisapartmentwasanultramodernoasis:curvedfuturisticlines,steel,glass,blackwalls,whiteplushfurniture.Itwasabitsoulless.
Itookaseatonthewhitecouch.“Foramansteepedinmagic,youseemveryfondoftechnology.”
“Ilikeitscivilizinginfluence.”Saimansatacrossfromme.
“Andthefactthatit’sgettingmoreandmoreexpensivetoobtainhasnothingtodowithit?”
“That’sbesidethepoint,Sharrim.”
Sharrim.Oftheking.ThatwaswhatRoland’speoplecalledme.Saimanwasn’tjustamagicexpert.Hewasalso
aninformationbroker.Secretswerehisstock-in-tradeandhewastryingtorubmynoseinmine.Thatwasokay.Twocouldplaythisgame.
“Ithinkit’sperfectlyrelevanttothisdiscussion,Aesir.Tellme,doesLokievercometovisithisgrandson?Whatdoeshethinkofyourcrib?”
Saimansatupstraighter.
“Letmesaveyouthetrouble,”Isaid.“Let’sstoppretendingthatyouhadn’tfigureditoutpriortomeclaimingthecity.Thisiswhatyoudo.Yousawthewordsonmyskin,andyouwentwithustotheBlackSeaandwanderedaroundHughd’Ambray’scastle.ThereisnodenyingthatIlooklikemyfather.Youfigureditoutandyouchosenottodo
anythingaboutit.Youplayeddumb,becauseyouwantedtoknowhowitwouldallshakeout.Nowweknow.Youhavetomakeachoice,Saiman.WouldyourathertalktoSharrimorKateDaniels?Icanbeeither,butyouhavemyguaranteeyouwilllikeonemuchlessthantheother.”
“AndifIsaySharrim?”Saimanaskedcarefully.
Ileanedback.“Thenwecandiscusswhyyoufailedtosupportmeinmystandagainstmyfather.Youhavecontactsalloverthecontinent.YouknewHughd’Ambraywouldbecoming.YouknewRolandwouldfollow.Youdidnothingtowarnme.Nowyouareinmycityandyouhavethegalltowearmyfather’sface.Wasthatajokeorwereyoutrying
tomakeastatement,Saiman?”
Ileanedforwardandfixedhimwithmytoughstare.
Saimansatverystill.“Iwouldverymuchlike
anexplanation.”Saimanopenedhismouth.
“AndifItakeKate?”Ipulledouttheplastic
bagwiththedirtyglassinit.“Ineedthisanalyzed.I’mlookingforamissing
shapeshifter.Youmightrememberhim:tall,large,turnsintoabuffalo.HisnameisEduardoOrtegoandhecamewithusonourfunBlackSeavacation.Ifoundhisvehiclewitharingofthisglassaroundit.Theringwasabouttwelvefeetindiameterandhalfafootwide.Theglassregisterscopperonanm-scanner.Anythingyoucantellme.Whatmythology,
whatbrandofmagic,anything.Ourusualrate.”
Saimanblinked.“That’sit?”
“Yep.”Helookedattheziplock
bagasifitwereascorpionabouttostinghim.Afeverishcalculationwastakingplaceinhishead.“AndifIsayno?”
“ThenIwilltakeitsomewhereelse.”
Saimanplaitedthefingersofhishandsintoasinglefistandleanedonit,lookingoffintothedistance.
“Takeyourtime.”Ileanedbackonthecouch.
“Areyoutryingtocommunicatethatyouhavenointentionofinfluencingeventswithinthecity?”Saimanasked.
“NotunlessIjudgethemtobeinneedofmy
influence.”“Itisnotanevaluativebut
afactualquestion,”hesaid.“Therecanbeonlyoneoftwoanswers:yesorno.Doyouintendtorule?”
“No.”Saimanponderedme.“I
can’tdecideifyoucan’tcomprehendtheprecariousnatureofyoursituationorifyouchoosetodeliberatelyhidefromitlikeanostrich
thrustingitsheadintothesand.”
“Youalwayscomeupwithsuchflatteringmetaphors.Thelasttimewehadoneofourlittletalks,youcomparedmetoacactus.”
Saimanfrowned,wrinklinghisforehead.“Kate,itisnotjustaboutwhoyouareandthemeritsofyourparticulardeeds.It’saboutNimrod.Youarehis
daughter.Youclaimedaterritoryindependentofhim.Everyonewhohasanaxetogrindagainsthimwillcomehere.”
Theywillbecomingafterme?Youdon’tsay.“Thankyou,CaptainRecap.Yoursummaryofthethingsweknowwasmostimpressive.”
“Youwillbetested.Youwillbechallenged.Youwillneedabaseofsupport.Ifyou
simplywalkawayfromit,thecitywillturnintoafree-for-allasvariouspowerstrytotugitawayfromeachotherfortheprivilegeofoustingNimrod’sdaughter.”
“Iintendtoprotectthecity.Therewillbenofree-for-all.”
Saimanpausedandstaredatmeagain.SomethingI’dsaidhadobviouslybrokenhisformidablebrain.
“Youwillprotectthecity,butyoudon’tintendtoruleit.”
“Yes.”“Whatisthepointof
protectingit?Yougainnothing.Youputyourselfinphysicaldangerfornoactualbenefittoyou.Isitbecauseyouwantyourfather’sapproval?”
“Hecantakehisapprovalandshoveitwherethesun
doesn’tshineforallIcare.”“Thenwhy?”“BecauseIclaimedthe
city.It’smyresponsibilitytokeepitsafe.”
Hedidn’tsayanything.“Ilivehere,”Isaid.“I
likeAtlanta.Idon’twantthistobeaterribleplacewherepeopleareruledbyassholesandafraid.Youlivehere,too.Don’tyouwantthisplacenottoturnintoahellhole?”
Thesilencestretched.“Everyoneyoucomein
contactwithbecomestemporarilyinsane.”Saimanslumpedonthecouch.“Yourfather,Nimrod,theBuilderofTowers,hasnearlygodlikepower.You’reachildofawomanwhobetrayedhimandyouclearlyhavenodesiretoservehim.Yourpower,yourveryexistence,isadirectchallengetohim.
Insteadofkillingyou,he’sallowingyoutooperateautonomously,presumablysoyoucanmatureintoarealthreattohim.ThatsavageyoudecidedtotakeintoyourbedbuiltaPackforseventeenyears.HisveryidentitywaswrappedupinbeingtheBeastLord,yethewalksawayfromitalltolivewithyouinthesuburbs,eventhoughhisretirementwas
neverpartofthebargainyoustruckwithyourfather.AndthePackallowsittohappen.”
Wheredidhegethisinformation?“Curranlovesme.Hewalkedawaybecausehewantstobewithme.”
“Andyourfather?”“Hehasn’thadachildin
averylongtime.I’mhisfirstborninthisage.”
Saimanraisedhiseyebrows.“Thattellsme
nothing.”“Heisintriguedbymy
existence.”Saimanopenedhismouth,
thenclosedit.“Iwon’tbepartofthisinsanity.”
Hepickeduptheziplockbagandpushedtheglassbacktome.
“It’sthewrongmove,”Itoldhim.
“Yourfatherwillkillyou,”Saimansaid.“Perhaps
nottoday,butcertainlysoon.Ifhedoesn’tkillyouinthenearfuture,thenwhateverpowertriestooverrunthecitynextwill.Whenthishappens,everyonewhoeversupportedyouwillbecomeavictimofapurge.Youarealeper.Everyoneyoutouchistainted.”
Wow.“Beingyourallyisa
deathwarrant.Igainnothing
bysupportingyou.Iruntheriskofangeringyoubyrefusingservice,butyouleftthePack,soyouarenolongerinapositiontowielditagainstme,andyouwon’ttakeanyactionstopunishmedirectly,becauseyouareshackledbyyourownmorals.”
Okay.Atleastweknewwherewestood.Ipickeduptheziplockbagandwalked
out.
•••
IWALKEDTHROUGHthedoorsofKadamArmsathalfpastnine.Thesmithyoccupiedasturdybuildinginthesoutheastpartofthecity.Sevenyearsago,whenIcamehereforthefirsttimetobuyablade,itwasjustArnavandhisson,Nitish,and
daughter,Neha.Overtheyears,thebusinessgrewandthesmithygrewwithit.AsIsteppedinsidetoday,Isawtwojourneymen,oneshowingabladetoacustomer,theotherrestockingashelf.Anapprentice,barelyfifteen,ranuptometoaskmewhatIwanted.IaskedforNitishandfiveminuteslaterwasshowntotheback,whereNitishwas
quietlyexaminingseveralblocksofsteel.
Nitishglancedatme.Hewasanaverage-sizeman,withthickdarkhair,brightdarkeyes,andasmilethatlituphiswholeface.Nitish’sfamilycamefromUdaipurcity,inIndia,thedistrictthathadsuppliedMughalrulerswithweaponsofwarsincethesixteenthcentury.Koftgariwasinhisblood.It
wasapreciseart,especiallywhenitcametolettering.EventheslightestchangeofacurveintheArabicinscriptionorthewrongangleofastrokeinaCelticruneonthebladecouldalteritsmeaning.Nitishwasthebestinthecity.
Iunwrappedthekindjalandputitonthetable.Thesmiledied.Hereachedoverandquicklythrewthecloth
overtheblade.“Thisisoneofyours,”I
said.Nitishshookhishead.“Itis,”Itoldhim.“That’s
yourkoftgariontheblade.ThereisonlyonesmithythatdoesworkofthisqualityandIcantellbythepatternit’snotyourfather’s.Whowasitfor?”
“Thisisnotagoodconversation,”hesaid
quietly.“Iknowthebuyerwasa
man,probablyafollowerofIslam.”
Nitishshookhishead.“Myfriendismissing.I
founditinhisoffice.Iknowit’snothis.Hewasgoingtogetmarried.”
“Iammarried.Ihavechildren,too,”Nitishsaid.
Ipulledtheclothback,revealingthedagger.“Ijust
needaname.Itwon’tgetbacktoyou.Somewheremyfriendisstillalive.Heisagoodpersonandhisfiancélostherarmprotectingapregnantwoman.Theydeservethechancetobehappy.Ijustneedonename.”
Hedidn’tlookatme.“WhatifitwerePrema
whowasmissing?”Iletthenameofhiswifelietherebetweenuslikeaheavyrock.
Iwouldgostraighttohellfordoingthistohim.“Nitish,Iwouldn’thavecometoyouifIhadachoice.”
Nitishpulledtheclothbackoverthebladeandleanedcloser.“Comewithme.”
Ipickedupthedaggerandfollowedhimthroughthesmithy,pasttheheatoftheforgeandthesoundofhammers,toaroominthe
back.Heswungopenaheavydoor,flickedonthelights,andclosedthedoorbehindus.Fourwallsfilledwithweaponslookedbackatme.
“Idon’tknowhisname,”Nitishsaidquietly.“ButIknowwhathebuys.”Hepointedtoaknifeonthewall.
Elevenandahalfincheslong,thesingle-edgedbladestartedstraightatthehiltandthencurvedeversoslightlyto
theright,taperingandcurvingbacktotheleftatthepoint.Thetipofthedagger,triangularandreinforced,wasalmostneedlenarrowattheveryend.Wickedsharpedge.Strongspinesothebladewouldn’tbreak.Plainhilt,bonewrappedinleather.Apeshkabz.Itwasseventeenth-centuryPersia’sequivalenttothearmor-piercinground.That
reinforcedtippartedchainmaillikeitwasn’teventhere.Itwouldslideinbetweentheribs,andifyouangleditup,itwouldhittheheart.Crap.
Welookedatthebladequietly.
“Nowateringontheblade,”Isaidsoftly.
“No.Hedoesn’tusuallywantDamascus.Thisisoh-sixsteel,”Nitishsaid,hisvoiceflat.“Abitchtogrind.”
The0-6wastoolsteel.IthelditsedgeforeverandwouldoutcutthebestDamascuseverytime.Itwasalsountraceable.He’dchosentoolsteelbecausethatwaswhatthisknifewas,atool.Thisbladewasn’tmadetohuntmonsters.Itwasmeanttohuntpeople.Itbelongedtoamankiller.
Nitishsteppedforward,tookabig,three-inch-wide
folderfromthetable,andleafedthroughthepages.Hepaused,showingmethepage.Throwingknives.Notthefancyblades,bututilitarian,simplestripsofsteel,tenincheslong,inchandahalfwide.Thickenoughsothebladewouldn’tbend,doubleedgeatthepointforthefirstinchandahalf,thensingleedge.Notreatmentonthehilt,justplainsteel.Contrary
towhatmoviessuggested,killingapersonbythrowingaknifewasreallydifficult.Evenifyoumanagedtosinkabladein,itwouldbeunlikelyyou’dhitanythingvital.Mostofthetimekniveswerethrowntopisstheopponentoffsohe’ddosomethingstupid,todistract,orjusttobleedhimandcausesomepain.Thesekniveswouldgointothebodylikea
hotknifeintobutterandthey’dbehelltopullout.
Nitishflippedthepageagain.Anotherdagger,straightedgethistime.Sameplain,workmanlikeaesthetic.Samekillerblade.
Thesmithclosedthebook.
“Anyswords?”Iasked.Heshookhishead.Thatmeanteitherthe
buyerdidn’tuseasword,
whichwasunlikelyconsideringallthemagiccrapAtlantathrewatusonregularbasis,orhehadafavoritebladeandhewasgoodenoughnottobreakit.
“Canyoudescribehim?”“Darkhair.Beard.
Large.”Nitishraisedhishands.“Tall.Wearsglasses.Softvoice.Calm.Hedoesn’tlooklikeamanwhowouldbuythis.”Heindicatedthe
blade.“Whatdoeshelooklike?”Nitishsighed.“Likea
manofpeace.”“Whenishecomingfor
thepeshkabz?”“Idon’tknow,”Nitish
said.“SometimeshecomesthedayafterItellhimit’sdone.Sometimesamonth.Henevercallsahead.Hepaysupfrontandthenshowsupwithoutwarning.”
“Willyoucallmeafterhecomestopickitup?”
“Hemightnotpickitupatall,”Nitishsaid.“Ayearagohespokewithmyfatherandhadhimworkonthis.”
Heflippedthebooktothelastpage,wherehalfapagewasglueddowntoformapaperpocket,andpulledaphotographoutofit.Aroundboxofblackenedsteelalittlesmallerthanasoccerball
withacircularlid.Atfirstglance,itlookedlikearandomdecorativekoftgaripatternhadbeenworkedintothedarksurfaceofthesteel,buttheclose-upofthelidmadeitclear:thepatternwasn’trandom.Spider-thinArabicscriptdecoratedthesteel.
Bismillahir-Rahmanir-
Rahim...Inthenameof
God,mostGracious,mostMerciful,
IseekrefugeintheLordofthedawn,
FromtheevilofthatwhichHehascreated,
Andfromtheevilofintensedarkness,whenitcomes,
Andfromtheevilof
thosewhocast(evilsuggestions)infirmresolutions,
Andfromtheeviloftheenvierwhenheenvies...
Suratal-Falaq,onehundredandthirteenthchapteroftheQur’an.Theentireboxwascoveredinprotectiveverses.
“Healreadyhadthebox,”Nitishsaid.“Heneededusforthekoftgari.”
Islamprotecteditsfollowersagainstthesupernatural.Whateverthestrangerwasgoingtoputintothatbox,hecountedondivineassistancetokeepitinthere.
“Ilookedinsidethebox,”Nitishsaid.“Theinsideofitwassmoothandlookedlike
bone.”“Ivory?”“No.Bone.Likethe
insideofaskull.”Betterandbetter.“CanIseeit?”“Hepickedituptwodays
ago.Hedidn’tevenaskabouttheknife.Idon’tthinkherememberedthathehadorderedit.”
•••
ISTAREDTHROUGHthewindshieldatachainbarringCuttingEdge’sparkinglot.Thechainsecuredtheparkinglotatnight.Itwasalmostelevena.m.Itshouldbelyingbyoneoftheposts.Insteadhereitwas,keepingmefromdrivingin.
DerekusuallycametoCuttingEdgebyeightinthemorning.Failingthat,Curranshouldhavebeenbackfrom
histriptotheMercenaryGuild.HemighthavegottenheldupattheGuild,butitwasunlikely.AfterhisresponsetoBob’stirade,noneofthemercswouldscrewwithhim.Thaterrandshould’vetakenfifteenminutes.DidhegethimselfintosomesortoftroubleattheGuild?MyimaginationpaintedtheGuildinruinsandmyhoney-bunnyemerging
fromthewreckageroaringandswingingaroundthelimpbodiesoftheFourHorsemen.
Thatwouldbehilarious.Okay,thiswasn’tthe
mostproductivelineofthinking.
TalkingtoSaimanhadclearlyputmeintoafoulmood.Inmyhead,mydeadauntmurmured,Peoplearefish.Theydie.Youremain.Saimanwasright,inasense.
Iwastainted,butnotbecauseIwasdoomed.IwastaintedbecauseIhadpower,thekindofpowerthatcorruptedandturnedpeopleintowarpedversionsofthemselves.Iwaswarpedenoughasitwas.
Iparkedinfrontofthebuildingandtriedthedoor.Itwaspredictablylocked.Iunlockeditandwalkedinside,intoalargemainroom.Theshadeswerestill
down.Ipulledthemup,lettingthelightilluminatethewideroomwithfourdesks.Thereusedtobeonlytwodesks,oneformeandoneforAndreaNash,butnowAndreawasbusyrunningClanBouda.Shewasalsopregnant.WetriedtohaveluncheveryFriday,andthelasttimewewent,sheatefourpoundsofbarbecuedribsbyherself.Shewantedtoeat
theribbonestoo,butItalkedheroutofit.Thenshepoutedandcalledmeadowner.
Nowherdeskstoodempty,asshehadleftit.Sheclaimedshewouldcomebacktoit,butIdoubtedit.Mydeskwastotherightofhers,Derek’sdirectlybehindmineandCurran’sbehindAndrea’s.Noneofthedeskshadanynotesonthem.Great.
Ilandedinmychair.
Saimanwasrightaboutonething:ifIfell,thecitywouldfallwithme.Beingmyallywasadeathwarrant.HowthehellwasIgoingtokeepthemallsafe?Icouldn’tevenfindEduardo.Before,Iwasonlyresponsibleformyownsafety.ThenIbecameresponsibleforthesafetyofmyfriends,thenforthesafetyofthePack.NowIhadtosafeguardthecity.My
obligationskeptescalatingandnotinagoodway.
Ididn’twanttodoit.Ididn’twanttoberesponsibleforthecity.
NoneofitwouldhavehappenedifIhadn’tclaimedAtlanta.Butlettingmyfatheraddittohisgrowingempirewould’vebeenworse.Myfatherunderstoodtheconceptofdemocracyandfreewill.Hejustfeltthattheyshould
beexercisedwithintheframeofhisownwill.Myfatherhadbeenaking,atyrant,andaconqueror.Hewasneverelectedtotheoffice.Hewouldprobablylaughattheidea.Andifhedidsomehowdecidetoholdelections,hewouldmagicthemassesintoelectinghim,becausehewouldhonestlybelievethathewasbestqualifiedtorulewisely.
Havingapitypartyformyselfaccomplishednothing.Itdidn’thelpEduardoatall.Ihadtofindsomeonetoanalyzemyglass.Thesoonerthebetter.AndIhadtofindawayintotheGuild.
Icheckedtheansweringmachine.Threemessages.Ipushedthebutton.
“Hey,youtwistedgoon,”Luther’svoicesaidfromthemachine.“Ihadmybugguy
checkyourgiantbug.It’sawindscorpion,alsoknownasacamelspider,asolifugid,whichmakesitanarachnid.Thelargestspeciesgrowaboutsixinches,includinglegs,andthey’renotvenomousordangeroustohumans.WehaveafewoftheseguysinArizona,butmyguysaysthisoneislikelyfromtheMiddleEastorNorthAfrica.It’snottoolate
totellmewhatyouknow.Callmeback,ifyouhaveanydecencyleft.”
Ghouls,wolfgriffins,inscriptionsinArabic,andnowwindscorpions.Allofthispointedatthesamegeographicalarea.Troublewas,Ihadnoideahowitallfittogether.Icouldn’ttellLutherwhatIknewsinceIdidn’tknowanything.MaybeifIwentoutsideandgave
almstothepoor,somemysticoldladywouldsellmeamagiclampwithacooperativedjinntoanswerallmyquestions.
Themachineclicked,rollingovertothenextmessage.“Hi,it’sBarabas.Pleasecallmeassoonasyougetthis.”
Idialedthenumber.JustwhatIneeded,anotheremergency.
ThephonerangonceandBarabaspickeditup.“Hey.IthinkIfoundaloophole.”
Cancelthefreak-outaboutanotheremergency.
“TalktomeabouttheGuildstopgapmeasure.”
Goodmorningtoyou,too.“Thestopgapisahiringfreeze.TheGuild’smercsarecontractors,buttheystillhavetoformallybehiredbytheGuild.IftheGuildjudgesthat
therearetoofewjobspermerc,thestopgapkicksinuntiltherearemorejobsorfewermercs.”
Istarteddrawingacliffonapieceofpaper.
“They’reonstopgaprightnow,”Barabassaid.
“Itdoesn’tsurpriseme.Theplaceisfallingdownaroundthem.”Iaddedabunchofstickfigurestothecliffanddrewafallingdollar
billunderit.“Frommyreviewandthe
informationIreceivedfromJim,itappearsthatadministrationstaffiscentraltotheGuildbeingabletoturnaprofit.”
“Yes.TheClerkisthegreasethatmakesthegearsgoaround.”
“CorrectmeifIamwrong.BobCarverandhisHorsemenwantedtoaccess
thepensionfund.TheytieduptheGuild’sbudget,sotheadminstaffstoppedgettingtheirpay.Theywalkedoff.WithouttheClerkandhisstaff,thereisnoeffectivedistributionofjobs.Nobodyistaking,assigning,ortrackingthejobs,socustomersbecomeangrywhennobodyshowsup.TheGuild’sbusinessdriesup,whichresultsinafinancial
shortage.It’saCatch-22.”“Exactly.”Iaddedastick
figuredivingafterthedollarbillandwroteBobaboveitshead.“TheGuildneedsmoneytorehiretheadmins,buttheyneedadminstomakethemoneyinthefirstplace.”
“Weneedtobreakthisviciouscircle.”
“How?”“Thereisaprovisionin
themanualthatpermitseach
individualmerctocontributemoneytotheGuildandearmarkwhereitgoes.”
Irubbedmyface,butrubbingfailedtoproduceanygreatinsights.“AreyousuggestingwegivetheGuildourmoney?”
“Yes.”“Barabas,it’sasinking
shipalready.Youwanttothrowgoodmoneyafterbad?”
“Hearmeout.”Famouslastwords.
“Okay.”“Weinjectcashintothe
Guildundertheconditionthatitwillbespentspecificallytorehiretheadmincrew.TheClerkcomesback,thejobs—”
“Gigs.”Ifheinsistedonthisfoolishness,hemightaswellstartusingcorrectterms.
“Thegigsareonceagain
properlyassigned.Mercsonceagainmakemoney.Itgivesusinstantgoodwill.”
“Whatwillhappenwhenthatmoneyrunsout?”
“WeneedtomakesurethatthemoneylastsuntiltheGuild’sfinancesbounceback.Weusethegoodwillweearnedandoursharestobreakthebudgetlock.Peopledon’tlikechaos.Chaosmeanstheycan’tearnmoney.
Theyneedstrongleadership.Weneedtodevelopareputationasthepeopleyoucometowhenyouhaveaproblemyouneedsolving.”
“Howmuchmoneywouldweneed?”
“Mybudgetprojectionsindicateweneedatleast$142,860tobankrolladminoperationswithaskeletoncrewforthenextfourmonths,whichishowlongI
estimatewe’llneedbeforetheGuildbecomesfinanciallysolvent.”
Ichewedonthatnumber.“Kate?”“Givemeasecond.”“It’sadoablenumber.
Currangavemea$300,000budget.”
Wow.“Kate?”Well,hespentmillionson
theforest,whynottheGuild.
“Goon.”“Theindividual
contributioniscappedat$50,000.Jimdoesn’twantanyPackmembersinvolved,andthestopgappreventsusfromenrollingCurranoranyoneelse.Wearestuck.Wedon’thaveenoughpeopletodonatethenecessarymoney.”
“Fortherecord,Ithinkthisisaterribleidea.”
“Iwillbesuretonoteyourobjection,”Barabassaid.
“Lookinthemembershipchapterundercorporations.Icanenrolluptothreepeopleasmyauxiliarysupport.Theflipsideofthiscoinisthatiftheyscrewup,I’llbedirectlypenalized.”
“Isawthat.Thatrequiresyoutobeacorporatememberforatleastsixmonths.”
“I’vebeenacorporate
memberforoverayear.IconvertedmymembershipwhenCurrangavemeCuttingEdge.AverysmartPacklawyerwithspikyredhairadvisedmetodoitfortaxpurposes.”Also,theGuildhadgooddentalinsuranceforitscorporatemembers.
“Packlawyersgivegoodadvice,”Barabassaid.“Eveniftheydon’talwaysrememberit.I’llcallyou
back.”Hehungup.Well.IguessCurrandid
takecareofit.Ifweweregoingtotake
overtheGuild,we’dneedtheClerk.Iflippedthroughthephonebook.IhadnoideawheretheClerkwas,butIknewwhereLoriwouldbe.Shewashisfavoriteprotégé,because,ashehadconfidedtomeoncelateatnight,she
hadmorethanhalfabrain.Lori’sparents,KarenandBrenda,ranabakeryoffCampbelltonRoad,whichwascalledSweetCheeks.IrememberedbecauseIhadstoppedbytheretobuyacakepoponce,andoneofhermothers—IthoughtitwasBrenda,butIwasn’tsure—teasedmeaboutmysworduntilLoricameoutandtoldhertostopmessingwithme.
Ah,hereitis.Idialedthenumber.
“SweetCheeksBakery.”“CanIspeaktoLori,
please?”“Hi,Kate,whatcanIdo
youfor?”Nicetoberecognized.
“Youwouldn’tknowwheretofindtheClerk?”
Lorisighed.“Youknowhowhealwaystalkedaboutrunningabarwhenhe
retires?”Ididn’t,butthatdidn’t
matter.“Didhebuyabar?”“He’sgothimselfajobat
theSteelHorse.Hesayshewantstogetafeelforthebusiness.”
TheSteelHorsewasaborderbarthatsatontheinvisibleboundarybetweenthePackandthePeople’sterritorywithinAtlanta.Itwasaneutralwateringhole
andIhadalotofpullwithitsowners.“Hypotheticallyspeaking,ifsomeoneofferedyouyouroldGuildjobback,wouldyoubeinterested?”
Therewasapausebeforeanurgentwhisperfilledmyear.“Kate,yougetmeoutofhere,I’llbuyyourdrinksforayear.IfIhavetopipecreamononemorecarrotcupcake,I’llstabmyself.”
“Thanksforyourhelp.”
Ihungup.TheSteelHorsewouldn’topenforanotherhourortwo.
Theansweringmachine’slightblinkedatme.That’sright.Moremessages.
Ipushedtheansweringmachine’sbuttonagain.
“ThisistheattendancedepartmentofSevenStarAcademy.Yourstudent,JulieLennart-Daniels,hasbeenmarkedabsentinthe
followingperiods...”Juliedidn’tskipschool.I
wentcold.“First...”Shewasn’tsickthis
morning.“Second...”Curranwould’vetaken
herstraighttoschool.“Andthird.”Shewasabsentforthe
entiremorning.Curranandshenevermadeittoschool.
“Pleaseprovidethenecessarydocumentationwithintwobusiness—”
Themagicwavewashedoverme.Damnit,justwhatIneeded.
IgrabbedthephoneanddialedtheSevenStarAcademy.Work,damnyou.
Abeep.Another...“SevenStarAcademy,
thisisEmily.”“MynameisKate
Daniels.DidJulieevercometoschooltoday?”
“No,ma’am.”“Pleasecallmeassoonas
sheshowsup.”Ihungupanddialedthe
house.Ring.Ring.Ring.Ring...
Whatthehellcould’vehappened?
“Leaveamessage,”myownvoicesaid.
“Curran,wherethehell
areyou?Ican’tfindJulie.Julie,ifyouarethere,pickupthephone.Youarenotintrouble.Ijustneedtoknowifyouaresafe.”
Silence.Ihungupanddialed
Barabas.“Idon’thaveityet,”he
said.“DidyouseeCurranleave
thismorning?”“Yes.”
“DidhehaveJuliewithhim?”
“Yes.”“Isheback?”“No.Iwashereall
morning.Iwould’veheardthecar.”
“Callmeifyouseehim.Please.”
Ihungup.JulieandCurranwere
gone.JustlikeEduardo.Itwouldtakeanarmyofghouls
totakeCurrandown.HewoulddiebeforeheletthemhaveJulie.Wherecouldhehavegonewithher?
IdialedtheKeep,thefrontguardstation.
“You’vereachedthePack...”Artiesaid.
“It’sme.”“Consort...Imean,not
Consort.Ex-Consort?”“IsCurranattheKeep?”“No.Neitherofyoucan
beattheKeepuntilyourninety-dayseparationisover—”
Ihungup.Julieusedtobeastreet
kid.Ifshehadn’tbeenkidnappedbyghouls,thenshe’dskippedschoolandfindingherwouldbenexttoimpossible.FindingCurranwouldbeeasier.OnceIfoundhim,hecouldtellmeifhehaddroppedheroffatschool.
HewasgoingtogototheGuildfirst.IdialedtheGuild’snumber.Iwouldmakeoneofthoseassholestellmeifhewasthere.
Arapiddisconnectsignalwailedinmyearlikearunawayheartbeat.Whatthehell...?IdialedanumberthatwentdirectlytoMark’soffice.Thephoneclickedonce,twice,andscreamingpunchedmyear,theraw
high-pitchedhowlofhumanterror.“Help!Helpme!”
Aheavycrashdrownedoutthevoiceandafamiliaryoungvoiceshrieked.“He’scoming!”
Julie.TheGuildwaslessthan
twentyminutesawaybyhorse.Iranoutthedoor.
CHAPTER
I10
WASAblockawayfromtheGuildwhenachunkofbrickworkthesizeofacarflewoverabuilding,darkeningthesun.IjerkedCuddlestotheleft.Sheveeredandthebrickworkcrashedintothepavementwithaloudthud,tenfeetfromwherewewerejusta
momentago.Bricksscatteredonthestreet,bouncingonthepavement.Abodyfellontothebrickswithawetsplatandlaytherelimp,likearagdoll.Afamiliarheadlolled,bloodpouringfromhismouth,deadeyesstaringupattheindifferentsky.Leroy.Holycrap.
Cuddlesbrokeintoagallop.Wechargeddowntheroad,swungaroundthe
corner,andshotoutontotheshortstretchofPhoenixDrivethatledtotheGuild.
Ahugepairoflegsblockedmyview.Coveredwithcurlydarkhair,theyroseatleastthirtyfeetbeforeterminatinginaflabbywrinkledass.Thefeet,atleastnineandahalffeetlong,glowedwithorange,likemetaljustpulledfromtheforge.Heatscorchedme,asif
Ihadflungopenthedoorofastovewithafireraginginside.Ismelledthetar-tintedstenchofmeltingasphalt,theroadaroundthegiantsofteninglikethewaxofaburningcandle.
Cuddlesskiddedtoastop,shocked.Irememberedtoclosemymouth.
Behindthegiant,theGuild’sheavyten-foot-talldoorsstoodslightlyajar,
dentedandbentoutofshape.Hemust’vekickedorpunchedthem,butthereinforcedsteelheld,sohechangedhisstrategyandwentfromthetop,likeabeartryingtodigintoabeehive.Thedoorswouldn’tlasttoomuchlonger—themetalwasbeginningtoglow.Soonerorlatertheheatfromthegiant’sfeetwouldmeltit.
Wherewerethecops
whenyouneededthem?Whywasn’tthePADshootingthisman-mountainwitheverythingtheyhad?Theylivedforthisshit.
Thecolossusturned,showingmehispaleback,thenhisstomach,hisskinwrinkledandsaggy,ashesomehowmanagedtobethinandflabbyatthesametime.Ifhewereanormalsize,I’dsayhewasaboutfiftyyears
old.Hisheadwaslevelwiththefifth,half-ruinedflooroftheGuild.Thatputhimatoversixty-fivefeettall.
IfJuliewastrappedinsidetheGuild,Curranhadtobewithher.Whywasn’theouthere,fighting?IfCurranwasinside,thegiantshouldbedead.Washeinjured?I’dseenhimwalkthroughfireonbrokenlegs.
Ihadtogetinside.
Ishovedthecrestingfearaside.Calmwashedoverme.IfJulieandCurranwereinside,thenthefastestwaytohelpthemwouldbetoremovethegiant.Icouldpaniclater.
Theheatemanatingfromhisfeetwasoverpowering.Nowayforagroundstrike.Nowaythroughthatdooreither.Ihadtogetuptohislevel,andallofthe
neighboringbuildingsweretoofartomakethatjump.Drawinghimoffwouldbebetter.IfIcouldgethimtochaseme,IcouldleadhimwhereIwantedhim.Itwasalongshot,butIhadtotry.
Itookadeepbreathandscreamedatthetopofmylungs.“Hey,asshole!”
Thegiantignoredme.“I’mtalkingtoyou,
WrinkleAss!Overhere,you
bighairydimwit!”Thecolossuspeered
blearilytotheleft.Hisfaceusedtobehumanatsomepoint.Tracesofitstillremained:humannose,smalleyes,baldingskullfringedinlongishdarkhair.Buthislipswerepeelingback,revealingsharpinhumanteeth.Hisearsweregrowing,lengtheningasIwatched,theircornerscreepingup.Thebrowridge
curvedoutward,overshadowinghiseyes.
Hewasstilltransforming.Therewasnotellingwhathewouldlooklikeattheendofmetamorphosis.
“LookatmewhenI’mtalkingtoyou,scumbag!”
Thecolossusturnedaway,swingingaroundandofferingmeaglimpseofhisfaceagain.Somethingbrightshoneinhisleftearlobe,a
smallbrilliantspark.Hisirisesglowedabrightunblinkingorange,asifburningfromwithin.Nointelligenceintheeyes,justakindofdull,stupidrage.
Itriedonelasttime.“Sixty-fivefeettallandyourdickisstilltiny!”
Noreaction.Thiswasn’tworking.Eitherhedidn’thearmeorhereallywantedwhateverwasinsidethe
Guild.Thegiantswungforward.
Itlookedlikehewasabouttobendforward.Ohno,no,let’snot...OhmyGod.Somethingsyoucouldneverunsee.
Thegiantpeeredthroughthefourth-floorwindow,straightened,drewhistree-trunkthickarmbackward,andpunchedtheupperflooroftheGuild.Bricksflew.Hisfeetglowedbrighter.Adark
metallicsheencreptuphiscalves.Tinyburstsofflamedasheduphislegsandtheacridstenchofburninghumanhairfilledtheair.Hewasturningintometalandjudgingbythosefeet,thatmetalwouldberedhot.Ihadseenmanyoddthings,butIhadneverseenthat.Theamountofmagicthatwouldberequiredforthemetamorphosisandgetting
thegiantsummonedinthefirstplacehadtobestaggering.
Killitfirst,sortitoutlater.
Amanleanedoutthethird-storywindowandfiredtwocrossbowboltsintothesofttissueunderthegiant’sjaw.Thecreatureroared,slappingathimwithsuddenspeed.Hetriedtoduckbackinandlosthisbalance.The
giantpalmsmashedintothemerc.Heplungedandfellwithawetsickeningsound.Thegiantraisedhismassivefootandstompeddown.
Sonovabitch.Theirononhislegs
climbedanotherfoot.Ifheturnedcompletelymetal,he’dbeindestructible.Ihadtolevelthisplayingfieldandfast.
Theonlyotherwayinto
theGuildwasthroughthebackdoor.Normallyitwaslockedandbarredfromtheinside,butitwasbetterthannothing.
IpulledCuddlestothesideandsenthergallopingthroughthestreet.Buildingsflashedby.Aleft.Anotherleft.Peopleranpastmeandon,intothecity.Ishotoutontothecrossstreet,jumpedoffCuddles,andranaround
thecornertothebackofthebuilding.
Atwistedwreckthatmighthavebeenalargetruckatsomepointblockedthebackdoor,itscabtwistedandcavedin.Amangledblacksedanlayontopofit,andawoodencartontopofthat.Hemust’vegrabbedwhatevervehicleshecouldfindonthestreetandpiledthemagainstthebackdoor.Smart.
Tenfeetabovethebarricade,aboarded-upwindowinterruptedthewall.Itmust’vebeenafunctionalwindowatonepoint,becausesomeonehadgonethroughthetroubleofinstallingmetalbarsoverit.Thebarsweregonenow,butthesteelbracketsandasectionoftheframewerestillattached.
Thiswasaverystupididea.Climbingupthosecars
wouldmakemeintoasittingduck.IfthatthingrealizedwhatIwasdoing,I’dhavenowheretogo.NottomentionIhadnoideawhatwasbehindthatwood.Ifitwassolidwall,I’dbeintrouble.Itdidn’tmatter.IhadtogetintotheGuild.
Thegiantbellowed.BricksflewabovetheGuildlikeameteorshower.Iduckedbehindthecornerand
watchedthempelttheground.Thelastchunkbouncedoffthepavement.
Ilungedintotheopenandbackedup.
Stupid,stupid,stupid...Isprintedtothecars.Five
feetfromthetruckIjumpedandscrambledupthecarpile.Istretched,grabbedatthepittedwall,andpulledmyselfup.Thebuildingshuddered.Rockclimbingwasnevermy
cupoftea.RockclimbingupashakingwallwhileanakedgiantwashavingamidlifecrisisandpoundingonitlikeaspoiledtoddlerwasattheverybottomofmyWouldLikeToDolist.Formynexttrick,Imightaswellsetmyselfonfire...
Myfingersslipped.Isliddownandcaughtmyselfontheprotrudingbrick.Easydoesit.
Thegiantroaredlikeatornado.Poorthing.Allstressed-out.That’sokay,waitafewmoreminutes.I’llcureallyourfrustrations.
Ipulledmyselfuptothewindow,stretched,andgraspedthemetalframewithmylefthand.Itheld.Ihitthewoodonthewindowwithmyright,testingit.Alowsoundansweredme.Hollow.
Igrabbedontotheframe
withbothhandsandbroughtmykneesup.Theframecreaked,stressedbymyweight,androckedlikealoosetooth.Itwouldprobablycomeoutafterthefirstkick.I’dhaveoneshotatthis.Maybetwo,tops.
Ikickedthewoodwithbothlegs.Theboardscreakedbutheld.
Iswungoutandhitthewindowagain.Theboardon
therightsnappedintwowithaloudcreak.
Ahugehandgraspedthesideofthebuildingtotheright.Crap.Hedidn’thearmescreamingatthetopofmylungs,buthe’dheardthewoodbreak.
Aheadcameintoview:firstthecheek,thenthechin,thenatire-sizedeye.Abrightsparkwinkedatmefromthegiant’searlobe.
Ismashedmyfeetintotheboards.Thewoodsnapped,justastheremnantsoftheframecameoutofthewall.Iflewthroughthewindowandcrashedintoatable.Papersandcleaningsuppliesflewaroundme.Ow.
Thelightfromthebrokenwindowvanished,replacedbyahand.Twofingersthrustthroughthewindow,hookedthewall,andtoreachunkof
itout.Iscrambledtomyfeet.Ahandplungedintotheroom,reachingforme.IdrewSarratandslashedacrossthethickfingers.Bloodswelledfromthecut.
Thegianthowledandjerkedhishandout.Ispunaround.Metalshelveslinedthewalls,filledwithstacksofpaperandcleaningsupplies.Iwasinsomesortofstoragecloset.Asmalldoor
beckonedintheoppositewall.Igrabbedthedoorhandle.Locked.Damnit!
Thewallbehindmerocked.Iglancedovermyshoulderandsawaredcarcomingatmelikeabatteringram.Ilungedtotheside,againstthewall.Thecarsmashedintothedoor,crunchingwithametallicgroan.HewastryingtosquishmewiththecarlikeI
wasabug.Thecarhammeredagainst
thedoor,clenchedinhissix-foot-longhand.
Idartedleft,squeezingbetweentheshelvesandhishand,andslicedatthethumb,drivingthebladeintotheflesh.Bloodpoured.Thecreaturescreamedandjerkedback,hisfingersstilllockedaroundthecar.I’dseveredtheextensortendon.Good
lucktryingtostraightenthathand.
Islashedthehandtwicewithquickprecisecuts.Blooddrenchedthefloor.Thegianthowled,straining.Hisfistpoppedoutoftheroomlikeacorkoutofabottle.Idashedtothedoor,leanedback,andhammeredakickjustbelowthelock.Thedoorsplintered.Itoremywaythroughitandintothe
hallway.Iwasonthesecondfloor,ontheinnerterrace.BelowmetheflooroftheGuildspread.Peoplehuddledbythewalls.
Thebuildingshook.Achunkofthetopfloorvanished,snappedoff.Foramomentsunlightfloodedtheinsideofthetower,andIsawKenandJukeonthethirdfloorpressedagainstthewallnexttothenow-defunct
elevator.Ken’slipsweremoving,hiseyesfocused.Jukewasclutchingabow.JulieandCurranwerenowhereinsight.
Thedaylightfadedastheenormousfaceofthegiantappearedinthegap.Thegiantopenedhismouth,showingyellowedteeth.AdullroartorethroughtheGuild.Ohgood.I’dpissedhimoff.
Isprintedalongtheterracetothestairs.Atitan-sizedhandreachedtothebottomfromabove,fingersspreadtograb,likeadragon’smouth,andcameupshort.Thethickfingersrakedtheair.
Jukeshotoutofherhidingspot,raisedherbow,andfired.Thearrowstreakedthroughtheairandbitjustunderthegiant’slefteyelid.
Jukedartedback.Thegiantlashedout,tryingtobackhandtheterracewhereshehid.
Kenclappedhishandstogether.Atorrentofyellowsteamshotoutfrombetweenhishands.Thegiantjerkedhishanduptocoverhisface.Thesteamhithispalm.Blistersswelledunderhisskin,rupturing.Anearth-shakingbellowrolledthroughtheGuild,solouditalmost
knockedmeoffmyfeet.Thestairsloomedbefore
me.Isprintedupthestaircase.Thefourthfloorflewby.Iroundedthebendinthestairsandsawtheskyaboveme.Thegianthadtakenoffachunkofthefifthfloorandnowthelastflightofstairsprotrudedabovethebuilding,leadingnowhere.
Iforcedmyselftoslowdownandwalkupthelast
fewsteps.Ineededtobecloseforthistowork,andIcouldn’taffordforhimtoslapmeoffthatstairway.
Thegiantroaredrightinfrontofme,graspingatthepeopledownbelow.Ipulledthemagictomeandspatapowerword.“Aarh!”Stop.
Themagictorethroughmelikeaninfernoandsmashedintothegiant.Insteadofgrippinghim,my
powercrashedintoaninvisiblewall,ricocheted,andslammedbackintome.Itumbledbackdownthestairsandfellagainstthewall.Everyboneinmybodyrattledinitssocket.Iscreamed,buttheagonydraggedmeunder,robbingmeofmyvoice.Icouldn’tspeak.Icouldn’tthink.Icouldn’tmove.Aboveme,thegiant,asmudgeddark
shadow,keptdigginginthebuilding.
Itdidn’twork.Mypowerwordhadbackfired.
Timestopped.Myheadswam.Avortexofpainclampedme,darkandmerciless.Itfeltlikemyverybeingwasbeingshavedawayonethinlayeratatime.Razorbladesfilledmymouthandthroat.DearGod,ithurt.Ithurtsomuch.Myearshurt.
Myhandsbled.Mychestrefusedtorise.ItfeltlikeIwasdying.
Iclungtolife,butithurtsomuch.IfIletgo,itwouldstophurting.
Getup.Ihadtogetup.Mylegshadturnedto
Jell-O.Itfeltlikemyboneswerebroken,andmybodywasfilledwiththeirshards.
Thegiantstraightenedandraisedhisfist.Aperson
struggledinhisfingers.Blackhair.Don’tbeJuke...
Thegiant’scavernousmawopened.Yellowteethbitdown.
Yousonovabitch.Hetossedthebottomhalf
ofthehumanbeingasidelikeausedtissueandreacheddownagain.
No,youdon’t.Myfurycutthroughthe
agony.Igrippeditlikea
lifelineandforcedmyselftorolluptomyhandsandknees.Iwouldgetup.Ihadtogetup.
Comeon,legs.Straighten.Aninch.Anotherinch.
Hewouldnotgetawaywiththis.Iwouldmakehimpay.Hewouldn’tkillanybodyelse.
Thepainsnappedinsideme.WhitehazeexplodedinmybrainandIwentblind.
Iconcentratedonbreathing.Calm.Ineededtostaycalm.
Thehazeburnedoffinanotherexplosionofpain.IsheathedSarratandpulledouttwothrowingknives.NowIjusthadtorun.Pieceofcake.
Ichargedupthestairs.Thepaintoreinsideme.Onestep,two,three...Thelaststeploomedbeforeme,the
giant’sbackundermeashebentover,stretchingtograspmorebodies.
Ijumpedandplungeddown,bothknivesout.Myfeetconnectedwiththegiant’sback.Islidanddugbothofmybladesintohisflesh.Touchinghisskinwaslikeopeningthedoortoaburningstove.
Thegiantswungaround,tryingtoknockmeoffwith
hishand,butIhadlandedalmostinthedeadcenterofhisback,nexttothespine.Hisfingerspassedharmlesslybelow.
Iyankedtheleftbladeout,stretched,andsankitinsixincheshigher.Bloodseepedfromthewoundinahotflood,drenchingmyclothes.Thegiantshruggedhisshoulders,musclerollingundertheskin.Ijerkedthe
rightbladeoutandjammedithigherthantheleft.Left,right,left,right.Theeffortwaswrenchingmyarmsoutofthesockets.Left,right,left,right...
Thick,coarseironspikesburstfromthespinenexttome,growingintoacrest.Hisskinwasalmosttoohottotouch.Hewasstillmetamorphosingandrightnowitwashelpingme.I
clutchedthosespikesandscrambledup.
Thebighandreachedovertheshoulderandslappedthespotafootabovemyhead.Theskinquakedunderme.Crap.IfIclimbedanyhigher,hewouldflattenmeintoaKatepancake.
AcloudoffliesthesizeoftennisballseruptedfromwithintheGuild,swirlingaroundthegiant’shead.He
wavedhisarms.Themovementsentmylegsflying.Igrippedtheknivesandhungon.Hestoppedturningandslappedathisface.Iglancedup.Theflieshunginadensecloudofftooneside,thenslowlymovedtotheother.Thegiantswipedatthemandhowled.
Someonewashelpingme.Iclimbedupthegiant’s
back,oneknifethrustata
time,grabbingaspikewhenIcould.Hisshoulderloomed.Almostthere.
Idugmyknifeinonelasttime.Theshoulderstretchedbeforeme,fourfeetlongandthreefeetwide.Hisneckwaslessthanthreefeettall.Igrabbedahandfulofhishairandthrewonelegovertheshoulder,straddlingit.Hisfacewasbarelyhumannow,hismouthawidegash,his
nosebridgealmostflatwithtwowidenostrilsjuttingoutofnowherelikethenoseofabull.Thefliesstillbuzzedaroundthegiant’shead.Farbelow,Kenstoodoutintheopen,chanting,handsout,hisfacestrained.
IpulledSarratout.Thejugularwouldn’tdoit.Itcouldtakehimtenminutestodie.Iraisedmybladeandstabbeditdeepintotheside
ofhisneck,belowtheAdam’sapple,inthespotbeforethecarotidarterybranchedintoexteriorandinterior.Bloodwetmyhands,spurtingfromthewoundinahotgush.Istabbeddeeper,slicingintotheartery.Ididn’thavetoseverit.Ijusthadtocauseenoughdamage.Apartiallyseveredcarotidwouldbleedhimoutfasteranyway.
Brightbloodsprayedoutlikeageyser,drenchingmybodyandfacelikeafirehose.Yes!
Thegiantswayed,offbalance.Ohshit.HowthehelldoIgetoffthiscrazyride?
IslidSarratbackintothesheath,grabbedthegiant’shairwithbothhands,andheldon.Thegiantrockedbackandforthandclamped
hishandtohisneck,tryingtoholdbacktheflood.Iclungtohishair.Myhands,wetwithblood,wereslipping.Godown.Comeon,godown.
Withaloudcry,thegiantstumbledbackward,turningwildly,offbalance,thencareenedforward.Thebloodkeptspraying.Ionlyneededaminuteortwo.Hewasdeadalready.Hejustdidn’tknowit.
AlurchtotherightandIcaughtaglimpseofthestaircase.Someonewasrunningup.
Thecolossuspitchedforward,slumpingasifdrunk,tryingtocatchhimselfontheGuild’sbuilding.Hisheadrolledback.Therunnerleaped,aspearinhishands,andIsawhisface.Lago.Helandedontheenormouscheek.Thespearheadshone,
catchingthelight,andLagostabbeditstraightintothegiant’seyeball.
Well,wasn’tthatniceanddramatic.Waytojumpinthereattheend.IfIweren’tholdingonfordearlife,I’ddoasarcasticslowclap.
Thegiantbellowed.Hiswholebodytrembled.HestumbledaroundtheGuild,tryingtocatchhimselfonemptyairandfailing.His
kneesgaveandhesankdown,hisfacescrapingagainsttheruinedtopoftheGuild.Lagojumpedbackontothebuilding.Ihadnosuchluxury.
Thegiantrockedback.Ifhefellbackward,I’dbedead.
Thebloodwasstillgushing.HesaggeddownclumsilyandfelltohishandsandkneesinfrontoftheGuild’sruineddoors.About
eighteenfeetdown,allofitstrewnwithdebrisfromhisrampage.Ihadtotakethischance.
Iletgoandrolleddownhisbloodyback,pickingupspeed.ThebackendedandIfellstraightdown,bendingmykneesandclampingmyhead.Theimpactresonatedthroughmyfeet.God,thathurt.Irolled,droppedmyhands,andsawthegiant
glaringatme,oneeyefilledwithrage,theotherapalemilkyblobwiththespearstickingoutofit.Hismassivehandblockedthelight.Ihadnoplacetogo.Icurledintoaball.Thefingersslappedthegroundonbothsidesofme.Hemissed.Hemissed!
ThehandroseagainandIscrambledaway,climbingoverchunksofbricksandmortar.Hetriedtofollowme,
buthisleftarmgave.Thecolossusfellclumsily,rollingontohisback.Thegroundshook.
Ibackedaway,towardtheGuild’sdoors.
Hisheadlandedonthepavement.Hisonegoodeyerolledbackintohisskull.Heshudderedandlaystill.Theblood,onceapowerfulgeyser,slowedtoagush.
Peopleburstoutofthe
Guild’sdoors.Isearchedthefear-shockedfaces,lookingforthefamiliarfeaturesandblondhair.Nothing.
Amanlimpedout,behindeveryoneelse.
“Isthereanyoneelseinside?”Icalledout.
“No.Iamallthereis.”Awomansprintedfrom
theside,runningintheoppositedirectiontothecrowd,herfacefrantic.
“Mom!Mom!Here!”Julie.Iwhippedaroundin
thedirectionofthevoice.Adark-hairedteenagegirl
dashedoutofthecrowd.Thewomanthrewherarmsaroundher.Amanfollowed.
OhmyGod.ThatwasthevoiceIheardonthephone.MyJuliewasn’tintheGuild.Thiswassomebodyelse’sJulie.
Thereliefrockedme.Isat
onachunkofthebuilding,leaningagainstit.Myarmshurt,myshouldershurtworse,andthelastechoesofthemisfiringpowerwordsstillrolledaroundinsideme,claspingmyinsidesinfieryinternalcramps.Ithurttostand.TositwasanunbelievableluxuryandsoIsat,baskinginthewonderfulfeelingofnotrestingmyweightonmyfeet.
Ipulledgauzeoutofmypocketandwipedmyeyes.Thegauzecamebackdrenchedincrimson.Mypowerwordhadbackfired.Ihadhadapowerwordfailbefore.Ud,thewordcommandingsomethingtodie,usuallydidn’twork.Tokillsomethingwithit,youfirsthadtoownyourtargetcompletely.ThefirsttwotimesItriedit,thepainhad
beensoexcruciatingthatIwasconvincedIwoulddie.Thiswasworse.Aarhwasasimpleordertostop.Itusuallyfrozethetargetforaboutfourseconds.I’dneverhaditmisfireonme.WasIgettingweaker?Wasthegianttoolarge?Washeimmunetomymagicsomehow?Ihadallthequestionsandnoneoftheanswers.Ugh.
Theredstreamrunningfromthegiant’sneckfinallystopped.Hehadbledout.Itwasover.
Iclosedmyeyesandsatverystill.
•••
EVENINPOST-SHIFTAtlanta,agiantwasbignews.ThePADwasfirsttoarrive,followedbyafleetofambulances,
whichwerestillparkedaroundtheGuild.Thecopsexaminedthegiant,determinedhewasdeadbutsurroundedhimwiththeirtacticalvehiclesjustincase,andinterviewedeveryone.Theytookmystatementandthentoldmenottoleavethescene.MSDU,theMilitarySupernaturalDefenseUnit,camenextandpromptlygotintoajurisdictionwarwith
thePAD,becausethePADwouldn’tletthemexplodethegiant’scorpseandincineratethepiecesjustincase.TheMSDUalsotookmystatementandtoldmenottoleavethescene.WhentheGeorgiaBureauofInvestigationshowedup,ItoldthemupfrontthatIhadnointentionsofleavingthesceneandthatIwasn’tgoingtoansweranyquestions
unlesstheyproducedapolicecaptainwhoaccusedmeofbeingaloosecannonanddemandedmybadge.Theyleftmealoneafterthat.
Thenewscrewsarrivednextinarabidlyexcitedflood.WiththeInternetdeadandTVerratic,mostofournewscamevianewspapers,butacoupleofTVcrewsappearedanywayandpromptlysurroundedLago.
Hehadbeenstandingtherewithacharmingself-deprecatingsmileforthelasttwentyminutes.
“Areyouhurt?”oneofthereportersasked,alittletooloud.
“Nothingserious,butyes,mylegsaregoingtobehurting.”Lagowinked.“I’mnotasyoungasIusedtobe.Idon’thealasfast,butsometimesevenanolddog
hastostepuptoprotecthishome.”
IsatonachunkofthefallendebrisinfrontoftheGuild’sdoors.Myheadhurtsomuch.Itfeltlikesomeonekepthittingmewithahammerinthebackofthehead.Everytimeoneofthehitslanded,thewaveofpaindrownedmeandmyskullthreatenedtosplitopen,andthenforamoment,asthe
painreceded,anoverwhelmingreliefcameuntilthenextblow.Irealizedthattheblowscoincidedwithmyheartbeats.Somethingwaswrongwithme,withmyblood.Themagicinitfeltlikeithadbeenboiling.Everybloodvesselinmybodyhadbeenburnedfromtheinsideout.TherewasnothingIcoulddo.Ijusthadtosithereandwaititout.
OnceIwasdone,IwouldgoandseeDoolittle.RetiredfromthePackorno,hewouldtreatme.ExceptIwasbarredfromtheKeepforthenextthirtydays.Shit.
Thecorpseofthegiantsprawledaboutsixtyyardsinfrontofme.HehadfallenoverthefarendoftheGuild’slargeparkinglotandnowlayonhisside,hisleftarmstretchingtoward
PhoenixDrive,hisfeetpointingtowardtheGuild.Mostofthelawenforcementhadcampedouttomyright,inthestreet.RandomspectatorsgawkedatthegiantandwanderedthroughtheparkinglotdespitethePAD’svaliantattemptstokeepthemout.Afewmercsstoodhereandthere,ponderingthedamagetotheirvehicles.AlixSimos,whosesouped-up
Lexushadendedupdirectlyunderthegiant’sthigh,lookedlikehehadlostafamilymember.
AsIwatched,agroupofteenageboysranginginagefromtwelvetoaboutsixteenapproachedthegiant’sbody.Oneofthem,askinnyblondkid,wascarryingalongbranch.
“Hey!”afemalecopbarked.“Getthehelloutof
here!”Theskinnykidjabbedthe
corpsewithabranch.Thefemalecopstarted
towardthemwithalookofholywrathonherface.Thekidsjabbedthegiantagainandfled,jumpingoverdebris.
Hey,hereisthecorpseofsomethingbig,scary,andmagicthatusedtoeatpeoplewhenitwasalive.IthinkI’llgooverandpokeitwitha
stick.Thatwouldbeawesome.Isighed.Teenagers.Somethingsevenpost-ShiftAtlantacouldn’tchange.
Ahorse-shapedblack-and-whitecreatureemergedfromthesidestreet,casuallycloppedherwayrightpastthemercs,police,andsoldiers,andnudgedmewithhernose.
“Hey,you,”Isaid.Cuddlesnudgedmeagain.
Ireachedintohersmallsaddlebag,pulledoutacarrot,andofferedittoher.Cuddlesswipeditoffmyhandandchewedwithahappycrunch.Ipettedhercheek.Thenauseasquirmedinsideme,refusingtogoaway.
Itriedtothinkshort,simplethoughts.Ithurtless.Curranwasn’tintheGuild.Juliewasn’tintheGuildeither.Ihadnoideawhere
eitherofthemwas.IwouldgivethePADanotherfiveminutesandthenI’dtellthemIwasleavingthedamnscenewhethertheylikeditornot.Iftheyhadaproblemwithit,I’dsicBarabasonthem.
Jukecamewalkinguptome,withKennexttoher.Ididadoubletake.Juke’sfacewaspalerthanusual,herfeaturessharpenedbyadrenaline.Shelookedpissed
off.Kenseemedhisnormalunperturbedself.
“You’renotdead,”Isaid.“IthoughtIsawhimbiteyouinhalf.”
Jukescrewedupherface.“Itwasn’tme.ThatwasRoger.”
“Oh.”IhadonlymetRogerinpassing.Youngskinnyguy,darkhair.
“Howcanyoustandit?”Jukewavedherarmsin
Lago’sdirection.“He’spretendingtobeafuckinghero!”
Ishrugged.“Seriously?That’s
bullshit!”ShestabbedherfingeratLagosmilingforthereporters.“Youkilleditandhe’stakingallthecredit.”
“Ididn’tdoitforthecredit.”
Jukestaredatmeforasecond,cursed,andwalked
away,intotheGuildthroughthedenteddoors.
“Thankyoufortheflies,”ItoldKen.
Kenpaused.HerationedwordsliketheywerewaterandhewasinthemiddleoftheSahara.“You’rewelcome,”hesaidfinally.HeglancedatJuke,whostalkedoff,kickingchunksofbrickoutofherway.“She’syoung.”
He’dsunkaworldofmeaningintothatword.Jukewasimpulsiveandbravetothepointofbeingrash,andshewantedtoproveherself.Toher,Lago’sbeinginthespotlightwasagreatinjustice.Tomeitwasaconvenientrelief.ThelastthingIwantedwastobemobbedbythereporters.IfLagodidn’tmentionmynameatall,I’dbethrilled.
Inoddedatthegiant.“Doyouknowhowitstarted?”
Kenleanedonarocknexttome.“AmancametotheGuild.Hewalkedinanddidn’tsayanything.Hejustwaited.Hedidn’tlookright.Chrisaskedhimwhathewanted,andthemansaid,‘Crushmyenemy.’Thenheturnedandleft.Then”—Kenclappedhishands,makingaloudpop—“magic.Hekicked
thefrontdoor,butitgotstuck.Wetriedtogetoutthroughthebackdoor,butitwasjammedshut.Youknowtherest.”
Intheparkinglot,thin,wiryAlixSimoscrouchedbytheremainsofhisLexus.AfewyardsawayCruz,sixinchestallerandaboutfiftypoundsheavier,saidsomethingtohim.Simosignoredhim.
“IthoughtIsawsomethingshinyinthegiant’sleftear,”Isaid.
Kennodded.“It’snottherenow.I
checked.”“Itwasn’ttherewhenhe
fell,”Kensaid.“Areyousure?”Henodded.WebothlookedatLago.
Well,well,lookslikeourherogothimselfasouvenir.You
greedyidiot.“Badideatotakeit,”Ken
said.Itwasmyturntonod.Thereportersbeganto
walkaway.Theimpromptupressconferencemust’veended.Lagocamestridingtowardme,hissmilebright.“Hey,Kate!Hellofathingwedidtoday.”
“Whatdidyoutakefromthegiant,Lago?”
Heraisedhiseyebrows,buthiseyesweresly.
“Youtooksomethingoutofhisear.”
Lagogrinnedatme.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,honey.”
Callme“honey”again,seehowthatworksoutforyou.“Thatwasreallystupid.Hewasnakedexceptforthatitem,whichmeansitwasprobablyessentialtohim
beingagiant.Youtookanenchantedobjectofunknownpowerfromadestructivecreaturewhoprobablyusedtobehuman.Youhavenocluewhateffectitwillhaveonyou.”
“You’vegotonehellofanimagination.”
“She’sright,”Kensaid.“Turnitin,”Isaid.“It’s
notworthit.”Lago’ssmiledied.“Look,
Igetit.You’resorethatyouhadtosharethecredit.Butnoneedtomakeuplies.”
“Lago,Ilookedintothatthing’seyes.Theywereempty.Hestartedoutasamanbutendedupasagiantwhohadtheintelligenceofatoddler.Hecouldn’teventalk.Isthatwhatyoureallywant?”
Heraisedhishandstothesides.Hisvoicerose.“You
thinkIgotit?Friskme!Goahead!”
Copswerelookinginourdirection.Hewastooconfident.Hemustnothavehaditonhim.IfIsearchedtheherogiantslayernow,I’dhavetoanswerquestionsandlikelybedetained.Icouldn’taffordtobedetainedandspendhoursinacellorbeinginterviewed.IhadtofindCurranandJulie.
“I’mtryingtosaveyourlife,”Igroundout.
“Ialwayshadrespectforyou,Kate,”Lagosaid,lettinghisarmsdrop.“This?Thisisjustpurejealousy.Ithoughtbetterofyou.It’sreallyashamewhenveteranmercsturnoneachotherlikethat.”
Argh.Heturnedonhisfootand
walkedaway.Behindhimthesamegroupofteenagerswas
makingasecondpassatstabbingthegiant.Bothhadaboutthesameamountofcommonsense.
KenlookedafterLago.“I’llneedtothink.”
Iarchedaneyebrowathim.
“Wemayhavetokillanothergiantsoon,”Kensaid.“Ineedtothinkhow.”
AfamiliarJeeppulleduptothepoliceblockadeline
andIforgotallaboutKenandLago.Thedoorsswungopen.
Myheartpoundedinmychest.
Curranjumpedout,hisfacehard.Hewascoveredinblood.Julieshotoutoftheotherdoor,herface,clothes,andaxessplatteredwithred.BehindherDerekandAscaniogotoutoftheJeep,bothinwarriorform.Wherethehellhadtheybeen?
Thetoughmetalhideofthegiant’sfootbulgedandruptured,likeaboil.Acloudoffoulgasdrenchedus.Creaturesspilledoutofthecorpse.Sixfeetlong,reptilian,coveredinthickspinyscaleslikethoseofanarmadillolizard,theydashedforwardonmuscularlegs.
IpulledSarratoutofhersheath.
CHAPTER
T11
HELIZARDSSPILLEDoutofthecorpseinaragged
crescentalongtheedgesoftheparkinglotlikeamottledblack-and-brownflood,blockingthewaytoCurranandthePAD.ForatinysecondheandIstaredateachother.Hisskinburst.Grayfurspilledoutandthenthe
lizardshidhimfrommyview.
Wehadreanimativemetamorphosisagain.Itwastooraretonotbeconnectedtothewind-scorpionincident.Forwhateverreason,thecat-haterwho’dtormentedMrs.OswaldhaddecidedtotaketheGuildoutonceandforall.Maybeitwasrevengebecausewekeptkillinghispets.
Theteenagersfrozelikefrightenedrabbits,theirescapecutoff.Thetwomercsstillintheparkinglotreachedfortheirweapons.Alonecop,trappedbythegiant’shead,slowlydrewhistacticalbladeandbackedup,hisbackagainstamangledChevytruck.
Thelizardsstaredatus,theireyesglowingdarkorange.Theyvariedinsize:
somedark,almostblack,andonlythesizeofaboxerdog;othersasbigasapony.Fast,agile,andarmedwithtwo-inchfangs.Thechancesoftheirbeingherbivoreswereniltononexistent.Reptilesreactedtomovement.Ifweran,theywouldchase.Therewereabouttwentyyardsbetweenthemandtheteenagers,andanotherthirty-fivebetweenthekidsand
Kenandme.Therewasnowaywe
wouldmakeittothePAD’svehicles.TheGuildwasourbestoption.
NexttomeKenraisedhishandsandbegantochantsoftly,anincessant,lowmurmur,sinkingpowerintoeveryword.
“Don’trun,”Icalledout.Thekidspivotedtome.“Walktome.Slowly.”
Theteenagersstartedtowardme.Thetwomercs,AlixSimosandCruz,backeduptoo,slowly,carefully,watchingtheseaofbeastsswellwithmorebodies.TheywerethefarthestfromtheGuild.
Thelizardskeptcoming.Onecorpsecouldn’tpossiblytransformintothishorde.Itwasasifaportalhadopenedsomewheredeepinsidethe
giant’sbodyandvomitedthemout.
Thelizardcurrentsplit,bothstreamsturningandpooling,asthebeastsassessedthebattlefield.
Thenearestlizard,abigbrowncreaturemottledwithblack,openeditsmouth.Adeepvoicecameout,thewordtornbythesharprowsofteeth.“Meat.”
Ohboy.
Thesecondlizardspatanidenticalvoice.“Meat.”
Animalsdidn’tspeak.Eitherthesewerereally,reallyadvancedmythologicalcreatures,orsomeonewascontrollingtheentirehorde,pilotingthemthewaynavigatorspilotedtheundead.Eitherway,thisjustwentallthewayfrombad,pastworse,straighttoweareallgoingtodie.
“Meat.”“Meat.”Theairshudderedas
hundredsofreptilianmouthsrepeatedoverandover,“Meat...meat...meat...”
“Don’trun!”Icalledout.Cruzturnedandshoved
Alixdown,sinkingallofthestrengthofhispowerfulmuscleintoit.Yousonovabitch.Thepushtookthesmallermerctothe
ground.Alixcaughthimselfonhishandsasifdoingapush-up,grippedthepavement,andstayedcompletelystill.CruzspunandranfortheGuild.
Thelizardheadssnappedinhisdirection,drawntomovementlikesharkstobloodinthewater.Asmallsolid-blacklizarddartedintohisway.Afringeofbrilliantvermilionspikessnappedup
inacrestalongitsspine.Cruzswunghismachete.
Theblacklizardopeneditsmouth,studdedwithsharpteeth,belched,andspatajetoffoamyslimestraightatthemerc.Cruzscreamed.Hisskinstretchedlikemoltenwax,tore,andslidoffhim,revealingbarebloodymuscleunderneath.Cruzcrasheddown,hisvoicecutoffinmidscream.Thereptilesdove
afterhim,thespotwherehisbodyfellachurningwhirlpoolofscaledbodies.
“Meat!”therestofthehorderoared.“Meat!”
Theteenagersran.Thelizardscharged,scramblingafterthem.Acrosstheparkinglot,peoplescreamedasthefrontwaveofthereptilestoreintothefirstresponders.
Isprintedforward,Sarrat
out.Myheadscreechedinprotest,theheadachepoundingmyskull.
Alixjumpedtohisfeetandchargedafterthekids.
Atallganglykidstumbledoverabrickandfell.Theresttorepasthimandpastme.
Alixsprintedfullforce,armspumping.Thenearestpursuinglizardsnappedathisfeet,itsteethrendingempty
airlessthanafootfromAlix’scalf.
Ilungedinfrontofthekidontheground.Thefirstlizardreachedme,andIcleaveditsheadfromitsneck.
Alixdashedbyme,yankedtheboytohisfeet,anddraggedhimwithhim.Tooslow.Theywouldneedtimetomakeittothebuilding.Iftheyneededtime,Iwouldbuyitforthem.
Thelizardsswarmedme.Istabbedandsliced,backingup.Thenauseawasoverwhelmingnow,thehot,nearlyblindingpaininmyheadthreateningtoblockouteverythingelse.
AdinofhumanscreamsroseabovetheGuild’sparkinglot.
Cutandbackup.Cutandbackup.Ijusthadtowalkmyselfrightoutofhereand
notgettorntoshredsbytheendlessreptilebeasts.
Thelizardsadvancedinaraggedsemicircle,tryingtosurroundme.Toomany...
Ablackshaggybodysmashedintothelizards.Ajetofcorrosiveslimeshotpastmeandfellwide,spillingharmlesslyontheground.Anenormousblackdogclampedhisjawsontothelizard’sneckandshookitlikea
terriershakesarat.Grendel.Curranmust’ve
broughthimwiththem.Thelizardsfroze,
shocked.Themassivedogspatthe
lifelessbodyandgrinnedatme,showinghugewhitefangs.Bluefirerippledonhisfangsanddancedalonghisshaggyfur.
“Goodboy.”Grendelparkedhimself
onmyleftsideandsnarled.Theheadachesingedmy
brainagain.Vertigoclampedontomeandacidburnedmythroat.Screwit.Ibentoverandvomited.Endorphinskickedinandforabriefmomenttheheadacheretreated.
Thelizardshesitated,theirpupil-lesseyesglowingwithcoldhungryfire.Somekillingthemwasn’tscary,but
ablackshaggymuttwasclearlyoutsidetheirframeofreference.
“Meat,”alizardmouthroared.
Theotherscaughtthecry.“Meat...meat...meat...”
Thelizardsrushedmeasone.Icarvedandsliced,kicked,thrust,andstabbed.Bodiesfellaroundme.GrendelandIretreated,fightingforeachinch.Fangs
snappedatme.AlizardcaughtGrendel’sflankinitsmouth.HesnarledandIburiedSarratinthelizard’sback.Clawsrakedmylegs.Ispunandslicedanotherbeast.Anarrowsproutedinitsthroat.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawAlixbehindme,hisbowinhishands.Hedrewandloosedthearrowsinasmoothfastglidethatlookedasnaturalasbreathing.
“Allhands,fallin!”awomanroaredacrossthelot,somewherebehindthelizardhorde.“Formaperimeter!Meleetothefront!Iwantamagehereandamagethere.Lightthemup.Archers,formuponmages.Givemeintersectingfieldsoffire.Actlikeyou’vebeentoapartybefore.”
Afoot.Anotherfoot.Wekeptgoing.Mybreathing
evenedout.Mymindcatalogedtheinjuriesandignoredthem.Grendelbledbuthestillfought,rippingintoreptilianbodies.Thehordetightenedtheringaroundus.TheywerekeyingonGrendelnow,judginghimtheeasiertarget.Theywouldn’tgetmydogaslongasIbreathed.
Ichancedaglanceovermyshoulder.Twentyyardsto
theGuild.Theywouldbeahardtwentyyards.Iwasabouttothrowupagain.
Alizardcrashedinfrontofme,itsbodybroken.
Totherightthereptilianbodiesflewupandaside,asifbulldozed.Someonestrongandverymotivatedwastearingdownthebattlefield.
“Whatthehellisthat?”Alixsaid.
“That’smyhoney-
bunny.”Curranburstintothe
open,aseven-and-a-half-foot-tallmonsterclothedinsteelmuscleandgrayfur.Faintstripescrossedhislimbslikedarkwhipmarks.Blooddrippedfromhisclawedhands.Ontheleftside,apatchofhisskinwasmissing,muscleexposedandraw.
Hegrabbedthenearestlizard,twisteditwithaloud
snap,andtosseditaside.“Hey,baby.”
“Hi.”Ibeheadedalizard.“Wherearethekids?”
“WiththeMSDU.”Hedisemboweledabeastwithaquickswipeofhisclaws.“You’rehavingallthisfunwithoutme.”
“I’mnotdoingmuch.Justhavingteaandcookies.”Icutatanotherlizard.“Thinkingdeepthoughts.”Iloveyou.
“ThenI’lljoinyou.”Helovedme,too.Webackedawaytogether.
TheGuilddoorsloomedbehindus.
“Down!”Kenbarked.IgrabbedGrendelintoa
bearhuganddropped.Curranlandednexttome,hisarmovermyback.
Ajetoffoulyellowsteamtoreaboveourheadsandslashedintothefrontrowof
lizards.Theyconvulsed,theirscalehideblistering,anddied.IjumpedtomyfeetandranthelasttenyardstotheGuild.Grendeldashedbetweenthemetaldoors,Iwasnext,andCurranwasthelast.HeandIspunaroundandblockedthenarrowgapbetweenthedoors.Withonlytwelvefeetbetweenthedoors,thelizardscouldn’tcomeatusmorethanthreeat
atime.Juketookpositionnexttous,herspearinherhands.BehindherAlixdrewhisbow.
CurranputhisarmaroundmeandIhuggedhim,goreandfurandall.Thefeelofhisbodywrappedaroundminewasindescribable.Therewerefewmomentsoftruehappinessinlife.Thiswasone.Ihuggedhimharder,enjoyingevery
momentoftouch.“Getaroom!”Juke
growled.Webrokeapartintimeto
seeherjabthefirstlizard.God,myheadwasabout
tosplitopen.“Wherewereyou?What
happened?”Icarvedachunkoutofanotherlizard’sface.
“Ijusttookthekidstofightsomeghouls,”Curransaid.
Oh,soitwasfine,then...Wait.“Youdidwhat?”
Hekickedalizard.Itflewintotheotherslikeacannonball.“IcalledJimbeforeweleftthehousetotalkaboutghouls,andhesaidtheyfoundsomeintheMARTAtunnels.SoIgrabbedthekidsanddidalittlehunting.”
Iwouldkillhim.“Justso
Igetitright,Jimcallsyouandsays,‘Hey,wefoundahordeofghoulsintheMARTAtunnels,’andyourfirstthoughtwas,‘Great,I’lltakethekids’?”
“Theyhadfun.”Acarefulnotecreptintohisvoice.Curransawthesharkfininthewaterbutwasn’tsurewherethebitewouldbecomingfrom.
“Youeventookthedog.”
Grendelchosethatmomenttotrytoshovepastme.IshovedhimbackintotheGuildandhebeganrunningbackandforthbehindus,growling.
“Hehadfun,too.Lookathim.He’sstillexcited.”
Grendelstopped,shook,flingingbloodfromhisfur,andresumedhisorbitaroundus.
“Ithoughtyouhada
poodle!”Jukesaid.“Heisapoodle.”“Thatisnotapoodle.”“Hetransforms.”Intimes
ofcrisisGrendelturnedintoanenormousblackhound.Unfortunately,thetransformationwasgovernedbyhisstrangecaninebrain,andsometimeshedecidedthatthepropercourseofactioninbattlewastopeeandrollindeadthings
instead.Ablacklizardsqueezed
throughthebodiesanddiedbeforeitcouldopenitsmouth,Alix’sarrowinitsthroat.
“Okay,”Jukesaid.“Yourhorseisadonkey,yourpoodleisagiantwolfbreed,andyourboyfriendiswhateverthehellheis.Youhaveproblems.”
“Shutup,”Itoldher.
“Hegottorollonsomeghoulcorpses,”Curransaid.“Hehadagoodtime.”
Thatwashardlysurprising.Grendelhadawarpedsenseofpersonalhygiene.
“You’reaninconsiderateirresponsibleass.”
“Me?”Currantorealizardinhalf.
“You.”Jukegrinned.
“Youwantedtomakeitpersonal.Imadeitpersonal.Youwanttotalkaboutirresponsible?”Curran’seyessparkedwithgold.“Yousawagiantrippingupabuildingandyouranintothebuilding.Andthenyouclimbedontothegiantsoyoucouldpokehimwithyoursword.Whatwastheplantogetdownoffhim?Didyoulearntoflyanddidn’ttellme?”
“Don’tchangethesubject.IgotacallfromSevenStarAcademysayingJuliedidn’tmakeittoschool.Icouldn’tfindher.Icouldn’tfindyou.”
Jukesnickered.“Shouldn’thavetakenthekidswithyou,huh?”
“Stayoutofthis,”Itoldher,andpulledSarratoutofalizard’sbody.“Youmadeallthesepreparationsandnever
oncethoughtwhatwouldhappenwhenIcouldn’tfindyouorJulie.Wouldithavekilledyoutoleaveanote?”
Jukeblinked,suddenlysurprised.
“Ittakestwentyseconds.‘Hi,Kate,takingthekidstofightsomeghouls,bebackbylunch.’”Iwavedmyarms.“IthoughtyoumightbetrappedintheGuildwithJulie.”
“WhythehellwouldIbe
intheGuildwithJulie?”“Becauseyouwere
supposedtogobyherethismorningandbecauseIthoughtIheardheronthephonescreamingforhelp.”
Curransparedmehalfasecondofhishardstare.“EvenifyouthoughtIwasintheGuild,whatdidyouthinkIwasdoingwhilethegiantwastearingitup?DidyouthinkIwassittingonmy
hands?”“Ithoughtyoumightbe
injured.”Helookedatme.“We’ve
met,youandI?”Ideliberatelytookabig
stepback.“What?”hegrowled.“I’mmakingroomfor
yourego.”“Fine.Ishould’velefta
note!”“Youshould’ve.”
“Answermethis,didyouhesitateatallordidyouseethegiant,go‘Wheee!’andruntowardit?”
“Sherantowardit,”Jukequipped.
“Hewasbitingpeopleinhalf.”
“Irestmycase,”Curransaid.“Anotewouldn’thavemadeanydifference.”
Noteornot,Ididn’tcare.Iwasjusthappyhewasalive.
Themagicwaveended.Thelizardsfellasone.
Theheadacheexplodedinmyskullasifsomeonehadpouredgasolineonmybrainandsetitonfireinsidemyhead.WetnessslidfrommyearsandIrealizeditwasblood.
“Kate?”Curranturnedhumaninablink.
“Myheadhurts.”“Ican’tunderstandyou.”
Hisfaceturnedfrantic.“What’swrong?”
“Myheadhurts.”IknewIwassayingit.Icouldhearmyvoice,Ijustcouldn’tmakeoutthewords.
“Medic!”Curranroared.Theagonyinmyhead
drownedoutallelse.Isanktomykneesandslidtotheground.Theworldwentsilentexceptforthepoundingofmyownpulse.
•••
IOPENEDMYeyesandinstantlywishedIhadn’t.Theheadachehadgrownsharpbladesandstabbedthemintomyskullthroughmyeyes.
Theceilingdidn’tlookfamiliar,butthesmellintheairwas.Theexquisitearomaofdisinfectant,rubbingalcohol,andthatweird“medicine”flavortoldmeI
wasinahospital.AlsotheIVinmyarmandthebloodpressurecuffwerekindofagiveaway.Myhandrestedonthesheathofmysaber.Someonehadputmyswordinbedwithme.
Whydidithurtsomuch?Asoftvoicetintedwitha
coastalGeorgiaaccentdriftedthroughmyheadache,thatlowlandgenteelSoutherndialectthatrefusedtodieout
andswallowedconsonantsontheendsofwordsso“better”and“over”cameoutas“bettuh”and“ovuh.”Judgingbytheintonationinthevoice,thedoctorwasinandnottoohappy.
Whatelsewasnew?IhadwokenuplikethistounfamiliarceilingsandupsetmedmagesmoretimesthanIcouldremember.Theonlyquestionwas,whichhospital
hadIendedupinthistime?Itiltedmyheadonthe
pillow.Thegooddoctorwassittinginawheelchairtalkingtoanotherpatientormaybehishelper,Icouldn’treallysee.Hisvoicewasquietandsoothing,andIcouldn’tquitemakeoutwhathewassaying.IfIsquinted,Icouldsortofreadhislips.Intracranialhemorrhage.SomethingtoldmeIshouldknowwhatthat
meant.Heturned.Something
stretchedinmybrainandIrecognizedhisfaceinaflashofpain.Doolittle.Whydidn’tIrecognizehisvoice?Wait,ifDoolittlewashere,thatmeantwewereintheKeep.Wecouldn’tbeintheKeep.Ourthirtydaysweren’tup.Iopenedmymouthtocallout.Nowordscameout.
Okay,ifIcouldn’ttalk,I
wouldsitup.Mybackrefusedtoobey.
Panicpinchedmybreath.Ifeltmybody,Ifeltmylegs,myarms,evenmyfingersandtoes.IcouldfeelSarrat’ssheathundermyfingertips.Ijustcouldn’tgetthemtomove.Mymuscleswereoutofsyncwithmymind.
Iwasparalyzed.No.No,no,no.Ilivedby
mysword.Icouldn’tbe
paralyzed.Icouldn’t.Awordsurfacedfrom
somewherewithintherecessesofmymemory.Hemorrhage.Hemorrhageinsidetheskullwascalledintracranial.Iknewthis.Iknewitwasbad.Ijustcouldn’tfightthroughtheheadachetowhatitmeant.
Adoorswungopenandawomanstuckherheadin.“Doolittle?”
Doolittleturnedhischairtowardherandthelookonhisfacesaidhewouldbiteherheadoffifshewerewithinreach.Seriousbusiness.
“Trishaaskedifyoucouldspareaminuteforsomepaperwork.”
“IfTrishawantstoseeme,shecancomedownhere.”Hisvoicehadasnaptoit.
Thewomanwithdrewandshutthedoor.
TheothermansaidsomethingIdidn’tquitecatchinanunfamiliarvoice.Iblinked,desperatelytryingtobringhimintofocus.Curran.Whatthehellwaswrongwithme?
“ThereisnothingIcando,”Doolittleanswered,hisvoicestern.“TheMRIshowedmultiplemicrobleeds.
Thesmallvesselsinsideherbrainexploded.Theysealedthemselvesalmostimmediately,whichiswhyyou’renotcradlingacorpserightnow,andherbodybegantomagicallyheal,butthedamagewasdone.Sheshouldbedead.Ifitwereanybodyelse,theywouldbedead,butsheistoodamnstubborntodie.ThereisnothingIcandorightnow.
Untilthemagiccomesup,myonlyoptionistomanagethesymptoms.I’mmonitoringherbloodpressure.I’madministeringmannitoltokeeptheswellingundercontrolandanticonvulsantssoshedoesn’tseizeagain.AndIneedtobedoingallthatandyouneedtobesomewhereelse.DidInotgiveyousomethingtodo?”
“Whatifshestops
breathingagain?”“Ifherinternalrespiratory
drivemechanismisaffected,Iwillputheronaventilator.Goaway.”
Curranglancedatme.Iblinkedandthenhewasbymybed.“Kate.Baby.”
Istilldidn’trecognizehisvoice.
“Saysomething.”Iopenedmymouth.No
wordscameout.
“Curran,”Doolittlegrowled.“Move.”
Curranslidtotheside,andDoolittleinhischairtookCurran’splace.
“Canyouhearme?”Doolittleasked,pronouncingthewordsslowly.“Blinkonceifyes.”
Iblinked.“YourMRIshows
rupturesinmultiplesmallbloodvesselsinyourbrain,”
Doolittlesaid,hisvoicecalm.Iwasbleedinginmy
brain,Icouldn’tmove,Ihaddifficultytalking.Thesymptomslineduplikelinksinachain.Iopenedmymouth.Concentrate.Youcandoit.Onesoundatatime.
“S.”Iwouldmakethe
goddamnwordcomeout.“St...stroke.”NexttomeCurran
draggedhishandoverhisface.
“Yes,”Doolittlesaid.“Youhadastroke.Youhadseveralmicrostrokessimultaneously.”
That’sme,theoverachiever.
Doolittlesquintedatme,hisfacesomber.Heusuallyappearedtobeinhisfifties,buthelookedmucholdertoday,atiredblackmanwith
salt-and-pepperhairandkindeyes.
“Howareyoufeeling?”Iopenedmymouthand
concentratedonpronouncingaword.Myvoicewassoweak.“P...”
Theybothleanedin,tryingtohearme.Ifoughtthroughtheboutofpain,drawingasharpbreath.
“P...peachy.”Curranexplodedoutof
thechair,movingoutofmyview.
“That’sgood,”Doolittlesaid,hisexpressionsomber.
Itriedtosqueezemysword.Icouldn’tdoit.Myhandrestedrightonit,becauseCurranmust’veputitthere.HeknewSarratwouldmakemefeelsafe.ButnowIcouldn’tevenclosemyfingersaroundit.
Icouldn’tholdmysword.
Iwantedtogohome.Ihadtogohomerightnow.Ineededtobeoutofthishospitalbed.
Amanstuckhisheadintotheroom.“Arielaisinlabor.”
Doolittlepushedhischairtothedoor.“Iwillberightback.She’sconfusedandsedated.Don’tdoanythingtoaggravateher.Nostressfultopics.Nothingthatcouldpotentiallyupsether.Less
informationisbetteratthispoint.Sam,stayrighthereandmonitorher.”
Adark-hairedmanwalkedintotheroomandparkedhimselfatthefarwall.
Ihadtogetoutofhere.Panictookmythroatintoaclawedhandandsqueezed.
Curranblockedthelightfromthewindow.Ifelthiswarmhandonmine.
“Itwillbeokay,”hesaid,
strokingmyfingers.“Itwillbeokay.”
IhadtotellhimthatIhadtogohome.
“Whatisit?”Curranleanedclosertome.
“Idon’tthinkyoushouldencouragehertotalk...”Samstarted.
Curranturnedtohim.Agoldlightdrownedhisirises.
Sam’smouthsnappedshut.Iheardhisteethclick.
“Whatisit,baby?”Ifinallysqueezedthe
wordout.“Home.”Amuscleinhisface
jerked.“No,baby.Wecan’tgohome.Doolittlewilltakegoodcareofyou.Youjusthavetoholdonuntilthemagicstarts.”
“Home.”“Itwillbeokay.”Ihadtomakehim
understand.
“She’sgettingtooagitated,”Samsaid.
“Itwillbefine,”Currantoldme.“You’resafe.Iwon’tletanyonehurtyou.”
Myeyesfeltwet.Curran’sfaceturnedpale.
“Home.”“Wecan’tgohomeright
now.We’llgoassoonasyou’rebetter.”
Thewetnesswasrunningdownmycheeksnowinhot
streaks.“Havetogohome.”Curran’sfacewasterrible.
Paintwistedhismouthandheforceditdown,hisfacecalmagain,butIknew.Isawit.IfImadehimunderstand,hewouldtakemehome.
“Don’tcry,”hewhispered.
“Please,”Ibegged.“Please.”
“What’ssoimportantabouthome?”
Iopenedmymouth.Myvoicewassoweak.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundme,liftingmetohim.
“Want...todieathome.”
ShockslappedCurran’sface.
Doolittlemadeascreechingnoisethatslicedagainstmyearslikeaknife.
Curranletgoofme.“Getout,”Doolittlesaid,
hisvoiceicy.Curranopenedhismouth.“GetoutorI’llhaveyou
removedfromtheKeep.”Curranspunonhisfoot
andstalkedout.DoolittleturnedtoSam.
“WhatdidIsay?”“Iknow,but...”“But?”“He’sCurran,”Samsaid,
asifitexplainedeverything.“Idon’tcareifheis
Curran.Inyourward,youaregod.Go.”
Samfled.Doolittlewheeledthechairtome.
“Home,”Itoldhim.“That’spatently
ridiculous.Nobodyisgoinghome.”
Coldrushedthroughmyveins.ToolateIsawDoolittletakingasyringefromtheIV.Fatiguemuggedme,threateningtodragme
under.Istruggledtosaythe
words.“Don’twant...todie...here.”
“You’rejustinsultingmenow.Nobodyisdyingtoday,ifIcanhelpit.”Doolittlesaid.Hisvoicefaded,growingweakerandweaker.“You’resafe.Yourmaniacisjustoutsidethedoor,watchingoveryou.Restnow.Rest...”
•••
IWOKEUPbecausesomeonewaslookingatme.Theroomwasdim.Mybodyfeltheavy.Iwassotired.Allmysystemswereshuttingdownonebyone.Icouldn’ttellwhichsymptomscamefromthestroke,whichfromthesedative.IwaslostandIcouldn’tpullmyselftogether.
Thesoftelectricglowofa
floorlampilluminatedateenagegirlsittingbymybed.Shewaspaleandblondand,againstthatlightbackdrop,herhugebrowneyesstoodoutliketwodarkpools.
Shewasimportant.Shewasvitallyimportanttome.
Julie.“Kate,”shewhispered,
hervoiceshaking.“Kate?”“Yes?”Imanaged.
“It’sme,Julie.Areyoudying?”
Icouldtellshedesperatelywantedadifferentanswer.“Iloveyou.”
Theexpressiononherfacetwistedsomethinginsideme.
IlookedfromhertoCurran.“Iloveyousomuch.Both...”
“Youcan’tdie.”Shegrabbedmyhand.Tears
swelledinhereyes.“You’reallIhave.Kate,please.Pleasedon’tdie.”
Myheadhurtsomuch.Ididn’tlikethatshewascrying.Ihadtomakeherbetter.“Itwillbeokay.”
“Kate,don’tleaveme.”Tearsrolleddownhercheeks.“It’snotfair.It’snotfair!”
Thedoorswungopen.“DoIneedtoputalock
onthisdoor?”Doolittle
asked.“Comeon.”Curran
appearedbythebed,tookJuliebyhershoulders,andgentlybutfirmlypulledherawayfrommybed.
“Isshedying?”Juliepulledagainsthim.
“Shewillbeokay,”hetoldher.
“Whatifshewon’tbe?Whatifshe—”
Thedoorclosingbehind
themcutofftherestofherwords.
I’dneverfeltsohelpless.“Home,”ItoldDoolittle.“Soon,”hepromised.Liar.Ihadtogetoutof
here.Ididn’twanttoendmylifeinthishospitalbed.Ihadspenttoolongwithoutmagic,andmybodywasgivingout.Ifeltweakerandweaker.Theyhadtotakemehome.Iwantedtodieinourhouse.
“Toolong...”“You’veonlybeeninhere
afewhours.Itfeelslongerbecauseyoukeepwakingupdespitethesedative.”
“Julie.”“Juliewillbefine.You
don’thavetoworryaboutthatrightnow,”hesaid.“Focusonhealing.Rest.”
•••
IWOKEUPtopain.Mybrainwasslowandconfused.Mymouthtastedlikemedicine.Iwassotired.Iwassinkingdeeperanddeeperintothemurkywaterofpainandexhaustion.Iknewthesigns.Mybodywasgivingout.Whywouldn’ttheyjustletmegohome...
Itwasnightandmyroomwasquiet.Doolittlestillsatinhischair,hispaperbackon
hislap,hiseyesclosed.Ahair-thinlineofbrightorangelightmarkedtheedgeofthedoor—someonehadfailedtocloseitalltheway.Quietvoicesfloatedintotheroom.Ihadtostraintomakeoutthewords.
“Whatifshedoesn’tpullthrough?”
Julie.“Shewill.”Curran.His
voicewasrocksteady,quiet,
strong,reassuring.“Ascaniosaidshemight
beparalyzed.Hesaidshecouldgetamnesia...”
Asparkoftheoldmefoughttothesurfaceofthepainforabriefsecond.Damnit,couldthatkidnotkeephismouthshutforonce?
“Don’tlistentowhatthatidiotsays.Katewouldn’tabandonherfamily.That’snotwhosheisandthat’snot
whatshedoes.”WhichKatearewe
talkingabout?Becausetheoneinthisbeddidn’thaveachoice.
“Butwhatifshedoesn’t?”Juliepressed.Hervoicewastrembling.“Sheisn’tactinglikeherself.She’safighterandsheisn’tevenfighting.Ascaniosaidheheardhersayshewantstogohometodie.”
IfIgotbetter,thatbouda
wasgoingtoregretit.“Ascanioshouldn’trun
hismouth,”Curransaid.“Sometimeswhenpeoplehaveheadinjuries,itchangeswhotheyareforalittlewhile.Shewillbebacktonormalsoon.”
Andoftenthatchangewaspermanent.I’dkilledamanwhohadturnedintoaviolentsadisticdrifteraftersufferingafracturedskull.
“Iknowit’sscary.ButyouhavetotrustDoolittle.Sheisunderheavysedation.Shejustisn’therselfrightnow,”Curransaid.“Whenthemagiccomes,Doolittlewillhealher.”
“Whatifshenevercomeshome?WhatwouldI...Iwon’thaveanybody...”
“Youwillhaveme.Shewillcomehome,butifshedoesn’t,Iwillstillbethere,”
Curransaid.“Wearefamily.Youwillalwayshaveaplaceinmyhouse.Iwon’tabandonyou.Ifsomethinghappenstome,AndreaandRaphaelwillstepup.Derekwillalwaysbethereforyou.Youhavepeople,Julie.Youarenotalone.”
Youarenotalone...Someoneupstairsmust’ve
reallyhatedme.Iwantedtohavepeople,too.Ihad
wantedtohearthosewordsforsolong,andnow,justafterI’dhadasmallcrumbofhappiness,Iwasabouttoloseallofitoversomethingsostupid.Ihadtogetbetter.Ihadtogetbetternow.
Iclenchedmyteeth.Thiswouldn’tendme.
Notlikethis.Notrightnow.Iwouldsurvivethis.
Ifoughtthroughthepoundinginmyhead,trying
tofindsomething,anything,topullmeoutofthecoldmurkydepthstothesurface.Ijusthadtosurviveuntilthemagichit.
Iwouldtakeanything.Anyhelp,nomatterhowsmall.
Irefusedtosink.Iwouldwalkoutofhere.IwouldbewithCurranagain.IwouldseeJuliegrowup.
Iwanttosurvive.
Ifoughtforit,tryingtokeepmyselfup,tryingtoreachthesurface,butIkeptsinking.
Somethingshifteddeepinsideme,anunidentifiedmuscleclenchedtightfortoolongrelaxinginafloodofnewache,andthenIfeltit,atinyhintofacurrentpushingmeup.Itwasweak,ohsoweak,butitwasthere.Iwrappedmyselfinitandfora
briefmomentmyaddledbrainrecognizeditforwhatitwas:thecityI’dclaimedsurrenderingwhatlittleresidualmagicithadkeptduringthetechnology.ThelandI’dclaimedwastryingtokeepmealive.
Itwasn’tenoughtoliftmeup.Itwasbarelythere,butitstretchedtome.Ifeltthecitybreathing.Itwasfilledwithlife.Tinycreatures
squirmingthroughthedirt,plantsgrowinginthesoil,ivyandkudzuclimbinguptheruins,skittishthingshidingintheirburrows,predatorscrouchinginthedark,peopleintheirhomes,allofthemsacrificingatinycrumbofthemagicstoredwithintheirbodies.Ithurtthem,itwasprecious,yetstilltheygaveittomebecauseIasked.
Istoppedsinking.
•••
“...GOBACKANDtellhimthatifhethinkshecandictatewhoIcanandcan’ttreat,Iquit,”Doolittlesaid.“AndIwon’tbecomingbackuntilhellfreezesover.”
Iopenedmyeyes.Theroomwasstilldimlylit.Myheadstillhurt,butIwasfloating.
Awomanstoodnextto
Doolittle,herfaceobscured.Curranleanedagainsttheotherbedlikeadarkshadow.Hisarmswerecrossedonhischest.Hiseyeswereglowingpalegold.Menacerolledoffhim,andtheairintheroomturnedthickandtense.
“That’snotwhattheBeastLordsays.Thelawstatesthataretiredalphacan’tbeintheKeepduringthetimeofseparation.Which
iswhyIbroughtdownthispaper.”ThewomanheldthepaperuptoDoolittle.“ThisisanamendmenttothePacklawcodethatgivesyoutherighttotreatpatientswhoarenotmembersofthePackinthePack’sfacilitiesifyoudeterminethattheirconditionrequiresemergencytreatment.”
“Thisisahospital.Idon’tneedanyone’spermissionto
treatapatient.”Doolittletookthepaperandreadit.
ThewomanlookedatCurran.“Curran.”
Curran’sfacewasgrim.“Trisha.Howdidhemanagetopushthatthrough?TheCouncilwouldn’tstandforit.”
“Theydon’tknowit’sforyou,”Trishasaid.“Theywentintosessionjustbeforeyougothere,andJimbroughtit
upundertheCooperationAct,makingacasethatifthereisaninjuredshapeshifterwithinPackborders,theremaynotalwaysbeenoughtimetoobserveallproprieties.Hebundleditwithanaddendumtotheborderpolicy,andtheypasseditwithoutlookingcloselyatit.”
“Smart,”Curransaid.“It’sJim,”Trisha,saidas
ifitexplainedeverything.“Nobodyexceptthepersonalguardknowsyou’rehere.Itwillgetouteventually,buttheCouncilhaslefttheKeep,soweboughtyouafewmorehours.Howisshe?”
Iclosedmyeyes.Ididn’twanttobeafocalpointrightnow.
“Resting,”Curransaid.“Nasrin!”Iheard
Doolittlerollintothe
hallway.“Ineedasecondopiniononthispaper...”
“Whatwillyoudoifsheremainsparalyzed?”Trishaaskedquietly.
“I’lltakecareofher,”Curransaid.
Hewould.Iknewhewould.Iopenedmyeyes.
“Myauntisquadriplegic,”shemurmured.“Itisextremelydifficult.Wecouldkeepherherefor
you...”Shecaughtherself.“Sorry.”
Excellenttiming.Perhapssheshouldborrowoneofmyknivesandstabhimwhileshewasatit.
Doolittlerolledback,thepaperinhishand.“Wesignedit.”
CurrantookitfromhishandandgaveittoTrisha.Shetookit.
“DidJimneedanything
else?”Curranasked,hisvoicecold.
“No.”Trisharealizedshewasbeingdismissed.“Goodluck.”
Sheturnedaroundandwalkedout.
Curranlookedatthecloseddoorforalongmoment.
“It’sokay,”Doolittlemurmured,hisvoicesoothing.“Comeon.Let’sget
yousometea...”Curranshookhishead.“Stayrighthere,”
Doolittlesaid,rollingtothedoor.“I’llberightbackwiththetea.”
ThedoorclosedbehindDoolittle.Foramomentnothinghappened,andthenCurran’sposeshifted.Tensiongrippedhisspineandhisshoulders.Helookedlikeamanbackedintoacorner,
outnumberedandinjured,resignedtohisfate,butgrimlydeterminedtostandhisground.Hisfacewasneutrallikeamask,buthiseyesweren’t.Theybrimmedwithpainandfear.
Oh,Curran.Ittriedtobendhim,and
hewasn’tusedtobending.Hedidn’tknowhowandhewasfightingit,butwhateveranxietychurnedinsidehim
nowwasslowlywinning.Itwoulddraghimdownandcrushhim.Allofhispower,will,andexplosivestrengthmeantnothingandheknewit.Helookedlikeamanatthedeathbedofsomeoneheloved.
Thatsomeonewasme.Iputhimthroughthis.
Iwasn’teventhatlovabletobeginwith.Iwasaselfishass,butsomehowsomethingI
didmadethismanloveme,deeplyandwithoutreservation.HeknewthingsaboutmethatIwoulddietokeepsecret.ItrustedhimmorethanItrustedanyoneinmylife.Imatteredtohim.HewassufferingandIwantedittostop.Iwantedtoseehimhappy.Ilovedhimsomuch.
ImeanttotellhimthatifhechasedTrishadownandbroughtherbackhere,I’d
punchherinthearmforhim.Imanagedoneword.“Bitch.”
Hepushedofffromthebedagainstwhichheleaned.Allsignsofworryvanishedfromhim.Heforcedaneutralexpressionontohisface.MyBeastLord.
“Come,”Iwhispered.Hecameovertomybed.“Closer...”Heleanedincloser.Ittookallofmywill.I
liftedmyhandandpunchedhisjaw.Itwasthesaddestpunchontheplanet.Myfingersbarelygrazedhisstubbleandthenmyarmgaveoutandfellbackonthebed.
Curranblinked.“Youlookedsad,”I
explained.“Isthisyoutryingto
cheermeup?”“Whatareyou...
going...todoaboutit?”I
asked.“YourWussiness?”Hetouchedhisindex
fingertomyforehead.Hisvoicewasrough.“Tap.You’reout,AssKicker.”
“Ileaveyoualoneforfiveminutesandyou’reinherepunchingeachotherandplayinggrab-ass,”Doolittlesaidfromsomewhereintheroom.“Iexpectthisfromyou,Kate,becauseyouhavenosense,butyou,youshould
knowbetter.Roughhousinginthehospital.Drinkyourtea.”DoolittlethrustoneoftheglassesatCurran.
Curranobedientlytooktheglassanddrainedit.
“Theteawasalie,”Itoldhimquietly.
Henodded.“Hespikesitwithasedative.”
Soheknewanddrankitanyway.“Whatkindofasedativetakesdown...a
shapeshifter?”“Idon’tknow.”Curran’s
facewasrelaxing.Hesatonmybed,movingverycarefully.“Hewon’ttellme.”
“Heneedsit,”Doolittlesaid.“Hehasn’tsleptsinceyougothere.”
“YougetyourteathroughyourIV,”Doolittletoldme.
“Nomoretea.Itmakesmeloopyandsad.”
“Iwouldbemost
appreciativeifyourefrainedfromtellingmehowtodomyjob.IfIneedsomeguidanceonhowtobestskewersomethingtwentytimesmysizeandgetmyselfnearlydeadintheprocess,I’llaskyou.Thereisonlyonemedmageinthisroom,andsinceIamthatmedmage,I’lldecidewhatmedicinetoadministerandwhen.Andforyourinformation,itisyour
headinjurythatistheculprit,notthesedative.”
“Bummer.”Ifeltoddlylightand
sleepy.“Liewithme,”I
whispered.Curranstretchedoutnext
tome.Ourarmsweretouching.Thesmellofhimdriftedover,sofamiliarandcomforting.
Curran’sfingersheldmy
hand,histhumbgentlystrokingmyskin.Irecalledthewayhetasted.Thefeelofhisbodyonmine.Theweightofit.Thestrengthofthearmswrappedaroundme.Hiseyes.Thewayhelookedatme...
“Staywithme,Kate,”hesaid.
“Iwill,”Ipromised.
CHAPTER
T12
HEMAGICWAVEjoltedmeoutofmysleep,the
crushingheadacheafamiliaragonybynow.Thisone-nightstandwithmystrokehadlastedwaytoolong.Thepainwasintensebutmythoughtswerenolongerjumbled.Thecurrentofthecityhadpushedmeafewincheshigher.
IopenedmyeyestothemorninglightandsawDoolittlelookingatme.Curransatontheotherbed.
“Thisiswhatwe’vebeenwaitingfor.”Doolittlerolledhischairclosetome.
“Ohboy.”“Leave,please,”Doolittle
said.Curranroseandtooka
steptome.“Remembernow,”
Doolittlewarnedhim.“Wehaveanagreement.I’llholdyoutoit.”
Curransteppedtomybed.Hisarmsclosedaroundmeandhesqueezedmetohim.Mybonesgroaned.Hisvoicewasalowgrowl.“Iwillwaitforyou.Aslongasittakes.Evenifyouneverchoosetocomeback.Butit’syourchoice.”
Heletmego,turned,and
marchedout.Okay,then.Doolittleregardedme
withhisdarkeyes.“Yourbrainisverydelicate.Thinkofyourmindasaforestcrisscrossedbymanypathsalongwhichsignalstraveltoyourbody.Someareclear,somebecomeovergrownovertime,butallhaveformednaturally.Rightnowthesepathsaredamaged.Icanusemagictorestorethem.”
Isensedabig“but”coming.“But?”
“Thinkofmeasclear-cuttingthepathsbyforceinsteadofallowingthenaturaldevelopmenttotakeplace.Iwilldomyabsolutebest,butmypowerislimited.ThepathwaysIcreatewon’tmatchtheoldpathwaysprecisely.Ihavedonethispreviouslyonfourdifferentoccasions.I’verestored
functionand,inonecase,memorieslostduringanamnesia-inducingevent;however,oneofmypatientshadadrasticpersonalitychangeandtwoothersdevelopedsevereanxietyandreportedepisodesofdepersonalization,duringwhichtheyfeltunabletocontrolthemselves,asiftheeventstheyexperiencedwerehappeningtosomeoneelse.
Theyfeltdisconnectedfromrealityanddisconnectedfromtheirmemories.Oneofthemimprovedovertime.Theotherleftherfamilyandmovedoutofstate.Shehadfourchildren,asupportivehusband,andelderlyparents.Nobodyhasheardfromherinovernineyears.”
“Youareabucketofcheer,Doc.”
“Thereisanalternative,”
Doolittlesaid.“Youcouldletthehealingtakeplacegradually.Thereisapossibilitythatyourbrainwillrestoreitself.”
“Howbigapossibility?”“Asignificantpossibility.
Theonlyreasonyouarealiveandhaveregainedsomeminormotorfunctionisthatimmediatelyafterthetraumathatcausedthestrokes,thebloodvesselsinyourbrain
sealedthemselves.Theprocessofhealinghadalreadystartedbeforeyouwereeverbroughttome.Ibelievethatovertime,withmyhelp,youwillrecovermostofwhatyoulost.”
“Howlongwouldthattake?”
“Idon’tknow.”Doolittle’sleanedforward.“ButI’veobservedithappen.”
“Howlongdidittakeinthecasesyouobserved?”
“Threeyearstocompleterecoveryforonepatientandfourteenmonthsfortheother.”
Threeyears.“Howlongifyouhealme
now?”“Itwillbemiraculous,”
Doolittlesaid.“YouwillwalkoutofherewhenI’mfinishedandnodoubtrunstraightinto
anotherfoolishfight.”Thatwasagiven.“Iwantyoutoknowthat
youhaveachoice,”Doolittlesaid.“Curranis...Well,thereisareasonweallfollowedhim.Whenhewantssomething,hecanbeverypersuasive.”
“Youdon’tsay.”“Hewillabidebyyour
decision,Ipromiseyouthat.Hisfeelings,oranyoneelse’s
feelingsexceptyourown,donotmatterhere.Onlyyoucandictatethespeedofyourrecovery.Wedon’tfullyunderstandhowthemindworks,buteverythingwithinitisconnected.ThereisnoguaranteethatafterImitigatethedamage,youwillexperiencethesameemotionsyouoncefelttowardpeopleinyourlife.Curranwillwaitforyou.”
IfDoolittlehealedme,therewasachanceIwouldnolongerwanttobeme.HowhardmustithavebeenforCurrantowalkoutofthisroomandtakethatchance?
“Hewilltakecareofyouandhewon’tabandonyouifyouchoosetotakeyourtime.NeitherwillJulie.Iwillalwaysbehere.”
TherewasonlyonethingIcouldsaytothat.“Thank
you.”Hereachedoverand
gentlytouchedmyhand.Hissternmedmagecomposurebroke.“Youshouldn’thavelefttheKeep.Lookwhathappened.”
ItmademewanttocryandIdidn’tknowwhy.Isqueezedhishand.“YoureallythinkCurranwillwaitforme?”
“Hegavemehisword.
Trustme,heisn’tgoinganywhere.Heisallyours,soyes,hewillwait.”
“Butwillmyfather?”Doolittlesighed.“Whatwillhappenwhen
myfatherfindsoutIcan’tholdmysword?WillhewaitthreeyearsorwillheburnthecitytothegroundbecauseIcan’tstophim?”
“Itshouldn’tmatter,”Doolittlesaidgently.
“Butitdoes.”“You’vemadean
agreement.”“AndItrustthat
agreementonlybecauseI’mheretoenforceit.Heknowsthathispowerisn’tinfinite.InafighttothedeathIwillhurthimandthatworrieshim.Ineedtobecapableoffightinghim.Ican’tprotectthecityifIamnot.”
“Itisn’tthetimetoworry
aboutthecity,”Doolittletoldme.“Thisisthetimetoworryaboutyou.”
Thesilencestretchedbetweenus.Itwasn’tfair.Itwasn’tfairthataftereverythingwehadgonethrough,claimingthecitycouldcostmeeveryoneIloved.Itwasn’tfair,butliferarelywas.Goodpeopledied.Badpeoplehadhappylives.Thatwaswhysomeonehad
totakeastand,andthatsomeonewasme.
“Curranlovesme,”Isaid.“Nobodyinmypastlovedmethatmuch.Iseeitinhiseyes.Iwanthimtostaywithme.IwantJulietostaywithme.Iwantmyfamily.Iwantallofyou.”Iwoulddoanythingtokeepmyfamily.Anything,exceptbetrayeverythingIstoodfor.“ButIamalivebecausethecitysavedme.It
gavemeitsmagicwhenIwasdying.”
“Kate...”Doolittlesaidgently.“Thetechnologyhasbeenupthewholetime.”
“Iknow.Butallofus,everythingthatisalive,producesandstoresmagic.Weholdontoitevenduringthestrongesttechwave.That’swhyshapeshifterscanstillchangetheirform.Lastnight,whenIwasdying,
everylivingthingintheboundariesofthelandIclaimedsurrenderedatinyfractionofthatmagicandofferedittome.AndItookit.”Myvoiceshook.“Itookittosurvive.”
Doolittleopenedhismouth.
“Lookintomybrain.Youwillseeprogressthatshouldn’tbethere.I’mspeakingincomplete
sentences.”Ileanedforward.“Icould’veaskedformore.Icould’vetakenitalltohealmyself.Icould’vedrainedallofyoudry.”
Doolittle’seyeswidenedasthemeaningofmywordssankin.Icould’veunleashedablighttosavemyself.Herecoiled.
Webothknewwhathappenedtolivingcreatureswhenmagicwassuddenly
rippedawayfromthem.Ayearago,theLighthouseKeepers,aterroristorganizationobsessedwithbanishingmagic,unleashedadevicethatdidpreciselythatatPalmetto,asmalltownontheoutskirtsofAtlanta.Whenwegotthere,Palmettohadbecomeamassgrave.
Doolittleswallowed.“Rolandcan’tbeallowedtoclaimthisland.”
“Hewon’taslongasIlive.I’veassumedtheresponsibilityforit.I’mmeanttoprotectit.WeareboundnowbysomethingIdon’tfullyunderstand,butIknowthatthislanddidn’tsacrificeitsmagicsoIcouldlieinbedforthreeyearstakingmytime.Rightnowthereisacreatureoutthereterrorizingthecityandsendinghordesofghoulsto
doitsdirtywork.Itisimmunetomymagic,whichmeansitspowersandminehavesomethingincommon.Myfathercould’vesentithere.Ihavetostopit.Ican’tturnmybackonAtlanta.ItwouldmeanturningmybackonCurran,andJulie,andyou.Icaretoomuchaboutallofyou.Healmenow.”
Doolittleshookhishead,rubbinghiseyes.“OnceI
start,Iwillhavetofinish.Itwilltakealongtime,itwon’tbepleasant,andyoumaynotrecallanythingsurroundingthemomentofyourinjury.ThatIcannotheal.”
“Thankyou.”Hesighed.“Everyonehas
acrosstobear.”“AmIyours?”Henodded.“Ikeeptrying
todecideifit’sapunishmentorablessing.”
“Abitofboth.”Ismiled.“Youmightaswellbringhimback.Atleastwe’llbothknowwhatwe’reinforfromthestart.”
•••
ITFELTLIKEhundredsofspiderscrawlingthroughmybrain.Itmadetheinsideofmynoseitch.Occasionallytheytuggedonsomethingand
thennauseagrippedme.AfterIheavedforthefirsttime,Curranbroughtabigbucketforme.Itookitawayfromhim.Havinghimholditformewould’vebeengoingtoofar.Istillhadstandards.Nauseatedandweak,butwhatareyougoingtodo?
Thecontrolovermybodycamebackslowly.Itwaslikepushingagainstthecurrentofaverypowerfulfirehydrant
orwalkingunderwater,whileheavyblocksfellontomyheadfromabove.Sometimestheyslidintoplaceeffortlesslyandsometimestheylandedsohard,itfeltliketheyrippedthroughmybrain.Pasteventsexplodedinmyheadasifmymemorieshadsomehowgottenstuckinareplayloop.
Juliecryinginarestaurantovercrablegsandshrimp.
Andreadraggingmeouttolunch.
Thefloodkeptcoming,relentless.Theflare.Fomoriansrunningacrossthefield.
Mishmar.Greg’ssavagedbody.Myaunt.Livelong...
child.Livelongenoughtoseeeveryoneyoulovedie.Suffer...likeme.
Curran.Staywithme,
baby.Iwill.IpromiseIwill.AuntBdying.Curran.SwanPalace.Myfather....Death.Somuchdeath.So
manypeopleI’dkilled.SomanypeopleIcaredaboutwhohaddied.Somanycorpsesinmywake.
Youtrulyaremy
daughter.Wearegreatand
powerfulmonsters.Lovedemandssacrifices.Whenyoulovesomethingthewayyouloveyourpeople,Blossom,youmustpayforit.Oldpowersareawakening.Thosewhohaveslept,thosewhoweredead,orperhapsnotquitedead.
Ibentforwardunderthepressure.Somethinghot
slippedoutofmyeyesandIrealizedIwascrying.
Thisismycity.Thesearemypeople.
Iwillhuntyou.Iwillsucceed.Maybenotnow,butIwillnevergiveup.
“Done,”Doolittlesaid,hisvoicehoarsefromthestrain.
Curranputhisarmsaroundme.Itwassuchasimplegesture,buthistouch
pulledmeoutofthetangledchaosofmymemoriesbacktonow,anchoringmehere.
Thetwoofthemwerelookingatme.
“Hey,”Curransaidquietly.
Iswallowed.Myheadthrobbed.
“Diditwork?”CurranaskedDoolittle.
“Idon’tknow.”Doolittlesoundedtired.
Curranroseandhelduphishand.“Kickmyhand.”
Ipushedoffthebed.Theysaidwalkingwasjustcontrolledrhythmicfalling.Myfallingturnedouttobeuncontrolled.Ilandedonmyass.
Currandidn’tmove.Igotuptomyfeet.My
bodyfeltlikeanumblimbcomingbacktolife.
Isnappedacrescentkick.
I’dwhippeditwithmyhipanditwassofast,itblurred.Myfootslappedhishand.Hetookastepback.Hiseyesnarrowed.
“Tap,”Itoldhim.“Itworked,”Doolittle
said.
CHAPTER
“W13
HAT’STHELASTthingyouremember?”Doolittleaskedme.
“Mypowerwordbackfiredforsomereason.Ithinkthebacklashofmagiccausedmystroke.Itriedtofreezethegiantandfailed.Therecoilfromithitmeanditfeltlikemyhead
exploded.”Ifeltoddlyflat.Asiftherewerenoemotionatallinme.
“Itdid,”Doolittlesaid.Curranwaswatchingme
carefully.“Itwastheworst
headacheofmylife.IthoughtIwasdying.”Itriedtoscroungeupmorememories.“Iwaskillingthegiant.Lagojumpedonit,butIhadalreadycuttheveininthe
giant’sneck.Wefell.Nothingafterthat.”Myvoicesoundedflattoo,asifitweresomeoneelsetalking.
“Youkilledthegiant.Lawenforcementshowedup.Hiscorpsestartedspittinglizards,”Curransaid.
“Howbig?Whatcolor?”Ittookhimaboutten
minutestobringmeuptospeed.ItwasFriday,March4,threeo’clockinthe
afternoon.IhadlostThursdayandagoodchunkofFriday,althoughIcould’veswornI’dbeeninthehospitalbedalotlonger.Thetwenty-four-hourdelaymighthavecostEduardohislife.
“NonewsonEduardo?”“No,”Curransaid.“Wherewereyou?I
thoughtyouandJulieweretrappedintheGuild.”
“Iwenttokillsome
ghouls,”Curransaid.“Youshould’velefta
note.”“Ishould’veleftanote,”
hesaid.Hisjawlinewastight.Ipushedoffthebedand
walkedtothebathroom.Mylegsobeyedme.Thelastremnantsoftheheadachelingered,buttheytoobegantomelt.Ibrushedmyteethandsplashedcoldwateronmyface,feelingnumband
somehowdisconnected,asifIwasn’ttrulyinmybodybutwasstandingnearby,watchingsomestrangewomanwashingherface.
“Youneedtobealert,”Doolittle’svoicefloatedtome.“Thereisnowaytodeterminehowmuchfunctionshehasrecovered.Shemaybecomedisoriented.Theremightbesharppersonalityfluctuations.NormallyI
wouldexpecthertopanic,butwebothknow...”
“Shewillprobablystabsomeoneinstead,”Curranfinished.
Iwipedmyfacewithatowelandlookedatmyselfinthemirror.Slowly,veryslowly,ahintofrecognitionstirredinme.Hi.MynameisKateDaniels.Nicetomeetyou.Icanstillkickpeopleinthehead.Iamstillme.Ihave
peopleIlovewholovemeback.Ihaveajobtodo.
Ifeltbetter.Mybodyhadbeenrestinginthehospitalbedforhours.Veryslowly,bitbybit,itbegantofeellikemeagain.IfeltfreshasifIhadgottenuponMondaymorningafteraveryrelaxingweekend.
Isteppedoutofthebathroom.
Doolittlerolledtothe
door.“Whereareyougoing?”I
asked.“I’mgoingtoliedown,”
hesaid.“BecauseIamoldandtired,andIhaveexceededmymonthlydoseofexcitement.Kate,nostrenuousactivity.Nofighting,nosex,andnopowerwords.Especiallynotagainstanygiants.Ifyourepeatthatexperience,itwill
killyou.Yourbrainisstillhealing.Don’tdoanythingthatcouldraiseyourbloodpressure.Comeandseemeinaweek.Idon’tknowwhyIprattleonbecauseI’msureyouwillignoreme.”
Icameoverandhuggedhim.
“Therenow.”Doolittleshookhishead.
“Thankyouforeverything.”
“Youlistentome.”Doolittlefixedmewithhisstare.“Idonotwanttoburyyou.Idon’twanttoseeyouinacoffin.Atsomepoint,nomatterhowstubbornyouare,youneedtostoptreatingyourbodyasifitwereaswordthatyoucanresharpeneverytimeitbreaks.”
“Ifitbreaks,sharpeningalonewon’tfixit.”
Doolittlemadean
annoyedgrunt.“Kate!Takecareofyourself.Ifyoudon’tcareaboutanoldmanlikeme,doitforthesakeofyourfuturehusbandandyourdaughter.”
“Nopowerwordsagainstthegiants,”Ipromised.
Heleft.Iclosedthedoorbehindmeandturned.
Curranstoodbythebed,hisarmscrossedonhischest.Iwalkedovertohim.
“Areyoubackorareyounot?”heaskedquietly.
“Somewhat.”“Kate.”Thewayhesaidmyname
mademewanttoreachoutandtouchhim.
“Ineedtoknowwhereweare.”Hisgrayeyeshadgrowndark,notangrybutresigned.“Areweokay?Arewecompletestrangers,areweonafirstdate,orarewe
goinghometogethertonight?”
Isteppedclosertohimandkissedhim.Foramomenthedidn’trespond,andthenheopenedhismouthandpulledmetohim,grippingme.Ilickedhistongue,lettinghistastewashoverme.Anticipationfloodedme.Thisfeltright.Hewasmine.MyCurran.I’dalmostlosthim,butI’dfoughtfor
himandherehewas,lovingme.Islidmyhandsuphischestandaroundhisneck.Westoodlocked,intertwined,almostone,tastingthesametaste,breathingthesamebreath,andinthismomentIfeltwhole.
Ifeltonfire.Hethrusthistongueinto
mymouth,pressingitagainstmine,hisbodysohardandstrongagainstme,hisskin
hot,hishandsroamingmyback,slidingloweralongthecurve,andcuppingmybutt.Hekissedme,hardandravenous,drinkingmein.Everystrokeofhistongueagainstminemademecrazierandcrazier.Islidmyhandsintohisshorthair,pressingintohim.Iwantedittolastforever,tostaylikethis,wrappedupinhim,whole,loved,andwanted.Ineeded
more.Peoplerosefrommy
memories:myadoptivefather,Greg,mybiologicalfather...Getlost,allofyou.Heismine.Iwanthim,Ipickedhim,andheismine.Idon’thavetojustifyittoyouoranyoneelse.Ifyoudon’tlikeit,pissoff.
Webrokeapart.Hiseyeswerefullofgoldensparks.Whateverrestraintsheldhim
back,Ihadjusttornintopieces.Hisgazeshould’vemeltedtheclothesrightoffmybody,andIhadnoideawhytheywerestillthere.Iraisedmychinandhedippedhisheadtomyneck.Histeethnippedtheskinthere,sendingdeliciousshiversdownmyspine.
“Loveme,”Iwhispered.“Lovemeandwe’llbeokay.”
Hishandsroamedmy
body,caressing,stokingtheneedinmewitheverybrushofhishardfingers.Heinhaledmyscent.Igroundagainsthimandfeltthelonghardlengthofhimbehindthefabricofhisjeans.Yes.Please.
Someoneknockedonthedoor.
“What?”Curransaid,hisvoiceeven.
Ikissedthesensitivespot
underhisjaw,tastinghisskinandthefaintscratchofstubble.Itdrovehimnuts.Irememberedthat,too.
Hiseyeswentcompletelygold.
“YouwantedanupdateontheGuild,”Dereksaidthroughthedoor.
Goddamnit.“They’rehavinga
meetinginanhour.Also,Trishasayswehavehalfan
hourtocleartheKeepbeforeitcausesissues.Theyarehavingtroublecontainingthefactthatwe’rehere.
“Curran?”Derekcalled.“Wegotit.”Withalow
growl,Curranletgoofme,lookingasifitphysicallyhurthimtostepaway.
“Hehastheworsttiming,”Isaid.“Always.”
“It’shissuperpower.”Currangrimaced.“Wehave
tostopanyway.Idon’twantyoutoregretthislater.AndIdon’twantyourheadtoexplode.”
“Really?You’resogoodthatmyheadwouldexplode?”
Ittookhimamoment.Hisexpressionchangedfromintensetospeculative.“It’sapossibility.I’mnotadoctor,butDoolittlesaysitcouldhappen.”
“That’salotofexpectationtoliveupto.”
“Iexceedexpectations.”Somodest,too.“Doyouwanttogo
home?”heasked.“No.Iwanttogotothe
GuildandthenIwanttofindEduardo.”Andkickhiskidnapper’sassoutofthiscity.
Hepulledabagfromundermybed.“Yourgear.I
hadDerekstopbythehouse.”Ieasedthebagopenand
sawmybelt,mythrowingknives,myoldbeat-upjeans,andabagwiththestrangedirtyglasswehadfoundbyEduardo’scar.“Iloveyou.”
Hesqueezedmetohim,kissedmyforehead,andbreathedinthescentofmyhair.Thereliefwassoplaininthewayhetouchedme.
“It’sokay,”Itoldhim.
“Iknow.”Hisvoicewasquiet.“Iwillalwaysbethere.IwillwalkacrossthewholeplanetifIhaveto.”
Iclosedmyeyesandwhispered,“I’llmeetyouhalfway.”
Acoupleofminuteslaterweemergedintothewaitingroom.Derekwasslouchingagainstawall.JuliesatnexttoAscanio.ThesameAscaniowho’dtoldherI
mightendupparalyzedorwithamnesiaandthatIwantedtogohometodie.
Juliesawmeandjumpedtoherfeet.Ascaniograbbedherhand,tryingtoholdherback.
Amnesia,huh.Well,let’sseehowitplaysout.
“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,”Itoldhim.“Butdon’ttouchmykid.”
Surpriseslappedhisface.
HeletgoandJuliehuggedme.Ihuggedherback.
“Areyouokay?”Julieasked.
“I’mokay.”Itoldher.“I’mnotgoinganywhere.I’mnotleavingyou.Yougotit?”
“Igotit.”Shenodded.We’dtalkaboutitmorelaterwhenweweren’tinfrontofotherpeople.Somethingswerebetterdiscussedinprivate.
CurranwasmovingandIwalkednexttohim.WehadtogetthehelloutoftheKeepassoonaswecould.
DerekandJuliefellinbehindus.Ascaniochasedme.“Kate!It’sme.”
“‘Me’isaterriblename,”Itoldhim.“Youshouldaimforatleastthreeletters.”
“Ascanio!Youhavetorememberme.”
Ishookmyhead.“Nope.”
“It’snotfair!”hedeclared.
“Yes,makeitallaboutyou,”Julietoldhim.
Ascaniostopped.“Iwillmakeyourememberme!”hecalled.
Thefourofuskeptgoing.“Youdorememberhim?”
Juliewhispered.“Ofcourse,Iremember
him.”Shesnickered.
“WhereisBarabas?”Curranasked.
“HesaidhewouldbeattheGuildincasewedecidedtoattendtheirmeeting,”Dereksaid.“Hepackedusacarepackage.It’sinmycar.”
“Good,”Curransaid.“We’llneedtostopbythe
SteelHorsetopickuptheClerk,”Iadded.WalkingintotheGuildwiththeClerkwouldbelikesucker-
punchingBobrightinthegut.“Didyougetalookatthe
giant?”IaskedJulie.“Yes.”“Whatcolorwasthe
magicofthecorpse?”“Bronze,”shesaid.“Just
liketheTahoe.”That’swhatIthought.
“Let’stalkmoreinthecar.”Weopenedthebigdoors.
Sixpeoplebarredourway.Irecognizedtwo.TheBeast
Lord’spersonalguard.Currandidn’tevenslow
down.“Um...”oneofthemen
said.“Move,”Curransaid.Theymoved.Weheaded
downthehallway.Apetitewomanturnedthecornerandrushedtowardus,adjustingherlargeglasses.Dali.Hey,Irecognizedher.Scoreoneforme.
“Wait.”Daliblockedourpath.“Kate,you’rewalking?”
“Yes.”Andkicking.“Canyoutellmewhat’s
goingon?Iknowthatwhateveryou’redoingisconnectedtothePack,butJimisduckingme.”
“We’rehandlingit,”Currantoldher.
“I’mnotaskingyou.”Daliturnedtome.“What’sgoingon?”
IntheolddaysIwould’vewalkeddownthehallwayandmadesurenobodycouldhearussoIwouldn’tcauseanincident,butIwasnolongertheConsortandIdidn’tgiveashit.“EduardoismissingandMahonwon’tlookforhimbecausehedoesn’tthinkEduardowouldmakeaproperson-in-law.GeorgeaskedJimtohelp,buthedoesn’twanttooverstephis
authority.”Daliblinkedandturnedto
thepersonalguard.“Rodney.GoandgetEduardo’sfileforme.”
“Ican’t.”Thebigshapeshifterarrangedhisfaceintoanapologeticexpression.“Jimwon’tlike—”
Dalileanedforward,herstaredirectandheavy.“Idon’tcarewhatJimlikes.Doit.”
Rodneyhesitated.“Whatareyouwaiting
for?”Daliasked.Hervoicemadeitclearshewasn’tinterestedinananswer.
“He’swaitingforan‘or,’”Itoldher.
“What?”“Usuallythereisan‘or’
attachedtothiskindofthreat.Doitorsomethingbadhappens.”
“Hedoesn’tgetan‘or.’”
AfaintgreensheenrolledoverDali’sirises.“Thereisno‘or.’Doit.BecauseIsaidso.”
Rodneyduckedhishead.“Yes,Alpha.”
Wewatchedhimretreatdownthehallway.
“You’regettinggoodatthis,”Itoldher.
Sheshrugged.“Ifigureditout.Mostpeoplewilldojustaboutanythingyoutell
themtodo,ifyouactwithauthority,givethemnochoice,andaccepttheresponsibilityfortheiractions.That’skindofscary,isn’tit?”
•••
GETTINGTHECLERKoutoftheSteelHorseprovedtoberidiculouslyeasy.CurranandIwalkedinthereandsatat
thebar.TheClerkwasdryingshotglasseswithatowel.Hewasatrimmiddle-agedmanwithlightbrownhair.Hewould’vebeenagoodbartender.Helikedtolistentopeople.
“Kate.Longtimenosee.”TheClerkeyedus.“Whatwillitbe?”
“Youlikebeingabartender?”Iasked.
“Ithasitsmoments,”he
said.“It’sacomplicatedbusiness.Havetokeeptrackofsuppliers.Havetodealwithcustomers.”Hedidn’tsoundespeciallyenthusiastic.
“WhatdidyoumakeattheMercenaryGuild?”Curranasked.
“Fortygrand.”“I’llpayyousixtyifyou
comeback.”TheClerkpulledthe
toweloffhisshoulderand
calledtotheback.“Hey,Cash?Iquit.”
Aswewalkedoutofthebar,theClerksmiled.“Iwould’vedoneitforless.”
“Idon’twantyoutodoitforless,”Curransaid.“Youneedtobepaidwhatyou’reworth.IfyougettheGuildrunning,we’lltalkaboutaraise.”
TheClerksmiledwider.“I’llholdyoutoit.”
NowhewasfollowingourJeepinhistruck.Onesmallvictoryatatime.
Currandrove.Themagicwasinfullswingandtheengineroared,butthesoundproofinginthecabindampenedthenoiseenoughso,eventhoughwehadtoraiseourvoices,wecouldcarryonaconversation.
“Hereiswhatweknow,”Isaid.“Theghoulsoriginate
inancientArabia.Sodothewolfgriffinsandthewindscorpions.Beforethegriffin,theOswaldswereattackedbyagianttick,butticksareuniversal.They’reoneverycontinent,exceptprobablyAntarctica,andIwouldn’trulethatoutcompletelyeither.SoitcouldhavebeenatickfromArabia.”
“Whataboutthelizards?”Julieasked.
“Ican’trememberwhattheylookedlike,becauseoftheheadtrauma,butit’spossibletheyareazdaha.”
“Whatareazdaha?”Derekasked.
“Azdaha.Persiandragons.TheoldIranianmythosisfullofdragonslayers.”
ThislineofreasoningwaspointingmetoaverytroublingconclusionandIwastryingtodomybestto
holdupdenialasashield.“Thereisapattern,”
Curransaid.“Everythingisconnectedbytheplaceoforigin.”
“Yes.Also,reanimativemetamorphosisisrare.Tohavetwooccurrencesofitsoclosetogetherisveryrare.Iwouldbetmyrightarmthatwhoeverisbehindthewolfgriffinandghoulsisalsobehindthegiantandthe
azdaha.”“WeneedtogetJulieto
yourfriendthewizard,”Curransaid.
“YoumeanLuther?”Henodded.“Yousaid
theyquarantinethebodies.Wouldhekeepthewindscorpiononice?”
KnowingLuther?Yes,hewouldkeepitoniceandscrewwithituntilsomeonehigheruplosttheirpatience,
tookitawayfromhim,andsetitonfire.IknewwhatCurranwasthinking.Ifthewindscorpionalsoemittedbronze-coloredmagic,wewouldhaveconfirmationthateverythingwe’dencounteredsofarwasconnected.
“LutherpromisedmeaccesstoMitchell.”IglancedatJulieovermyshoulder.“WouldyouliketogotothePADmorguewithmetolook
atweirdremainsandthenvisitthePAD’spetghoul?”
Juliewrinkledhernose.“IcoulddothatorspendtheeveningwritinganessayforContemporaryEnglishonanextremelyboringbookaboutpeoplelivinginapre-Shiftsmalltown,whichhasabsolutelynobearingonmylifeandhelpsmenotatall.Idon’tknow,bothoptionsaresoenticing...”
“Ithinkthisnewschoolmadeyoursassevenworse,”Isaid.
“Youmademeworse,”Juliesaid.“I’myourpunishment.”
Ishookmyhead.“Anyway,everythingwe’verunacrosswhiletryingtofindEduardocomesfromArabianmythology,whichmeansitcomesfromthesamegeographicalregionasmy
magic.Sameasmyfather’smagic.”
“YouthinkRolandisbehindthis?”Curranasked.
“Idon’tknow.Idoknowthatthegiantwasimmunetomypowerwords.Mymagicbouncedoffitandtherewashelltopay.Ican’triskusingapowerwordagainstthiscreatureagainormyheadwillexplode.”
“Wejustlostoneofour
biggestguns,”Dereksummedup.
“Notnecessarily,”Curransaid.
“Ican’tattackitwithpowerwordsdirectly,butIcanattacktheenvironmentaroundit.Mymagicdoesn’tworkonlyagainstthecreatureitself.Iusedapowerwordonghoulswhowereclearlyansweringthiscreature’scall,anditworked
asintended.”“Why?”Derekasked.“Becausetherearesome
verykeydifferencesbetweentheghouls,thegriffin,andthegiant,”Isaid.“Let’sassumethatsomebeing,someSummoner,isbehindallofthis.Hehassomesortofagenda,butheislimitedbecausehecanonlyaccomplishhisgoalsduringmagic,sohesomehowfindsa
waytocontroltheghoulsandusesthemtodohisbidding.MypowerwordsworkagainstthembecausewhiletheyareundertheSummoner’scontrol,theystillretaintheirownmagic.”
“Thatmakessense,”Dereksaid.
“Good.Now,agriffinisasummoning,somethingtheSummonerpulledoutofthinair.It’sanexpressionofhis
magic,somypowerwordsmayormaynotworkonit.Idon’tthinkthegiantisasummoning,becausehewasclearlywearinganobjectofpower.Itwasshiny.Isawitinhisear.Ithinkitmighthavebeenapieceofjewelryofsomesort.”
“Howdoyouknowitwasanobjectofpower?”Julieasked.“Maybeitwasjustsomerandomearring.”
“Becausethegiantwasnakedexceptforitanditwasclearlytoosmallforhim.Thatobjectmostlikelyturnedhimintoagiant,andheprobablystartedoutasaperson,notasummoning.Forthatkindoftransformationtotakeplace,theSummonerwouldhavetoimbuethehumanbodywithhispowercompletely.”
“Igetit,”Juliesaid.“The
Summonerpossessedthepersonandturnedhimintoagiant,whichmakesthegiantanavatar.It’salmostasiftheSummonerhimselfbecamethegiant.”
“Exactly.Mypowerwordsworkonthecreatureshecontrols,theymightworkonthecreatureshesummons,buttheysureashelldon’tworkonhimdirectly.”
“Nopowerwords,”
Curransaid.“Iagree,”Juliesaid.“Ihavenoplanstouse
powerwordsunlessIabsolutelyhavenochoice.”ImadeamentalnotetoaskLutheriftheobjectofpowerhadbeenrecovered.ItfeltlikeIwasmissingsomething,somevitalpiece,butwhenIreachedforit,Ifoundnothing.
“Idon’tunderstandwhy
heattackedtheGuild.”Derekgrimaced.“Whatwasthepoint?”
“Revenge,”Curransaid.“Lookatitfromhispointofview.First,hedecideshehassomethingagainstcatsandstartsattackingtheOswaldfamily.Hesummonsatick.Eduardo,amerc,comesandkillsit.ThenKateandIkillsomeofhisghouls.Thenhesummonsawolfgriffin,and
twomercsfromtheGuildkillit.Heturnsthegriffinintoawindscorpion,andKateandI,whohadjustcomefromtheGuild,killit.Thenyou,Ascanio,Julie,andIgointotheMARTAtunnelsandkillmoreofhisghouls.IfIwerehim,I’dbepissedoffandcomeovertotheGuildtomakethemercspayandtomakesuretheystoppedscrewingwithme.”
“TheproblemwithourtheoryisthatEduardodoesn’tfit,”Isaid.
“Whynot?”Derekasked.“Theydidn’tkillhim,”
Curransaid.“IfEduardojusthappenedtobetargetedbecausehewasamerc,thanwhynotjustkillhim?Whygothroughthetroubleofkidnappinghim?What’ssospecialaboutEduardo?”
“Wewon’tknowuntilwe
pullhisotherjobsfromtheGuild,”Isaid.Andtodothatweneededtwothings:fortheClerktohelpus,andfortherestoftheGuildtolooktheotherway.EverythinghingedontheGuild,onewayortheother.
CurranturnedontoPhoenixDrive.ThetopflooroftheGuildwasinruins,itsrooflineraggedandbroken,butallofthedebrisfromthe
parkinglotwasgone.Thewreckedcarsandchunksofthebuildinghadvanished.Aninchofsilverypowdercoveredthestreet.
“TheMSDUdidashakeandbake,”Isaid.
Curranglancedatme.“Theytorchedthe
contaminatedgroundandsaltedit.”
Saltwasauniversaldetergentforallthingsmagic.
Whenyoudidn’tknowwhatsortofmagicyouweredealingwith,youhadtwooptions.Youcouldsetthecontaminatedobjectonfireoryoucouldburyitinsalt.MSDUusuallyoptedforboth,whichwasknownasashakeandbake.Theyhadexcellentflamethrowersandtherehadtobetruckloadsofsaltonthestreet.Ifanythingmagicalsurvivedthat,I
wouldbesurprised.“Okay,putyourgame
faceson,”Itoldthekids.Weparkedontheside.I
grabbedthebagBarabashadgivenDerekforourshow-and-tellattheGuild.Currangotoutofthecarandswunghiscloakon.ThecloakwasBarabas’sidea.Big,black,andedgedwithblackfeathers,itwasgatheredonCurran’srightshoulder.The
PackhadmadeitforhimafterherippedofftheRavengod’sheadduringtheflare.Heneverworeit.BarabashadsentitinviaDerekwithmychangeofclothesandanoteforCurranthatsaid,Wearit,please.Itforcedyoutofocusonhisface,andyoudidn’twanttolookatthatfaceortoseethepowerinhiseyes.CurrantheGodkiller.
TheClerkcaughtupwith
us,hisexpressionstretchingashesurveyedthedamage.“Jesus.Icametoseeityesterdaybutcouldn’tgetclose.Theauthoritieshadtheplacecordonedoff.”
“We’llputitbacktogether,”Itoldhim.“Likenew.”
“Better,”Curransaid.WewalkedtotheGuild.
Thesaltcrunchedunderourfeet.
Thelong-sufferingmetaldoorsoftheGuildwereopenaboutafoot.Somehalfheartedattempthadbeenmadetopushthemtogether.Itmust’vetakenseveralpeople,becausetheedgesofthedoorsleftscrapemarksonthesaltedpavement.
“Youshoulddothedramaticdoor-openingthing,”ItoldCurran.
“Wouldyouliketosee
medothedramaticdoor-openingthing?”
“Yes,Iwould.Verymuch.”
Aquicksmilebenthislips.Wepickedupspeed.Wewerealmostmarchingnow.Amercstuckhisheadoutofthegap,sawus,anddisappeared.
Wereachedthedoors.Currandidn’tevenslowdown.Heraisedhisarms.Hishandshitthedoors.He
pushedandtheyswungopenwithametalgroan,scrapingthefloor.
Currankeptwalking.Myscary,scarybastard.
WewalkedintotheGuildHall.Thefloorhadbeenstrippedbare.Mostoftheroofwasgoneandopenskyrosehighaboveus.Thiswouldtakesomuchwork.Workandmoney.
Mercssatandstoodby
thewalls.IsawBarabasstandingtotheleft.Ourstaresconnectedandhesmiled.
InthemiddleofthefloorstoodMark;BobCarver;Ivera,whowastheonlyothermemberoftheFourHorsemenintheAssembly;Rigan,abigblondbearofamanwholookedlikeheaccidentallygotleftbehindbysomeVikingraiders;andSonia,agracefulAfrican
Americanwomanmuscledlikeafencer.Ohgood.TheGuildAssemblywasallhere.
Everybodylookedatus.Marksparedusaglanceandturnedbacktothecrowd.Hissuitsataskewonhisframe.Histiehungloosearoundhisneck.Helookedfeverish.
“Foryears,Iranthishellhole.Ibabysatyouridiotfounder,”Marksaid.
Facesturnedgrim.
InsultingSolomonRed’smemorywasn’tagoodmove.
“Ibargainedwithsuppliers.Igotyouthebig-ticketcontracts.IhandledtheVIPclients.TheMalinovcontract?Igotthatforyou.TheHorowitzjob?Iarrangedthat.NotSolomonRed.NottheClerk.Ididthat.”
Ohgoody.We’dcaughthiminthemiddleofhis“I’maspecialsnowflake”speech.
“That’sbullshit,”Rigansaid.“IwasontheHorowitzjob.Theywouldn’teventalktousuntilSolomonconvincedthemweweregood.”
Markspuntohim.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youknowwhat,Rigan?”Hetookadeepbreath.
Waitforit...Waitforit...
“Fuckyou!”
Thereitis.“Fuckallofyou.”Hewasgoingtowalk.I
couldfeelit.Bobknewittoo,becausehewasn’ttalking.Unlikethree-quartersofthepeoplepresent,BobalsoknewthatrunningtheGuildwithoutMarkwouldbealmostimpossible.
“I’mdonedefendingmyself.I’mdonejustifyingmyself.Thisplaceisfinished.
Finished!”Markgrinned.“Well,I’mnotgoingdownwiththissinkingship.Igotmyselfajob.Iamdone.”
“Whatthehellarewesupposedtodo?”oneofthemercscalledout.
“Idon’tgiveagoddamncrapwhattherestofyoushit-sniffinganimalsaregoingtodo.Iamout.IjustwantedtoletyouallknowhowmuchIhateeachandeverysingle
oneofyou.RotinhellforallIcare.”
Markturnedtoleave.“Wait,”Bobcalled.
“Whataboutyourshares?”Markspunaround.“You
wantmyshares,Bob?”Hegiggled.“Isthatit?MyworthlesssharesthatyouandyourNeanderthalsdrovefromtwohundredandsevendollarspersharetofifty-sixcents?You’renotgetting
them,Bob.Ialreadysoldthem.AndIgotabovemarketvalue,too.Enjoytherestofyourlivesinthisbusted-assruin.”
Markbowedwithaflourish,turned,andtookoff.
Silencereigned.“Whoboughthisshares?”
Soniaasked.“Idid,”Barabassaid.Everyonelookedat
Barabas.BobCarverhadthe
expressionofamanwhowasfeverishlycalculatinghisodds.
“I’minvokingtheDonationsandCharitableContributionsprovision,”Isaid.“ThelastentryunderMembershipPowersintheManual.”
Everyonelookedatme.Iraisedmybag.“Iam
donatingtwentythousanddollarstotheGuildtobeused
onlytofundtheClerk’ssalaryandthesalaryforanassistantofhischoiceforthenexttwomonths,iftheGuildiswillingtoreinstatehim.”
“Youcan’tdothat,”Bobsputtered.“Youcan’tjustbuyyourwayin.”
“Yes,shecan,”Rigansaid.“Hell,yes,shecompletelycan.”
Bobturnedtohim.“Wehadadeal.”
“Yourdealdidn’tmentionherdonatingmoney.Whatthedevildoyouthinkthisis,theOrder?”Riganturnedtothecrowd.“Raiseyourhandifyouworkhereforfree.”
Nobodymoved.“Whoherewantstoget
paid?”Aforestofhandswentup.
It’snicewhentheydoyourworkforyou.
“Threeofmylast
paycheckswereshort,”Soniasaid.“Three!I’msickofit.”
BobturnedtoIvera.Sheshrugged.
“Whyarewestilltalkingaboutthis?”Riganasked.“ImovetoreinstatetheClerk.Allinfavor?”
Hethrusthishandup.Soniajoinedhim.Iveraraisedherhand.Bobhesitated,buthishandwentup.VotingagainsttheClerkinfrontof
thewholeGuildwouldslamthelidonthecoffinofhisleadership.
“Majority,”Riganannounced.“You’rereinstated,Clerk.”
Someoneinthebackclapped.Thecrowdcaughtit,andthehalleruptedwithstomps,applause,andwhistles.
TheClerkmadealittlebow.
“Alright,alright,”Bobyelled.‘Wehavebiggerproblems.Likenodamnroof.”
“Underthecorporationprovision,Irequesttoenrollthreepeopleasmyauxiliaries,”Isaid.
“Thiscanwait.”Bobglaredatme.
“No,itcan’t,”Itoldhim.“LasttimeIchecked,
Daniels...”Bobstarted.
“Shekilledthegiant,”awomancalledout.“Shecuthisneck.Lagotookthecredit,butIsawherdoit.”
Lagotookthecredit?Soundedlikesomethinghewoulddo.AndIdidn’trememberabitofit.Must’vehappenedbetweenthegiantfallingandthelizardsCurrantoldmeabout.
“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”Bob
yelled.“Ifitweren’tforher,the
Guildwouldn’tbestanding,”thewomananswered.“Letherdoherthing.”
“Wherewereyou,Bob?”anothermerccalledout.
“Iwasonthejob,”Bobbarked.
“Lethertalk.”AlixSimossteppedforward.Thatwasunexpected.Ibarelyknewhim.
“Whoareyouenrolling?”Soniaaskedme.
“Him,him,andhim.”IpointedtoCurran,Derek,andBarabas.
“No,”Bobsaid.“Don’tyousee?She’susingittoavoidthestopgap.”
Barabasopenedhismouth.Ishookmyhead.ItwouldbebetterifIsaidit.
“Bob,it’snotuptoyou.I’vebeenregisteredasa
corporatememberforoverayear.Icanenrollmyauxiliariesanytime.”
“She’sright,”theClerksaid.
“You’llbeliableiftheyscrewup,”Bobsaid.
“Fine,you’reenrolled,”Soniasaid.“TheClerkwilldothepaperwork.”
Bobspreadhisarms.“What?”Soniagavehim
alook.“Iwanttoseewhere
thisisgoing.Thethreeofyouarein.”
Isteppedback.Barabassteppedforward.“CuttingEdgeinvokestheDonationsandCharitableContributionsprovision.Inaccordancewithfinanciallimits,CuttingEdgedonates$150,000totheGuild,$50,000perauxiliarymember,tobeearmarkedasfollows:$18,000fortherepairoftheroof,$10,000for
therepairoftheinterior,$12,000tosettletheoutstandingbalancesonutilitybills...”
Hekeptgoing.Howhadheevenmanagedtofigureoutallofthisinlessthanforty-eighthours?WitheachitemBob’sexpressiondarkenedalittlemore.
“...andfinallytheremaining$16,000torestockthesupplyofammunitionfor
theweaponsroom.Intheinterestsofmakingsurethemoneyisdistributedasassigned,CuttingEdgedesignatesmeasthetreasurerforthesefunds.”
“Allinfavorofgrabbingthismoneybeforetheychangetheirmindandappointingthatguytohandlealltheadmincrapwithit?”Riganasked.
“Don’tyousee?”Bob
pointedatCurran,wholoomednexttoBarabasinhisdarkcloak.“It’shim.He’sbankrollingit.”
“Idon’tgiveaflyingsnakewhoisbankrollingit,”Soniatoldhim.“It’smoney,Bob!Moneyinhand!”
Bobgroundhisteeth.“Weallfoughtforthisspot.Weearnedit.Youcan’tjustletanoutsidercomeinandtakeitover.He’sbuyinghis
wayin.”“Wouldyoucareto
explainhowexactlyIamanoutsider?”Iasked.“That’smeanofyou,Bob.Myfeelingsareallinjured.”
Thecrowdsnickered.RiganturnedtoBob.“He
isn’taskingforanything.”Bobopenedhismouth
andclampeditshut.Yep,you’vejustbeen
outmaneuvered.Currandidn’t
askforanypositionintheGuildexceptforthatofanordinarymerc.
Curransmiled.“Themanisgivingus
magicmoneywithnostringsattached,”Rigansaid.“Hehasn’taskedforanyspecialpower.Heisn’tbargainingwithus.He’sjustofferingusmoney.Doyouhavemoney,Bob?Ifyouwanttogiveus150K,I’lluseyoursinstead.
Hell,I’lluseanybody’smoneytogetgigscomingintotheGuildagain.”
“Let’svote,”Soniasaid,andraisedherhand.
Riganputhishandup.Iverahesitated.
“Ivera,shit,piss,orgetoffthepot,”Rigansaid.
Mercs,peopleofgenteeldispositionandrefinedmanners.
Iveraraisedherhand.Bob
shotheraninjuredlook.“Weneedthemoney,”
Iverasaidquietly.“Done.”Riganrubbedhis
handstogether.“Wejustpassedthebudgetforthenexttwomonths.”
Bobspatonthefloorandwalkedout.Iverafollowedhim.Wrongmove.He’djustgivenCurrantherunofthefield,andCurranwouldn’twastetheopportunity.
CurranponderedBob’sspit.“Weneedtocleanthisplaceup.Grabashovelorabroom,andlet’sgo.”
“I’mnotajanitor,”Paula,oneofthemercs,calledout.
Curranturnedtoher.“Funny,I’mnotajanitoreither.Althoughthatdependsonwhoyouask.SometimesIendupcleaningupotherpeople’smesses.Butwe’veallbeenthere.That’swhat
beingamercis,right?”“Youwouldn’tknow,”
Paulasaid.Curranglancedather.“I
takeityoucometousfromaprivilegedbackground.”
Pauladrewback.“That’snoneofyourbusiness.”
“Idon’tcomefrommoney,”Curransaid.Hisvoicerolled,fillingthespace.“EverythingIhaveImadewithmyowntwohands,and
Ihavetoworkhardeverydayforit.”
“EvenDaniels?”anothermercasked.
Thatgotsomegiggles.Currancrackedasmile.Itwasabright,infectioussmile.“EspeciallyDaniels.Iworktokeepherdaily.Otherwiseshewouldn’tputupwithme.”
Morelaughs.“IthoughtIwasgoingto
berichatonepoint,butwhen
Ileftmypeople,insteadofpayingme,theygavemesharesinthisGuild.”
“Yougotsuckered,”someonecalledout.
“That’swhattheythought,too,”Curransaid.“TurnsoutIsuckeredthem.Ithinkthisplaceisacashcow.”
Peoplelaughed.“Youneedtohaveyour
headexamined,”Paula
volunteered.Heignoredher.“I’mnot
heretomakespeechesortorunanything.I’vebeenthereanddonethat.IhaveafamilynowandI’mhereforonlyonereason.I’mheretomakemoney.”
Hehadsaidthemagicwords.Theywerelisteningnow.
“WhenIhiresomeone,Ilookatthetoolsofhistrade
andhisplaceofwork.IfIamhiringanelectrician,Iwanthershoptobecleanandorganizedandhertoolstobeingoodrepair.IfIamhiringakiller,Iwanttoknowhehasrespectforhisjobandhisweapon.Lookaroundyou.Thereisgarbageonthefloor.Dirt.Oldfood.Theplacedoesn’tsmelltoogoodandlooksworse.”
Themercslookedabout,
asifseeingtheGuildforthefirsttime.
“IfIwalkedthroughthatdoorrightnowandsawthis,Iwouldn’thireus.Welookweak.Welooksloppy.”Curranshookhishead.“Judgingbythisplace,youcouldnevertellthatthisisaguildofskilledtradesmen.Becausethat’swhatyouare.Youputyourlifeonthelineeverydaytomakeabuckand
tohelppeople.NoteveryJoeBlowcandothisjob.Thisisjustasmuchaguildasanelectricians’ormasons’guild,exceptthatwhenamemberofthisguildscrewsup,insteadofthepowergoingoutorthebuildinglookingcrooked,peopledie.”
Theywerehangingonhiseverywordnow.
“Youdeservebetterthantocometoworkingarbage.
Oncethegigsstartcomingin,we’llhirejanitorsandwe’llpaythemwell,becausewe’llhavethemoneytospare.Butforsomeonetohireus,hehastomakeitthroughthefrontdoorwithoutgagging.Besides,that’smykidoverthere.”HenoddedatJulie.“Idon’twanthertothinkthatIworkinadump.SoI’mgoingtogetoffmyassandcleanthisplaceup.Ifyouaretoo
wellbredtotakeprideinthisplaceorifyouaretooscaredofdirt,Idon’tmind.Gositoutofthewaywiththerestofthespecialsnowflakes.”
•••
FIFTEENMINUTESLATERIstoodnexttotheClerkashepulledthelistofEduardo’sjobs.Iwasfeelinglight-headed.Myleftsideitched
allover.ButiftheseweretheworstsideeffectsIgot,Iwouldbethrilled.
TheGuildhadturnedintoabustlinghive.Trashwasbeingswept,debriswasbeingshoveledintowheelbarrowsand,acrossthefloor,Curransingle-handedlypickeduphugechunksofbrickworkthathadfallenoffthewallsandcarriedthemoutside.
“Hereiseverything.”The
Clerkhandedmeahandwrittenlist.
Iscannedit.Routine,routine,routine...NothingevenremotelypointingtoArabianmythology.Nothinginthatparticularsubdivision.Thislookedlikeadeadend...Eduardohadworkedalotinthesefewweeks.Didheeversleep?
Wait.Ipointedtoanentryon
thefifthofFebruary.“Itsaysherehedeclinedagig.”
Clerkcheckedthelist.“Irememberthat.Hetookajobinthemorning,camebacktwohourslater,anddroppedit.”
Droppingagigwasn’tunheardof,butonceyoucommittedtoagig,youhadtodoit,sotheGuildallowedonlythreedroppedgigsperyear.Thiswasabluegigtoo,
whichmeantdoublerate.“Whathappened?”
“Itwasabodyguarddetail,VIPclient.Rosewaswithhimonit.Ididtheinterviewwithherafterwardfortheliabilityandevaluation,andshesaidthateverythingwasfineuntilEduardosawaneighborcomehome.Holdon...Idon’trememberthisthatwell.”Clerkflippedthrough
anotherbook.“There.‘Amaninhisearlyfifties,sixfoottall,largeframe,darkhair,darkeyes,shortbeard,olivecomplexion,glasses...’”
I’dbetmyarmthiswasNitish’scustomer.
“‘...ridingabreathtakingblackArabianhorse.’”
“Arabian?”Thatbyitselfdidn’tmeananything.
“Yes.Roseknowsherhorses.Shewentonforabout
fiveminutesabouthowgoodthathorsewas.Let’ssee,Rose‘madeacommenttoEduardo,“Theregoesamillion-dollarhorse.”Eduardolookedatthemanashewasdismounting.ThemanrecognizedEduardoandcalledhimbyname.Eduardodidn’tanswer,wentinsidethehouse,gothisgear,andleft.Themanwatchedhimleavebutdidn’tinterfere.’The
end.”Hello,Eduardo’sstalker.TheClerklookedup.“He
camestraighthere,droppedthegig,andtookanotherone.Itoldhimitwasabadhabittogetintoandhesaiditwaspersonal.”
“CanIhavetheaddressoftheneighbor?”
“No,buthereistheaddressofthegig.”Clerkwroteitdownonapieceof
paper.“Justthisonce.”“Ipromise.”“Washeafriendof
yours?”Clerkasked.Ididn’tlikethesoundof
that“was.”“Hestillis.”“Ihopeyoufindhim.”“SodoI.”IneededDerek.Itwould
bedarksoonandIhadtotalktoMitchell,becausehewasstillmybestbettofigureoutifsomethingwasinfluencing
theghoulsintheAtlantaarea.Icouldn’tmissthatdate.
IglancedupandsawAscaniopickinghiswayacrossthefloor.Amiddle-agedAfricanAmericanmaninasuitwalkednexttohim.
Ascaniosawmeandmadeacoursecorrection.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.
“ThisisMr.Oswald,”Ascaniosaid.“Hecameby
theoffice,soIthoughtitwouldbebetterifyoutalkedtohimyourself.”
Mr.Oswald.ThewomanwhosefamilywesavedfromthewindscorpionhadthelastnameofOswald.
Iheldoutmyhand.“Mr.Oswald?”
“Thankyouforsavingmywifeandmykids,”hesaid.
NormallyIwouldoffertotakehimtooneoftheside
rooms,butrightnoweverythingwasfilthy,sowemightaswellstand.“Noproblem,sir.Sorryabouttheaccommodations.Wehadsometroublethelastmagicwave.Howisyourfamilydoing?”
“They’redoingwell,”hesaid.“We’vehiredmoversandputthehouseonthemarket.Wedon’twanttotakeanychances.”
“That’sunderstandable.”Keephimtalking...
“Pamelamentionedthatyouaskedifanybodyhadaproblemwithusorourcats.”
Pleasetellmethatsomeonehadaproblemwithyouandthatyouknowhisnameandaddress.Please,Universe,domethisonefavor.
“AcoupleofweeksagoIwasdoingsomeyardwork
afterthatstormwehad.Iwasinthefrontyardandthismancameuptomeandstartedrantingabouthowourcatsgetonhiscar.”
“Haveyoueverseenhimbefore?”
Mr.Oswaldshookhishead.Ofcoursenot.Thatwouldbetooeasy.
“Itoldhimthathemusthavemeconfusedwithsomeoneelse,because
SherlockandWatsonareinsidecats.Itmakesnosense,ifyouaskme.Acatisapredator.Hemustgooutandhunttobefulfilled,butthekidsarescaredthatsomethingwilleatthem,sowekeeptheminside.”
“Whatdidthemansay?”“Hebecamevery
agitated.”Mr.Oswaldfrowned.“Heraisedhisvoice,wavedhisarms
around,andproceededtowhatIcanonlydescribeasranting.Ithoughthemightbeintoxicated.Eventuallyhegottothepartwherehetoldmethateverythingwasfineuntil‘youpeople’movedintotheneighborhoodwith‘yourspoiledbrats.’AtthatpointItoldhimtogetoffmyproperty.”
“Didhe?”“Hetoldmethatnowhis
handsweretiedandwalkedoff.”
Ipulledmysmallnotebookout.“Whatdidhelooklike?”
“Latefifties,darkhair,balding,averagebuild.”
“White,Hispanic...?”“White.Heworeasuit
andtie.Glasses.”Toogeneric.“Anything
else?Anythingyoucanremember?”Iasked.
“Tattoos,scars,anythingoutoftheordinary?”
“Heworeanearring.”Mr.Oswaldthoughtaboutitandnodded.“Yes,Iremember.Heworeanearringinhisleftear,oneofthosedanglingearringswithaverylargeglassgeminit.Ithoughtitwasstrangebecauseitdidn’tfithimatall.”
“Howdoyouknowitwasglass?”
“Itwasbrightredandthesizeofanalmondinashell,almostaninchlong.Ithoughtitlookedridiculous.”
Alarmswentoffinmyhead.
“Canyoudrawtheearring?”Ipassedthenotebooktohim.
Hesketchedaquickshapeandpasseditbacktome.Itlookedlikeaclusteroflargegrapeberriesfusedtogether
andcoveredbyametalcorkwiththegeminitscenter.
“Itwasobviouslyaverybadimitation,”hesaid.“Thegoldlookedtoopale,likeoneofthosemetallicpaints,andtheearringwasoldanddented.”
Crap.Oldwasbad.Asimpledesignwasalsobad.
“Wasthegemfaceted?”Iasked.
“No,itwassmooth.What
isitcalled?”Hegrimaced.“Cabochoncut,”Ascanio
said.“Yes.”Andwejustwentfrom
badtoworse.“Thankyousomuch,Mr.Oswald.Youwereofgreathelp.”
“Ofcourse.Sorrywedidn’ttellyousooner,butInevermentionedittoPamela.Shewasalreadyworriedabouttheneighborhood.”
“Whywassheworriedabouttheneighborhood?”
“Wehadsomeoddthingshappen.Itstartedwiththecars.We’vegotaneighbordowninthecul-de-sac.He’swhatyoumightcallabikeenthusiast.EverydamnSundayifthetechisup,rightwhenwe’retryingtosleepin,hestartsridinghisbikeupanddownthestreet.TwoweeksagoIsawhimcrying
onthecurb.Someonehadcrushedhisbikeandallofhiscars.Isawwhatwasleft—itlookedlikesomeonesteppedonthem.”
Youdon’tsay.“Whenwasthis?”
“LastMonday.ButtheworstthingwaslastThursday.WedecoratedforShiftDay.Therearealotofkidsonourstreet.”
ShiftDaywasanew
holiday,bornfromtheterrorofthefirstmagicwaveyearsago.Ontheanniversaryofit,peopleputoutdecorations:streamersmadewithribbons,crosses,crescents,theStarofDavid.Theylitbluelightsandlittlekidswentupanddownthestreetknockingondoorsandhandingoutlittlecharmsinexchangeforcookiesandcandy.Itwasawaytocelebratelifeonthe
anniversaryofthedaywhenone-twelfthoftheEarth’spopulationdied.
“Wehadallthedecorationsout,theribbons,thewiremonsters,everything.Thewholesubdivisionwasdecorated.Thenovernighteverythingdisappeared.”Mr.Oswaldclearedhisthroat.“Allofitgoneintheentireneighborhood,likeitwas
neverthere.ItalkedtoArnieacrossthestreetandhesayshewascominghomelatethatnight.Hedrovepastthedecorations,pulledintothegarage,andthenrememberedtogograbthemail,sohewalkedbackout.Weareseriousaboutthedecorationsatourhouse.We’dwrappedourtreeinribbons.Ittookthekidsagoodhour.Arniemighthavebeenaminuteinthe
garage,butwhenhecameout,everythingwasgoneontheentirestreet.Whatkindofmagiccanmakeitallvanishinacoupleofminutes?”
Thekindofmagicthatturnedanormalmiddle-agedmanintoasixty-five-footgiant.LastThursdaywasFebruary24.EduardodisappearedonMonday,February28.“Mr.Oswald,couldyouthinkbackforme.
Whendidyoutalktothemanaboutyourcats?”
“Afewdaysago,”hesaid.
“WasitbeforeorafterthatThursday?”
Hefrowned.“Ithadtobebefore.IleftonFriday,soitmust’vebeen...ItwasWednesday.IrememberitwasWednesday,becauseItookthetrashtothecurb.”
“Andyoudon’tknow
whomightbebehindthis?”Iasked.
“Noidea.ButIhopeyoufindthebastard.Well,Ibettergetgoing.”
“Ofcourse.Thankyousomuchforyourhelp.”
Hewentout.“Whyisitimportantifthe
gemwasfaceted?”Ascanioasked.
“Becausepeopledidn’tstartcuttinggemsuntilthe
fourteenthcentury.Beforethattheydidn’thavethetools,sotheyshapedthemintocabochons.Thatmansawanancientearringwithaninch-longrubyinit.”
IturnedtoAscanio.“Doyouworkforme?”
“Yes.Youpromotedmefromunpaidtopaidintern.”
“Whoseideawasittomakeyouaninterninthefirstplace?”
“Yours.Andreathoughtitwastoodangerous,”hesaidhelpfully.
“That’sbecauseAndreahasabetterheadonhershouldersthanIdo.”Therewasareasonwhyshewasmybestfriend.“IneedyoutocalltheChambleeandDunwoodyPoliceDepartmentsandaskthemiftherewereanycomplaintsagainsttheOswalds
specificallyoranythingintheirneighborhood.”GiventhattheOswalds’housewasrightontheborder,therewasnotellingtowhichdepartmentthecomplaintsmighthavebeenplaced.
Ascaniogotaweirdlookonhisface.“Youalreadytoldmetodothat.Theyhadnocomplaints.”
“Didyoucallorgothereinperson?”
“Icalled.”Sincehewasanintern,I
hadtotrainhim.“Aloudmotorcycle,abunchofbrightdecorations,andcatswhositonpeople’scars.Whatdotheyhaveincommon?”
“Acrankyneighborwhoshakeshiscaneandyellsatpeopletogetoffhislawn.”
Therewashopeforhimyet.“Crankyneighborscomplainandtheyusually
complaintotheauthorities,andofteninwriting.”Andsometimes,whentheircomplaintsareignored,theymakedealswitharcanepowers.Unfortunately,therewasalwaysapricetopay.“Canyoubecharming,Ascanio?”
Ascaniounleashedasmile.Hedidn’tjustgrin,helaunchedasmilelikeamissilefromacatapult.It
wouldlikelyhavethesamecatastrophicimpactonanythingfemale,agesfifteentothirty.Perfect.
“IneedyoutogototheDunwoodyPoliceDepartmentandbecharming.Askaround.Someonehastorememberthismancallingin.Ifyoudon’tfindanything,gotothehealthdepartment,thentoanimalcontrol.Doyouhaveacar?”
“Yes.”Henodded.“Goanddothisforme.
Don’tcomebackuntilyoudigsomethingup.Ineedaname.”
“Okay.Andthenwillyourememberme?”
“Idon’tknow.Ihaveamnesia,paralysis,andadeathwish,andtheydon’tgoawayjustlikethat.”
Heopenedhismouthandfroze.“Okay.I’manass.She
wantedtoknowwhatcouldhappen,soItoldher.ButIshouldn’thave.”
Goodcall.“Bringmeaname.ThenI’llgiverememberingashot.”
HetookoffandIwenttocollectJulie.WeneededtofindLutherandaskhimsomequestions.
CHAPTER
T14
HEBIOHAZARDDIVISIONoccupiedalargesolid
buildingmadewithbigblocksofthelocalgraygranite.Alargeblacksigninfrontannounceditsofficialname:TheCenterforMagicalContainmentandDiseasePrevention.Iparkedinthefrontinavisitorspot.It
wasjustmeandJulie.IhadaskedDerektogotothesuspectstalker’saddressandwatchhishouse,doingwhateverhehadtodonottobeseen,andCurranwasstillattheGuild.
Thedayhadburneddowntoacoldevening,theskyanicypurpleinthewestasthesunrolledtowardthehorizon.Themagicwasstrongtonight.
Curranhadofferedtocomewithme,butIinsisted.Heneededtostayandgethishandsdirty,becausethemercswouldrespectthat,andIneededtoseeamanaboutaghoul.HeofferedagainandItoldhimno,andnotjustbecauseMitchellwouldn’tcrawloutofhisburrowifhesmelledCurrancoming.
Curranwasimpossibletoignore.Hewasn’tquite
hoveringaroundme,buthewasveryforciblythereincaseIwasabouttocollapse.Rightnowhewastheequivalentofhavingasquadoftrainedkillersatyourbeckandcall,readytodefendyouattheslightestprovocation.Mystrokehadputhimonedge.Icouldfeelhimsurfingthatnarrowlinebetweenmaintaininghiscomposureandlosingallsemblanceof
rationalthought.Hehadlosthisparentsandhissiblingstoloups,andhehadneverrecovered.Thefearthatsomethingwouldhappentomeconstantlygnawedathim,andsittingonhishandsfortwodayswaitingtoseeifI’ddiewhilethekidswerefreakingouthaddrivenhimnuts.Hewaswoundsotight,theenergyrolledoffhim.Ifsomeoneaccidentally
bumpedintome,he’dripthemtopieces.Whathewantedmostwastostuffmeintoanarmoredroomlinedwithpaddedpillowsandstandguardoverituntilalltheinsanitythatdrovehimboileddowntothesimplerealizationthatwewerebothgoingtobealright.Hewouldneversayitandhewoulddefinitelynevertryit,buttheurgewasthere.Isawitinhis
eyes.Maybeitwasbecausehe
wasextrawoundup,ormaybeitwasthewaywealwayswere,butIfeltcompletelysecurewhenhewasnear.Ifeltsafe.Hewaslikeaone-manarmy.
RightnowIdidn’twanttohavetheluxuryoffeelingsafe.Ineededtofeelfear,thegoodelectrifyingkindoffearthatkeptmesharpwhenmy
lifewasontheline.IneededtoknowIcouldfunction,thatIwasstillfastandcouldstillkill,andthatIcouldhandleAtlantaonmyown.ThatIwasstillme.
“Iknowyou’reworried.Ineedtodothis.EitherIgoorImightaswellpackitupandretire,”Ihadtoldhim.“I’llbecareful.”
“Youshouldwait,”hehadsaid.
“Howlong?”Theanswerhadbeen
clearinhiseyes:forever.Ihadtogo,becauseIwouldn’talwayshavetheluxuryofhavinghimwithmeandwebothneededtodealwiththat.
“Promisemethatifyourunacrossanothergiant,youwon’tgoafterituntilIgetthere,”Curranhadsaid.
“Ipromise.”Agiantwasananomaly.Runningacross
anotheronewashighlyunlikely.
“Imeanit,Kate.Youcan’ttakeanotherstroke.”
Andneithercouldhe.“Igiveyoumyword.”
NowwewereinfrontoftheBiohazardDivision.Ihopedmyarmsandlegswouldworkaswellastheydidbeforeallthismesshappened.
“Howdotheyget
‘Biohazard’outofCMCDP?”Julieasked.
“TheCenterstartedasadivisionoftheAtlantaPoliceDepartment.BeforetheShift,whenevertherewasamurderorsomeviolentaltercation,peoplewouldcallcrimescenecleanupcrews.Theycleanedupblood,bodydecomp,animalfeces,thatsortofthing.Biohazard.”Igotoutofthecarandstarted
towardthebuilding.Juliecaughtupwithme.
“Atthattime,magicwasnew,butitquicklybecameclearthatitslittlepresentshadtobestudiedandcontained.Nobodyquiteknewhowtodothat,andtheAPDendedupcreatingitsownBiohazardDivision.Theygaveitafamiliarname,probablybecauseitmadethemfeelbetterand
everybodyknewwhatitstoodfor.Overtheyears,Biohazardexpanded,untilfinallythegovernorseparateditandbroughtitunderstateauthoritybyanexecutiveorder.”Istoppedbythewallandpointedatadarkshinyspotinthegranite.“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”
Juliesquintedatit.“No.”“Darktourmaline.This
buildingismadewithStone
Mountaingranite,whichhasnaturaltourmalineinclusions.Why?”
Juliewrinkledherforehead.“Tourmalineisfrequentlyusedinpurifying.Itcangenerateaweakelectricalcurrentwhenrubbedorheatedbythesun,anditisagoodmagicconductor,whichmakestheirwardsstronger.”
“Whatelse?”
Shelookedatme.“Uhh...”
“Scrying,”Itoldher.“It’susedasascryingstone.Ithelpsthemwiththeirresearch.Comeon.”
Wewalkedtothebigdoors.Awardsqueezedme,cuttingoffmybreathforamoment,andthenthepressurevanished.Wewerethrough.
Inoddedattheguardat
thefortifiedreceptiondesk.“KateDaniels.IamheretoseeLuther.”
“Goin,”thewomantoldme.“Secondfloor,bigdoorontheright.”
Wewentupthestonestairs.Peoplewalkedpastus,talkinginquietvoices,sometimesrelaxed,sometimesintense.Wemadeittothesecondfloorandturnedright.Adeserted
hallwaystretchedinfrontofus,litbytheblueglowoffeylanterns.
“Kate,”Julieasked,hervoicesmall.
“Mm-hm?”“Youdorememberme,
don’tyou?Youdon’thaveamnesia?”
Oh,Julie.Iturnedonmyfootandhuggedher.Sheleanedagainstme,limp.
“Doyourememberwhen
ItookyoutoPelicanPoint?Youateshrimpandcried.”
Shesniffled.“Andwhenweboughtthe
owl?”Isaid.“Thewomanwantedthirtybucksforit,andthen,whenwegothome,Ihadtofightwithyoutowashit?”
“Yes,”shesaid.“EvenifIhadamnesia,I
wouldstillrememberthatIloveyou.”
Shehuggedmeonce,squeezingmetight,andletgo.Wewalkeddownthehallasifnothinghadhappened,rightuptothebigmetaldoorblockingourway.Iknockedandswungitopen.
Lutherstoodbythelaboratorytable,holdingaclearplasticcontainerfilledwithdriedherbs.Heworepalescrubsthathadbeenbleachedtoomanytimesand
hisfacewassour.Onthetable,splayedoutandbutterfliedlikeachickenforthegrilling,sprawledthecorpseofascaledlizardlikebeast.Lutherbentoveritandsprinkledtheherbsontotheexposedtissue.Ugh.
“Really,Luther,ifIknewyouwerethathungry,Iwould’vepickedupsometakeout.”
Atthesoundofmyvoice,
heturned.“You!”“Me.”“Whatisthis?”Helooked
atJulie.“Mini-you?”“Julie—Luther.Be
carefulwithhim,he’ssharp.Luther—Julie.She’smyadopteddaughter.”
“Showinghertheropes?”LuthersquintedatJulie.“Whatisthatmagicyou’vegotthere?Asensate?You’vebeensittingonasensateall
thistimeandyoudidn’tshare?Notcool,Daniels.Notcoolatall.”
“I’llshareifyoudo.”Lutherspreadhisarms.
“AllthingsthatareMineareYours,andYoursareMine.”
“Johnseventeen,thePrayerforDisciples,”Juliesaid.“ButnottheKingJamesversion.”
That’sright.TheKingJamesversionwould’vehad
“thines”init.“NewAmerican
Standard,”Luthersaid.“I’mapatriotandproudofit.”
“Isthatthelizardthatcameoutofthegiant?”Iaskedbeforetheydecidedtodazzleeachotherwiththeirbrilliance.
“Itis,andIhadtofightthemilitaryandtheGBIforit.Ijustsprinkledmugwortonit.”
Nice.WhateverfaultsLutherhad,stupidwasn’toneofthem.Iwalkedoverandlookedatthecarcass.
“Whymugwort?”Julieasked.“Ithoughtitwasforwardingoffevil?”
“BecauseitisassociatedwithGoddessNuWa,”Luthersaid.
“ThereisareasonwhyNuWawasdepictedinancientChineseartashaving
theheadofahumanandthebodyofaserpent,”Itoldher.
Luthercheckedtheclock“Three,two...one.”
Theexposedmuscleturnedbrightemeraldgreen.
“Adraconoid,”Isaid.Outofthefryingpanandintothefire.
Lutherstaredattheceilingandmadeafrustratedgrowl.
“Whyisthatbad?”Julie
asked.“Therehavebeenfour
documentedsightingsofarealdragon,”Luthersaid.“TheyaretheUFOsofourage.Wedon’tknowalotaboutthem...no,scratchthat,wehaveawealthofmythssoweknowalotaboutwhattheymightbe,butwehavealmostnoempiricalevidencetojustifyanyofthebullshit.Wedoknowthat
theyarebeingsofimmensemagicpower.Threeofthesightingshavebeenduringaflare.”
“Adraconoidisacatch-allnamefortheproto-dragons,”Iexplained.“Aproto-dragonisalmostlikeaprimitivedragon,notquiteadragonbutdefinitelynotjustalizardoraserpent.Theypackaseriousmagicpunch.IftheSummonercanproduce
hundredsofthese,whatelsecanhesummon?”
“ButIthoughtyoufoughtadragonalongtimeago?”Juliesaid.
“No,Ifoughtanundeaddragon,apileofboneswithaveryfaintmemoryofwhatitusedtobe.IftheSummonercallsoutadragon,we’llbeindeeptrouble.”
“Itwouldn’tevenhavetobeadragon,”Luthersaid.“If
hesummonsadrake,we’reindeepsewage.Therearenoprotocolsforfightingdragons.Wehavenoideawhattoexpect.Wewouldbefightingblind.Thiscityisn’treadyforadragon.”
IlookedatJulie.“Color?”“Same,”shesaid.
“Bronze.”That’swhatIthought.“Bronze?”Luther
blinked.“Whatthehell
registersbronze?Daniels,whatareyounottellingme?”
Denialonlygoessofar.Itookadeepbreath.“Ithinkwehaveadjinn.”
•••
LUTHERSANKINTOachair.“Howsureareyou?”
“Sureenoughtosayitoutloud.”
Hedraggedhishand
acrosshisface.“Youknow,ifanyoneelsehadtoldme,Iwould’vesmiledandnoddedandafterheleft,I’dmakecallstohisemergencycontactsandsuggesttheyhospitalizehimASAP.”
“Iknow.”“Adjinnisproblematic
becauseit’sahigherbeing?”Julieasked.
Inodded.Truegodscouldn’tmanifestexcept
duringtheflares,timesofuninterruptedmagic.Atothertimes,so-calledgodswerejustconstructionsoftheSummoner’swilloracreatureinhabitinganavataroraneffigy.Theirpowersintheseformswereseverelylimited.Mostofthecreaturesweencounteredpost-Shifteitherstartedashumanandtransformedintotheirnewshapesorhadpowersthat
werenotsignificantlygreaterthanthatofanaveragehuman.Evenso,thesecreaturesclungtomagic.Fomoriandemonsattackedduringaflare,andrakshasashadmadeexcursionsintoourrealitythroughaportal,runningtoitanytimethemagicdropped.
Thedjinnandthedragonswereonanotherlevelentirely.
“Howdidyouarriveatadjinn?”Lutherasked.
“It’salongstory.”Hegotupoffthechair
andpulledalever.Athickmetalhooddescendedonthetable,hidingthelizard’sbody.Lutherthreadedathickchainthroughtherungsinthehoodandthetable,wrappingitseveraltimesaroundthehood,secureditwithapadlock,anddisappearedinto
thesideroom.Amomentlater,heemergedwiththreemugsandacarafeofcoffee.
Istartedwiththeencounterwiththeghoulsandlaiditallout,glossingoverdetailslikeGhastekpointingmetowardtheghoulsinthefirstplace,protectingthecity,andhavingmicroscopicstrokes.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtoconnectthedots.Wehadadisgruntledneighbor
whosomehowgothimselfinvolvedwithamagicalheavyweightfromArabianmythology.Hemadethreewishesandtheninturnthemagicpowerpossessedhisbody,turninghimintoagiant.ThegiantpunishedtheGuildforinterfering.Allofthiswasconsistentwithadjinn.Theygrantedwishes,theycamefromtheArabianmythos,andtheyhelda
grudge.Itwasasolidtheory,butitwassolidinthesamewaySwisscheesewassolid.Westilldidn’tknowwhatthedjinnwanted,whyhewasgatheringghouls,orwhyhe’dkidnappedEduardo.
WhenIfinished,Lutherexhaled.
“Unlimitedpoweratthisguy’sfingertips,andhewishesforhisneighbor’sbiketobecrushed,stealsthekids’
decorations,andsummonsamonstertoeatallofthecats.”
“ThanktheUniverseforsmallfavors.”Itcould’vegonemuchworse.
“Thatkindofshowofpowerrequiresahigherbeing,soyouareright.Asfreakyweirdasitis,wemighthaveadjinn.Whynow?Whyhere?”
Ihadbeenaskingmyselfthatsamequestion.Ifadjinn
existed,hewouldbeasmuchofathreattoRolandashewastome.Mymagicwasmyfather’smagic.Wasthissomesortofextra-specialtest?DidmylovingfathersendmethislovelypresenttoseeifIcoulddealwithit?Wasithiswaytounderminemewithoutbecominginvolved?Wasitcompletelyunrelated?Therewasreallynowaytotell.
“Ifit’sadjinn,what
kind?”Lutherfrowned.“Isitamarid,anifrit,ashaytan?”
“It’snotajann,”Ithoughtoutloud.“Theydon’tpackenoughpower.Itcouldbeamarid,butiftheliteratureistobebelieved,theirpoweriselementalinnature.”
“Butmaridsaredescribedasgiants,”Lutherpointedout.
“True.Ihavesomethingforyou.”Ireachedintomy
backpackandpulledoutmybagofdirtyglass.“WefoundaringofthisaroundEduardo’scar.Ithinkit’smeltedsandthatwasusedasateleportationanchor.Weneedtoknowwhereit’sfrom.”
Luthergrabbedthebagandhelditupsothelightofthefeylanternshonethroughit.Hesquinted.“Whatisthatsquirmyshinythinginside
theglass?”Theonlythinginsidethat
glasswasdirt.Ihadlookedatitthroughamagnifyingglass.Isighed.“Luther,wedon’tallhavemagicvision.Wecan’tseewhatyousee.”
Hepulledtheziplockbagopenandpassedhishandovertheglass.“Ooo.Thisissomething.”
“Whatisit?”Julieasked.“Idon’tknowyet,butit’s
notnothing.”Mages.Clearasmud.“Youthinkthere’sa
three-wishcycle?”Lutherasked.“Hegrantsthreewishes,thenpossessesthebody?Why?”
“Idon’tknow.CanItalktoMitchell?”Iasked.
“Youcantry.Itriedlastnight.Ievenbroughtverydeliciouscarrionwithme,buthewouldn’tcomeoutofhis
burrow.”“I’llgiveitashot.”“Okay,”Luthersaid.“I’ll
getthetranquilizergunincasethemagicfails.”
“Isthisdangerous?”Julieasked.
“Yes,”Itoldher.“I’llneedyoutostaywithLuther.Youcanseeeverythingfromthebalcony.”
“But—”“Ifyoucomewithme,
Mitchellmightnotcomeout.”
Herfacefell.“Fine.”Luthercameoutofthe
backroomcarryinganoversizedrifle.“Shallwe?”
Wefollowedhimoutoftheexaminationroom,downthehallway,toadoorleadingtotheoutside.Lutherpulledakeychainoutofhispocket,flippedthroughthekeyswithonehanduntilhefoundthe
rightone,andunlockedthedoor.Westeppedoutontoaprivateconcretebalconyrunningalongthesideofthebuildingforaboutfiftyfeet.Infrontofusalargelotstretched,securedbyatwenty-footstonewalltoppedwithcoilsofrazorwire.Thewirehadsomesilverinitandthelightoftherisingmooncoateditinabluishglow.Treesdottedthelot,some
normal,someoddandtwisted.Ontheleft,blacktar-likegoooozedfromoneofthetrunks.Ontheright,agroupofbusheswithsmallredleavessproutedtwo-foot-longbrightorangethorns.Tinybluespheresfloatedinthegrass,movingindifferentdirections.Magicpooledandcoursedthroughit,twistingbetweenthetreesandleakingfromtheleavesandspiraling
intotheground.Eventhegrounditselfwaschanged.Sharpoutcroppingsoftranslucentcitrine-coloredcrystalcutthroughthesurfacelikethefinsofmythicalseaserpentsswimmingunderwater.Hereandtheresmallveinsofpalewhiterockstretchedtoformknobbyprotrusionsaboutafoothighandbuttressedtothegroundbythinroots.
“Whatisthis?”Julieasked.
“Thedumpingground.Thisiswhereweputthingswewanttostudy,”Luthersaid.
“Thisiswheretheyputthingswhentheyhavenoideawhattheyareorwhattodowiththem,”Itoldher.“Luther,don’tbullshitmykid.”
Lutherrolledhiseyes.
“Yes.Whatshesaid.”“Whatiftheygetout?”
Julieasked.Hepointedup.Julie
leanedout.Iknewwhathewaspointingat,butIglancedoverallthesame.Massivecatapultsandgunslinedtheroofofthebuilding,pointingatthedumpingground.Anythingthattriedtoleavewouldbepoundedtoabloodypulp.
Istrippedoffmyjacketandpulledoffmyboots.
“Sowhydoyoukeepaghoulinthere?”Julieasked.
“Becauseheusedtobeoneofus,”Luthersaid.“Mitchellwasabrilliantguy.Hestudiedghoulismandweallthoughthewouldcrackit.Turnedouthewasapointzerozerozerotwopercenter.”
“Oh.”Julienodded.“Thatmakessense.”
MitchellandIwentwayback.Iknewhimwhenhewasstillhuman.Hewasoneofthosehealthnutswhodidthingslikerunningpunishingmarathonsandthengotupsetifhewasn’toneofthefirsttentocrossthefinishline.Whenhistransformationhitandhedisappeared,Biohazardhiredmetofindhimandbringhimbackquietly,becausetheyfelt
responsibleforhim.Everytimeanewcaseofghoulismbecamepublic,peoplefreakedout,whichwaswhythePADeliminatedallnewghoulswithextremeprejudice.NobodyatBiohazardwantedMitchelltobehunteddownandshot.
Onlytwopeopleoutofeverytenthousand,0.0002percent,weresusceptibletoghoulism,andevidence
showedthattheywereprobablyrelatedtoeachother.Statistically,acitizenofAtlantahadahigherprobabilityofbeingmauledbyashapeshifter,buteverynewcaseofghoulisminvariablycausedapanic,becauseforthosetwooutoftenthousandtherewasnocure.Shapeshifterswerestillhuman.Theylivedinhouses,heldjobs,hadkids,andled
semi-normallives.Butghoulshidincemeteriesandgorgedthemselvesoncorpses.
WhenIstartedlookingforhim,allthatmarathonrunningmadenodifference.Mitchellhaddonetheexactsamethingthatmosthumanandsupernaturalfugitivesusuallydid—heranalittlewaysandsquatteddowninthefirsthidey-holehefound,whichjusthappenedtobethe
SouthRiverSewertunnel.IfoundhimandbroughthiminbeforethePADmanagedtogetholdofhim.
Ipulledoffmyturtleneck.“Mitchelllikesitinthedumpingground.Hefeelssafe,heisfedwellandonschedule,andnobodybothershim.It’sprobablythebestplaceforhimrightnow.Hewouldn’tdowelloutinthewildonhisown.”
Myswordfollowed,thenmybelt,andmypants.Acoldwindhitme.Argh.
“Damn,Daniels.”Luthershookhishead.
Iglanceddown.Hugepurplebruisescoveredmylegs.Icouldn’trememberhowIgotthem.“Occupationalhazard.”
NormallyafterbeingtreatedbyDoolittle,everythingwould’vebeen
healed.Heconsidereditapointofprofessionalpride.MymemoryservedupanimageofDoolittlerollingoutoftheroom.I’mtired...Healingmybrainhaddrainedhimdry.Hedidn’thealmybruisesbecausehehadnothingleft.
Iwasanungratefulassholewhotookhimforgranted.Oncethiswasover,Iwouldhavetotakehimoutto
lunchandtellhimhowmuchIappreciatedhishelp.
Ishivered.Iwasdowntomysportsbra,underwear,andsocks.
“You’renotgoingouttherelikethat,”Juliesaid.
“Thesearetherules,”Itoldher.“Mitchellgetsscaredeasily.HelikestobereassuredthatIamnotcarryinganyweapons.”
“That’swhyMitchell
talkstoher.Crazy,right?”Luthersettherifledownandturnedaheavycrankonthesideofthebalcony.Afoot-widemetalrampslidfromunderthebalcony,crossedthelineofthefence,andstretcheddown,haltingaboutfivefeetabovetheground.“Iwon’tgointherenaked,andIamaqualifiedmage.It’snotjustwhatweputinthere,it’sallofthethingsthatspawnin
therebythemselves...”“Nothelping,”Igrowled.LutherglancedatJulie
andshutup.Iswungmylegsoverthe
concreterailofthebalconyandsteppedontotheramp.Thecoldmetalburnedmyfeet.Anothergustofwindchilledme,andIfeltitallthewaydowntothebone.HowdoIgetmyselfintothesethings?
“Remember,trytokeephiminplainview,”Luthersaid.“Ican’tbindhimifIcan’tseehim.”
Istarteddowntheramp.Walkingonslipperyice-coldmetalthirtyfeetabovehardground,whileacoldwindwastryingtoscourtheskinoffmybody.IfIfell,I’denduprightintherazorwire.Wheeee.
God,thatwindwascold.
AndhowdidyouspendyourFridaynight,Ms.Daniels?Outonthetown,havingalovelydinnerandadancelikeanormalperson.Yeah,right.WhenIfinallycaughtupwithwhoeverwasbehindthismess,Iwouldventallofmyfrustrationatonce.I’dbeenbeaten,cut,clawed,andthrownaroundlikearagdoll;mymagichadbackfiredandexplodedinmy
brain;andI’dlostpiecesofmymemories.MemoriesItreasuredandrequiredtoprotectthoseIloved.I’dnearlylostmyfamily.Ihadahellofalotoffrustrationbuiltup.Abloodyoverabundanceofit.
“Yoursecondmomisaniceperson,”Luthersaidquietlybehindme.“Therearen’tmanypeoplewhocareaboutwhetherthey’rescaring
aghoul.”IexpectedJulietotell
himIwasn’thermom.Shedidn’tsayanything.
Ireachedtheendoftheramp.Itterminatedrightoverarockyoutcropping.Perfect.Justperfect.Icrouched,sat,andsliddowngently.Myfeethitthehardstone.Myteethchattered.Iwantedtohugmyself,buttherewerethingswatchingmefromthe
darkness.Lookinglikeavictimencouragedpredators.Isquaredmyshouldersandpickedmywayacrosstherockyground.
Somethingshiveredinthetallblack-leafedbushestotheleft.Apairofsilveryelongatedeyesignited.Thehaironthebackofmyneckrose.Adrenalinecoursedthroughme,theinstinctualfearhotandsharp.
Istaredattheeyes.“Pissoff.”
Theeyesnarrowedtoslits.Thebushesrustledastheirownerretreated.That’sright.Keepgoing.
Iskirtedapoolofslimyorangegooandcameintoasmallclearing,exactlythirtyfeetwide.IknewthesizebecauseLutherhaditmowedonceeveryfewweeks.Ittookfivepeopletodoit.One
droveanarmoredlawnmowerandtheotherfourguardedthedriver.
Alargewhiterockjuttedoutofthecenteroftheclearing.Nexttoitaholegapedintheground,sodarkitlookedlikeitwasfilledwithliquidblackness.
Ichoseaspotabouttenfeetfromtherock,pickedupastonethesizeofagrapefruit,crouched,and
knockedonarockyoutcropping.
Knock.Knock.Nothing.Mitchellrequired
patience.Iknockedagain,hittingtherockagainstthestoneinasteadymeasuredrhythm.Mybackwastothebrush.Ipresentedanawesometarget,crouchedandnearlynaked.
Knock...knock...
knock...Comeon,Mitchell.Cometalktome.
Knock...knock...Somethingstirredwithin
thedarknessoftheghoulburrow.
Iputtherockdownandwaited.
Alongspadelikehandarmedwithstraight,narrowclawsemerged,followedbyathinarm,agrotesquehead,andthenshoulders.A
momentandMitchellsqueezedhimselfoutoftheburrowandcrouchedintheopen.Moonlightslidoverhisdirt-coloredskinmottledwithpatchesofgrayanddeeperbrown,andsethiseyesaglowwitheeriesilver.Hishorns,thecurvedspikelikeprotrusionsonhisbackandshoulders,werealmostsixincheslong,afullthreeincheslongerthanthelast
timeIsawhim.SomethinghadterrifiedMitchellandhisbodyhadresponded.Alongchainwrappedaroundhisleftankleandaroughbandofthickscartissueencircledhislegrightaboveit.Hehadclawedathisownfleshtryingtogetthechainoff.IfLutherhadputhimonachain,heandIwouldhavewordsonceIwasdone.
Mitchelldidn’tmove.
NeitherdidI.Wecrouched,barelythreefeetbetweenus.Somepicturewemust’vemade,anakedghoulandanearlynakedhumanshiveringinthecold,sittingnosetonose.
Mitchellturnedhisheadandlookedatthemoon,hiseyesglowing.
“Tellmeaboutthechain,”Isaid.
“Ifoundit.”Hisvoice
wasrough,asifheweregrindinggravelwithhisteeth.“Thethingchainedtoitwasdead,soItookthechain.”
Sohehadputhimselfonthechain?“Why?”
“Doyounothearit?Thecall?”Mitchelllookedatthemoonagain.“He’scalling.It’slikeaweight.Itgrindsonyou,itpushesandpushes,andithurts.”Helookedbackatme,hisfacecontorted.“It
hurts.”Hetouchedhisforehead.“Inhere.”Hisclawedhandsslidlowertohisneck.“Andhere.”Lowerstilltohischest.“Here.Andhere.Inthestomach.Itsqueezesme.Ithurts.”
Suddenragefloodedme.Mitchellhadsufferedenough.Hehadlosthishumanityandhisfamily.Hewasascared,quietcreaturewhohadneverhurtanyone.Allhewantedto
dowastoliveinhisburrowandbesafe.Andnowsomesupernaturalassholewastorturinghim.
“Whoiscallingyou?”“Idon’tknow.ButIfeel
it.Icanseehiminmymind.Idon’twanttogo.”Mitchelllookedatthechain.“Idon’twanttogo.IwilldieifIgo,butthepainisgettingstronger.OnedayIwillgnawthroughmylegandgo.”
“Canyoutellmewherethecalliscomingfrom?”
“Why?”Mitchell’svoicedrippedwithdespair.
“SoIcangothereandmakehimstop.”
“Youcan’t.You’renotstrongenough.Notstrongenoughforhismagic.”
“IcanandIwill.I’veneverfailedyoubefore.Iwon’tnow.”
Mitchelldidn’tanswer.
“Letmehelpyou,”Iwhispered.“Letmemakeitstophurting.”
Mitchell’sfacetrembled.Hiswholebodyshuddered.AsIwatched,thepatinaofspotsonhisskinshifted,turningdarker.Hishornsgrewanotherquarterinch.Holycrap.Thatwascrazyevenforaghoul.Hewasscaredoutofhismind.
“Hewillknow,”Mitchell
whispered.“HewillknowifItell.”
“How?”“He’ssentotherstoget
me,butIburroweddeepandtheygotscaredbeforetheycoulddigtome.Theywatchme.”
Damnit.“Whenwasthis?”
“ThedayIfed.”SoonTuesday.“Howdid
theygetthroughthefence?”
Mitchellleanedevencloserandwhispered.“Theydugahole.Theyarewaitinginthereevennow,watchingus.”
Theydugatunnel.Ofcourse.Oncewefinishedhere,LutherandIwouldhavetofindit.“Ifyoutellme,IpromiseIwillkillthemandthenI’llfindhimandkillhim,too.”
Mitchell’sskinturned
almostblack.“No.Hehasothers.SomelikemeandsomelikeIwasmeanttobe.Hehasothers.Hehasamaninacage.”
Eduardo.Thiswasmyonlychance.
“Youwilldieandthenhewillsendothersforme.”
“Ihaveneverliedtoyou.”Iscratchedthebackofmyleftarmwithmynails.Atinydropofbloodswelled.“Iwill
stophim.”Istretchedmyarmtohim.
Hisnostrilsflared.Hefocusedontheblood,hiseyesglowing.
“Tasteit,”Iwhispered.Slowly,Mitchellrested
oneclawedhandontheground,leanedforward,anddippedhishead.Athicktongueslidfrombetweenhisteethandscrapedthetraceofbloodoffmyskin.Lightburst
inhismouth,abeautifulfire,asifhehadswallowedatinyyellowstar.Theveinsinhisneckignitedwithfieryradiance.Itdasheddownhisbloodvesselstohisheart,throughhisbody,tohislimbs.
Mitchellsurgedupright,glowing,hisbodylarger,stronger,moremuscular.Fireswirledaroundhim,caressinghisformbutnevertouching.
Hisfacesnappedintoalongmuzzlethatmighthavebelongedtoadragonorademonicdog.Hornsoffirespiraledoutofhishead.Hiseyesflaredwithbrightorange,asifaninfernoburnedinsidehim.Aforeignintelligenceregardedmewithcooldetachment.
Mitchellcriedout.Ifeltthemagicexplodeinsidehimanddovetotheground.A
blastofheattorethroughtheclearing,snappingbranches.Mitchellshudderedandcollapsedbackintohisoldform.
Itwassofast,IthoughtI’dimaginedit.MaybeIdid...
“Holyshit!”Lutherbarked.
Nope,Ididn’t.Mitchellraisedhishead.
Hiseyeswerestillonfire.
“Takeit!”hewhispered.Thefieryeyesburnedinto
mymind.Magicstretchedbetweenus,wovenwithpowerandheat.Ittouchedmymindandexplodedintofireinmyhead.Imagesswirled.Acavern...No,theinsideofahalf-collapsedbuilding.Thefloorshadfallendownandonlytheouterwallsremained.Palebeamsofmoonlightshining
downthroughtheholesintheroof.Ahuman-sizedcagesuspendedfromtheceiling.Amaninthecage,thin,hisclothestornandbloody.Eduardo.Ghouls.Dozensofghoulsbelow,blanketingthefloorwiththeirbodies...
Asurgeoflightandfire,asifsomeonehadslitrealityopenandcosmicflamesspilledout.
Afacewithinthefire.
Rough,heavy-jawed,muscledface,withbrightblacktattoosmarkingthecheeksandthebrow.Sohumanlike,yetsoalien...Longpointedearsbearinggoldenhoops,oneafteranother.Acollarofgoldinsetwithbrightgreenjewels.Amaneofstraightblackhair,eachhairshaftglowingwithagoldencorelikeanemberbarelycoveredwithsoot.Wingsrising...
Eyesoffire,filledwitharroganceandinsanity.
Avoicerockedthroughmymind.“You’reweak.Youwilldie.Thebetrayerwilldie.Yourcitywillkneelbeforeme.”
“Thiscitydoesn’tkneel,asshole.I’mcomingforyou.Startpraying.”
Thevisiontoreapartandrealitytookmebackintoitscoldembrace.Iblinkedand
sawMitchell’sfeetashedoveintotheburrow.
“Wait...”Ifeltsomeone’sgazeon
myback.Thestarestabbedmerightbetweentheshoulderblades.Iheldstill,crouched,onekneetotheground.
Asecondcrawledby,painfullyslow.
Makeyourmove.Let’sseehowwellyoudance.
Somethingexplodedoutofthebushes.Ipivotedandsawaghoulinmidleap,curvedclawsraised.
Therewasnoplacetogo.Irolledontomyback,
matchingitsmomentum,andkickedwithbothfeet.Myheelssmashedintotheghoul’sbelly,drivingitforwardovermyhead.Itlandedhard,itsbackslappingtheground.Iflippedand
lungedattheghouljustasitmanagedtoturnonitsstomach.Mykneescamedownonitsback,hard.TheghoultriedtoriseandIgraspedthesidesofitshead,shoveditdowntowarditsspine,lockingthevertebrae,andtwisted.Itsneckbrokewithadrycrunchlikeatwig.
Theghoulgurgled,shaking.Inamomentitwouldregeneratetheneck.
“Clearshot!”Lutherscreamed.“Givemeaclearshot!”
IgrabbedtherockIusedtocallMitchellandsmasheditintotheghoul’sskull.Tinydropsofbloodflew.Ipummeleditsheadwiththerockasfastandhardasmyarmwouldmove.Theskullcrackedlikeaneggshell,thebonefragmentscavedin,andIcrushedthesoftbrain
underneathwithmyrock.Theghoulwentlimp.I
jumpedtomyfeet.Silvereyesglaredatmefromthedarkness.One,two,three...Toomany.
Isprintedtothefence,flyingacrosstherockyground.Behindmetheundergrowthrustled.Thesoundofclawsandlaboredbreathingchasedme.
OnthebalconyLuther
thrusthishandsstraightup,hisarmsvibratingwithtension,turnedhispalmsout,hisfingersrigid,andforcedhisarmsdown,straining,asifhewereswimming.Aneeriegreenglowswirledaroundhim,aglowingnimbus.Juliegrabbedthecrankofthemetalbridge.
Lutherjerkedhislefthandup,fingerscurvedlikeclaws.Darkrootsburstoutofthe
groundinanexplosionofdirtclumpsandsurgedupward,sproutingfoot-longgreenthorns.Theghoultotheleftofmescreeched.OutofthecornerofmyeyeIsawitflailinginaclumpofthevines.Lutherthrusthisotherhandintheair.Anotherghoulscreamed.
Iwasalmosttotheramp.TenfeetandIwouldbethere.
Aghouldodgedtheroots,
sprintingforwardonallfours,andlungedatmefromtheside.Igrabbeditsrightforearmwithmylefthand,pullingthearmstraightandjerkinghimdownandforward,andslidmyrightarmoverthebackofitsneckandallthewayunderitsarmpit.MyforearmpressedonthebackofitsneckandIdroppeddowntooneknee,bringingalloftheforceof
mybodyontomyelbow,rippingthesofttissueandcrushingthevertebrae.Thewholethingtookhalfasecond.Ireleasedtheconvulsingghoulandrantotheramp.
ThreefeetfromitIjumped.Myfingerscaughtthecoldmetal,andIpulledmyselfupanddashedacrossthebridge.Juliespunthecrank,retractingitasIran.I
leapedoverthelastfivefeet,landingnexttoher,andturnedaround.Sevenghoulshowledinimpotentfurybythefence,theireyesglowing,theirteethbared.
Thesmallestofthemturnedtorun.Rootsshotoutoftheground,formingacrescentbarrieraboutthirtyyardsindiameter.Theghoulswhirled,realizingtheyweretrapped.
Luthersmiled.“Ohno,mypretties.Thisismydomainandyou’vetrespassed.Thereisapricetopayforthat.”
Luthertookadeepbreath,hisarmsrisingasifhewereabouttotakeflight.Magicshudderedinfrontofhim,likeelasticropewoundtootight.Themusclesofhisbackflexedandhesnappedhisarmstothesideanddown,
palmsup.Thegroundunderthe
ghoulsmovedasiftheEarthhadsuddenlybecameliquid.Theysankdown,feverishlytryingtofreetheirlimbs,butthesoilheldthemfast.Agreenbubbleformedinthecenteroftheclearing,grewtothesizeofabasketball,andexploded.Brightemeralddustshotout,glowing.Spores,Irealized.Millionsof
spores.Thegreensporeswashedovertheghouls.Theirmovementsgrewlessfrantic,thenslow,slowerstill,untiltheywerestrugglinginslowmotionasiftheirveryfleshhadgraduallypetrified.Thesporessprouted.Adensecarpetofmossinadozenvarietiesgrew,sheathingtheghoulbodieslikeavelvetblanket.Delicatepinkstalksformedoverthebarely
recognizablebodies.Tinywhiteflowersopenedattheendsofthestalks,releasingtinydotsglowingwithgold.Theairsmelledsweet,likeaforestjustafteramorningrain.
Lutherinhaledandsmiled.
“Verypretty,”Juliesaid.“Well,wedon’tjustsiton
ourbuttsfillingoutpaperwork,”Luthersaid.“We
workforourliving.”Ipulledmypantson.My
feetwerebeattohellfromrunningonrockyground.Mymiddlelefttoewasprobablybroken.
“IthoughtyoupromisedCurrannothingviolent.”Juliehandedmemyturtleneck.
“No,IpromisedhimIwouldn’tfightagiant.”
“Soyouobeytheletterofthelawandnotthespirit,”
shesaid.“Yes.”Myteethfinally
stoppedchattering.Ilovedmyturtleneck.Ilovedmyjacket.Ilovedmyboots.Mmm,wonderfulwarmboots.
“HowcomewhenIdothat,youchewmeout?”
“Becauseyoudon’tdoitwellenoughtogetawaywithit.”
Julieblinked.“Whatkind
ofmovewasthat,attheend?”
“It’sfromEscrima,aFilipinomartialart.I’llshowyouwhenwegetaminute,butyouwillhavetopractice,becauseithastobedonereallyfastforittowork.”
“DidyougetanythingfromMitchell?”Lutherasked.
“Yes.It’sanifrit,averypowerfulone.Coal-blackand
redincolorandveryfondoffire.”Ifithadbeenamarid,folkloresaiditwould’vebeenblue,andwehadtogobyfolkloreuntilreallifedisprovedit.“Hehasahellofalotofpower,andforsomereasonhe’skeepingEduardoinacage.”
IhadseenabowlofwaterinEduardo’scage,butnofood.HisshouldershadbeenstickingoutofhisT-shirtand
hisfacewasgaunt,sohewaslikelystarving.Anaveragehumancouldsurviveroughlytwentydayswithoutfood.Ashapeshifterhadtoconsumetwotothreetimesasmanycaloriesasahumanofthesamesize.Theirregenerationsloweddownthestarvationsomewhatbutnotenough.Ifwedidn’tgetEduardooutofthatcageinthenextthreedaysorso,wewouldn’tneed
tobotherlooking.Apiercingshriektore
throughthesilence.Itcamefrominsidethebuilding.
CHAPTER
L15
UTHERJERKEDTHEdooropenandsprinteddown
thehall.JulieandIchasedhim.
“Whatthehellisthat?”Iyelledovertheshrieks.
“Myalarm!Someonejustbrokeintomylab.”
Weroundedthecornerandalmostcollidedwithfour
otherpeople,oneinasuit,twoinscrubs,andoneinabiologicalcontainmentsuitwithouthelmetorgloves.Eachwaschargedwithenoughmagictolevelasmallbuilding.Luthershovedpastthemandthrustthedoorofhislabopen.Themetalhoodwasraised,thebodyofthedraconoidoutintheopen.Adeeppuncturewoundgapedinitsside.
“Damnit!”Lutherdraggedhishandthroughhishair.“Hestabbedmyspecimen!”
Someonehadgottenintothebuilding,bypassingallofthesecuritymeasures,andbrokenintoLuther’slab.IfthepressfoundoutthatBiohazard,therepositoryofallthingsstrangeanddangerous,hadhadasecuritybreach,therewouldbenoend
ofheadsrolling.“Thisway!”awoman
screamed.“He’sgoingoutthefrontdoor!”
Themagesspunandgavechase.Theguyinthebiocontainmentsuitshovedthenearestwindowopen.Flamesburstoverhisfists.Hepunchedtheair.Afireballbrokefreeofhishand,streakeddowntothestreet,andexploded.
Ohboy.Everybodyexceptforthe
firebugranforthestaircase.Idecidedtoruntoo,justsoIwouldn’tbeleftout.
Wecollectivelyburstoutthefrontdoor.Thestreetlayempty.Nothingbutfive-foot-widescorchmarks.
“Wheredidhego?”Lutheryelled.
Nobodyanswered.“WhereisFluffy?”a
womanasked.“Janatookheronajob,”
amananswered.“Oh,comeon!Whatgood
isatrackingdogifshe’sneverheretotrack?”Lutherthrewhishandsup.
Afireballtoreoverourheadsandsplashedflamesontothestreet.
“Garcia,willyoustopsettingthingsonfire?”Lutherroared.
“Sorry!”themanfromthewindowcalled.“Itwasanaccident.”
Iputmyhandovermyface.Nexttome,Juliepressedherlipstogetherandwasmakingsmallmeowingnoisestryingnottolaugh.
ThedoorofBiohazardflewopenandPatriceLane,theheadoftheInfectiousDiseasesdepartment,emergedwithagaggleofher
techsbehindher.“Alright,whereishe?I’m
chargedwithStaphylococcus.Givemetwoseconds,andhe’llbecoveredinboils.He’lltelluseverything.”
“Hegotaway,”adark-hairedwomanexplained.
“What?”Patriceblinked.Juliebentinhalfand
begansnorting.“Stopthat,”Luthertold
her.
Amanwalkedoutoftheshadows.Heworejeansandabrownjacketwithahoodthatrightnowrestedonhisback.Ofmediumheight,hehadlightbrown,slightlycurlyhairandapleasant,friendlyfacewithhoodedblueeyes,abignose,andthestubblybeginningofamustacheandbeard.Therewassomethingvaguelyfamiliarabouthiseyes.
Hecameovertome.“Consort.It’ssuchanhonortomeetagain.Oops.Shouldn’thavecalledyouthat.”HehadalightIrishaccent.
“Shemightnotrememberyou,”Juliesaid.“She—”
“Jardin,”Isaid.ThelasttimewehadmethewasinhiswereratformandIalmoststabbedhim.HeworkedforRobert,AlphaofClanRat
andthePack’scurrentsecuritychief.
“Ah,”Jardinsaid.“Youremember.Iamsoflattered.”
“Whoishe?”Lutherdemanded.“Whoareyou?”
“It’snothim,”thedark-hairedwomansaid.“Theotherguywasolderandtallerandworeblack.”
“He’samemberofthePack,”Itoldhim.
“Oh.Wait!”Luther’seyes
litup.“Canyoutrack?”“Yes.”Jardinnodded.“Great.Amanranoutof
here.Doyouhavehisscent?”“Sure,”Jardinsaid.“Isaw
himandIcansmellhim,butyousee,youwon’tcatchhim.”
“What?”themaninasuitdemanded.“Why?”
“Hehadahorse.”“Ahorse?”Lutherwaved
hisarms.“Wehaveseveral
advancedvehicles.Wecanbeatahorse.Withallofuschanting,wecanstartitinunderthreeminutes.”
Ha.Ifmorethanonepersonchanted,thecarsstartedfaster.Whyhadn’tIevertriedthis?Ifiledthattidbitawayforfurtherstudy.
“Itwasaveryfasthorse,”Jardinsaid.
“Howfast?”thedark-hairedwomanasked.
Thewereratsmiled.“Ithadwings.”
Thestreetturnedcompletelysilent.
“Beautifulblackwings,”Jardinsaid.
So.WehadanifritholdingEduardoatsomeundisclosedlocationandouronlyleadhadflownawayonawingedhorse.
Everybodyspokeatonce.Themageswavedtheirarms.
Luther’svoicecutthroughit.“I’llcalltheOrder.”
Really?Iraisedmyeyebrow.
“Sorry,Daniels,”Luthersaid.“It’sprotocol.Weneedtheheavyartillerynow.”
IsteppedawayandsmiledatJardin.“Blackhorse?”
“Yes.”Henodded.“AnArabian?”“I’msorry,Iwouldn’t
know.”Ibetitlookedlikea
million-dollarhorse.“Wastheresomething
youwanted?”Hereachedintohis
jacket.“MyalphabroughtthistotheattentionoftheBeastLord,butJimdoesn’tfeelthisistherighttime.Myalphahasadifferentopinion.HefeelsthisisathreattothePackandtothecity.Hesaid
youshouldknowaboutit.”Hehandedmeastackof
Polaroids.Thefirstoneshowedabiggrayblockformedfromtheremnantsofdifferentbuildings.Apersonstoodnexttoit.Theblockhadtobeatleastthirtyfeettall.Myheartjerkedinmychest.Ihadseenthisbefore.ThatwashowmyfatherhadmadeMishmar.
Iflippedthroughtherest
ofthePolaroids.Anotherblock.Another.Asmallwoodenmodelstandingonafoldingtableinthemiddleofafield.Myfatherstandingnexttoamanholdingablueprint.Hewasstillwearinghis“wisefather”persona,anoldermanwiththefeaturesofZeusorperhapsMosestowardthesecondhalfofhislife,wise,beautiful,possessing
otherworldlypower,hisdarkbrowneyesageless...Myfather’sprofileblurred.Heturnedtowardmeinthephotographandwinked.Cute.
Julieclampedherhandoverhermouth.Jardinturnedpale.
Sonovabitch.Hewasbuildinganothertower.Hewouldnottakethisland.
“Wherewasthistaken?”Jardinrecoveredenough
tospeak.“NearLawrenceville.”
Justoutsidemyterritory.Ohno,youdon’t.Overmydeadbody.Betteryet,overhis.
“Thankyou,”ItoldJardin.“TellRobertIwillhandlethis.”
Iturnedandmarchedtowardourcar.Approachingmyfatherdirectlycouldbeseenasanactofwar,and
tryingtocontacthimbymagicmeanswasjustaskingfortrouble.Inthemagicarenahewasmilesaheadofme,andopeninganykindofconnectionthroughmagicwasunwise.Ihadnoideahowtogetholdofhim,butIknewsomeonewhodid.
“Arewegoinghome?”Julieasked,speed-walkingnexttome.
“No.”Myvoicehadalot
ofsteelinit.“We’regoingtotheCasino.I’mgoingtohaveachatwithmyfather.”
•••
“HOWDIDHEdothatwiththephotograph?”Julieasked.“How?Thetechwasupwhenthepicturewastaken.”
“Idon’tknow.”Iwould’velovedtoknowwhatSienna’svisionmeantas
well,butsofarIhadnosageinsights.Itbotheredme.
WewerewalkingthroughtheparkinglotoftheCasino,wherethePeople,myfather’spetcult/undeadpettingzoo,madeitsheadquartersinAtlanta.TheCasino,areplicaoftheTajMahal,perchedinthecenterofahugelotwheretheGeorgiaDomehadonceofferedseventy-somethousandseatstosportsfans.
TheDomewaslonggone,fallencasualtytothemagicwaves,andnowtheCasinodominatedthearea.Duringtheday,thetintofitspurewhitemarblechangeddependingonthecolorofthesky,butatnight,paintedbytheglowofapowerfulfeylantern,theintricatemarblelatticeworkappearedcompletelyotherworldlyandweightless,asiftheentire
massivebuildinghadbeenspunoutofmoonlightbysomemagicspiders.Longrectangularfountains,decoratedwithstatuesofHindugodscaughtinmid-moveabovethetintedwater,stretchedtowarditsdoors,andaswewalkedbetweenthemtowardtheCasino,thetinyredlightsofvampiremindsglowedinmymind.Theycrawledalongthe
texturedparapets,theymovedinsidetheCasino,andbelowthebuilding,wherethestableslay,thegroundwascompletelyred,likethetideofsomebloodysea.Iwould’velovednothingmorethantoreachoutandcrushthemonebyone,untiltheseaofredlightsvanishedandonlypeacefuldarknessremained.
“Howdoesthisnotfreak
youout?”Juliedemanded.“Ican’taffordtobe
freakedout.Neithercanyou.”
“Well,I...”Juliestopped,hereyeswideopen.
Iturnedtoher.ShestaredattheCasino,
lookingdown,wherethestableswouldbe.“Arethose...?”
Thiswasn’thersensatemagicatwork.Weweretoo
farawayandseparatedfromthestablesbytonsofrockandsoil.
“Vampires,”Itoldher.Awhileagoshehad
almostdiedandIhadpurifiedherbloodwithminetosaveher.Itwasmyfather’sbloodritual,butitwastheonlyway.ItboundhertomeinthesamewayHughwasboundtomyfather,andlikeHughshecouldneverdefyadirect
orderfromme,somethingIhadtriedmybesttokeepsecret.Unlessmymemoryfailedme,sofarIhadavoidedit,simplybecauseJulieusuallydidwhatIaskedwithoutmyhavingtoorderher,andinthoseraretimeswhenIhadtoissueacommand,Juliewaswillingtoobey.Onedaythetimewouldcomewhenshewouldwanttodotheexactopposite
ofwhatIsaidandwouldfindoutthatIhadrobbedherofherfreewill.Idreadedthatday,butIwoulddealwithitwhenthetimecame.RightnowIhadtodealwithawholedifferentsideeffect.ItseemedthatmybloodwaschangingJulie.
“Theyhavesomany,”Juliewhispered.
“Yes.”Istoodnexttoher.“Theykeepitquiet.Ifpeople
knewhowmanyvampiresareundertheCasino,nobodywouldevercometogamble.”
HergazeswepttheCasino.
“Canyoufeeleachone?”Iasked.
“Yes.”“Doyouthinkyoucould
reachoutandgrabone?”Shenarrowedhereyes.
“ItfeelslikeIcould.”“Good.Oncewefind
Eduardo,wecanpractice.Nowfollowmeandkeepyourpowertoyourself.”
WewalkeduptothedooroftheCasino.Twoguardsstudiouslyignoredus.Wepassedintothelobby.Thesoundhitmefirst:themechanicalwhirringoftheslots,redesignedtoworkduringmagic;thedinofhumanvoices;theexcitedshoutsofsomeonewinning
thatsoundedalmostlikeabirdinpain;theclangingofmetaltokens;allofitblendingtogetherintoadisorienting,hystericalcacophony.Isawthemainfloor:dozensofmachines,litupbyfeylanternsandcrowdedwithusers,and,pastthem,greencardtablesandroulettewheels,thefacesofthepokerplayersdevoidofanyhumanemotion.Servers
glidedthroughitall,andhereandthereajourneymaninblack-and-purpleCasinocolorswatchedoverthepatrons.
Oneofthejourneymen,anaverage-sizedmaninhismidtwentieswithapinchedface,steppedinmyway.“Excuseme,wewillneedsomeID.”
Ifrownedathim.“MyID?”
“Hers.”HepointedatJulie.“MinorsarenotpermittedontheCasinofloor.”
“TellGhastekthatKateisheretoseehim.He’llmakeanexceptionforme.”
Thejourneyman’sfacetookonapompousexpression.“I’msorry,heisn’tacceptingvisitorsrightnow.”
“Hewillacceptme.”
“No,Idon’tthinkso.IworkdirectlyunderhimandI’mquitesurehewon’tbeseeingyoutoday.”Hepointedatthedoorwithhishand.“Please.Iwouldrathernotcallsecurity.”
Isighed.“Fine.IguessI’lltellhimmyself.”
Ireachedoutwithmymagicandgrabbedtheseaofredlightsunderneathus.Theentirevampirestablesatstill.
Holdingtwohundredvampireswasreallydifficultandmybrainreally,reallydidn’tlikeit.
Thejourneymaninfrontofmenoticednothing.“PerhapsIwasn’tclear,”hesaid,speakingwithexaggeratedslowness.“SometimesIgotoofast.”
“That’sbecauseofyourblindingintellect,isn’tit?”Julieasked.
Itriedreallyhardnottolaugh.Here’shopingsomeonenoticedthatalloftheirundeadwerefacinginthesamedirectionandnotmoving,becauseIcouldfeelmymagicrippingattheseams.
Thejourneyman’sfaceturnedred.“Look,you,therearetwokindsofpeoplewhobelonghere:thosewithtalentlikemewhoworkhereand
thosewhocomeheretohaveagoodtimeandspendmoney.Youdon’tworkhereand”—hegavemyjeansandbeat-upbootsalongonce-over—“youdon’tlooklikeyouhaveanymoney.”
Rowenaemergedfromtheback.Herbrightredhaircrownedherheadinaheavycomplexbraid.Shewasfivefeet,twoinchestallandherfigure,adornedbyakelly-
greenshimmeringgown,wasimpossiblyperfect:tinywaist,generousbreasts,perfectbutt,nicelegs.Herfacewasshockinglybeautiful.Shedidn’tjustturnheads,shekeptthemturned,andgiventhatshewastheCasino’sPRperson,thiswasquitehandy.ShewasalsothethirdstrongestMasteroftheDeadinthecityandmadeaformidableenemy.Normally
herentrancewasanevent,butrightnowitwasrathercomical.Rowenawasrunningasfastashernarrowgownandsix-inch-highgreenpumpswouldallow,whichwasn’tveryfast.Behindhertwojourneymen,amanandawomanbothintheirmidtwentiesandwearingbusinesssuitsratherthanuniforms,weretryingtofindadelicatebalancebetween
hurryingandovertakingher.Thelate-yearapprentices,closetograduating.
Iletgoofthevampires.Rowenasawmeandput
anextraeffortintoherspeed-walking.
“Youdon’tbelonghere,”thejourneymancontinued.“Wedon’ttoleratepanhandlers.”
“You’reinsomuchtrouble,”Julietoldhim.
Rowenacaughtupwithus.Truetoform,shewassmiling,buthereyeswereterrible.Thejourneymansawher.“Master,Icanhandle—”
Shehithimonthebackofthehead.Heflinched.
“Bow,”shesqueezedthroughthesmile.
“What?”“Bow,youidiot.”Thejourneymanbowed,
hisfacesurprised.
Rowenasmiledatme.“Sharrim.Ourdeepestapologiesforthemisunderstanding.Heisnewandwedidn’texpectyou.”
Sharrim.Oftheking.IhatedbeingcalledConsortwhileCurranwastheBeastLord,butIwouldtakeitoverSharrimanyday.“Noworries.”
Thejourneymanwasstillbowed.Judgingbyhisface,
hehadnocluewhatwashappening.
“Thisway,please.”JulieandIfollowed
Rowena.Behindusthejourneymanstraightened.“Whowasthat?”
“Nevermind,”thefemalejourneymantoldhim.“Thisisyoursickpass.Youneedtogohome.”
“What?”“You’reverysick,”the
malejourneymangroundout.“Youneedtogohomeandliedown.Youwerehomeallevening,andifGhastekasks,youhavenoideawhowasworkingthefloorinsteadofyou.Go.”
Weturnedthecorneranddescendedthestaircase.Adryrevoltingstenchwashedoverme,theodorofundeath.Avampirehungfromtheceilingdirectlyaboveus,
fastenedtoitwithitslongclaws.Skeletallythin,gray,andhairless,itshedfoulmagic.Gaggingwould’vetotallyruinedthemoment,soIdidmybesttoignoreit.Wemoveddown,andtheundeadfollowedus,itseyesglowingdullred.
Rowenakeptherexpressioncarefullyneutral.Hermotherandmineweredistantlyrelated,whichshe
hadprobablyfiguredoutbynow.Sheowedafavortothewitches,andthewitchesinturnhadboundhertohelpme,becauseatthetimetheyweretryingtomakemestrongersincetheCovensdidn’tfancybeingenslavedbyRoland.NobodyexcepttheWitchOracleandthetwoofusknewaboutthisarrangement.Whateveremotionschurnedinside
Rowena,shewaskeepingthemunderlockandkey.
Wedescendeddeeperanddeeper,intothebowelsoftheCasino,passedthroughasteeldoorandintoaconcretehallway,andkeptwalkingintoamazeoftunnelsdesignedtoconfusetheunpilotedvampiresincasethelocksontheircagessomehowfailed.Thetunnelsfinallyendedandweemerged
intoavastroundroomfilledwithvampirecells,twotoarow,stretchingtowardthecenterofthechamber.Thestenchwasoverpowering.NexttomeJulieinhaledsharply.
“Noneedtoworry,”Rowenasaid.“They’resecured.”
Julieglancedatme.Iputahandonhershoulder,tryingtoreassureher.Toomany
undead.Theirmagicwasoverloadinghersenses.
“IseeGhastekdidn’twantNataraja’soffice?”ThePeople’sformerheadusedanopulentofficeinthedomeoftheCasino,completewithagoldenthroneandpricelessworksofartonthewalls.
“Westrippeditandconverteditintoaclubforchildren,sotheywouldbeentertainedwhileweseparate
theirparentsfromtheirmoney,”Rowenasaid.“Weareaimingtobeafamily-friendlydestination.”
Ialmostchokedonthat.Weturnedleftandwalked
upastaircasetoabalconyofopaqueglassoverlookingtheenormousroom.Rowenaknockedandheldthedooropenforus.IhadbeeninGhastek’sofficebefore.Ithadn’tchangedmuch—same
shelvessupportingbooksandassortedoddobjectsliningthewalls,samelate-sixteenth-centurywitchshackleshanginginaplaceofhonoronthewall,samecrescent-shapedreedsofa,andofcourse,avampireperchedinthecorner,likeavigilanthairlesscat.
Ghastekstoodbythefloor-to-ceilingwindow,sippingcoffeefromawhite
mugthatread,GraveyardShift:Wedoitinthedark.Fromthisside,theglassofthewindowwascrystalclear,offeringanexcellentviewoftheundeadstables,andGhasteksurveyeditlikeheownedit,becauseheprettymuchdid.Heworeatailoredpairofsleeknavypantsandawovengraysweaterwithahintofblue.Bothlookedelegantanddeceptively
simple,whichprobablymeanttheywerehideouslyexpensive.Asmallblackvelvettriangleinterruptedthetextureoftheweavejustbelowtheflat-knitcollar.Thetrianglealoneprobablycosthimanextrathreehundreddollars.
Theclothesfithimwithsomeslack.Heneededtoeatmore.
Forsomereason,the
thoughtofGhastekandfoodmademeuneasy.Ipuzzledoverituntiltheanswerfloatedupohsoslowly:we’dstarvedtogetherinMishmar.Thatwasit.
“Soyoulikedthemug?”Iasked.IhadsentittohimforChristmas.
Ghastekpivotedtowardme.Rowenasatonthesofa.
“Thankyouforthelovelygift,”Ghasteksaid,managing
toputexactlyzeroemotionintothosesixwords.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”
“Ineedyoutocallmyfather.”
•••
GHASTEKSTAREDATme.Rowenablinked.
“Whatdoyoumean,callyourfather?”
“Dialhisnumber,usethe
phone,andringhimup.”Ghastekstruggledwithit
forafewseconds.“OnedoesnotsimplyringRoland.”
Ohboy.IsupposedIwouldgetalectureonthedangersofwanderingintoMordornext.“Okay,howdoyounormallycontacthim?”
“Wedon’t,”Rowenasaid.“Ifsomethingthatwe
viewascrucialarises,”Ghasteksaid,“wefilea
petition.”Thephonerang.Ghastek
pickeditup.“Isaidholdmycalls.”
Hiseyeswidened.Verycarefullyhesethismugdownandheldthephoneout.“It’sforyou.”
Itookit.“Blossom,”myfather’s
voicesaidinmyear.Hismagicwashedoverme,asifsomeonehadsplitthe
atmosphereandtheuniverseinallitsgloryraineddownonme.Thesheermonumentalpowerofittookmybreathaway.Hemust’vebeenworkingonsomething—probablyonthatdamntower—becausethelasttimeIspoketohim,hetookthetimetotoneitdownandtheimpactofhiswordswasn’tquitesocosmic.
Ipressedthespeaker
buttonandputthephonedown.Iwantedbothhandsfreeincasesomethingjumpedoutofitandtriedtoripoutmythroat.
“Mynightisbrighter,”myfathersaid.
Rowenafroze,completelystilllikeastatue.Juliepulledapieceofchalkoutofherpocket,drewaprotectivecircleonthefloor,andsatinit.Attheotherendofthe
room,Ghastekclenchedhisteeth,probablytryingtomitigatetheeffectofRoland’svoice.Yeah,goodluckwiththat.
“Howhaveyoubeen?”myfatherasked.
Saysomethingdiplomatic...something...“IfyoubuildatowerinLawrenceville,Iwillsmashit,setitonfire,andsaltthegrounditstoodon.”
Ghastekputhishandsoverhiseyesandpressedthemintohisface.Icouldn’ttellifitwasfromfrustrationorterror.
“Weshouldhavethisconversationinperson.Iknow,whydon’twegoouttodinner?”
What?“No.”“WhenIfirstawakened,
afewyearsbeforetheShift,Iusedtofrequentthislow-
keychainofrestaurants,withawidevarietyonthemenu.Ican’tquiterecallthenamebutithadafruitandaninsect.”
Ghastekmouthedsomethingatme.Ishookmyhead.Iwasdistractedenoughalreadytryingtokeepmymagicshieldsup.Talkingtohimduringtechwasaloteasier.“Iconsiderthetowertobeadeclarationofwar.
Youarepreventingmefromexpandingmydomain.Thatspecificallyviolatesouragreement.”
Ghastekgrabbedapieceofpaperoffhisdeskanddrewfuriously.
“Iwouldlovetoseeyou.”Ghastekhelduphis
drawing.Itwasabuttwithabeeflyingoverit.What?
“Ihaven’tspokentoyouinoveronehundreddays.”
“That’swasn’tanoversightonmypart.”
Imust’vemadeaface,becauseGhastekscribbledonthepaperandhelditup.Hehaddrawnaleafonthebutt.Well,yes,thatexplainseverything.Thankyou,Mr.Helpful.Iwavedhimoff.Rowenagotup,tiptoedovertoGhastek,andtookthepaperawayfromhim.
“I’mfreetomorrowat
five,”hesaid.“Bringthefamily.”
Rowenaheldupthepaper.OnitinlargeletterswaswrittenAPPLEBEE’S.
Oh.“I’mnothavingdinnerwithyouatApplebee’s.”
“Tomorrowatfive.Thankyouforinvitingmeintoyourdomain.Iamsogladwecoulddothis.Itwillgivemeachancetostopby
ourlocalofficeaswell.Ilookforwardtocatchingup.”
Thedisconnectsignalbeepedatme.
Goddamnit.Ireachedoverand
carefullypushedtheoffbutton.
Julieexhaledandsteppedoutofthecircle.
“Didthathelp?”Iasked.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid
andlookedatGhastek.“I’msorryIdrewonyourfloor.”
Hedismisseditwithawaveofhishand.“It’sfine.”
Rowenaraisedhereyebrowsathim.“Didyouforgethowtowrite?”sheaskedsoftly.
Ghastekjustlookedather.Iunderstoodperfectly.BeinginthepresenceofRoland’smagicdemandedyourattention.You
concentratedonblockingituntilitshort-circuitedyournormalthoughts.Itwasliketryingtocarryonanintelligentdebatewhilebeingsuckedintoamaelstrom.Youhadtotreadwatertostayafloatandittookeveryiotaofconcentrationyouhad.
Ihadcomehereintendingtodeclareapossiblewarandinsteadendedupplanningadinnerdatewithmyfatherat
Applebee’s.TherewasonlyoneApplebee’sthathadsurvivedtheShiftinAtlanta.ThechainhadstartedinDecatur,Georgia,inthe1980s,andasinglerestaurantbearingthenamestillstoodthere,claimingtobethefirstandoriginalApplebee’s.
Iwouldhavetogotodinner.Stoppingbythelocalofficewasathreat.Iwasn’tsureifGhastekandRowena
knewit,butIunderstoodhismessagecrystalclear.Itwasuptomehowthissurpriseinspectionwouldgoandhowmanyheadswouldrollbecauseofit.
Foramanwhohadn’tbeensureIexistedformostofmylife,myfathergotmynumberveryfast.
Ghastekleanedbackandcrossedhisarms.“Ihadapromisingcareer.Ihad
achievedrecognitionandsomeinfinitesimalmeasureofsecurity.Andthenyoucamealong.”
Aha.Heandthedozensofhostagesworkinginthisbuildingcouldcrymeariver.“Whotaughtyoutodraw,Ghastek?Thatdoesn’tevenremotelylooklikeanapple.Itlookslikeabutt.”
“Morelikeapeach,”Rowenasaid.
“Ihaveaninspectioninlessthantwenty-fourhours,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedry.“Ifwehavequitefinishedcritiquingmyabilitytodrawfruit,Ihavethingstodo.”
Ileanedback.“Areyouworriedaboutit?”
Helookedinsulted.“No.Wecanbeinspectedatanypoint,andwewouldstanduptoscrutiny.”
“Ifyouareanxious,Ican
makesureheeatssomethingdeliciouslysweetbeforehecomesoverhere.Likeageneroushelpingoftreslechescakeorachocolatesundae.”
Ghastekstaredatme.“Getout.”
Iroseandmadeashowofsniffling.“Comeon,Julie.Clearlywearenotwantedhere.”
“Iwillshowyouout,”
Rowenasaid.Iwenttothedoor,turned,
andlookedatGhastek.Myfatherhadmynumber,butIwashisdaughterandIhadmadeacareeroutofstudyinghim.
“Youkeepthinkingofhimasagod.Heisaman.Heloveslifeandhepaysattentiontoeverymoment.Eachsecondisfilledwithendlesswonderforhim.He
noticesthetextureofthecouchunderhisfingertipsandthecoloroftheteainhiscup.Thisishowhestaysalive,becauseifheevergrowsboredanddisillusionedwiththeworld,hewillbecomeashadowofhisformerselfanddie,justlikemyaunt.Treathimasaman.Ifyouwanttomakeagoodimpression,don’tdoabigofficialwelcome.Meethim
yourselfandmakesuretoaffordhimthesmall,everydaycourtesies.”
Iwalkedout.
•••
“CANISPEAKtoyouinprivate?”Rowenaaskedunderherbreathaswewalkedintothelobby.“Outside?”
“Sure.”Ihadapretty
goodideahowthatconversationwasgoingtogo.Whydidn’tyoutellmeyouaremynearlyimmortalboss’sdaughter?Itdidn’tcomeup.Wheredowegofromhere?Ugh.
Butshewasboundtomebytheoathshehadsworntothewitches.IturnedtoJulie.“Goaheadofmeandstartthecar,please.”
JuliegaveRowenaa
sidewaysglancefilledwithenoughteenagescorntoinstantlyincinerateasmallarmyandspedupaheadofus.
“Thatchildisjustlikeyou,”Rowenasaid,hervoicemakingitobviousitwasn’tacompliment.
“Thankyou.”Wewerealmosttothe
doorwhenajourneywomanwithshortdarkhairnearly
sprintedtousacrossthefloor.“Trouble,”ItoldRowena.Sheturned.The
journeywomanranuptoher.“Notnow,”Rowenasaid.Thejourneywoman
gulpedsomeairandwhispered,“Frederickexposedhimselftotwoyoungwomeninfrontoftheladies’bathroom.”
Rowena’seyeswentwide.Sheturnedonherheel
towardme.“Oneminute.”“Takeyourtime.I’llwait
foryoubythefountain.”Iwalkedoutofthe
Casino’sdoors.Afterthestenchoftheundead,thenightairtastedrefreshing,likeagulpofcoldwaterintheheatofasummerday.I’dhadenoughofthePeople’shospitalityforonenight.MaybeifIsplashedsomewaterfromthosepretty
fountainsonmyface,itwouldwashthestenchoff.
Amansteppedinmyway.“Kate!”
HowdidIknowhim...Ihadseenhimbefore.Hesteppedforwardandthelightshoneonhisface.LagoVista.ExceptthisLagoseemedtohavelostatleasttwodecades.TheLagoIrecalledhadseenforty-five.Inmyhead,hishairwasthinning,hismuscle
droopedabitoffhisframe,andlineshadbeguntocropuponhisface.ThisLagowasinhisprime.Hestoodstraight,hisshoulderswerebroad,hischestfilledouthisleather,andashesaunteredtowardme,hisgaitbetrayednotraceofalimp.Hishairwasthick,hiseyesbright,andhissmirkhadgonefromself-deprecatingtosmug.
Allmywarningsirens
wentoffatthesametime.“Hey.”Lagowinkedat
me.“Didn’tknowyougambled.”
“Idon’t.Strictlybusiness.”TherewassomethingimportantIneededtorememberaboutLago.Somethingvital.Itwasmakingmyheadhurt,butwhenIreachedforthosememories,therewasnothingthere.
“IjustwantedtotellyouthatyouandIarecool.Idon’tholdgrudges.”
“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”
Lagogrinned.“That’stherightkindofattitude.Waterunderthebridge.”Hewavedhisarmasiftossinganinvisiblebaseball.“Whoosh,goneandforgotten.”
Okay.Animportantchunkofmymemorywas
definitelymissing.“Sowhereisyourguy?”“Athome.”“Oooh.Outonthetown
byyourself.”Henodded.“Ilikeit.Comeon,I’lltreatyoutoacoupleofspinsontheroulettewheel.”
“Canyouaffordtogamble,Lago?”
Hereachedintohisjacket.Itlookedbrand-new.Newpants,too.Newboots.
Lagopulledoutawadofcashheldtogetherwitharubberbandandhelditupbetweenhisindexandmiddlefinger.“I’mflush.”
Icouldalmostrememberit.Icouldfeelthetailendofamemorysquirmingsomewherejustoutsidemyreach.“YougotarichuncleIdon’tknowabout?”
“Nahh.I’maself-mademan.Sowhatdoyousay,
Kate?Letmeshowyouagoodtime.Yourguydoesn’thavetoknow.”
Lagohadsomeseriousballs.
“Sorry,”Itoldhim.“I’mmeetingsomeonehereinacoupleofminutesandthenI’mgoinghome.”
Lagoponderedit.“Youknow,you’reright.Whygointhere?Toomanypeople.Let’sgoforadriveinstead.I
alwaysthoughtyouwerehot,Kate.Mmm,legs.”
Andwehadgonestraightintocreepyterritory.Ireallydidn’twanttobreakhisarms.“No.”
“No?”“Moveon,Lago.”Hesmiledatme.“Well,
shoot.IguessI’llhavetodoittheotherway.Iwantthisone.”
Magicclampedme,trying
topullmeforward.Overwhelming,catastrophicpowersqueezedme.Analienintelligencebrushedagainstme.Everyhaironthebackofmyneckrose.Idroppedmyshieldsandpushedback.Mylegsshookfromthestrain.Icouldn’tcryout.Ihadnovoice.ItwastakingeverythingIhadtonotmove.
Lagomadeacome-heremotionwithhishand.“Car,
car,car.Quicklynow.”Asleeksilverconvertible
slidfromtheshadows,completelysilent.
Lagoswungthedooropen.“Inyougo.”
Themagicsqueezed,grindingme.ItwasstreamingfromLago,butitwasn’thismagic.Hewasmerelyashell,ananchorforsomethingancientandpowerfulwithafamiliarflavor.We’djusthad
achatinBiohazard’sdumpingground.
Sohereyouare,precious.Didn’twaitlong.
Thepowerpressedonme,demandingcompliance.Strong.Sostrong.Iclenchedmyteethandpushedback.Theifrit’smagicrecoiledslightly,shockedattheresistance.
That’sright,punk.Tryme.I’mcomingforyou.
Thepowerclampedme,harderandharder.Iconcentratedonliftingmyhand.Lagomust’vegottenholdofwhatevershinythingthegiantworeinhisear.Oh,youstupidfool.Neverbargainwithbeingsyoudon’tunderstand.
“Isaid,Iwantthisone,”Lagosaid.“What’sthematterwithyou?”
Thepowersqueezed,
tryingtopullmeoffmyfeet.I’mgoingtokillyou.I’m
comingforyouandIwillkillyou.
Myhandcreptup,eversoslowly,asifIwereswimmingthroughcoolingtar.Itfeltlikemymusclestoreandsnappedoffmybonesonebyone.Thepresencebehindthespellthrewallofitsweightagainstme.Mymagicanditsmagic
groundandclashedliketwoswordslockedagainsteachother.
MyhandwasalmosttoSarrat’shilt.AnotherinchandIamsothere.Sorry,Lago.Takeouttheanchorandtheshipwilldriftaway.
“Kate?”Rowenawalkeduptous.
Lagostrokedhischin.“OhmyGod.Nooffense,Kate.Forgetthatone,let’s
takethisoneinstead.”Rowena’sfacewent
slack.Themagicvanished.Iflewbackwardtwenty-fivefeetandlandedonmyassonthepavement.Ittookmehalfasecondtorolltomyfeet.Thecarwasalreadyspeedingawayintothenight,Rowenainthepassengerseat,hereyesblank.
Isprintedaftertheconvertible.
Avampirebarreledintome,knockingmeoffmyfeet.Werolledanditlandedontopofme,redeyesburning.Themassivemouthunhingedaninchfrommyface,thetwinfangslikesicklesinthemoonlight.
“Donotmove!”Anavigatorbarkedinmyear.“Identifyyourself.”
Ipunchedthebloodsuckerinthehead.“Youmoron.
He’skidnappingyourMasteroftheDead.Getthehelloffme.GetGhastek!TellhimanoldpowertookRowena.Move,damnyou!”
Foramomentthevampirefroze.
Thegatesofthewhiteminaretsabovemeopenedwideandvampiresrainedontothepavement.
CHAPTER
F16
IFTEEN-YEAR-OLDSMAKETERRIBLEdrivers.They
speed,theypaynoattentiontotherulesoftheroad,andtheythinkthey’reimmortal.Therearetimeswhenyouabsolutelyhavetohaveafifteen-year-oldbehindthewheel.Chasingaconvertibledrivenbythekidnapperofa
necromancerdownAtlanta’sdesertedstreetsinthemiddleofthenightwasoneofthosetimes.
“He’stoofast,”Juliegrowled.
Wehitabump.TheJeepwentairborneandlandedwithacreak.Iranmytonguealongmyteethtomakesuretheywereallstillthere.
Aboveus,vampiresdashedalongthebuildings.
Somethinglandedontheroofwithathud.Irolleddownthepassengerwindowandavampirestuckhisheadin,hangingupsidedown.
“I’mnotamused,”Ghasteksaidthroughthevampire’smouth.
“Well,pardonme.Youcangetyourrefundbackattheticketbooth.”
“Justonce,couldyouvisitmyplaceofbusinesswithout
causingamajorincident?”“Ididn’tcausean
incident.”“No,you’reright.I
misspoke.YoutalkedtoamanwhothenkidnappedaMasteroftheDead,requiringustomakeamassiveshowofforce,whichwillnodoubtresultinfinanciallossesandnegativepublicitylessthantwenty-fourhoursbeforeyourfatherinspectsourfacilities.
‘Incident’wouldbetoomildaword.Ifthisisadiversion,itwon’twork.MorethanathirdofourforceremainsattheCasinoundercapableleadership.Theyareabletorepelanyattack.”
“It’snotadiversion,”Isqueezedthroughclenchedteeth.“It’sanifritwhowantstotakeoverthecity.”Also,he’donlybroughtlessthanaquarterofhistotalvampire
force.Thevampire’sface
becamecompletelystillasGhastekmulleditover.
“Holdon.”Julietookthecorneratabreakneckspeed.Thevehiclecareened.Igrabbedthehandleabovethewindow.Weflewontwowheelsforastomach-pinchingsecondandlandedbackontheroad.
“Adjinn,”Ghasteksaid
finally.“Yes.It’sanoldpower,
probablytiedtoanitem.Themaninthecarisamerc.Ibelievehegotaholdoftheitem,madehimselfyounger,wishedforamagiccarfilledwithmoney,andforawoman,andnowitwillbetimetopaythepiper.”
“Thedjinnwilltakeoverthehumanhost,”Ghasteksaid.“Sothegiantwho
destroyedtheGuildwasofdjinnoriginand,sincethisman’sthree-wishcyclejustranout,wecanprobablyexpectanothergiant.”
WhateverfaultsGhastekhad,stupiditywasn’toneofthem.
“WhatdoIneedtoknow?”heasked.
“It’sanifrit,soitlovesfire.Thelastgiantwasalmostseventyfeettall.Hewasstill
transformingwhenIcuthimdown:metallegs,highheat.Lowintelligence,nospeech,lotsofrage,andfunreanimativemetamorphosisoncehe’sdown.Hiscorpsetransformedintodraconoids.”
“Lovely,”Ghasteksaid.“Dothehumanhost’sabilitiesaffectthegiant’sperformance?”
Andwhyhadn’tIaskedmyselfthatquestion?“Ihave
noidea.Lagoisagood,well-trainedmerc.Iguesswe’llfindout.”
Thevampire’sheaddisappearedandIheardGhastek’svoice.“TeamLeaderOneandTwo,mergetobandit.TeamThreeandFour,maintain.TeamLeaderOne,tap,ifnoresponse,stopanddismantle.Watchforheatdamage.”
Thevampirespickedup
speed,convergingonthevehicle.SixvampiresontherightdroppedontoLago’sconvertible.Theywereinmidfallwhenthetopofthecarsnappedclosed.Metalplatesformedonthevehicle,overlayingeachotherlikescales.Fivevampireslandedonthescales,nimblelikecats.Thesixthslidoffandfell,rolling.
“Youmustbefasterthan
that,Evgenia,”Ghasteksaid.Thebloodsuckersripped
intothevehicle,clawingatthearmor.Thelinesofthecarflowed,reshapingthemselvesasthearmorgrewthicker,coveringthewheels.Twoofthevampiresmanagedtopryopenthetoppanel.Itwentflyingandanewarmorplatesnappedintoitsplace.
“Idon’tgetit.”Julieswerved.“Sothedjinntakes
overthebodyafterthreewishes?”
Iftheifritdidn’tkillus,herdrivingwouldforsure.
“That’sthetheory.”Andbecausethedjinnwantedtotakeoverahostforreasonsunknown,hewould’veactivelypushedhisvictimtomakethewishes.Foraweaker-willedperson,thecompulsiontowishforsomethingwould’vebeen
impossibletoresistandthemorewishestheymade,thegreatertheirbreakwithrealitywouldbecome.Undernormalcircumstances,Lagowouldn’thavetriedtokidnapme.Hewasaself-proclaimedCasanova,notarapist.AndtheOswalds’neighborprobablywouldn’thaveletadeadlymonsterlooseinaresidentialneighborhood.Wehadtostopthisnow,before
anyoneelsegothurt.“ButLagoalreadyhadhis
threewishes.Whyisthecarmakingarmor?”Julieasked.
“Becausetheifritneedstimeforthetransformation.IfwekillLagonow,westopit,sohe’sprotectinghim.”
Juliesteppedonit.TheJeepsqueezedanothersmallburstofspeedoutofitsengine.WeweretenfeetbehindLago.
“Butwhyishemakinggiants?”
“Ifweknewthat,wewouldhavethisproblemsolved.”
Thearmoredscalessproutedspikes.Thebloodsuckersdodgedinunison.Oneoftheundeadsquirmed,impaled,pulledhimselfoffthespike,andkeptclawingatthearmor.
“TeamLeaderTwo,stop
anddismantle.”Wewerebarrelingdown
theroadwhenLagoturnedagain.Great.Wehadzigzaggedthroughthethree-square-mileblockofthecityandnowwewerealmostexactlywherewehadstarted...Hmm.Ifwekeptgoingstraight,we’drunrightintotheMoleHole.TheMoleHole,oncethesiteofMolenEnterprises,wasa140-yard-
widecraterlinedwithafootofglass.ItformedwhenoneoftherichestAtlantafamiliestriedtohatchaphoenix.AllkindsoffunactivitiestookplaceattheMoleHole,fromrollerderbytostreethockeytournaments,butrightnowitwouldbedeserted.
“Thecarisglowing,”Juliereported.
Themetalscalesshieldingthecarhadgainedasoft
brightglowontheleftside.Lagowastransformingandifwedidn’thurry,Rowenawouldbecookedalive.
Iknockedontheroof.Noanswer.
Iunbuckledmyseatbelt.“Areyougoingtojump
ontohiscar?”Julieasked.“Icangetcloser.”
“Whatareyou,outofyourmind?No,I’mnotjumpingonhiscar.Thatonly
worksinmovies.”Istuckmyheadoutofthewindow.“Ghastek!”
Thebloodsuckerswiveleditsheadtowardme.
“Holdontothecar,”Itoldhim,droppedbackintomyseat,andbuckledup.Lagomighthaveamagicconvertible,butIhadakidwho’dlearnedtodrivefromDali.“Hehasasharprightcomingup.Hewillslow
downforit.Julie,doyourememberhowtodoaPITmaneuver?”
Juliegrinned.“CanI?CanI,please?”
Ibracedmyself.“Hithim.”
Lago’scarslowedfortheturn.Juliesteppedonit.ForamomentourJeepovertooktheformerconvertible,pullingupalongsideitontheleft.Thetwocarsconnected
gentlyandJuliethrewthewheeltotheright.TheimpactshooktheJeep.Theconvertiblespunandslidofftheroad,skiddingacrossthepavementintotheMoleHole.
Welcometothetwenty-firstcentury,asshole.
TheJeepkeptgoing,veeringdangerouslyclosetothebuilding.WemissedalamppostbythreeinchesandJuliebroughtustoastop.
Shehitthewheelwithbothhandsandsanginahigh-pitchedvoice,“Cru-u-u-u-shedit.”
“Greatjob.”Ijumpedoutofthecar,swordinhand,andrantotherimoftheMoleHole.Theconvertiblelayonitsside.Twovampiresclawedatthepassengerdoor.
“SecureMs.Daniels,”Ghastekorderedbehindme.
Fourvampireslandedin
frontofme.“Whatthehell?”“ThisisaPeoplematter,”
Ghasteksaid,hisvoicecrisp.“Iwillconsideranyviolenceonyourpartadeclarationofwar.”
“Likehell!”“Imeanit.Youhavea
veryimportantdinnertomorrow.I’mnottakinganychances.”
Argh.PunchingGhastek’s
bloodsuckerwouldaccomplishnothingbecauseGhastekwouldn’tfeelathing.Istillwantedtodoit.Iwantedtocutitsheadoff.Myhanditched.
“Kate!”Julie’svoicerangout.“Youcan’tfightagiant.Youpromised.”
Damnit.IslidSarratbackinitssheath.“I’mgoingtorememberthis,”Igroundout.
“Ishudderatthe
thought,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedry.“Excuseme.”
Thebloodsuckerdashedforwardandtookahugeleap.Itlandedbetweenthetwovampiresclawingatthedoorandstabbeddownwithitshand.Thedoorpoppedopen.Ghastek’svampiredoveinsideandemergedwithRowena’slimpbody.Itspunandhandedherofftoadifferentbloodsucker,who
sprintedawayfromthecar.Theconvertibleexploded.Acloudofsmoke
billowed,spiralingup.Somethingsolidmovedinsideit.Somethingmassiveandfilledtothebrimwithmagic.Thesmokewhippedintoacolumn,spinninglikeatornado,andatoweringgiantspilledforth.Hardmusclesheathedhisseventy-foot-tallframe.Hiseyesglowedwith
red,hisearswerepointed,andamaneofstraightblackhairfelldownhisback,buthisfacewasstillrecognizable.HelookedlikeLago.
Thegiantclenchedhisfists,hisenormousarmsbentattheelbows,andheroaredatthesky.Ablastofheatrolledatus.SomethingshinysparkedatLago’sthroat.Isquinted.Anearring.Hehad
piercedtheskinbelowhisclaviclewithit,probablytoconcealit.Theearringmust’verequiredbloodcontact.Lago,youfool.Youstupid,stupidfool.Nowhewoulddie.Therewasnowaytosavehim.Suchawaste.
“Youpromised,”Juliesaidnexttomeinasmallvoice.
“Settledown.I’mnotgoingtofighthim.”
Ghastek’svoicerolledthroughtheMoleHole.“Allteams,takehimdown.”
•••
ICROSSEDMYarms.“It’sbeenfifteenminutes.”
“Sixteen,”oneofmyvampirebabysitterssaidinafemalevoice.“Ma’am.”
Thatdidn’texactlymakethingsbetter.
Thequestionofwhetherthehost’sbodyaffectedthegiant’spowerhadbeenanswered.Lagohadsurvivednineyearsasamerc.Hewasdamnfast.Thevampiresslicedathim,buthecaughtthem,brokethem,andtossedthemaside.Theyregenerated,andhebrokethemagain.
Glossymetalscaleshadbeguntoformonhislegs,slowlyclimbingtheirwayup.
Theyweremidwayuphisthighsnow.
Somethingfelloffthegiantandlayinaheap.Itlookedlikeahuman-sizedpalemaggot.Isquintedatit.Itwasavampire.Normallygaunt,ithadswollentoridiculousproportions,asifsomeonesomehowhadgottentheMichelinmanfromtheoldcommercialsandturnedhimintoanundead
monstrosity.Asifthevampiresweren’talreadyrevoltingenough.
Thevampirenexttomeopeneditsmouth.“StrikeLeader,wehaveaone-twenty-eightinprogress.Permissiontoretrieve?”
“Permissiongranted.”Thevampiresprinted
acrosstheglasscratertowardtheundeadmaggotthing.
“What’swrongwithit?”
Julieasked.“Toomuchblood,”oneof
thenavigatorssaidthroughanotherbloodsucker.“It’sanalmostnever-seenphenomenon,butit’sbeenobservedinacontrolledstudyinalabenvironment.Ittakesanaverageofforty-eightlitersofbloodconsumedinacontinuousstream,orthebloodofroughly1.28Holsteincows,toinducethis
stateinavampire.”Thegianthadtoomuch
bloodandhewasregenerating.Theycouldn’tdrainhimfastenough.Icouldn’tuseapowerwordonhim,butIcoulddosomething.
Thevampirethatleftuspickedupthebloatedundead,slungitoveritsback,racedbackacrosstheglass,anddumpedtheabomination
besideus.Thevampire’seyeshadturneddull.
“Ew.”Julieshuddered.“Ew.”
“Ew”didn’tevenbegintocoverit.Itsskinlookedreadytorupture.“Whyisnobodypilotingit?”
“Itwon’tbeabletomoveforanotherhour,”themalenavigatorexplained.
“PleaserelayamessagetoGhastekforme,”Isaid.
“Yourwayisn’tworking.Letmehelp.”
Thevampiredutifullyrepeatedthewords.
“Hesays,‘Thesituationisundercontrol.’”
“Tellhim,no,it’snot.Youcan’tcontainitnow.Whathappenswhenthemetamorphosisiscomplete?”
“Hesays,‘Yourconcernisdulynoted.’”
Argh.“Asshole.”
Theundeadopenedhismouthandpausedasthenavigatorcaughthimself.“ShouldI...?”
“No,”anothernavigatortoldhim.“Youshouldn’t.”
AcaravanofblackSUVscloggedthestreetleadingtotheCasino.TheSUVspulledupinasemicirclearoundtheMoleHoleanddisgorgedGhastekandaflockofjourneymen.Irecognizedtwo
MastersoftheDead:ToakaseKakau,adark-eyedwomanofTongandescent,andRyanKelly,alargeCaucasianmanwholookedthecorporatesharkineveryway,exceptforaverylongpurplemohawk.
ThejourneymenandtheMastersoftheDeadthinnedout,formingalooseringaroundtheMoleHole.Ajourneywomannextto
Ghastekraisedalargehorntoherlipsandblewasharpnote.
Vampiresdashedintothecrater.Ajourneymancouldpilotone;aMasteroftheDeadcouldcontroltwoorinGhastek’scasethree.TherewereabouttwentypeoplearoundtheMoleHoleandprobablythirtyvampiresbelow.Eachwasmarkedwithabrightsmearoffluorescent
paintinadozencolors,somewithacross,somewitharing.Somethingreallyweirdwasgoingon.
ThevampiresswarmedLago,climbinguphislegstohischestandstomach.Heroared,throwingthemaround.Theylandedontheground,someontheirfeet,someinabrokenheap.Thescaleswereuptohiswaistnow.Hisfeetbegantoglow.
Theglassunderhimwouldmeltbeforelong.
Ghastekraisedhishand.Thehornscreamedinresponse.
Inmymind,thedullredsmearsofmagicthatwerethethirtyvampiresintheMoleHoleturnedbrightred.
DearGod.Theyhadturnedthevampiresloose.
Anunpilotedvampirewentintoaninstantrage.It
wouldslaughteruntilnothingwithapulseremained.IfthePADfoundout,nobodywouldbearrested.Theywouldshooteveryonehereoutofprinciple.Thiswasinsane.NowIunderstoodthepaint—they’dmarkedthebloodsuckerssotheycouldquicklygrabthemagainwithoutgettingconfused.
Theundeadtoreintothegiant.Heroared,frantically
tryingtoknockthemoff.Fleshflewastheyripped,clawed,andburrowedintohisbody.Thevampirespiledon,maddenedbybloodlust.
Aminutepassed.Thegiantwasstillstanding.
Another...Twovampiresdropped
down,theirbodiesengorgedwithblood.Lagostompedonthem.
“Steady,”Ghasteksaid.
Thegiantcareened,rollinghisshouldersin,asiftryingtogatherhimselfintoaball.Thevampiresnearlycoveredhimnow.
Magicexplodedlikeaclapofthunder.Withadeafeninghowl,Lagojerkedupright,hisarmsstraightout.Thevampiresfelloff,knockedasidebyanenormousforce.
“Acquire!”Ghastek
snapped.Thehornscreechedagain,
frantic.Thenavigatorsgrabbedthemindsoftheirvampires.
SmokelessorangeflamessheathedLago’sfeet.Heturned,roaring,hisfacenolongerbearinganytraceofhumanity.Themetalscaleswereuptohiscollarbonenowandthoseathiswaistandbelowglowedorange.The
glassunderhisfeetsoftened,melting.Thegiantturnedinourdirection,castingalonglookatthecity,andraisedhisfoot...
Ohno,youdon’t.IdrewSarrat,slicedmy
leftarm,andstabbedthebloodybladeintothebodyofthebloatedvampire.Myblooddasheddowntheblade,itsmagicspreadingthroughtheundeadblood,likeaspark
chargingdownadetonationcord.Inhalfasecond,allofthebloodwasmine.Iyankedthebloodoutoftheundead’sbody.Ithoveredbeforemeinamassiveroundsphere.Ithrustmybleedinghandintoit,flatteningtheliquidintoasoliddisk,twofeetacross,spun,andhurleditwithallmystrengthandwithmymagic.
Itflew,expandingasit
whistledthroughtheair,itsedgeturningrazorsharp,andcleavedthegiant’sneck.Theimpactshatteredthenowfive-foot-widediskintodust.Thegiant’sheadfloppedtotheside,hisneckthree-quarterssevered,hismouthcontortingsilently,hisredeyeslookingindifferentdirections.Bloodgushedout,washingoverthetorso,andhissed,evaporatingasitmet
thehotscalescoveringhisskin.
There.Nopowerwords.TheMoleHoleturned
completelyquietandinthesilence,thesoundofhoofbeatsrolledthroughthenight.Ahugegrayhorsegallopedtowardus,bearingariderinagraycloak.Hecarriedalancetippedwithaglowinggreenspark.
Thegiantdroppedtohis
handsandknees,hisneckjerking,tryingtofliptheheavyheadbackintoitsproperplace.Thewoundonhisnecktriedtosealitself.
Thehorseleapedontothegiant,poundingitswaythroughtheflamesuphisspine,tohishead.Theriderclampedthelancetohisbodyandrammeditintothebloodystumpofthegiant’sskull.Thehorsereared,silhouetted
againsttheorangeflames.Therider’scloakflared,hishoodfalling.NickFeldman,aknightoftheOrder.
Ohhell.Weweresoscrewed.
Themassivehorsejumped,clearingthegapbetweenthegiantandthesideoftheMoleHole.
Thegiant’sheadexploded.Brainandbloodflew,splatteringthevampires
infrontofmeanddrenchingmeingore.
Fan-freaking-tastic.That’sjustthecherryontopofthesundaeofthisday.Curranwouldkillme.
Nick’svoiceboomedthroughtheclearing.“TheOrderthanksyouforyourassistance.Kindlydisperse.”
Ghasteksteppedforward,clearlyuntroubledbythesizeofthehorse.Twovampires
movedinunisontositonbothsidesofhimlikeloyaldogs.
Ibracedmyself.“ThisisaPeoplematter,”
Ghasteksaid,hisvoiceicecold.
“ThePeoplehavenojurisdictionhere,”Nicksaid.“ThisinvestigationbelongstotheOrder.”
“Acrimehasbeencommittedagainstamember
ofthePeopleandwerespondedtoitdecisivelyandwithoverwhelmingforce.ThePeoplefindtheOrder’spresenceandresponseinsufficienttoproperlysecurethebody.”
Translation:thereisonlyoneofyouandalotofus.
“Iamthelaw,”Nicksaid.“Impedemeandyouwillsuffertheconsequences.”
“LasttimeIchecked,the
Orderwasnotalawenforcementagency,”Ghasteksaid,hisvoicedangerouslymild.
“You’reonlyoneman,”someonecalledout.
Ghastektookamomenttoglancetowardthespeaker.HeadswouldrollwhentheygotbacktotheCasino.
Aw,hell.IreallyhatedtheOrder.
“Three,”Isaid.
Everyonelookedatme.Juliepulledoutheraxes.
“Heisthree.BiohazardbroughttheOrderinonthepreviousgiantappearance.Therefore,thisoccurrenceisacontinuationofanongoinginvestigation,authorizedbyaformalpetitionfromastatelawenforcementagency.Heisthelaw.Iwillupholdthelaw.”
Ghastekpaused.Some
sortofcalculationwasfeverishlytakingplaceinhismind.Hecouldn’tbackdown.Therewerenogoodchoices.Ifheletthebodygetaway,hewouldhavetoexplaintoRolandhowadjinnkidnappedRowenaandhowhehadwastedseveralvampiresandabunchofresourcestryingtokillitbuthadnothingtoshowforit.Ifheclaimedthebody,he
wouldhavetoexplaintoRolandwhyhe’dattackedaknightoftheOrder,brokenabouthalfadozenlaws,andgeneratedaquicklyrisingmountainoflegalbills.
Hewouldgoforthebody.ThevalueofacorpsepossessedandtransformedbythedjinnwouldmeanmoretoRolandthanthelegalproblems.
Iflickedmysword,
warmingupmywrist.Thiswasabouttogetbloody.
Ghastekraisedhishand.Theundeadleanedforwardasone.
“Staynexttome,”ItoldJulie.
Sirenshowled,growingcloserandcloser.AfleetofBiohazardandPADvehiclesturnedthecorner,fillingupthestreet.Ghastekstaredatthemforalongmoment.“Get
thelegaldepartment.”IlookedupatNick.“It’s
anearring.Aboutthesizeofaplum.Heworeitlikeapiercingonhischest.”
Hegavenoindicationheheardme.You’rewelcome.
“Theifritismovingfromhosttohostinanattempttoacquireamorepowerfulhost.Youneedtosecuretheearring.”
Nickrodeoffwithout
sayingaword.“Fuck.”“Didyouexpect
gratitude?”Toakasaasked.“No.Iexpecthimto
containthemagicsowedon’thaveanothergiant.”I’dhavetofindLuther.Hewouldatleastlistentoreason.
Awomanranuptomeandthrustapieceofpaperintomyhand.Iglancedatit.Abillforeighty-two
thousanddollars.“Whatthehellisthis?”
“Thecostofthedestroyedvampire,”thejourneywomanchirped.“Haveaniceday.”
•••
IREFUSEDTOleaveuntiltheearringhadbeenfound.IttookfourhoursforBiohazardtosiftthroughthegorycarcass,quarantiningeach
sectionofthecorpsetheyhadremoved.IsatontheedgeoftheMoleHoleandwatchedthemdoit.Juliefellasleepinthecar.ForawhilethePeople’slawyersandBiohazard’slawyerssquabbledoverwhowouldgettheearringwhenitwasfinallyfound,buteventuallytheytoogrewquietandjustwatched.
Biohazardtechsgingerly
placeditintoaboxcarvedfromacubeofsalt,whichwasthenplacedintoaplasticboxlinedwithvolcanicrock.Volcanicrockhadbeenexposedtosuchhightemperaturesthatmagicallyitwasfoundtobeinertandimpervioustoalltypesoffiremagic.
ThetechssealedtheboxandthenNickpromptlyconfiscatedit.
“Youcan’tdothat!”IfLuthergotanymoreworkedup,hewouldsufferapoplexyrighthere.Hewaswearingabiohazardcontainmentsuit,andhe’dtakenhishelmetofftotalk.“Itneedstobeexaminedandstudied.”
“Examinedhow?”Nickasked.“Areyouplanningonhavingteawithitandaskingitaboutitsfamily?Weknowit’sadjinn.Wemustcontain
it.That’sallthatmatters.”Lutherturnedtohis
lawyers,whobynowhadlostallsemblanceofprofessionalismandloungedonblanketsnexttothePeople’slawyers,whoweresharingtheircoffee.“Canhedothis?”
“Yep,”aHispanicfemalelawyersaid,pushingherglassesuphernose.
“How?”
“Yougavehimthatpowerwhenyousignedthepetition,”athin,dark-skinned,malelawyertoldhim.“Itoldyounottosignit.”
Nickplacedtheboxinhissaddlebag.
“Thecorpsesexhibitedreactivemetamorphosisineverysinglecase,”ItoldhimloudenoughforLuthertohear.“Exceptthisone.That
meansthedjinnwantsyoutohavethatbox.Hewantsamorecapablehostandwedon’tknowwhathisendgameis.Nick,donotputitintotheVaultwhereeveryknightcanhaveaccesstoit.”
Nickignoredme.Right.Iguessweknewwherewestood.Ihadafeelingmyparentageandthefactthathesomehowsharedhislastnamewithmydeceased
guardianhadagreatdealtodowithit,butnowwasn’tthetimeortheplacetodiscussanyofit.
“Whateveryouthinkofme,youknowIwouldn’tlietoyouaboutit.DonotputthatboxonashelfintheVaultwhereanybodycangettoit.”
Nothing.Bigblankwall.God,thisnightsuckedsomuch.
Lutherwavedhisarmsatthelawyers.“Can’tyoucontestitorsomething?He’sabouttorideoffwithit.”
“You’rescrewed,”oneofthePeople’smalelawyerstoldhim.“TheOrderpetitionisironclad.”
“Whathesaid,”thefemalelawyerwithglassessaid.“Sodoesthismeanwe’redonehere?”
“You’redonewhenyou
getmethatbody,”Ghasteksnapped.
Thelawyerscollectivelygroaned.
Nickrodeoffintothenight.
“IfadjinnpossessesaknightoftheOrder,we’rescrewed,”ItoldLuther.“Lookwhathedidwithamerc.”
Lutherponderedthebodybelowforalongmoment,
punchedtheair,kickeditafewtimes,andthrewhishelmetontheground.
Sometimesbeingalaw-abidingcitizenreallysucked.IwenttotheJeeptowakeJulieup.I’dhadmyfillofAtlantaforonenight.
CHAPTER
“W17
EARENOTgoingtotellhimaboutthegiant,”ItoldJulie.
Thesunwasrisingandthemorningpromisedtobelovely.IhadgivenCurranmywordthatIwouldnotattackagiant,andI’dbrokenit.Ididn’twanttofightwithhimnow.Ididn’twanttofight
withhim,period,butespeciallynow.AweekagoIwould’vesaidourrelationshipwasrocksolid.Alothadhappenedinaweekandwewerebothreallystressed-out.TodayIwasn’tsurehowfarIcouldpushhim.Ijustdidn’tknow.Iwastootiredtohandleitrightnow.
AlsoIneededsleep.Andfood.Iwouldkillforfood.
Andashower.Andsleep.Ihadtostopthinkingincircles.IhadbrieflyconsideredgoingtoCuttingEdgetoshower,butCurranwould’vesmelledthebloodonmeanyway.ItwouldtakeaverylongsoakbeforeImanagedtogetitalloutofmyhairandoffmyskin,andIjustwantedtogohome.
IwouldhavetotellCurranaboutiteventually,
becausewehadagreednottolietoeachotherandbecausetheifritwasavindictivesonovabitch.Ihadinsultedhimandnukedhisgiantagain.Well,technicallyNickhad,butIhadplayedalargepartinit.Thatmeanthewouldlikelysendusalovelysurprisewhenheregainedhismagic.Toobadtherewasnowaytotellhowlongthatwouldbe.
Julieopenedhereyessowide,you’dthinkapurpleflyingelephanthadlandedinfrontofus.“Areyouaskingmetolie?”
Sowhenitsuitedherpurposes,Juliehadnoproblembendingthetruth,butwhenIsuggestedit,therewasshockandoutrage.Howexactlydidthatwork?“No,I’mtellingyounottovolunteerinformation.”
“Whatifheasksme?”“Tellhimtoaskme.”“AreyouandCurran
goingtogetadivorce?”Julieasked,hervoicesmall.
“Wecan’tgetadivorce.We’renotmarried.”
“OhGod,I’llbeoneofthosekids.”
“Oneofwhatkids?”“Withweekendparents.”“Julie,damnit,wearenot
gettingadivorce...Whythe
hellaresixcarsparkedinourdriveway?”
Webothstaredatthecompletelyfulldriveway,occupiedbyfourPackJeeps;Pooki,whichwasDali’sPlymouthProwler;andasleek-lookingsilverFerrari,whichwasRaphael’sfavoriteride.
“Somethinghappened,”Juliesaid.
Iparkedfiftyyardsaway,
justincase,andhightailedittothedoor.Thedoorhandleturnedinmyhand.Unlocked.Iwalkedin,Julieatmyheels.
“Iwanttoknowwhynobodytoldmeshealmostdied!”Andreasaid.
Ifollowedhervoiceandsteppedintothekitchen.Shesatatthetable,eatinghandfulsoftrailmix.Raphaelsatnexttoher,strokingherback.
“I’mherbestfriend.Ihadarighttoknow!”
“Youhadarighttoknow?”Georgewavedherarm.“I’mdirectlyinvolvedinthisandnobodytoldme.”
“Weallhadarighttoknow,”Robertsaid,onehandoverthephonereceiver’smouthpiece.Hishusband,Thomas,stoodnexttohim,drinkingcoffeeoutofamugwithakittenonit.Both
alphasofClanRatwereinattendance.
“Sheclaimedthecity.It’samatterofPacksecurity,”Robertsaid,thenputahandoverhisfreeearandwentbacktohisphonecall.
“It’samatterofKateandCurran,”Dalisaid.
Jimdraggedhishandoverhisface.“Youweren’ttoldbecauseyouwouldbickeraboutitalldayandbythe
timeyouweredonedeciding,shewould’vebeendead.”
“Ohplease,”Desandrasaid.“It’snotlikewe’rechildren.”
“Could’vefooledme,”Dalitoldher.
TheblondalphaofClanWolfwinkedather.
Curranstoodnearthestove,behindeveryone.Ourgazesmet.ReliefshowedinhiseyesandthenIsawthe
precisemomentherealizedIwascoveredingore.Agoldfiresheathedhisirises.
“Itwasmydecision,”Jimsaid.“Dealwithit.”
“Whatisthatsmell?”Andreaturned.Suddenlyeverythingwentquiet.
“ThescoutsreporttherewasagiantincidentneartheCasino,”Robertsaid,hangingup.
“Whatkindofagiant
incident?”Desandraasked.Curran’sfacewasterrible.“Anincidentwithagiant
init,”Robertclarified,andsawme.
Curranmoved.OnemomentIwas
standingandthenIwasinthehallway,myfeetintheemptyair.He’dclampedhishandsonmyshouldersandliftedmetohisface.Hisvoicewasglacial.“Onething.Iasked
youtodoonething.”Hewasreallypissedoff.I
would’vepreferreditifhe’droared.
“I’msorry.”Somethingthudded
againstthefrontdoor.“Yougavemeyourword
andyoubrokeit.”“Yes.I’msorry.Ihadno
choice.IwastryingtosaveRowena.”
Heopenedhismouth.
“Reckless,stupid,wrong,brokeyourtrust,I’msorry,”Itoldhim.“Don’tbemadatme.”
Thedoorthuddedagain.Currandroppedmedownandjerkeditopen.“WHAT?”
Athirty-foot-tallbullwithenormousmetalhornsglaredbackatuswitheyesthesizeofteacups.Flamessheatheditshugelegs,flaringarounditshooves.Thebullopened
itsmawandvomitedfire.Curranspunmearound,
clampingmetohischest,hisbacktotheflames.
Thefiresmashedintotheinvisibleshieldofthehousewardandsplashedback,fallingharmlesslytotheground.Curranthrustmeaside.Hishumanbodytoreandaseven-and-a-half-footmonsterspilledoutandchargedthebull.
Theeightshapeshiftersinmykitchenwentfurryasoneandsprintedthroughthehallwaypastme,followedbyGrendelbarkinghisheadoff.
“Alive!”Icalledafterthem.“Weneedtoaskhimsome...”
Thebullduckedhishead,readytogoreCurran.Currangrabbedthebull’slefthornandpunchedtheenormousbovineintheface.Thebull’s
headsnappedtotheside,butCurranjerkeditbackandhammeredanotherhardpunchintoitsskull.
Nevermind.Curranpuncheditagain
andagain,hisfistlikeajackhammer,smashingintothebone.Thebullattemptedtobackup,jerkingitshead,tryingtofreeitshorn,butCurranheldonandkeptpunching.Bloodflewfrom
thesideofthebull’shead.Themonsterpushedforward,tryingtobulldozeCurranoffhisfeet.Curranlockedbothhandsonthebull’shornsandthrusthisclawedfeetintotheground.Musclesbulgedunderhisgrayfur,thefaintdarkstripesstandingoutlikewhipmarks.
Curran’sfeetslidandstopped.Theystruggled,facetoface,thebull’smaddened
fieryeyesstaringintoCurran’sice-coldgray.Theshapeshifterswaitedinaraggedsemicircle.
Thebullstrained,butCurranheldit.
Holyshit.Thebullopeneditsmouth
andbellowed.Curranroaredback,thesoundofpurefury.Tinyhairsroseonthebackofmyneck.
Fireflared,sheathingthe
bull’ssides.Curranvaultedontoitsback,onehandstillonthehorn.HisenormousleoninejawsgapedopenandCurranbitintothesideofthebull’sthroat.Themonsterscreamedandtheshapeshiftersrippedintothebovinemonster,oblivioustotheflames.
“Thisisgood,”awereratinawarriorformsaidnexttomeinRobert’svoice.“He
wasverystressed-out.Excuseme.”
Hepushedpastmeandjoinedtheslaughter.Islumpedagainstthedoorframeandwatched.
•••
“WILLYOUSTOPeatingit,”Igrowled.
“No,”Andreasaid.Shewassittingonthegroundand
chewingonsomeunidentifiablechunkofbullflesh.
“It’sapieceofmeatfromsomethingadjinnsummoned.”
“Youdon’tknowthat.”“Whoelsewouldsenda
bullmadeoffiretomyhouseafterIhelpedkilladjinn-possessedgiant?Stopeating.Itmighthavebeenaperson,”Itoldher.
“Idon’tcare.”“Andrea!Youdon’tknow
whatthiswilldotothebaby!”
“Itwillmakeitniceandstrong.”Andreabitintothepieceofmeat,shreddingitwithhersharpboudateeth.
“It’sevidence.”“Youhaveallthat
evidenceoverthere.”Shewavedattherestofthebullcorpse,spreadinabouta
hundredpiecesacrossourlawn.Curranhadtornittopieceswithhisbarehands.“I’vebeenstarvingalldayandeatingthatbird-foodtrailmix.I’mpregnant,hormonal,andtired,andIamdamnhungry.I’mgoingtosithereandeatmymeat.”
“She’sright,”Desandratoldme,bitingintoachunk.“It’sreallydecent.Tasteslikegrass-fedAngustome.So
kindofyourfiancétotenderizeit.”
Thatwasit.Iwasdone.Ijustdidn’tevencareanymore.
Imarchedmywayupthedrivewaytothehouse.Anenormouswhitetigersprawledinmydriveway,flickinghertailatasmallflockofbutterfliesthatbouncedonbrightwingsaroundherbrilliantwhitefur.
IcircledDaliandthebutterfliesandwentinside.Curransatonacouchinthelivingroom.Hewasbackinhishumanskin.Thecouchwascoveredinblood.Thatwasfine.Iwashavingsecondthoughtsaboutthecoloranyway.
Isatnexttohim.Watchinghimripthebullapartwasn’tjustfrightening.ItwasoneofthosethingsI
wouldneverforget.Itwasimprintedinmybrain.Curran’scontrolwasabsolute,sowhenheopenedthedoorandtheferallethalmonstershotoutandreveledinunrestraineddestruction,itmadeyourbloodruncold.He’dhadlessoutletthanusualsincewemovedoutoftheKeep.Therepeoplerecognizedwhathewas.Ifhewantedsomething,hehad
onlytopickupthephoneandpeoplewouldruntodohisbidding.Here,hewastryinghisbesttobeagoodconsiderateneighbor.Tobeanormalhuman,notinthetruesenseoftheword,butinthemeaningothersuburbanfamilieswouldacceptandfindnonthreatening.Ihadn’tfullyunderstoodhowharditwasforhimuntilnow.
Itwasover.Peoplesawit.
Theystoppedandstared,andtherewasnogoingback.AndIcouldn’tbehappieraboutit.
“Julieaskedmeifwearegettingadivorce,”Itoldhim.
Noresponse.“Itoldherthatwe
couldn’tgetonesincewearen’tmarried.”
Silence.“Iunderstandnow,”Itold
him.“YouleftthePackformeandthrewitallaway,
becauseyouthoughtwewouldhaveahappypeacefullifetogether.You’vebeensogoodandassumedthiscalm,niceroleofamanwholivesinthesuburbswithhisfamilyandinsteadthismessed-upcrapkeepshappening.I—”
Heputhisarmaroundmeandpulledmeclosertohim.
Ishutup.Wesattogetheronthe
couch.
“Ididn’ttouchthegiant.Ididn’tuseanypowerwords.Ionlythrewsomeundeadbloodatit.Ijustgotsplatteredwithgore.”IalmostsaidIpromisebutheldmytongue.
“Iwillkillanythingthattriestohurtyou,”hesaid,hisvoicequiet.
“Iknow.Iwillkillanythingthattriestohurtyou,”Itoldhim.
Curranlookedatme.“Ijustcan’tfigureoutwhattodowhenyouhurtyourself.WhoamImadat?”
Iopenedmymouth.Nothingsmartcametomind.“Ifanyonecanfigureitout,itwouldbeyou.You’retheonlyonewho’llputupwithme.”
Hedidn’tanswer.“Ihavesomebadnews.”
Mightaswelldropallofthe
shoesatthesametime.“Tellme.”“TheOrderclaimedthe
earringthathousestheifrit.Theywon’tletanyoneexamineit.Eduardoisbeingheldinsomeabandonedbuilding.Heisstarvingandwehavenowaytoknowwhichbuildinghe’sin.Isawhiminavision.Hedoesn’thavelong.”
“Anythingelse?”Curran
asked,hisvoiceeven.“Yes.Myfatheris
buildingatowernearLawrenceville.Hewantstohavedinnertonight.AtApplebee’s.”
Thearmholdingmeshook.Iglancedathim.Curranwaslaughing.
“Iloveyou,”Itoldhim.“Idon’tgiveacrapwhatanybodythinksorsays.Youdon’thavetobeanyoneor
anythingbutyou,Curran.Don’tdothisforme,becauseIjustwantyou.”
“Yourealizealloftheneighborsaregoingtomove,right?”
“Screwthem.Goodriddance.Icouldn’tcarelessifwefitinwiththemordon’t.Ineverwantedthe‘good’neighborhoodortobeseenas‘normal.’Ijustwantedtoliveinahousewith
youandJulie.Youcanbeyourself.Youletmebemyself,soit’sonlyfair.Stoptryingsohardtofitin.Iloveyoubecauseyoudon’t.”
Hekissedmyhair.“Anythingexciting
happenwhileIwasgone?”Iasked.
“RememberhowwesentGeorgetohaveasubtleconversationwithPatrick?”
Ohno.“I’mafraidto
ask...”“Hetriedtolectureheron
herdutytotheClanandshetoldhimtoshutup.Hetoldherhewouldtakeherinhandforherdad.”
Isqueezedmyeyesshutforafewseconds.“Ishealive?”
“Ohyes.Shedidn’tkillhim.Bothofhislegsarebroken,butheisalive.”
“Wasthatanofficial
challenge?”“No,theyareclassifying
itasafamilydispute,sinceGeorgedecidedtoseparateandisn’tintheclanchainofcommandanymore.”
Raphaelwalkedintotheroom.Hewaswearingworn-outjeansandaleatherjacket,andifyousenthimandtheleadingmalemodeldownthestreet,hewouldturnmoreheads.Therewasjust
somethingaboutRaphaelthatbroadcastedsex,loudandclear,andIhadyettomeetawomanwhodidn’trespondtoit.Ofcourse,theyusuallydidtheirbesttohidethatresponsebecauseAndreawasacrackshot.
RaphaelcrouchedbyCurranandsaid,“Hey.Ijustfiguredouthowweallcouldmakealotofmoney.”
“Goon,”Curransaid.
“I’mgoingtobuyoutyourneighborsandoffertheirhousestoPackmemberswholiveinthecity.AnyPackfamilywouldgiveuptheirlife’ssavingstolivenexttotheformerBeastLord,andsomethingtellsmeyourneighborswillbeextremelyeagertosell.”
Curranlaughedagain.“We’llmakeasmall
fortune,”Raphaelsaid.“All
youhavetodoisgooutonceinawhileinyourwarriorformandroar.Especiallywhenit’sdark.They’lllineuptosellsofast,we’llhavetogiveoutnumbers.”
Ilaughed.“I’mcompletelyserious.”
Raphaelwasgrinning.“Youcouldusetheextracash.”
“Youshouldgetyourwifetostopeatingunidentifiedmeat,”Itold
him.Curranstrokedmyback.Desandrathrustherhead
intotheroom.“Youbetterhurry.Mahonishere.”
•••
MAHONSTOODONthelawn.Large,burly,withacurlybeard,helookedlikeheneededachain-mailhauberk,amace,andacastleto
defend.Hisbeastformmadehishumanbodylookweakandpuny,whichwaswhyMahonservedasthePack’sExecutioner.Hisglowermadehardenedfightersrunforcover.Hisdaughtercouldn’thavecaredless.Shestooddefiantinthemiddleofthelawn,holdingablanketaroundherselfwithheronehand.Usuallytransformingfromahumantoabeastand
thenbacktoahumanwould’veputherdownforanap,butthetiltofherchintoldmeshewasverymotivatedtostayawake.Georgewaspissedoff.Theybothlookedreadytoexplode.Ibracedmyself.
AcrossthestreetacrowdofneighborshadgatheredatHeatherSavell’shouse.Awesome.Nothingbetteratashapeshifterfamilybrawl
thanconvenientlyplacedinnocentbystanders.
“...Separationisridiculous.You’vehadyourfun,”Mahonsaid,hisvoicedeep.“Thisfoolishnessstopsnow.Comehome.”
“No.”IfGeorgehadfreezingpowers,thatonewordwould’veturnedherdadintoanicicle.
“YouarenotleavingthePack.”
“Yes,Iam.”Mahonexhaledrage.“For
what?”Hisvoiceboomed.“Forsomeboy?”
Georgebaredherteeth.“Heisn’taboy.Heisaman.Myman.TheoneIchose.”
“Yes,justlikeyouchoseAidanbefore,andwhat’s-his-face,Nathan.Thiswillpass.Don’tthrowyourlifeaway.”
“Stayingwithyouwouldbethrowingmylifeaway.
Youwantmetomarryawerebearandbeagoodlittlebroodmare.”
Ohboy.“Iwantyoutostaywith
yourfamily!”Mahonroared.“Donotraiseyourvoice
atme!”Georgeroaredback.“Weraisedyou,we
clothedyou,wefedyou,weeducatedyou,andthisishowyourepayus?”
“Youdidallthethings
thatparentsarelegallyobligatedtodo.Congratulations,Dad.Youweren’taneglectfulparent.Thankyou.Itdoesn’tgiveyoutherighttoshacklemefortherestofmylife.You’renotentitledtoit.ThisismylifeandIwillliveit.”
“Sheisn’tleavingyourfamily,”Thomassaid.“She’sleavingthePack.”
“Thehellsheis.”Mahon
seemedtogetbiggersomehow,hisfacedarker.HepointedatCurran.“Isthisit?Isheyourexample?Youwanttothrowitallawaybecausesome...humancouldn’tstandlivingintheKeep?Shenaggedathimandnaggedathimuntilhegaveinandnowlookathim.Yearswasted!Years!Andweareallworseoffforit.Hethinkswithhisdick,butyou,you
werealwayssmarterthanthat.”
It’sfunnyhowloudhorrifiedsilencecanbe.
Curranlaughed.Mahonstaredathim,
incredulous.AcrossthestreetHeather
wasgapingatme.Ismiledandwavedather.
“Whataboutthisisfunny?”Mahonroared.“YouweresupposedtobetheBeast
Lord.Youweresupposedtostartalegacy!”
“I’mhappy,”Currantoldhim.“Don’tyouwantmetobehappy?”
“It’snotaboutbeinghappy!It’saboutdutyandobligationsanddoingsomethingwithyourlife!”
“Whataboutyourobligations?”Curranasked,hisvoicemild.“WhatwasyourdutytomymatewhenI
wascomatose?”Mahonopenedhismouth.“Didyouprotecther?”
Curranasked.“Didyouhelpher?Didyoudoanythingtosupportthisfuturelegacy?”
“Shewasnotapropermate.Shewillneverbeapropermate.Sheisahuman!”
Well,ofcourse.“Youdon’tgettodecide
that.”Curransaid.“Itisn’t
yourplace.Ichoseher.IledthePackforseventeenyearsanditfailedmewhenIneededitmost.Youfailedme.”
Mahonrecoiled.“Myobligationtothe
Packisover,”Curransaid.“Youfailedtoupholdyourendofthebargain.”
“Speakingofduty,”Georgeputin.“Whatthehellwereyouthinking,sendinga
fifteen-year-oldagainstAndorf?HewasaberserkbearwithyearsofexperienceandCurrancouldbarelyshave.Whydidn’tyougo,Dad?”
“Bequiet,”Mahonsnapped.“Youwerebarelytwelve.Youhavenoideawhatwasinvolved.Isenthimbecauseweneededaleader.Becausethepackswouldn’tfollowme!”
IwentandsatbyAndrea.I’dhadalongdayandIwastiredofstanding.
“Soyourconvenienceandloftyidealsjustifiedsendingachildtotheslaughterandthenunloadingtheburdenofbeinginchargeofpeople’slivesonhim?”Georgeraisedhereyebrows.“Soyoucouldstandbehindthethroneandhavefunplayingkingmaker?Youshouldaskyourself,
Dad,whyallyourchildrenwanttoescape.Maybewe’renottheproblem.”
“Thisisit!”Mahonroared.“Thisendsnow.You’recomingwithme,ifIhavetocarryyou.You’renotseparatingfromthePack.Iwillputyouunderlockand—”
“Enough.”Jim’svoicecutthroughMahon’sroarlikeaknife.
“—key,I’ll—”“Isaid,enough!”Jim
snarled.“NomemberofthePackwillinterferewithseparation.NomemberofthePackwillberestrainedagainstherwillbecauseherfatherisonapowertrip.Mindyourconduct,Alpha.”
IfIslow-clapped,Mahon’sheadwouldprobablyexplode.
“Youneedtorethink
that,”Mahontoldhim.“Youwillnotbreakthe
lawyouyourselfhelpedputinplace.Thelawappliestoeveryone.”JimglaredatMahon.“Youwillobeyit.Ifyoufindyourselfunabletofollowthelaw,stepdownandClanHeavywillfindanalphawhocan.”
“You—”Mahonbegan.“IamtheBeastLord,”
Jimsaid.
“Notforlong,”Mahonsnarled.
“Isthatachallenge?”Jimbaredhisteeth.Dalirosefromherspotinthedrivewayandstalkedover,pawovermassivepaw,likeasilentmajesticshadow,andstoodbesidehermate,herblueeyesstaringatMahonwithunyieldingintensity.
MahonglancedatCurran.Curranshookhishead.
“Youwouldsidewiththemagainstme?”Mahonlookedshocked.
“You’rewrong,”Currantoldhim.“Thelawisthelawwhetheryoulikeitornot.Eitheryou’reanalphaandyouupholdthelaw,oryouarenot.”
“It’salwayslikethatwithyou,”Georgesaid.“You’vebeenafterCurranforyearstofindamate,andwhenhe
foundone,youdidn’tapproveofher,soyoudecidedthatnoneofthethingsyouweresupposedtodoashisfatherapplied.You’vebeenaskingmeforyearswhenIplannedtosettledown,andwhenIdid,youdidn’tlikehimeither.Nowhe’sdisappearedandit’syourresponsibilityasanalphatolookforhim,butyoudon’tlikeit,soyouchosenottodo
it.Allyourtalkofdutyandobligationsmeansnothing.Youthinkyouknowbetterthananyofus.Youdon’t.Lookatwhatyou’redoing,Dad.You’rechallengingtheBeastLordyousworeallegiancetobecauseyoudon’tlikethemanyourdaughterloves.Becauseithurtsomeweirdlittleplaceinyourpride.Thisishowyouserveandleadyourclan.
Don’tyouhaveanyintegrityatall?”
Aburningrockthesizeofabasketballstreakedacrosstheskyandlandedinthestreetinfrontofourhouse.IlungedinfrontofAndrea,tryingtoshieldher.Theexplosionshooktheground.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Andreahauledmeback.“I’mashapeshifter.Iregenerate!”
“You’repregnant.”
“Oh,shutup.”Abrilliantgoldenflame
tenfeethighandfivefeetwideignitedinthemiddleofthestreet.Insideit,Eduardowrithedinhiscage.TheifritwaspunishingEduardobecausewe’dkilledthebull.
Avoicerolledthroughthestreet,avoicechargedwithinhumanpowerthatprickledagainstmyskinlikestatic.Itraisedeveryhairontheback
ofmyarms.“Allwhoareguiltywilldie.Witnessthebetrayerspawn.Seehissuffering.”
Georgeran.Ijumpedtomyfeetandchasedher.Jimmadeagrabforher,buthewasn’tfastenough.Georgedashedintothestreet,rightintothefire.Itbrokeapartintoathousandsparksandtransformedintoathirty-foot-long,glowingsnake.
Georgescreamedatthetopofherlungs.Itwasascreamofrageandpain,rolledintoonehorrible,soul-crushingsound.Shescreamedasifsomethinginsideherhadtornandnothingcouldputitbacktogether.
Thesnakelungedather.Georgegrabbeditbyitsneck,heaveditupright,andslammedthebodyagainstthe
pavement.Thesnakehissed,themassivecoilstryingtowindaroundGeorgeandcrushher.Thewerebearplantedonefootonthesnake.Themusclesonherarmflexedandshetorethereptileintwo.Thelightwentoutofthesnake’seyes,butGeorgedidn’tstop.Shemauledandrippedthecreatureagainandagain,ventinghergriefonitsbody.
Wewatchedherrage,tearswellinginhereyes,untilshefinallyletitgo,andthenCurranandIledherbackintothehouseoffthestreet.
CHAPTER
I18
OPENEDMYeyes.Ilayinourbed,onmyside.Somethingfeltodd.IpuzzledoveritandrealizedCurranwasn’twithme.
Theblackoutcurtainshadturnedourbedroomintoaquiet,darkplace.Ihadnoideawhattimeitwas.AfterGeorgehadcalmeddown,
Lyc-Vfinallytookitstollandshecrashedinoneofoursparebedrooms.ItriedmybesttodescribethebuildingI’dseeninthevisiontoRaphael.Heownedareclamationcompanythattookusefulthingsoutofcrumblingskyscrapers,andhehadfilesonjustabouteverymajorruininthecity.Hewroteeverythingdown,butIcouldtellnothing
clickedwithhim.Mydescriptionhadbeentoogeneric.HesaidhewouldlookthroughhisfilesandDalisaidthatshewouldsendasurveyteamouttothebuildingsRaphaelidentified.CurrantoldmethatwhenhehaddroppedDerekoffattheaddresstheClerkhadgivenusforthegigEduardohadturneddown,hehadrecognizedthescent
permeatingthearea.Itbelongedtothemanwho’dstalkedEduardo.Westilldidn’tknowwhohewasorwhyhewasobsessing.Itwasnicethattwoandtwofittogether,butsofartheystillequaledtwelve,whichdidn’thelpus.
ThedjinnspokeEnglishthistimeanditwasn’tjustasingleword.Hewasgrowinginpower.Nobodylikedthat
news.Finallyeveryoneleft.I
draggedmyselfupstairs,tookalongshower,andcollapsedonthebed.IhadwokenupwhenCurrancameinandwentintothebathroomtowashthebloodoff.Henevercameoutofthebathroom.Iwould’vesensedhimmoving.Exhaustedornot,myinstinctsstillworked.
Islippedoutofthebed,
walkedacrosstheslickwoodenfloortothebathroom,andnudgedthedoorwithmyfingertips.Hewassittinginourenormouscast-ironbathtub,leaningback,hiseyesclosed.Thetubwashisfavoriteplaceasidefromourbed.Huge,custom-madetoaccommodatehimeveninhislion-formwithmorethanenoughroomtospare,thetubwasheatedwith
electricityduringtechandwithamagicvolcanicrockatothertimes.Usuallyhisfacewasrelaxedwhenhesoaked,butrightnowitlookedtight.Hewasalmostfrowning,histhickeyebrowsfurrowed,thelineofhissquarejawhard.
TherewassomethingI’dbeenwantingtodo,eversinceIwokeupinthehospitalbedandsawhimstalkingthroughmyroom,
worriedandangry,allcoiledstrengthandhardwill.
IslippedoffmyT-shirt.MypantiesfollowedandIwalkednakedtothetub.Tubsalwaysgotmeintotrouble.Itouchedmyfingerstothewater.Itwasnearscalding.
Worthit.Isteppedintothewater.It
camemidwaytomythigh.Hiseyesstayedclosed.Ibentmykneesandsank
inontopofhim,straddlinghim.Mythighsbrushedagainsthislongleanlegs.
Curran’seyessnappedopen,aferal,piercinggray.Ipressedmylipsagainsthisandlickedhisbottomlipwiththetipofmytongue.
Comebacktome.Comeoutofwhateverdarkplaceyou’reinandfeelmeinstead.
Heopenedhismouthandkissedmeback,hisfingers
tighteningonmyback.Ifelthimhardenunderme.Histongueslidintomymouth,thekissdeepened,andImovedontopofhim,mybodyhotandpliant.Hemadealowgrowlingnoiseinhisthroat,harshandmale,filledwithrawneed,andIfelthimleavewhateverhewasthinkingbehind.Hewasminenow.Therewasnoworry,nodread,notomorrow.There
wasonlyusandnow.Hebrokethekissand
nippedmyneck,inhalingmyscent,andIarchedmyspine,rubbingagainsthim,wantingtofeelhiminsideme,wantingmore.Hishandslockedonmybuttandhepulledmecloser,roughandhard,inasinglepossessivemovement.Hismouthclosedonmybreast,histonguepressingagainstmynipple,
andInearlymelted.“Sofuckingbeautiful,”he
whispered,hisvoiceragged.Hekissedmeagain,his
bodyrockhardandrigidunderme.Islidmyhandsuphiscarvedchest.Hisskinwasasscaldingasthewater.Idraggedmyhandsuphismuscularshouldersandranmyfingersthroughhisshortdamphair,tryingnottoloseallcontrol.Hishandslid
lower,downmyback,acrossmybutt,acrossmyleg,brushingthesensitiveskinofmyinnerthigh.Hetouchedme.Ijerkedandbrokeawayfromhislips,ashishandcoveredme.Hisfingersslippedinsideme,histhumbbrushingthemostsensitivespot,draggingamoanfromme.More.More,please.
Hisskilledfingersdippedinandout,teasing,stroking,
andmybodygaveintohisrhythm.WhatevercontrolIhadvanished.Irodehishand.Hewatchedme,hisgrayeyesfilledwithintenseneed,anditmademehotter.Mybreastsached.Alowsteadypressurepooledinthebottomofmystomach,threateningtobreak.
“Comeforme,”hetoldme,hisvoicecommanding.“Comeforme,baby.”
Mybodyclenchedaround
hisfingers,wavesofpleasuredrowningme.Islumpedback,limpandboneless,buthecaughtme.“Notyet.”
Hisfingerskeptgoing,strokingme.Mybreathwascomingoutinraggedgasps.Myworldshranktothemovementofhisfingers.
“Again,”hetoldme.No,therecouldn’t
possiblybeanagain...Iclimaxedagain,
shuddering,heldinplacebyhishandsastheorgasmrockedme.Ifeltheavyandexhausted,floatinginmyprivatehotbliss,thevaporrisingfromthewaterswirlingaroundme.Thiswaswhathappinessfeltlike.
Hethrustinsideme,thethicklengthofhimstretchingme.Mybodyclenchedaroundhim,stillripplingwiththeechoesofaclimax,andhe
groaned.“Yourturn,”Ibreathed.“Notyet.”Ileanedonthewallwith
onehandtosteadymyselfandrodehim,matchinghismovement,squeezinghim.Hegrittedhisteeth.Icouldfeelhimpullingback,tryingtodisconnectandslowhimselfdown.Ohno,hewasn’tgoingtolast,becauseIwantedhimtocome.I
wantedhimtofloatintheblisswithmeandIhadnoplanstoplayfair.Islidmyrighthanddownintothewaterandmyfingersclosedaroundthebaseofhisshaftwithhimstillinsideme.Hegasped.Ipumpedhim,slidingupanddown.
“Kate...”hegrowled.“Iloveit,”Iwhispered,
pumpinghimagain.“Ilovewhenyoudothistome.I
lovewhenyou’reinsideme.”Hesnarledandflippedme
over.Ilandedonmyknees,catchingtheedgeofthetubwithmyhands.Heburiedonehandinmyhairandthrustintomefrombehind,plungingdeep,buildingtoafasthardrhythm.Whateverlittlesemblanceofcontrolwasgonenowandhepoundedintome.Ilostmyselftoit,eachpowerful
thrustpushingmecloserandclosertotheedge,untilIfinallyhurtledoverit.Heshudderedinsidemeandwesankintothewatertogether.
•••
THEWATERWAStoohot,butIhadnostrengthtogetout.Ifeltexhaustedanddrunk,soIjustlaythere,myheadonhischest.Hewasslidinghis
fingertipsupanddownmyarm.Hiseyeswereclosed,hisfacerelaxed.Aslightbeginningofasmilecurvedhislips.
“Let’snotgoanywhere,”Itoldhim.
“Themagicisup,”hesaidquietly.
“And?”“Ifwedon’tshowupfor
dinner,yourfatherwillmanifestinthisbathroom.”
“Maybeyoucanscarehimawaywithfullfrontal,”Isaid.
Helaughed.“Whatwereyouthinking
aboutbeforeIcameinhere?”Iasked.
“IwasthinkingthatInevergottoknowmyfather,”hesaid.“AllIrecallofhimarechildhoodmemories.Ihavenoideawhatkindofmanhewasorwhathestood
for.Mahonbecamemyfather,buthisapprovalalwaysfeltconditional.Still,he’sallIgot.YouhadVoron.”
“Whowasroyallyfuckedup,”Isaid.“NowIhaveRoland.Thatkindofsaysitallrightthere.Myonlylivingbloodrelativeisamegalomaniacwithcosmicpowerandanunshakablebeliefthatheknowsbest.”
Andsayingitoutloudjusthammeredithome.Ugh.“Wejustdon’thavethebestluckwithfathers.Butyouknewallthat.”
“ItoccurredtomethatonedayIwillbeafather,”hesaid.“AndIhavenoideahowthehellI’mgoingtodothat.”
“You’realreadyafather.Sortof.”
“Juliewasalreadyagood
kidwhenyoufoundher.Mostofthehardworkwasdone.Iamtalkingaboutraisingalittlehumanfromthefirstbreath.Idon’tevenknowwhatthehellIwoulddowithababy.”
“Ithinkyouwillmakeanexcellentfather.I’dworrymoreaboutwhatkindofmotherIwouldmake.”
Wewouldscrewupourchildren.Itwasinevitable.
Juliehadtaughtmethatyounevergetthechildyouwantorexpect.Yougetthechildyougetandyoutryyourbesttomakesuretheyturnouttobeadecenthumanbeing.Thatwasallthatmattered.
AnimageofpregnantAndreasittingonourlawnandeatingtheremnantsofabullflashedacrossmymind.“IfIgetpregnantandwekillsomethingmagic,don’tlet
meeatit.”Hegrinned.“IfAuntBwerealive,
there’snowayAndreacouldgetawaywithit.”
ButAuntBwasdead.ShewouldneverseeRaphaelandAndrea’sbaby.Hughd’Ambray’sIronDogshadkilledher,butHughwasatoolandmyfatherusedhimlikeabatteringramwhenhewantedtobreakdownadoor.
Rolandboretheultimateresponsibilityforit.
“Ifoundoutwhatitmeanstoclaimtheland,”Isaid.
“Tellme.”Idid.“Itwasn’ta
hallucination,Curran.IimprovedwhenIshouldn’thave.”
Hemadeanoise,halfagrowl,halfafrustratedgrunt.“Thatmeanshewieldsmagic
evenduringtech.Hewon’thesitatetoshieldhimself.”
“Yes.Attackinghimduringtechnologywhileheisinhisterritorymeansriskingthelivesofeveryoneinit.Hewilldrainthemdrytokeephimselfalive.Hewilldeeplyregretitandbeconflictedaboutitlater,buthewilldoit.Hiswilltolivetrumpseverythingelse.”
“We’llgethim,”Curran
said.“Iknow.”Ijusthadno
ideahow.Howdoyoukillsomeonewiththatmuchpower?
“We’regoingtobesmartaboutthis.We’regoingtowatchhim,testhim,andwhenweknowwecanwin,we’llcrushhim.”
Andthatwaswhyhewasascarybastard.“Curran...”
Hekissedmyhair.
“Yes?”“Ican’tgetSienna’s
visionoutofmyhead.I’vebeentryingnottothinkaboutit,butitkeepspoppingup.”
“It’sapossiblefuture,”hesaid.“Notthedefinitefuture.”
“Iknow.IjustwishIknewwhatitmeant.Iusuallyseehimonagrassyhillinmydreams,too.OnlywhenIseeit,thereisalwaysatower
beingbuilt.”Myfatherwasanactiveparticipantinthosedreams.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifIsawwhathewantedmetosee.
“BeforeJimandRobertleft,Iaskedthemwhentheconstructiononthetowerhadstarted,”Curransaid.
“And?”“Thedaywekilledthe
windscorpion.”“Whatareyougetting
at?”“Therewasnothingthere
untilthescorpiondied.Thateveningheputthefirstblockdownandhewasn’tatallsubtleaboutit.Whybuildatowernow,inplainview?Hehasnopowerbasehere.Heisn’treadytodefendthetower,unlesshecampsoutinit.”
Curranhadavalidpoint.Rolandspentmostofhistime
inhislittlebuddingempireintheMidwest.Hisversionofthenewworldorderwasratherfragile;hehadtobetheretokeepaneyeonit.Whywouldhedropeverythingandcomeovertobuildatowerhere?HehadtoknowIwouldloseitwhenIfoundout.
Ah.Thatexplainedit.“It’sadiversion.”Currannodded.“For
somereason,he’sworriedaboutthedjinn.Everytimewemadeprogress,heescalatedtheconstructionuntilyoucouldnolongerignoreit.Heisfuckingwithyourhead.”
“Butwhy?Ithoughtthedjinnmighthavebeensomesortofscrewed-uptestheshovedourway,butifit’satest,whynotjustletusdealwithit?”
“Yourmagicdoesn’tworkonthedjinndirectly.Doeshis?”
“Idon’tknow.Thenaturalresistancewouldstillbethere,becausemymagicisRoland’smagicandIbouncedhardofftheifrit’shost.ButRolandhasalotmorejuicethanIdoandhe’sbeenatitforthousandsofyearslonger.Hemightbeabletooverpowertheifrit,
butit’spossibleitwouldcosthimalotofmagic.We’renottalkingaboutjustanydjinn.He’sanifrit,whichissupposedlysecondonlytothemaridsintherawmagicalpowerdepartment.Accordingtothemyths,theifritshaveasocietymuchlikewedo.Theyexistinclans,andtheyhavetheirownaristocracybasedonpower.Ithinkourguywashighupinthefood
chain,becausehewaswearinggoldandemeralds.Ialsogotaglimpseintohismind.It’samess.He’scompletelybonkers,buttheamountofpowerhehasisstaggering.Youshould’vefeltit—itwaslikeadamnvolcano.”
Curranleanedback.“Soifit’snotatestandtheifritcanpresentachallengetoRoland’spower,whynothelp
usdealwithit?Hewinsifwetaketheifritdown.”
“Ihavenoidea.”“TheintelfromRobert
showsthatthetimelinematchesupperfectly—everytimewetookastepclosertothedjinn,Rolandmadehisconstructionevenmoreobvious.It’slikehedoesn’twantustointeractwiththedjinnatall.Hedoesn’twantustokillit.”
“I’mnotevensurewecan,Curran.Theifrit’spowerisgrowing.Thefirsttwotimeshesummonedsomething,heseemedtobeonlyfulfillingwishes,sohecouldthentakeoverthehost.Thistimehesummonedagiantbullandthendroppedameteorandasnakeonus.Wedon’tevenknowifhe’stakencontrolofanewhostyet.Thisisjusthimventinghis
hurtfeelingsbecauseofthegiant.Ican’tlethimkeepdoingthis.HeisathreattomorethanEduardoorus.Heisathreattoanythinginhisvicinity.”
Currangrimaced.“Didyouhearwhathesaid?”
“Aboutbetrayerspawn?Yeah,whatthehellwasthatallabout?”
“Idon’tknow,exactly,”Curransaid.“ButDalidid
somechecking.Eduardo’sPackadmissionpaperworkisonfile.InthePlaceofBirthsection,helistedAtlanta,Georgia.ShehadpeoplemakesomecallstoOklahoma.Thewerebisonherdisn’ttalkingtothePackofficially.They’recirclingtheirwagonsaroundEduardo’sparents.”
“Why?”“Nobodyknows.But
unofficiallyDali’speoplewereabletofindoutthatEduardo’smotherbecameamemberoftheherdsixyearsafterEduardowasborn.Hisfatherisawerebisonandishighupintheherd’schainofcommand,andhedoesn’twantanyofthis.”
“IfEduardo’sparentssomehowbetrayedtheifrit,it’spossiblehe’spunishingEduardo.Wouldn’ttheywant
tohelp?”“Daligotafeelingthat
Eduardo’smotherhadn’tevenbeentold.Whoeverherpeoplespoketosaidtheysawheratabirthdaypartyyesterdayandshewaslaughingandhavingfun.Byallaccountsshereallylovesherson.Ifsheknewhewasmissing,shewouldlikelybehere.”
“Didtheypullthe
marriagelicense?”“Eduardowassevenwhen
theymarried.”Thatcouldmean
absolutelynothing.Plentyofpeoplewaitedtogetmarried.OritcouldmeanthatthemanmarriedtoEduardo’smotherwashisstepfather.
“Youthinkherhusbandisprotectingher?”
Currannodded.“We’renotgoingtogetanyhelp
fromthem.”“Thenwe’llhavetowork
withwhatwe’vegot.”MaybeIcouldaskRoland
aboutit.Wouldn’tthatbeahoot?Hey,Iknowwe’remortalenemies,butcanyouhelpmewiththisthing?Isankdeeperintothewater.Ididn’twanttogo.
“DidyoueverwanttokillMahon?”AndwhydidIjustaskhimthat?Argh.
“No.TherewasatimeIwould’vedoneanythingforhisapproval.”
Itdidn’tsurpriseme.Afterhewatchedhisfamilybeingslaughtered,Curranlivedonhisowninthewoods,huntedbythesameloupswhohadeatenthebodiesofhisparentsandhissister.ThenMahonledapartyofshapeshiftersintothewoods.Mahonwasolder
now,andIwasstrong,butIwouldhesitatetofighthim.Toastarvedtwelve-year-old,hewould’veseemedlargerthanlife.
“AsIgotolder,Irealizedhewasmanipulatingmetogetwhathewanted.”Curransaid.“Irememberthefirsttimeitclicked.Iwaseighteen.HewantedmetopassalawandIwantedtogoplaywithmynewgirl.”
“Whatgirl?”“Youdon’tknowher.She
wasblondandhadhugeboobs.”Hefrowned.“SomethingwithaK.Kayla...Kelly...Something.”Hegrinned.“Jealous,baby?”
Istretchedagainsthim,myvoiceslowandlazy.“IsKellyinthistub?No?ThenIhavenothingtobejealousabout.”
“Mahonnaggedme,soItoldhertowaitandsattherefortwohoursreviewingthislong-asslawaboutthepercentagesthePackreceivedfromtheprofitsoftheirbusinesses.”
“Soundsriveting.”“Oh,itwas.WhenIwas
done,Mahontoldmemydadwouldbeproudofme.Itoccurredtomethatmydadwasanisolationist.He
wouldn’thavegivenashitaboutthePackorifthemasonsshouldpaytwelvepercentwhiletheteacherspaidseven.ItwasthisemptyencouragementMahonofferedtomewhenIdidsomethingheliked,becauseheknewImissedmyfatherandIwantedtomakehimproud.Isatthereafterheleftandtriedtothinkofalltheoccasionshe’dusedit.He’d
useditquiteabit.”Hisfacehardened.Hello,
BeastLord.“IknewIhadtocutthe
leashthen,becauseIwouldn’tbeanyone’spetruler.”
No,beingsomeone’spetdidn’tsuithim.NomorethanbeingSharrimsuitedme.
Mylifehadalwaysbeenavectorpointedtothesamegoal:killRolandordie
trying.Thatvectordidn’tsurvivecollisionwithreality.Roland’spowerwastoogreatandIdidn’thavethespinetodietryingtomurderhimwhilewatchingeveryoneIlovedburninthesamefuneralpyre.TheexactthingVoronhadwarnedmeabouthadcometopass.Ihadfalleninlove.Ihadacceptedresponsibilityforachild.Ihadfriends,andIwasn’t
capableofcondemningthemtodeathforacausethatwasn’ttrulymyown.Isurvived.
Lookingbackatit,itwastherightchoice.Theonlychoice,really.ButVoron’sconditioningdidn’tjustwearoff.HeraisedmesoIcouldkillRolandordie.EitherwayRolandwouldbehurt,anditwasgoodenoughforVoron.Thenaggingsenseoffailure
wasstillthere,andIfeltenoughguiltandshametofillasmalllake.Theguiltfedmyanger,andeverytimeIthoughtofRoland,myswordhanditched.IknewIwasn’treadyfortheconfrontation,butsomehowIdeludedmyselfintothinkingIcouldwinthesamewayIusuallywon—bybruteforceandmyskillwiththesword.
Itwastimetogrowup.I
hadaresponsibilitytothelandIclaimedandeveryonealivewithinitsborders.IhadaresponsibilitytoCurranandJulie,tomyfriends,andtomyself.Ideservedtohavealifeatsomepoint.Runningatmyenemieswithsworddrawnandpoundingthemwithpowerwordswithallofthedelicatesubtletyofahammernolongerworked.Wewereplayinginthebig
leaguesnow.Thestrokewasapainfullesson,butithelpedbringhomethepoint:Ihadtofightsmarter.
“Wecan’tletonthatwefiguredoutthetowerisadiversion,”Isaid.“I’mgoingtofocusonthatandmaybewecanlearnsomethingabouttheifrit.Hethinksbothofusjustpummelthingswithourfistsanyway.Hewon’tsuspectanysophisticated
subterfuge.”Curransmiled.“Would
youlikemetosnarlattheappropriatemomentsandpromisetobashheadstopieces?”
“Wouldyoumind?”“Well,itmightbea
stretchforme,sinceIneverdoanythinglikethat.”
Ichuckled.“ButifIamproperly
motivated,Icangiveitmy
bestshot.”Ohboy.“Doyouhave
anyspecificmotivationinmind?”
Heleanedtowardme,tinygoldsparksplayinginhiseyes.“Yes,Ido.”
Amuffledknocksoundedthroughthedoorofthebedroom.Curranrose,wrappedatowelaroundhiships(whichshouldn’thavebeenhotbutwas),and
openedthebathroomdoor.“Yes?”
“Weneedtoleaveintwentyminutes,”Juliecalledthroughthebedroomdoor.
“You’renotcoming,”Itoldher.
“I’malldressedandI’veputmymakeupon.”
“No,”Igrowled.“Whatifthisisaclever
ployandwhileyou’reatdinnerHughd’Ambray
comesandkidnapsme?”Oh,fortheloveof...“Youwon’tbeabletoget
itoutofyourheadnow,”Juliecalled.“You’llworryaboutitallnight.”
Curranlaughed.Isankdeeperintothe
water.Whyme?Why?“Also,Ascaniois
downstairs,”Juliesaid.“Hesaysthathewascharming
andthecrankyneighbor’snameisJustinThomasRogers.Ascaniohastheaddress.Mr.Rogers’sdaughterreportedhimmissingyesterday.Hegotthispicture.I’mslidingitunderthedoornow.”
Curranwalkedintothebathroomandheldaphotographtome.Amiddle-agedmanlookedbackatme,balding,thinbutsomewhat
flabby.ThegiantthathadrampagedthroughtheGuildhadwornhisface.Thereitwas,theconfirmationwe’dbeenlookingfor.
“CanItellhimthatyourememberhimnow?”Julieasked.“Heinvitedmetohispityparty,andIreallywanttoleave.”
CHAPTER
I19
WALKEDINTOApplebee’swearingmyworkclothes:loosedarkpants,boots,agraysweater,andasimpleblackjacket.Sarrat’sweightrestedcomfortablybetweenmyshoulders.Curranwalkednexttome.Hewantedtowearsweatpants,because“theyteareasier.”Iasked
himifhewantedmetogethimsomemalestripperjeanssohecouldavoidlookinglikeaRussiangangsterfrompre-Shiftmovies,afterwhichhegotalloffendedandputonapairofregularjeansinstead.
JuliebroughtherKestrelaxes.Shealsoworeherbigblacksteel-toedboots,theburgundy-coloredsweaterI’dknittedforher,andashortpleatedskirtwithno
stockingsdespitethecold.Somethingshadnologicalexplanation.Youjusthadtorollwithit.
Thehostesslookedatthethreeofusandpointedtothesignaboveherhead.“Wehaveastrictno-weaponspolicy.”
“Whatifmyfistsarelethalweapons?”Julieasked.
Amanageremergedfromthebackroom,sawus,and
nearlysprinteddownthehallway.
“Youmaykeepyourfists,”thehostesssaid.“But—”
Themanagernearlyslidtoahaltinfrontofus.“Thisway.Yourtableiswaiting.”
Thehostessopenedhermouthandsnappeditshut.
Heledustothebackoftherestauranttoatablebyawindow.Thetablewas
designedtoseatsix.Myfathersatbyhimself,wrappedinaplainbrowncloak.Thecloakhadseenbetterdaysandthedeephoodthathidhisfacewasfrayed.Hewastryinghisbesttobeinconspicuous,hismagicfoldedandwrappedaroundhim.His“godinbeggarclothing”actwasimpressive,butIsawthroughitanyway.
Asweapproached,he
pushedthehoodbackandmyfather’sfacegreetedme.Hughoncedescribeditas“ifthesunhadrisen.”SayingRolandwashandsomewouldbeagrossunderstatement,likecallingahurricaneagentlebreeze.Myfatherwasbeautiful,hisfaceperfectlyproportioned,withbronzeskin,asquarejawtracedbyashortgrayingbeard,afullmouth,apowerfulnose,high
cheekbones,andlargedarkeyesunderdenseeyebrows.Themomentyousawthoseeyes,youforgoteverythingelse.
TherewasapassageintheBibleinthebookofJobthatsaiditwasn’tagethatguaranteedwisdom,butitwasthespiritinaperson,thebreathoftheAlmighty,thatgavesagemenunderstanding.Whenyoulookedintomy
father’seyes,hisspiritlookedbackatyou.Theyshonewithpower,asifthemagicitselffilledhim,agelessbutverymuchalive.HewasamanwhowalkedtheEarthbeforetheBiblehadeverbeenwritten,andhiswisdomwasastoweringandtimelessastheSarawatMountains.Itdidn’tkeephimfrommakingveryhumanblundersorbeingimmunetosmallpettythings
likerevenge,punishment,ormurderingmymotherbecausehethoughtIwastoodangeroustobeborn.
Yep,thatlastonedidit.BehindmeJuliestumbled
butcaughtherself.Curranappearedcompletelyunconcerned.FormerBeastLord—notimpressed.
Curranapproachedthetableandpulledouttwochairs.Isatinone,andJulie
satintheother,ontheside.Ifthingswentsour,Icouldshoveherintotheboothnexttouswithmylefthandinhalfasecond.
Curransatnexttome.Hisfacewasrelaxed,hisexpressionunreadable.
Themanagerhoverednexttous,alookofcompletedevotiononhisface.
“Icedtea,”Isaid.“Coke,”Juliesaid.
“Icedtea,”Curransaid.“Icedteaformeaswell.
Thatwillbeall,”myfathersaid.
Themanagertookoff.“Isthereanywayyou
couldrefrainfrommagickingourwaiter?”Iasked.
“Iabhorpoorservice,”hesaidandsmiled.“Itookthelibertyoforderingpotatoskinsandonionrings.I’msogladwecoulddothis.”
Itwastimetoplaymypart.“Thetower,Father.Iwantitgone.”
“It’snotatower.Merelyatallbuilding.”
IpulledthePolaroidfromtheinsideofmyjacketandputitonthetable.“Thisisamodelofatower.”
“Weconsideritathreat,”Curransaid.“Ifyouwantawar,youwillgetone.”
“I’mbuildinga
residence,”Rolandsaid.“Why?”“SoIcanbeclosertoyou,
ofcourse.I’vecometodislikehotelsovertheyearsandIwanttohaveacomfortableplacetostaywhileIvisityou.”
“Idon’twantyoutovisitme.”
“Parentsdon’talwaysdowhattheirchildrenwantthemtodo,”Rolandsaid.
“Sometimestheyshowupunannouncedandnagyouaboutyoureatinghabits.AndIamabouttodojustthat.Havethetwoofyousetadateforyourwedding?”
“Don’tchangethesubject,”Igrowled.
“Blossom,Ipurchasedtheland.Youcan’treallypreventmefrombuildinganythingIwantonit.Butifitcausesyoudistress,Iwillbewilling
tostipulateitwon’tbemorethantwofloorsinheight.”
Yes,andeachfloorwouldbeahundredfeetinheight.“Nomorethanfifty-fivefeetinheightfortheentirebuilding.”
Rolandsmiled.“Verywell.”
Awaiterarrived,astockydark-hairedmaninhislatetwenties,bearingawideplatterwithdrinks,potato
skins,crunchyfriedonionrings,mozzarellasticks,andpretzelswithbeersauce,andhebegansettingthemonthetable.Apparentlymyfatherhadorderedtheentirestartermenu.
“NowthatI’veconcededthatpoint,thewedding.Whenareyougoingtostoplivinginsin?”
“Thisisrich,comingfromyou.I’msorry,how
manywivesdidyouhave?”“Recently,onlyone.”“Yes,andyoumurdered
her.”Thewaitervaliantly
clutchedontohisstackofsmallappetizerplates.
Rolandsighed.“Let’snottalkaboutthatagain.”
“Shewasmymother.”Thewaiternearlydropped
theonions.“Yes,andIlovedher
deeply.”Thewaitersetthelast
plateonthetableandpaused.“MayItakeyourorder?”
“Frenchfrieswithcheese,”Juliesaid.
“Idon’tcare,”Isaid.“Bringmesomemeat,”
Curransaid.Myfatherturnedtothe
waiter.“Thechild’sorderstands,withtheadditionofaShirleyTemple.Mydaughter
prefersBajatacos,shrimpsautéednotfried,holdtheonionandbringherablackberryicedteawithextralemon.Myfutureson-in-lawenjoyslamb,mediumrare,nopepper,bakedpotatowithbutterandsalt,nosourcream,andaNewcastleWerewolf,althoughhewillsettleforaBrownAleoraBlueMoon.I’lltakeabourbonsteakandaglassofred.”
Thewaiteralmostsalutedbeforetakingoff.
Myfatherhaduswatched.Notjustfollowed,butobservedthoroughlyenoughtoknowIpickedcookedonionsoutofmyfood.
“Nowifwecouldallstoppretendingtobelesserversionsofourselves,Ibelievethisconversationwillflowmucheasier.”Roland
dippedhispretzelintobeersauce.
“Okay.Howmanyspiesdoyouhaveinourterritory?”
“Enough.”Rolandsmiled.“Ican’thelpit.It’sthelotofaparent.Evenwhenourchildrendon’twantusintheirlives,wecan’thelpbutwatchfromafarandstandreadytoprotectandrenderaid.”
Watchfromafar...Interesting.
“Youdidn’tanswermyquestionaboutyourwedding.”
Ileanedback.“Whydoesitmattertoyou?”
“Considermeold-fashioned,”hesaid.“Peopletalk.Peopleaskwhenoriftherewillbeaformalunion.”
“Whoarethesepeople?”“D’Ambray,”Curransaid.“HowisthePreceptor?”I
asked.
“Ihaven’tseenhim.”Myfathershrugged.“Heistakingasortofasabbatical.Ajourneytofindhimself.”
“Wasthathisideaoryours?”Curranasked.
“Abitofboth.”Thewaiterappearedwith
ourdrinks,clearedtheemptyplates,andvanished.
Hughhadbeenexiledasapunishmentforhisfailure.“Andwhilehe’sonthis
sabbatical,youhavecompletedeniability.Youcan’tbeheldresponsibleforwhatevercrazycraphepullsoffwhilehe’sinexile.Howconvenient.”
“Itisratherconvenient,isn’tit?”Rolandsmiled.
Argh.“Yourcontinuous
insistenceonkeepingyouroptionsopeniscausingastir,”Rolandsaid.“Don’tget
mewrong,theelaborateplottingishighlyamusing,butthisJudeo-Christianagedoescomewithsomestricterconventions.It’sevidentinthelanguage.‘Livinginsin,’‘makeanhonestwoman,’‘shackingup’—theimplicationofthatlastone,ofcourse,beingthatyouaretoopoortogetmarriedandsomustliveinashack.Itisn’tamatterofmoney,bytheway,
isit?”“Stop,”Igrowled.“Iunderstandyou’vebeen
burningthroughyourreserves,”Rolandsaid.
Ohno.Hedidn’t.Currantookaswallowof
hisbeer.“Yourspieshavebeenfallingshort.Wedidn’tburnthroughourmoney.Weshiftedourcashreserveintorealestateholdings.Currencyfallsandbecomesdevalued,
butlandwillalwaysretainitsvalue.Theydon’tmakeanymoreofit.However,ifyoufindyourselfshortoncash,letusknow.Wecanliquidatesomeofourholdingsonshortnotice.”
Ha!Shotsfired.“I’llbesuretokeepitin
mind.Idon’tmeantonag.Isimplywanttowalkyoudowntheaisle,Kate.”
Becivil,becivil,be
civil...“No.”There.Good.“Whatifthereisachild?”
Rolandasked.“So?”Wherewashe
goingwiththis?“Youdon’twantyour
childrentobebastards,Kate.Itneverturnsoutwell.”
Iputmyheadonthetable.Itwasthatorphysicalviolence.
Thefoodarrived.IpickeduponeofmyBajatacosand
ateitoutofdesperation.Ineededfueltocontinuethisconversation.
“How’sschool?”RolandaskedJulie.
Allofmysenseswentintohighalert.
“Fine,”shesaid.“Thankyou.IjustgotanAonmyessayonDaniel.”
“DidyouusetheApocrypha?”Rolandasked,hisvoicemild.
“Ofcourse,”Juliesaid.TheApocrypha,a
collectionofancientwritingsthathadbeeneditedoutofthemodernBibleforvariousreasons,hadawholechapteronDaniel.TheancientDanielkickedalotofass,unlikehismodernversionthatstressedhumilityandpassiveresistance.ItwasentirelypossiblethatIwasreadingtoomuchintothis
conversation,butthewaytheyspokesuggestedthatthiswasn’ttheirfirstdiscussion.Juliehadsomeexplainingtodo.Andmyfatherhadtostopinsertinghimselfintomylife,orhewouldregretit.
“Yourgrandmotherisinpoorhealth,”Rolandsaidtome.
Who,what?Where?“Mygrandmotherisdead.”Andhermagic,trappedbetween
lifeanddeath,fueledthemadhouseofMishmar,myfather’sprison.
“Yourothergrandmother,”hesaid.
Ifroze.“Yourmother’smotheris
stillalive,”hesaid.“Barely.Sheiseighty-nineyearsold.Ivisithersometimesandsheisrapidlydeclining.”
“Doessheknowwhathappenedtoherdaughter?”
Rolandshookhishead.“Sheknowsshedied.”
Hekeptfindingwaystoavoidsayingmymother’sname.
“Shedoesknowaboutyou.Shedoesn’thavemuchtime.Ifyouwishtoknowmoreaboutyourmother,Icanarrangefortransportationsoyoucanspeakbeforethischanceislostforever.”
Myworldturnedupside
down.Ididn’tremembermymother.Notahintofherface,notawhisperofhervoice,notevenherscent.HewasdanglingbaitinfrontofmeandIwasn’tsureifIhatedhimmoreforusinghermemoryormyselfforconsideringsnappingitup.
“Whereisshe?”Iasked.“Seattle,”Rolandsaid.Thereitwas.Hewanted
togetmeoutofthecityand
awayfromtheifrit.He’dpickedahellofalure.Sure,hewouldarrangetransportationthere.Hesaidnothingaboutarrangingitforthetripback.
“Youcanbethereinthreedays,”hesaid.
InthreedaysEduardowouldbedead.Iwassureofit.
CurranglancedatmeandIsawawarninginhiseyes.
Yes.Iknow.Heistryingtodistractmeandgetmeoutoftown.Forsomereason,myfatherreallydidn’twantmedealingwiththedjinn,andthatwaspreciselywhyIhadtostay.
“I’msorry,butIhavetopass.”Thewordshurtcomingout.“IhavethingsIneedtodohere.”
“Kate,youwon’tgetanotherchance.”
“I’mnotgoingtotroubleanoldwomanwhohasneverseenmeinherfinaldays.Myplaceishere.IhavesomethingtodoandIcan’tleaveuntilIseeitthrough.”
“Verywell,”Rolandsaid.Notahintofdisappointment.Verynice,Dad.
Iwantedtojabhimwithmyfork.He’dusedmymother’smemorytomanipulateme.Hewould
regretit.“Besides,youknew
Kalinabest.”Iwatchedhimcloselyand
thecornersofhiseyestrembledwhenIsaidhername.Howdoesyourownbittermedicinetaste,Father?Haveanotherspoononme.“Whydon’tyoutellmeabouther?Youweretheretilltheend.Yousawthelightgooutofhereyes.”
Rolandtookaswallowofhiswine.
“Ifyouwishtoknowhowyourmotherdied,Iwilltellyou,Blossom.Askme.”
Walkaway.Walkaway,becausethatwayliedragons.
Screwthedragons.Ineededtoknow.“Tellmehowmymotherdied,Father.”
Hewaited.Wewerestabbingeach
otherandpretendingthatit
didn’thurt.Iwantedtosqueezethe
wordoutthroughmyteeth,butIwouldn’tgivehimthesatisfaction.Ittookallofmywilltomakeitsoundcasual.“Please.”
“ThereisasmallcaféinthesouthendofWolfTrap,”hesaid.“That’swhereIfirstsawyourmother.”
WolfTrap,Virginia,northwestofArlington,wasa
newtown,builtfromthegroundupbytheOrder.ThatwaswheretheKnightsoftheMercifulAidmadetheirheadquarters.MymotherhadworkedwiththeOrderforawhile.Andmyfatherhadvisitedit,walkingitsstreetsintheplainviewofdozensofknights,knowingtheywouldfalloverthemselvestryingtokillhimiftheyonlyknewwhohewas.
“Shesatatatablebyherselfreadingabookanddrinkingcoffeefromachippedwhitecup.”
Hisvoiceweavedaspell,filledwithlonging,love,andgrief.Iwantedtobelieveitwasfalse,butitfeltsogenuine.Soreal.
“Thesunshonethroughthewindowandherhairglowedlikethefinestgold.IsatathertableandIasked
herwhyshedidn’taskforanothercup.Shesaidthattherewasauniquebeautytotheimperfection.Noothercupwouldeverbechippedinquitethesameway.Itremindedhertopayattention,foreverymomentcouldofferanexperiencethatwouldleaveherforeverchanged.Whenshedecidedshewastiredofrunning,Ifoundherthereagain,inthatcafé,
sittingattheexactsametable.ItooktheotherchairandtoldherthatIlovedher.Itoldherthatshedidn’thavetorun,andthatifshewantedthemoonfromthesky,Iwouldreachout,pluckitfromheaven,andgiveittoher.Shetoldmethatyouwereabeautifulchild.Thatyouwereapartofherandapartofmeandyouwereperfect.Shetookmyhand,kissedmy
fingers,andsaid,‘Iloveyou.Don’tlookforher.’Thenshestabbedme.”
Thepaininhiseyespiercedme,stillaliveandvibrantafteralmostthirtyyears.
“Yourmotherknewthatyourexistencechallengedmypower.Shehadbetrayedmeforyoursake.Itwasn’taprivateevent.ShehadsubvertedmyWarlordand
turnedherbackonourunion.Thecoreofmypower,thoseclosesttome,knewaboutitandexpectedaction.Myprideandmyreigndemandedit.Abetrayalthatcutthatdeeprequiredpublicpunishment.Voronwasmerelyapawn.Youwereababeandborenoresponsibilityforwhathadoccurred.Thatleftonlyyourmother.Whenshedrovea
knifeintomyeye,Iknewshesacrificedherlifesoyouwouldlive.Ifshewasdead,thepublicdemandforrevengewouldbesatisfied.AndsoIhonoredherwishandkilledthewomanIlovedforachildIhadhelpedbringintotheworld.”
He’dlovedherstill,afterallthoseyears.Hemust’velovedhermorethananything,andhewasbothan
instrumentandacauseofherdeath.Ifhehadn’tlovedher,hewouldn’thaveagreedtomyconception.Hewouldn’thaveimbuedmewithhispowerandthenhewouldn’thavehadtotrytodestroywhathe’dcreatedoutoflove.Ihadtoldhimthatourfamilyweremonstersandhehadcorrectedme.Hesaidweweregreatandpowerfulmonsters.Butnoneofour
powermattered.Wewerestillcursed.
“Yourmotherlovedyoubeforeyouwereeverborn.Nothing,notevenmewithallofmypower,coulddiminishit.IwantedhermorethanIeverwantedanythinginallofmyyears.TothinkthatallthatIamwasundonebythesimplestandmostbasicofthings—amother’sloveforherchild.”
Hereachedouttomeandtouchedmyhand.ToolateIrealizedIhaddroppedmyshieldsandmymagichadfilledtheroom,plainforanyonewithagifttoseeit.
“Yourmagicisbeautiful,mydaughter,”theBuilderofTowerssaid,hiseyesluminescentwithpower.“Youshouldshowitmoreoften,foryouareperfect.”
•••
BYTHETIMEwewerealmostdonewithourplates,Julieannouncedthatshewascold.Curranofferedtotakehertothecartogetasweatshirt.Theygotupatthesametimeandwalkedout.Amomentlaterourwaiterappearedandplacedasmallplatewithasliceofchocolatecakeonitinfrontofme.
IlookedatRoland.Heshookhishead.“Notme.”
“Thegentlemanordereditonthewayout,”thewaitersaid,thenputacoffeeinfrontofRolandanddeparted.
Chocolatewasreallyexpensive.Islicedatinysliverofthecakewithmyforkandtastedit.Itmeltedonmytongue.Ihadtoeatthisveryslowlysoitwouldlast.
“Doyouthinkhereally
lovesyou?”myfatherasked.“Hedoes.”AndIhadto
changethesubjectbeforehestartedonthesecondroundoftheweddingconversation.“Father,whyisourmagicbouncingfromhumanspossessedbyanifrit?Isitbecauseofthegeographicalproximity?”Ohyes,thatwassmooth.Not.
“Whatdidyoutrytouse?”heasked.
“Apowerword.”“Iremembertryingthat.
Worstpainofmychildhood.Letmeteachyou.Thereissomuchyoudon’tknow,Blossom.Letmehelpyoumakesenseofit.Attheveryleast,letmekeepyoufrommakingrudimentarymistakes.”
“Youtriedit.”Islicedanotherbiteofthecake.
“Iwaseight.”
Oh.“AndIdiditbecauseI
wasspecificallytoldnotto.”Rolanddrankhiscoffee.“Iwantedtoknowwhatwouldhappen.”
ThatsoundedverymuchlikesomethingIwoulddo.
“Youarepartiallycorrect,theresistanceisduetothegeographicalproximityandamiscalculationonthepartofyourgreat-great-great-
great...”Hefrowned.“No,that’sright.Great-great-great-great-grandfather.Theifritwerethreateninghisborders,andhedecidedthatachildofmixedbloodwouldbeagreatidea,sohemarriedahalf-human,half-ifritwoman.Shewashisfortiethwife.Irememberbecauseitwasaniceroundnumber.Hebegatachild,adaughter,andasexpected,shehadpartial
immunitytotheifritmagicandwasfierceonthebattlefield.Shewasfardowninthelineofsuccession,sohehadn’tworriedabouther,andbythetimehedecidedtoworryaboutit,itwastoolate.Bararu,theShiningOne,theStaroftheValley,hadcutherwaythroughhisprogenytohisheartandtookhisthrone.Shewasyourgreat-great-great-grandmother.”
“Shekilledherbrothersandsistersandherfather?”
“Well,inallfairness,hedidexecutethemanshewantedtomarry.”
“Why?”“Hewastryingtocheck
herpower.Shewasbecomingtoopopularwiththearmy.”
Irestedmychinonmyfist.“That’saheartwarmingstory,Dad.”
“YoucalledmeDad.”
Rolandsmiled.“Iwouldn’treadtoomuch
intoit.Wereanyofourfamilymemberseverfamousfordoingsomethingnonviolent?”
“Yourgreat-great-grandfathercuredthePlagueoftheGodless.Itwasaveryvirulentstrainofinfluenzaanditthreatenedtowipeoutthehumanpopulationontheentirecontinent.”
“That’sgoodtoknow.”“Ofcourse,hefelt
obligatedtodoit,becauseyourgreat-great-grandunclehadunleasheditinthefirstplace.”
Ijuststaredathim.“Historyprovidesuswith
vitallessons,”Rolandsaid.“Forexample,IhavenoplanstomurderCurran.”
Hecouldn’tmurderCurran,notaslongasour
agreementheld.“Why,you’reafraidImighttakeyourthrone?”
“No,Idon’twanttheheartbreakofhavingtokillyou,Blossom.”
Mm-hm.“Heartbreak.”“Youdon’ttrustme,”he
said.“No.”Hesmiled,andIrealized
thatwaswhatparentalpridelookedlike.Hewasproud
becauseIhadenoughbrainstoanticipatethathecouldentrapme.Iwishedhe’dcomewithsomesortofsecretmanual,soIwouldknowhowtodealwithhim.
“Sohowshallwemoveforward?”heasked.
“Youcouldteachmehereandnow.Ineedtoknowabouttheifrits.”
Hepausedforthebriefestofmoments.Ittookhalfa
blink,butIwaswatchinghimverycarefully.Forsomereasonhereallydidn’twanttotellmeabouttheifrit.
“Verywell.Wemightaswellmakegooduseofthetimemyfutureson-in-lawissokindlyprovidingtous.AnsweroneofmyquestionsandIwillansweroneofyours.”
Nothingwaseversimple.“Okay.”
“WhenHughcametokillVoron,hefoundnosignofachildlivinginthehouse.Youhadgoneintothewoods,butwherewereyourbelongings?”
SoHughandRolandhadalongchatbeforethePreceptorwasexiled.“Hughdidn’tlookwellenough.Voronknewaclairvoyant.”HernamewasAnna,shewastheex-wifeofmydead
guardian,andshenolongerreturnedmycalls.“Ithinkhemust’vebeentoldtoexpectsomethingbadtohappenwhenhesentmeoutofthehouse,becausewheneverIwentintothewoods,Ipackedmyduffelbagandburieditunderthepinesonahillbehindthehouse.”
“Buttherehadtobeothersignsofyourexistence,”Rolandsaid.“Achild’slife
doesn’tsimplyfitintoonebag.”
“Minedid.Aweek’sworthofunderwearandsocks,twopairsofjeans,fiveT-shirts,asweater,andtwopairsofboots.Myknives,mybelt,andswordfitinthereaswell.Toothbrush,hairbrush,afavoritebook,andthatwasit.”IcouldpackitallintomybagintenminutesanditwasasifIhadneverexisted.
Rolandlookedatme,hisexpressionodd.
“Youmayaskafollow-upquestion,”Itoldhim.
“Toys,makeup,jewelry,dresses,cuteshoes,akitten,perhapsapuppy?”
Ilaughedathim.“Notevenapet.”Deep
regretreflectedinmyfather’seyes.Hewasactuallybotheredbythis.
“Petsteachchildren
empathy.Voronwastryingtoturnmeintoapsychopath.Besides,wewouldoftentakeoffwithoutwarning.Wecouldn’tbetieddown.”
“Achild’slifeshouldbefilledwithjoy.Itpainsmetoknowyoulivedlikethat.”
“Ifithadbeenuptoyou,Iwouldn’thavelivedatall.”
Rolandexhaled.“Myturn.”“Asagreed.Youmayask
onequestion.Thinkcarefully.Mostofthebattletogettherightanswerdependsonaskingtherightquestion.”
TherewassomuchIneededtoask.Onequestiondidn’tevenbegintocoverit.Ihadtoaskthemostimportantone.
“Ifanifritistrappedinanancientearring,whatwouldhehopetoachievebygrantingthreewishestothe
owneroftheearring,turningsaidownerintoagiantandrampagingthroughAtlanta,andthenrepeatingthisprocess?”
“Howdoyouknowit’sanifrit?”
“Isawhiminavision.”“Didhewearjewelry?”“Yes.Goldwithlarge
greenstones.”“Emeraldorperidot.So
wehaveasultan,then.”
Don’taskaquestion.Heonlysaidonequestionandtherehadtobeapriceforfailingtofollowtherules.“Onewouldthinkthatanifritsultanwouldweararuby,becauseit’sthecoloroffire.HumanslivingintheArabianPeninsulaprizeemeraldaboveallstonesbecauseit’sgreenandArabiaismostlyarid.Butdjinnarenothuman.”
Rolandleanedforward,aslylookinhiseyes.“Onewouldthinkthat.Thenonewouldbrushuponhergeologyandlearnthatthepurestperidotisfoundinharraat,thelavafieldsinthewestofSaudiArabia.Whenthevolcanoesinthewesterupted,theybroughtperidotswiththemfromthedepthsofthemagmachambers.Thedjinntreasurethesestones
becausetheywerebathedinthefierylifebloodoftheplanet.Onlythehighestranksoftheifritswearthem.”
Awaitercametorefillhiscoffee.
“Godcreatedmenfromclayanddjinnfromsmokelessfire,”Rolandsaid,oncethewaiterleft.“EvenpeoplenotversedintheQur’anknowthisline.Haveyoueverwonderedaboutthe
meaningbehindit?”“Peoplearemadeofclay.
WearetiedtotheEarthandsoil;ourmagicisitsmagic.Alsoclaysoilisalmostimpossibletoenchant.”
“Butyoucanenchantaclaypot.”
Ithoughtaboutit.“Buttomakeaclaypot,youhavetofirstaddwater,whichholdsenchantment,andthentreatitwithfire.”
“Precisely.”“Sodjinnhavealotmore
magicthanwedo.”“Notonlydotheyhavea
lotmoremagic,theyaremagic.Theyrequirealargeamountofitjusttosurvive.Adjinnabsorbsthemagicfromitsenvironment,storingitlikeabattery.Nowlet’stakeyourifrit,forinstance.Heisconfinedtoanearring,imprisoned,likelydrivenmad
bythethousandsofyearsofconfinement.Hewantsfreedombuthelacksthemagictobreakfreeandtoexistinourvolatileworld.”
“Theonlywayhecanmanifestisbypossessingahumanhost,”Isaid.“Igatheredasmuch.”
“Thegrantingofthethreewishesisanancientritual.Inreality,itsimplymakesthepossessionthatmucheasier;
toexpressawish,youmustfirstopenyourmindtothedjinnandthenaccepthismagic.Youhavetobelievethathecangrantanywish.Insteadofahostiletakeover,theprocessbecomesaseduction.Witheachwish,yourbodybecomesmoreandmorereceptiveuntilfinallyyourmindsubmitstothedjinncompletely.Somedjinncantakeoverahumanina
singlewish,butmostofthetimeittakesthree.Assoonastheifritpossessesabody,thereserveofthathuman’smagicbelongstohim.”
“Thatstilldoesn’texplainwhyheturnsthemintogiants.”
“Tworeasons.First,fromwhatIhavebeentold,heturnsthemintogiantsandthenattemptstotransformthemintoheatedmetal.Inmy
timethemostpowerfuloftheifritstransformedintoarmoredgiantsbeforethebattle.Thisstatealsopermittedthemtoabsorbalargeamountofmagicfromtheenvironment.”
“Soeverytimehemakesagiant,hegrowsstronger.”Imanagedtomakethatintoastatementratherthanaquestion,butthisonecametoocloseforcomfort.
“Hedoes.”Itwaslikejumpingona
trampoline.Thefirstbouncewaslow,thesecondhigher,thethirdhigherstill.Firstthedjinntookoversomeonewithonlyalittlebitofmagic,whichgavehimenoughpowertotakeoverLago,whohadmoremagic,whichinturnwouldgivehimenoughjuicetopossesssomeonewithyetabiggermagicalreserve.
SuchasaknightoftheOrder.Ireallyhopednot.“Youmentionedtworeasons.”
“Djinnarevindictivebynature,andofallofthem,theifritsarethemostlikelytoholdagrudge.Theyarecreaturesofenormouspride.Wrongthemonce,andtheywillhuntyouacrossanendlessdesertjusttowatchyoudie.Onceyoustrikeoutagainstone,hewillbeyour
enemyforlife.Ifyoufrustratehiseffortsinanyway,youwillfindthatout.”
“Idid.”Hesentabullmadeoffiretomyhouse.
“SoIhear.Whatwouldyouwantinhisplace?”
“Revengeagainstthosewhoimprisonedme.Buttheyarelongdead.”
“Bloodneverdies,Kate.Itgrowslikeatreethroughgenerations.Theifritscan
feeltheirown,especiallythoserelatedtotheirparticularclan.Lookforsomeonehehates.Heislikelygatheringmagictobecomepowerfulenoughtounleashhisrageuponthedescendantsofhiscaptors.Becauseheisanoble,hewillcalllesserdjinntohimtodohisbidding.Hewillidentifyhisvictims,andhewilltortureandmaimthemanddo
whateverhecantoextractmaximumsuffering.Theifritsarenotfondofgrantingaquickdeath.”
Eduardo,thebetrayer’sspawn.Hemust’vebeenadescendantoftheifrit’scaptors.Nowtheifritwastorturinghim.
“Oncehefinisheshisrevenge,hewillturnagainstthelessertargets.Hewillseektorulebecausethat’s
whathedidinlife.”Andwewouldbehis
targets.Wehadtoendthischainofpower-upsbeforeitwentanyfurther.
“You’veallowedmeonequestion.Iwillallowyouoneaswell,”hesaid.
“Whyisheusingtheghouls?”
“Becauseheisusedtoruling.Helikelythinksthatherequiresanarmytodohis
bidding,andthey,bytheirverynature,areeasyforhimtodominateforhim.Yourcakeisgettingwarm,”Rolandpointedout.
Thefountainofknowledgehadrundry.Ihadmorequestions.Iwantedtoaskaboutghoulsandaboutdefeatingtheifrit,butmytimewasup.Onequestionwasallhewouldanswer,soIsettleddowntoeattherestof
mycake.
•••
THEEVENINGWASdyingslowly,thesunbleedingitslifebloodontothehorizonwhenCurranpulledintoourdriveway.Wehadtakenashortdetour.Theanswermyfathergavemeatdinnermademerethinkourstalker,sowestoppedbytheaddress
theClerkhadgivenme.Derekhademergedfromtheshadowsaswehadpulledupandreportedthathehadn’tseenanyone.Wepickedhimup,Ileftashortnotebythedoor,heldinplacebyarock,andwewenthome.
Themagichadebbed.Technologyonceagaintooktheplanetinitsgrip.Atleastwe’dgetashortbreakfromtheifrit.
ThereweresomanythingsIhadwantedtoaskmyfather.Iwantedtoknowabouttheghouls.IwantedhimtotellmewhyhehadbrokenChristopher’smind.Iwantedtoknowmoreaboutmymother.Butthiswasaslipperyslope.
TherewasonepersonIcouldaskaboutallofthis.Troublewas,hewasn’talwaysreliable.
IsteppedoutoftheJeep.“Youokay?”Curran
askedme.“Yeah.I’mgoingtogo
talktoChristopherforalittlebit.Doyouthinkthenotewillwork?”
“Itcan’thurt.”IwalkedtoBarabas’s
house.Here’shopingChristopherwaslucid.
BarabasletmeinandwentbacktotheGuild
Manual.IfoundChristopheronthefloorofthedownstairslivingroom,sittingonarug,surroundedbyopenbooks.Hisfacelitupwhenhesawme,hiseyesclear.
“Mistress.”“Hi,Christopher.”Isaton
thecarpetoutsidehisbookfort.
“I’mgladyoudidn’tdie.”Hesmiled.
“I’mgladIdidn’t,too.
I’vecomeforadvice.”“Mymindisshattered,”
hesaid.“ButIwilltry.”“Whatdoyouknowabout
ghouls?”“Ghoulsarethefallen
djinn,”hesaid.“Fallenlikedemonsare
thefallenangels?”Heleanedback,shifting
hisweight.“Thedjinnarecreaturesofmagic.Theyrequireittosurvive.The
moremagic,themore...”Hestruggledforaword.
“Powerful?Larger?”“Evolved.Whentheylose
theirmagic,theybecomeghouls.Theyarefallen.”
Christopherheldhishandout,paralleltothefloor.“Ghoul.”Heraisedhishandupasfarashecould.“Marid.”
Inodded.Amaridwouldhavemuchmoremagicthana
ghoul.Christopherstruggled
withitforafewsecondsandbroughthishandstogetherintoaball.“OneS.TwoS.TwoP.ThreeS.”
AndIlosthim.“Idon’tfollow.”
Christopherfrowned.“OneS.”Hishandsmovedwider.“TwoS.TwoP.”
“Heistalkingabouttheelectronconfigurationofan
atom.”Barabascameoverwithapieceofpaperandapen,satnexttome,anddrewacircleonthepaper.“Thisisthenucleusofanatom,protonsandneutronsbunchedtogetherintoamass.Ithasapositivecharge.”
Hedrewacirclearounditandputadotonitlikeaplanetaroundastar.“Theelectronshaveanegativecharge.Theyhaveset
orbitals.”Hedrewanothercircle,wider,andthenanother.“Theseorbitalsareidentifiedbyscientificnotations.Thislowestoneis1s.Thisoneis2s.Thisbiggeroneis2p.Thefartherawaytheorbital,themoreelectronsitcanfit.Thefirstcanfittwo,thesecondcanfiteight,andsoon.”
“Okay.”Thiswaswayabovemypaygrade,butifI
couldlearncuneiform,Icouldlearnaboutelectronorbits.“Whatdoesithavetodowithdjinn?”
“I’mnotsure.”BarabaslookedatChristopher.
“Theelectronjumps.”Christophersaid.“It’sexcited.”
“Ah.Theelectroncanexistintwostates:theground,orlowestenergystate,andtheexcitedstate.To
makeitreallysimple,theelectronnaturallywantstostayatthelowestorbit.However,iftheelectronabsorbssomeenergy,itmight‘jump’tothenextorbit.I’mbunglingthisbadly,butit’sbeenalongtimesincecollegechemistry.Forexample,ifyouhaveaneonatom,ithasaconfigurationof1s22s22p6,ifIremembercorrectly.Ifwegiveitsomeenergy,by
shiningalightonitforexample,oneoftheseelectronsmight‘jump’toahigherorbitsuchas3sor3porsometimeseven5s.Thentheelectronemitstheenergyinaformoflightand‘falls’backtothegroundstate.”
“Djinn,”Christophersaidhelpfully.
“Soletmegetthisstraight.Aghoulisthegroundstateofthedjinn.The
lowestmagicalform.Then,iftheghoulsomehowgetssomemagicalenergy,itwillevolvetoahigher-orderdjinn,justlikeanexcitedelectronjumpingtothefartherorbit?”
“Yes.”Christophersmiled.“Itwillbewhatitstruenaturemeantittobe.”
“Butthenitwillrevertbackintoaghoulwhenthemagicrunsout?”Iasked.“Itwillfallagain?”
“No.”Christophershookhishead.“Higher-orbitdjinnmakemoremagic.”
“Doesthismakesensetoyou?”Barabasasked.
“Sortof.Wedon’treallyknowwhyghoulsareghouls.Butwedoknowfromfolklorethattheywererelativelyrareinancienttimes,whenmagicwasstrong.Theothertypesofdjinnwerementionedmore
frequently.Yetnowwehaveanabundanceofghoulsbutnodjinn.Wealsoknowthatsomedjinntendedtointerbreedwithhumans.Ifwesupposethataverysmallpercentageofthehumanpopulationcarriesthedjinngenessomewheredeepinside.Theyhavethedjinnbloodbutverylittlemagic.Itfollowsthatwiththeinfluxofamagicwave,theywould
transformintoghouls.Theirmagicistooweakforthemtobeanythingelse.That’sprobablywhywehaven’tfiguredoutwhatcausesghoulism.Thereisprobablysomesortofcatalystthatinitiatesthechange,butit’snotadisease.It’sageneticpredisposition.”
Christophersmiledatme.“Itwouldexplainwhy
theydevourcorpses,”
Barabassaid.“Humanremains,especiallyafterasupernaturalevent,havealotofresidualmagic.”
“They’reprobablyinstinctivelydriventoittotrytogetenoughmagictotransform.”
Barabasnodded.“But,ifIunderstandcorrectly,ifaghoulsomehowgotenoughmagictoevolveintoitstrueform,hewouldn’t‘fallback’
thewayanelectrondoes?”“No,becauseonceit’s
transformed,itwillgaintheabilitytoabsorbmoremagicfromitsenvironmentandwillbeabletosurvive.It’sgettingthempastthatthresholdthatistheproblem.”Sofarthiswasliningupwitheverythingmyfatherhadtoldmeaboutdjinn.“Christopher,couldmybloodgiveaghoulenoughenergytoevolve?”
Christopherponderedit,gotup,andbeganlookingthroughtheboxes.Aminutecrawledby,thenanother.Hepulledanoldbookout,flippedthroughit,andplaceditinfrontofme.Hmm.Alchemicalsymbols.LookedlikestandardRenaissancenonsense...Iflippedthepage.Acircle,withinthecirclethesymbolforether,atrianglepointingdown
imposedonthetrianglepointingup.Acreaturewrithedinthecenter,caughtinflames.Aboveitbloodpouredfromacupheldbyadisembodiedhand.Let’ssee,viridisflammae,greenflames.Blah-blah-blah...Spiritofbox,saltofvitriol...
Barabaswaslookingovermyshoulder.“Canyouunderstandanyofthis?”
“Yes,it’sbasicalchemy.Theyusedmethanolandboricacidtomaketrimethylborateandsetitonfire.Itburnsbrightgreen.”Aplantriedtocobbleitselftogetherinmyhead.Icouldactuallydothisifallelsefailed.
“Soyoudon’tknowaboutelectronsbutyouunderstandmedievalchemistry?”
“Electronsdon’thelpmesurvive.”Ismiledat
Christopher.“Thankyou,Christopher.Youweregreat.”
Hehuggedme.Itwassuchasimplewordlessgestureandsonotlikehim.Christopherdidn’tliketobetouched.He’dspenttoomuchtimeinHugh’scagestarvingslowlyinhisownfilth.Anyphysicalcontacthadtobeinitiatedverycarefully,butherehewashuggingme,soIheldstillandsmiledathim.
ForafewmomentswesatonthefloornexttoeachotherwithChristophergentlyhuggingmyshoulders.
Someoneknockedonthedoor.Barabasopenedit.Juliestoodinthedoorway.Herfacesaidshewasclearlyputuponandnoadultcouldeverunderstandthefullextentofhersuffering.
“MahoncametotalktoGeorge,butshewon’tlethim
inherbedroom,sotheyaretalkingthroughthedoor,”sherecitedinamonotonevoice.“CouldyoupleasecomehomebecauseLutherandsomeknightoftheOrderareheretoseeyouandCurrancan’ttalktothembecausehehastostandinthehallwayandmakesureMahonandGeorgedon’tbreakthedoordownandkilleachother.”
Whyme?
CHAPTER
I20
WALKEDINTOmyhousetoseetheknightandthewizardsittinginmykitchen,drinkingcoffee.IfyouaddedinJulie’sthievingskillsandmysword,wealmosthadanadventuringparty.
“It’stoobadwe’remissingacleric,”Isaid.
Theybothlookedatme
likeIhadgrownasecondhead.
Nevermind.“WhatcanIdoforyou,gentlemen?”
“TheearringisgoneandIcan’taccountforoneofmypeople,”Nicksaid.
Isatinthechairandrubbedmyface.Juliepositionedherselfonthecouchwithanotebookandseveralbooks.
“Goaheadandgetitoff
yourchest,”Luthersaid.“Itwillmakethingseasier.”
“Itoldyounottoleaveitwherepeoplehadaccesstoit.”
“Ididn’t.IputitintotheVault,intothewallcontainmentunit,untilanexpertfromWolf’sHeadcouldexamineit.”
TheVaultservedastheOrder’srepositoryofallthingsdangerousand
magical,buttoovaluabletosetonfire.
“Istheexpertmissing?”Nickdidn’tsayanything.
Great.“What’sdoneisdone.
Let’snotpointfingers,”Luthersaid.
“Thisisawasteoftime,”Nicksaid.
“Whydon’tyoulikeme?”Iasked.
Nickleanedback.His
hairwascroppedveryshortandhisfeatureslookedliketheywerecarvedfromgranite.“Icouldfilltheroomwithit,startingwithwhoyouareandwhatyoudid.”
Hehadtobereferringtotheclaimingofthecity.
“Ihadnochoice.”“No,thereisalwaysa
choice.”Lutherwasgivingusodd
looks.“ShouldIgiveyoutwo
sometime?”“No,”Itoldhim.“Igetit.
Youhaveaproblemwithme.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”
“Ihaven’tdecided.I’mcontemplatingkillingyou.”
“Knight-protector,”Luthersaid.
Nickgotpromoted.Hehadbeenacrusaderbefore.Hewaslikeascalpel:whenyouhadanastyboil,yousent
inacrusadertolanceit.Hegotthejobdone,cleanedupthemess,andmovedon.ThelasttimeIsawhim,hewasdeepundercoverpretendingtoserveHughd’Ambray.He’dspentyearsinfiltratingHugh’sIronDogs,andtheformerheadoftheOrder,TedMoynohan,blewhiscoverjustbeforehedied.AllofthethingsNickhadenduredwereuseless.Theexperiencehad
changedhim.ThemanIhadmetyearsagowasderangedbuthuman.Themaninfrontofmenowlookedlikehe’dpetrifiedfromtheoutsidein.AndnowhehadTed’sjob.WhothehellthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatoputNickinchargeofAtlanta’schapteroftheOrder?
Andnowhethreatenedmeinmyownhome,whereJuliecouldhear.
“Contemplateitallyouwant,”Isaid.“Whenyou’redonethinkingitover,goandgeteveryknightinyourchapter.Bringthemhereandthen,maybe,ifallofyoubigotedfanaticsworktogether,I’llthinkabouttakingyourthreatseriously.Untilthen,shutthehellup,becauseifyouthreatenmeinfrontofmykidagain,IwillfinishwhatHughstarted.”
SomethingslidunderNick’sskin,liketwogolfballsrollingdownhisarms.
“Okay,”Luthersaid.“Icanseethereisalotoftensionandsomeunresolvedissues.However,noneofthisishelpinguswiththeifrit.HehasescalatedinpowerandnowhehasaholdofaknightoftheOrder.Ihatetobeadowner,butthecitymaynotsurvivethenextmagicwave,
sowhydon’tweallputawayourangryfacesandtrytoactlikereasonableadults.”
TheintensitydieddowninNick’seyes.Whetherhelikeditornot,hehadadutytoAtlantaandsodidI.
“Youshouldapologizetothechild,”Luthersaidquietly.
“Sorry,”Nickcalledout.“That’sokay,”Juliesaid
withoutliftingherhead.“I’m
usedtoit.Justletmeknowifyou’regoingtofight,soIcangointoanotherroom.Ihaveapaperduetomorrow.”
Lutherturnedtome.“See?Heapologized.Whatdoyouhave?”
“Youfirst,”Isaid.Hereachedintohisbag
andplacedaphotographonthetable.Initabaldingmaninhismidfiftiessmiledatthecamera.
“JustinThomasRogers.”Icouldn’tresistrubbingNick’snoseinit.
Nickscowled.I’dhavetothankAscaniolater.
“Hewasanauctioneer.HisexacttitleisCertifiedEstateSpecialist.Whenastrangerdiesinthecity,Atlantahiresoneofthreefirmstoliquidatetheestate.RogersandAssociateswasoneofthem.Thelastsalehe
madewasonSaturday,Februarynineteenth.Hedidn’tshowuptoworkonMonday.”
“Whatwasthelastestatehesold?”Iasked.
“Twofamilies,whichcheckedout,andastatecase,”Nicksaid.“AnunidentifiedmanwalkedintotrafficinUnnamedSquareaweekago.Hehadanoteonhisbodythatsuggestedhe
arrivedbyboatintoSavannah.Theboatisnowgone.ThepaperssaiditcamefromNewYork,buttheNewYorkportshavenodocumentationofit.”
“Smugglers.”Nicknodded.“Ifweassumethatthe
earringpassedfromthatmantoRogers,thatmeanshehaditinhispossessionforoveraweek,”Isaid.“Hemust’ve
beenremarkablystrong-willed,becausethedjinnsubvertedLagoinforty-eighthours.”
“Rogerswasaconscientious,principledman,”Nicksaid.“Hedidalotofcharitablework.Hewasahardernuttocrackthanamerc.”
“ThetwoofyouareforgettingSamanthaBinek,”Luthersaid.“Theknightwho
ismissing.ThedjinnbrokethroughtheOrderconditioninginlessthanaday.Heisgettingstrongerwitheachhost.”
“TellmeaboutBinek,”Isaid.
Nickgrimaced.“Thirteenyearsin,knight-archivarius.Shewasn’toneofmine.ShecamedownfromWolf’sHeadspecificallytodetermineiftheearringcan
bemovedtotheHQvault.Shehadasterlingreputation.ShewentintotheVaulttoexamineit.Aknight-defenderescortedher.ThreehourslaterMaxinewenttocheckonthem.Binekhadactivatedoneoftheartifactsinthevault,incapacitatedtheknight,andtakenoff.”
“Whatdidsheuse?”Iasked.
“Anironmask.Hespent
twohoursthinkinghewastrappedinaslaveship.He’drippedhalfofhisnailsouttryingtobreakthroughthewalls.”
Knights-archivariuswerespecificallytrainedtohandledangerousmagicobjects.Thiswomanwould’vehadallofthetraining,shewould’veevaluatedhundredsofartifactsovertheyears,andshewould’vetakenevery
precaution.Thiswasn’tgood.Wehadtogettothedjinnbeforeshemadeherwishesandtransformed.Theamountofdestructionhecouldunleashwithherbodywouldbecatastrophic.
“Myturn,”Luthersaid.“Ianalyzedyourglasssample.It’ssandthathasbeencookedbyveryhighheat.Thesandcontainsconcretedust,soitwaslikelypartofabuilding,
andmagicallychargedalgae.Itdoesn’tlooklikealgaegotintotheconcreteandsandnaturally.Itappearsthealgaehasbeendeliberatelymixedintoit.”
“Algae?”Henodded.Thatwaswhatthosein
ourbusinesscalledaclueorpotentiallyagiftfromabove.HowmanybuildingsinAtlantacouldhavemagic
algaeinthem?Iwasbettingnotthatmany.IgotupanddialedRaphael’snumber.
“Yes?”hesaid.“It’sme.Ineedhelp.”“I’mhere,”hesaid.Iputhimonspeaker.“Is
thereanyreasonwhydebrisfromanoldbuildingmightcontainmagicalalgae?”
“LazarusBuilders,”Raphaelsaid.“AbouttwoyearsaftertheShift,when
theystartedseeingthefirstevidenceofmagic-inducederosion,abuilderfirmcameoutwithasurefirewaytoproofthebuildingsagainstthemagicwaves.”
Whenitcametomagic,therewasnosuchthingassurefireanything.
“Theyfoundthataparticulartypeofalgaehadthepotentialtoabsorbalotofmagicalenergy,sothey
mixeditintotheirconcrete.Initialtestssuggesteditwouldbemagic-resistant.Itworkedgreatforaboutfiveyears,andthenthefirstflarehit.”
Flareswerelikemagictsunamis—severaldaysofuninterrupted,ridiculouslystrongmagic.Itwasthetimewhengodscouldmanifest.
“Turnedoutthealgaewaslikeawaterballoon.Itwould
absorbsomemagic,butwhentheflareoverloadedit,itpopped.EverythingtheybuiltwithLazarusconcretefelleitherduringtheflareorwithinamonthafterit.ItwasoneofthebiggerscandalsinAtlantarealestate.”
“Howmanybuildingsarewetalkingabout?”
“That’sthebadnews.Theylicensedtherecipe.Theyevenmixeditinto
stuccoandclaimeditwouldmagic-proofresidentialconstruction.Lazaruswasthedarlingofthebusinesscommunitybackthen,becauseeveryonepanickedandrushedtohavenewmagic-proofcorporateheadquartersbuilt.BasicallyanythingbuiltbetweentheShiftandthefirstflarewillhavethatcrapinit.It’ssocommon,Idon’tevenhavea
separatefileonit.”Fatesucker-punchedme
inthefaceandthenlaughed.“Icangothroughallof
myfilesandpulleverysomewhatlargebuildingoutbydate,butitwilltakeawhile.Acoupleofdays.Doyouwantmyguystodothat?”
“No.”Eduardodidn’thaveacoupleofdaysandneitherdidthecity.“Thank
you,Raphael.”“You’rewelcome.Any
time,Kate.Imeanit.”“Deadend,”Luthersaid.
“Lovely.”“Thereissomethingelse
wecantry...”Someoneknockedonmy
frontdoor.Igotupandopenedit.Atallmanstoodinthedoorway,carryingabackpackonhisleftshoulder.Helookedolder,closeto
sixty.Heworedarktrousers,looseenoughtonotrestricthismovement,tuckedintotallboots,asweater,andagraycloakoverit,acommonoutfitforsomeoneonthestreetsofAtlanta.Hisshoulderswerestillbroadandhisposturestraight.Hemust’vebeenverystrongonce,butagehadstolensomeofhisbulk.Icouldtellbythewayhestoodthathecarried
atleastoneknifeunderthecloakandhewasreadytouseitatamoment’snotice.Linesmarkedhisoliveskin,buthisdarkeyesbehindroundglassesweresmartandsharp.Graysprinkledhisonce-darkhairandashortprecisebeardhuggedhisjaw.Heremindedmeofahumanversionofmyfather.
Julieleanedfromhercouch.“Mr.Amir-Moez?
Whatareyoudoinghere?”“Hello,Julie.”Hisvoice
wasquietandcalm.Iglancedather.“Doyou
knowthisman?”“ThisisMr.BahirAmir-
Moez,”Juliesaid.“HeteachesancienthistoryandIslamicstudiesatmyschool.”
Mr.Amir-Moezturnedtome.“Ifoundyournote.Iacceptyourhelp.”
Finallysomethinghad
goneright.“Honey!”Iyelled.“Yes?”Currancalled
down.“CanyoutellGeorgethat
Eduardo’sfatherishere?”
•••
THESEVENOFussataroundthekitchentable.GeorgewasglaringdaggersatBahir.Mahon,abigloomingshadow,occupiedthechair
nexttohisdaughter.Theyagreedtotabletheirdiscussionuntilwesortedthingsout.Bahir,asheaskedtobecalled,tookthechairnexttome.
“Howdidyouknow?”heaskedme.
“Weputittogether,”Itoldhim.“WefoundoutthatEduardowasborninAtlantaandthathismothermarriedhercurrenthusbandwhen
Eduardowassevenyearsold.Theifritreferredtohimasbetrayer’sspawn,whichsuggestedthatEduardo’sancestorsservedtheifritinsomecapacityandhemightbepartifrithimself.WealsoknewthatEduardoreactedviolentlywhenhesawyouandwalkedoffajob,despitebadlyneedingthemoney.Whenaskedwhy,hesaidhisreasonswerepersonal.We
foundthedaggeryougavehim,whichseemedinconsistentwithEduardo’sstanceonreligion.ThenthiseveningIhaddinnerwithmyfather.”
Nickburstintoacoughingfit.Igavehimamomenttocometotermswithit.
“Hesaidthatparentscan’thelpthemselvesand,givenachance,theywillwatchover
theirchildren.”“Itdoesseemrather
obviouswhenlaidoutlikethat,”Bahirsaid.
Hereachedintohisbackpack,pulledoutametalbox,andsetitonthetable.Palesilverlinesofkoftgaristoodout,thescripttiny,asifwrittenwithanenchantedpenontheblackenedsteel.TheAyatal-Kursi—theVerseoftheThrone,Surahal-Fatiha,
thelasttwoversesfromSuratal-Baqara,thefirstverseofSurahal-Imran,alargeportionofSuratal-Jinn...
“Howlongdidittakethesmiths?”Iasked.
“Ayear,”Bahiranswered.“Youknewtheifritwas
coming?”Lutherasked.Henodded.“Itstartedon
thedayEduardowasborn.Atfirstthereweredreams.Violentdisturbingdreams.
RimaandIhadbeenmarriedforthreeyears,wehadaninfantson,andIdidn’twanttojeopardizethem,soIsoughttreatment.Iwenttoapsychiatrist.Igotaprescriptionformedication,whichItookonschedule.Thedreamspersisted.Atfirsttheymadenosense;thengraduallythemeaningbegantoemerge.Somethingwascoming.Somethingwas
huntingme.Thevisionswerefullofdeath.
“Ihadmadeaconsciouschoicetorejectthevisions.We’ddiscoveredthatRimawasashapeshifterandshehadadifficulttimedealingwithit.Shewasawerebison,anuncommonbreed,andtoherknowledge,shehadneverbeenattackedbyashapeshifter.Neitherofherparentswereshapeshifters,
anditcausedagreatdealoftensionbetweenhermotherandfather.Herfatheraskedhertoundergoapaternitytest.Shewassodeeplyhurtbyit.Shesawitforwhatitwas—arejectionofalltheyearsherfatherhadbeenapartofherlife.Toheritdidn’tmatterifshewasorwasn’thisbiologicalchild.Shecutoffalltieswithherfamily.Sheneededme,soI
spentanotheryeartryingtoconvincemyselfthatIwassimplydisturbed.Myparentsweredead.Ihadnobodytoaskforguidance.”
Bahirsighed.“OnenightIwascominghomefromwork.Itwasdark.Anervouswomancameuptomeaskingfordirections.Shedrewaknifesheathedinfireandstabbedmewithit.Ididn’tdie.Thebladepassedthrough
meandwhenshewithdrewit,therewasnowound.Iwaswhole.Ialmostchokedhertodeathoutofsheerfear,butreasonprevailedandIlethergo.ShetoldmethatIwasanifrit,partoftheancientlinestretchingbackfromthetimelostinhistory,whensomeifrit,sensingthewaningofmagic,soughttomixtheirbloodlinewithhumansinanefforttopreserveit.Theifrits
cansensethoseofthesameclan.Shesaidtherewereotherslikemewhohadfeltmypresenceandsenthertotestme.”
“That’sahellofatest,”Isaid.
“Whatifyouhaddied?”Georgeasked.
“ThenIwouldn’thavebeenanifrit.”Bahirsmiled.“EventuallyImetsomeofmyclansmen.Theyhadthe
visionsaswellandtheywerefrightened.Iwastryingtofindsomeanswers.Ifoundonlylegendscobbledtogetherfromfragmentsofvisionsanddreams.Alongtimeagoapowerfulifritruledakingdomofdjinn.Wedon’tknowhisname.OneofmyclansmencalledhimShakush,theHammer,becausehisdreamsgavehimapoundingheadacheasifhis
skullwerebeingstruckbyahammer.Shakushhadmanywarriorsandprincesunderhiscommand.Onedayaholymanwhotrespassedinhisterritorywasbroughttohim.Theifritkingmockedtheholymanandorderedhimbeheaded.Astheholyman’sheadrolledoffhisshouldersontothefloor,hismouthopenedandhecursedtheifrittomadness.”
Sofarthiswasapaint-by-numbersfolkloriccautionarystory.Don’tbemeantorandomstrangersandthoseinneed.
“Eventuallytheifritkingwentmad,buthismagicwastoopotentandeventhecombinedmightofhiswarriorscouldn’tovercomeit.Theyfailedtokillhim.Sometimes,whenthepowerofyourenemyistoogreat,
theonlythingyoucandoiscontainit.Shakush’swarriorsconfinedhisessencetoanamulet.Nobodyknowswhattheydidwithit,butwhenitsurfacedinmydreams,itwasanearringontheearlobeofanoldwoman.Theperiodoftechnologyhadweakenedthesealonitandmagicwokethemadifrit.Atfirsthewasweak,hispoweramerewhisper.Ittookhimyearsto
corrupttheownersoftheearring,butwitheveryvictimhegrewalittlestronger.
“Oneofmyclansmenhadthegiftofprophecy.HecouldreachfurtherintohisdreamsthanIcould.HetoldmethatShakushwasdrivenbyvengeance.ThreeifritwarriorshadperformedthecontainmentritualandnowShakushwashuntingtheirdescendants,killingthemone
byone.Afterhewasdone,hewouldturnontherestoftheclanthathadbetrayedhim.Thatmeantthateventuallyhewouldmakehiswaytome.Ihaveseenmyancestor’sfaceinmydreams.Hewastheonewhofittedthelidontotheamulet.”
Iftheifritswereasvindictiveasmyfatherclaimed,therewouldbenoescapeandnoplacetohide.
Shakushwouldfindhim.“Didyourpeopleofferto
helpyou?”Curranasked.“Theywerenotwarriors.
Withinoursocietytherearecastes.Onlythosewithgreatermagicandaviolentnatureenterbattle.Myclansmenareartists,teachers,andtradesmen.Oneisalawyer,anotherisapediatricnurse.Thewomanwhostabbedmeisanelementary
schoolteacher.Theyhaddrawnstrawstoseewhowouldperformthetestandshepulledashortone.Shewasterrifiedoutofherwits,butShakushscaredhermore.InafightwithShakush,theywouldsimplybecomevictims.Hewoulddevourtheirmagic.Theyweresohappywhentheyfoundme.TheythoughtIwouldprotectthemfromthemadcreature
Shakushhadbecome.”Thatmust’vebeenso
terrible.Tothinkthatyouhadfinallyfoundtheanswersandhelpyouneeded,onlytorealizeeveryonewascountingonyoutosavethem.“Whatdidyoudo?”
Bahirleanedback.“Ihadtoprotectmyself.Ihadtoprotectmyson,soIbegantraining.Itrieddojosandmartialartsclubs,butit
wasn’ttherightkindoftraining.SoIaskedmyclansmenandtheyfinallyfoundamanwhowouldteachme.Hewasakiller,andthethingsIlearnedfromhimturnedmystomach.”
“Buttheyfeltright,”Nicksaid.
Bahirnodded.“Yes.Therewerenopointsandnosubmissionholds.”
“Andyourwife?”George
asked.“Ikeptmostofitfrom
her.Ididn’twanthertohavetocarrytheweightofknowingthatanunseenterriblecreaturewassearchingforherhusbandandherson.Itwasmyburden.Myclansmencouldn’thelpmefight,buttheyhelpedinotherways.Oneofthemwasasmith.Hemademyweapons.Therestdid
research.Wedugthroughfolkloreandhistoricalaccounts,whatlittletherewere.Finallythroughacombinationofmanyhoursofstudyandpropheticdreams,wecameonthedesignforabox.”
Henoddedattheboxonthetable.
“Itshouldcontaintheifrit,sealinghiminonceagain.”
“Should?”Mahonasked.“Shouldisascertainas
wecanbe.Aboxofthisdesignwasusedoncebyaholymantocontainanenrageddesertmarid.Ifitcanholdasandstorm,itshouldholdShakush.”
“Andyourwife?”Georgeasked.“I’mjusttryingtounderstandwhyyouwereneverinEduardo’slife.”
“Itwasn’tbychoice.The
breakingpointcamewhenahusbandofoneoftheteachersatthecollegewhereItaughtatthetimebroughtagunintothebuilding.Hewasadisturbedman.Shehadlefthimandhewastryingtohuntherdown.Itookhislife.Ithappenedveryquickly.Isawthegun.Hefiredather.Ireacted.”
Hisvoicesoundedflat.“Itwasalmostasifthedagger
hadtakenmeoveranddrivenitselfintohisbody.Icould’vedisarmedhim.Iknewhow.ButIdidn’t.”
Beingtrainedasanefficientkillerwasn’tenough.Youalsohadtolearntocontrolyourstressandyourfear,becomingsousedtoviolencethatyoucoulddetachyourselffromthetraumaofitandassessthelevelofviolencenecessaryto
respond.Whenthefight-or-flightresponsekickedin,MotherNatureshutoffourbrains.Itwasabiologicalsurvivalmechanism.Bythetimeourmindsprocessedthefullimpactofapredator’spresence,wewouldalreadyberunningforthenearesttree.
Bahirwasn’tanaturalpredator.Givenamomenttothink,heprobablywouldn’t
havekilledtheman,butinthepressurecookerofthemoment,hisbodysimplyreactedandhistrainingtookover.
“Ihadcommittedagreatsin,”Bahirsaid.
“Whoeverkillsasoulunlessforasoulorforcorruptionintheland—itisasifhehadslainmankindentirely,”Luthersaidquietly.
“Yes.”Bahirnodded.
TheQur’anhadmanydifferentverses,somepointingtowar,somepointingtopeace,butthefifthchapterofitwasclearonthesubjectofmurder.Humanlifewasprecious.
“Iwenttothemanwhotaughtmeandaskedhimwhythishadhappened.HesaidIwastooold.Istartedtoolate.Irealizedthatmysonhadtobeabetterfighterthanme.
Eduardowassixatthetime,soItookhimtobetrained.WhenRimafoundout,shewasfuriouswithme.Shewantedanexplanation,soItoldhereverything.Ihadplannedouthowtotellher,anditsoundedreasonableinmyhead,butwhenitcametotheactualexplanation,everythingwentwrong.Itwasajumbledmess.Imust’vesoundedlikeaman
deepinthethroesofapsychoticbreak,ravingaboutmurder,holymen,andvengefulifrits.Ihadbeguntobuildtheboxbythen,soIbroughtitout.Itwasplainsteelthen.”
Nitishhadsaidtheinsideofitwasbone.“Whatisunderthesteel?”Iasked.
“Myfather’sskull.”Okay,then.“Thelidismadeofmy
mother’sbones.”Shametwistedhisface.“Idesecratedtheirgravestomakeit.Theybothcarriedifritblood.Itestedtheirbonesforitandthemagicinthemwillhelpcontainhim.”
Yeah,ifIwerehiswifeandhehadunloadedallofthisonmeatonce,Iwouldbelessthanthrilled.
“Rimawashorrified.Sheaskedmetocheckmyself
intoahospital.Irefused.Sheaskedmetostopexposingoursontoviolence.Itoldherthatviolencewouldfindhimonewayoranother.Atleastwecouldpreparehim.ShethoughtIwasmentallyill.”
Hesighed.“Mywifeisagentlesoft-spokenwoman,butwhenitconcernsourson,sheisfierce.ThenextdayIwenttoworkandwhenIcamehome,shewasgone.I
foundhertwoweekslater.ShehadtraveledtoOklahomaandjoinedawerebuffalocommunity.Itriedtoreasonwithher.IstayedaslongasIcould,butitbecamecleartomethatshewouldn’tchangehermind.”
“Werebisonareherdcreatures,”Curransaid.“Andtheyhaveachipontheirshoulder.Onceshejoinedthem,theywouldprotecther
againstallpredators.”Bahirnodded.“Yes.It
becameclearthatIwouldhavetomurderallofthemtogettoherorEduardo.Ilovedmywifeandson,butIcouldn’tbringmyselftocommitmoreviolenceandevenifIhad,whatwoulditresolve?Ileftandwentaboutmylife,trainingandhopingthatgrowingupamongshapeshifters,mysonwould
learnenoughtoprotecthimselfwhenthetimecame.Meanwhilemywiferemarried.Herhusbandadoptedmyson.ShesentmeEduardo’sreportcards,andhewaslistedonlyasEduardoOrtego.Itgavemehopethathewouldbedifficulttofind.Itwasafalsehope,butIheldontoit.”
“Whatishisfullname?”Georgeasked.
“EduardoBassamAmir-Moez.Hewasnamedafterhisgrandfathers.”Bahirsighed.“Thevisionshaddieddown,andforalmostadecadeIhadbarelyseenanydreams.Then,ayearago,theystartedagain,morevividthanbefore.Shakushwasgrowinginpowerwitheachnewvictimandcomingcloser.Hehadfollowedthefootstepsofmyfamily.
“Overtheyears,asIwatchedtheatrocitieshecommitted,Iunderstoodthatthisisbiggerthanmeormyson.Allahdoesn’tchargeasoulwithmorethanapersoncanbear.I’mmeanttodothis.Thisisthepurposeofmylife.IfShakushcontinuesunchecked,hewillbecomeaplagueonthisworld,andIwon’tletithappen.Butthesmithwhohadhelpedme
died,soIhadtoturntoNitishtohavetheboxfinished.Iwaspreparingmyselfforthefinalbattle.AndthenIsawmysonandIrealizedthatitallhadcomefullcircle.Itriedtotalktohim,buthewouldn’tlistentome,soIwatchedhim,hopingtobetherewhenShakushstruck.Itriedtogivehimaweaponthatwouldofferatleastsomeslightadvantage.Imissedthe
attack.”Hehaddraggedthis
weightforwardfordecadesalone.Itwasamiracleithadn’tbrokenhim.
“Whydidn’tyoucometotheOrder?”Nickasked,hisfacedark.
“WhatwouldItellyou?ThatIhadvisionsofdistantpeoplemurdered?ThatIwaspartifrit?YourOrderisn’tknownforitskindness
towardanyonetheydeemanaberration.”
“TheOrderispeople,”Nicksaid.“Peoplechange.”
“Perhaps,”Bahirsaid.“Whataboutthe
draconoidcorpse?”Julieaskedfromthecouch.
“ItwasoneofShakush’screatures.Ihadafearthatmyswordwouldpassthroughitjustlikethedaggerhadpassedthroughmewhenmy
peopletestedmeforthefirsttime.IwantedtomakesurethatmybladeworkedsoIcoulduseitonShakushnext.”
“Talktomeaboutthebox,”Luthersaid.“Itisclearlysomesortoftransdimensionalcontainmentunit.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Mahonasked.
“Itisanobjectthatexists
asonethinginourrealityandsomethingelseinadifferentrealm.Itleadstoaplacethatisattachedtoourplaneofexistencebutisalsooutsideit.”
“LikethemistsoftheCelticgods,”Isaid.
“Yes.Thatmeansthatsomeonehastoactivateaportaltothatotherplace,holditopen,andthencloseitoncethedjinnisdepositedintothe
box.”LutherturnedtoBahir.Bahirnodded.“Thereisa
ritual.Imemorizedit.Theboxmustrestontheground—itwon’tworkonthesecondfloor,forexample—andImustdrawacomplexcircleandwritesacredversesaroundit.ThenIwillopentheportalwithmybloodandholditopen.Oncetheearringisplacedintothebox,ifeverythingisdonecorrectly,I
willbecomeaconduitandbanishit.Theproblemisgettingtheearringintothebox.Someonemustmurderthehumanhostandphysicallytaketheearringandcarryittome.Theboxcannotbemovedonceit’spositioned.”
“Thatwillbereallydifficult,”Luthersaid.
Thankyou,CaptainObvious.Shakushwoulddo
everythinginhispowertokeepfrombeingputintothebox.EvenifwebroughttheentirechapteroftheOrderandmanagedtoprytheearringfromthecurrenthost,whoevertoucheditwouldbecomeShakush’starget.Hecouldgothroughtheknightsonebyone.Ugh.
“Wewillhelp,”Mahonsaidintothesuddensilence.
Georgestartled.“Dad?”
Heputhisarmaroundhershoulders.“Idon’tcarehowpowerfulheis.Nobodytouchesmyfutureson-in-law.”
“Aslongasyoustayawayfromtheearring,”Curransaid.
Mahonlookedathim.“He’sworriedaboutthe
wishesyouwouldmake,”Itoldhim.“Wishone,CurranistheBeastLord.Wishtwo,
GeorgeishisConsort.Wishthree,youturnintoanevenbiggerbear.”
Georgestaredatme,horrified.
“Youthinksolittleofme?”Mahonsaid.“Thatreallyhurts.”
Hesoundedgenuinelyupset.Ohno.Ihadhurtmystepfather-in-law’sfeelings.
“Westilldon’tknowwhereShakushis,”Nicksaid.
“Canyousensehim?”Bahirshookhishead.“Iknowsomeonewho
can,”Isaid.Iwouldprobablygostraighttohellforthis,buttherewasnochoice.WehadtosaveEduardoandthecity.
“Youcan’tuseMitchell,”Luthersaid.“First,it’sunethical.Second,it’scruel.Third,hewasmycolleagueandit’samatterofbasichumandecency.He’sa
ghoul,forcryingoutloud.”“Whatifhewereno
longeraghoul?”Iasked.Lutheropenedhismouth
andpaused.“Areyouthinkingofsettinghimonfireagain?”
“Wasthatwhatitlookedlike?”
“Yes.Iwasconcerned,actually.”
“Thenyes.Somethinglikethat.”
“Ihaveamoralobligationtosafeguardhim,”Luthersaid.“Theanswerisno.”
“Whydon’tweaskMitchellwhathewantstodo?”Isaid.“Ifhesaysno,I’llwalkaway.Ifhevolunteers,you’llhelpme.”
“Helpyoudowhatexactly?”Nickasked.
Explainingitwastoolongandcomplicated.“Youwillsee.Bahir?”
“Yes?”“Whyhaven’tyouturned
intoaghoul?”Bahirblinked.“WasI
supposedto?”Ghoulsweredjinn
withoutenoughmagictoassumetheirtrueforms.Hemust’vehadenoughmagic.
“Canyoutransformintoanifrit?”
Bahirsmiled.“Notalltheway.”
Thatexplainedit.Healreadyhadenoughmagic,sohebypassedtheghoulstage.
“Okay.”Curranleanedforward,anunmistakablenoteofcommandinhisvoice.Suddenlyalloftheattentionfocusedonhim.“Weneedtolimitthis.Themorepeople,themorepotentialpossessiontargetsforthedjinn.Itwillbeme,Kate,Bahir,Mahon,George.”
HeglancedatMahon.“Anybodyelse?”
“I’lltalktothefamily,”Mahonsaid.
“Me!”Julievolunteered.“No,”CurranandIsaidat
thesametime.“But...”“Youjustgotaunited
parentalno,”Luthersaid.“Staydown,you’velostthefight.”
“Iwillgo.”Derekstepped
outoftheshadowsinthehallway.
Curranthoughtaboutit.Derekwaited.“Okay,”Curransaid
finally.“Whoelse?”“Iwillcome,”Luther
said.“Withthecaveatthatifthedjinnpossessesme,oneofyouwillkillme.Mymagicreserveistoogreat.”
CurranlookedatNick.“Sixknights,”Nicksaid.
“Includingme.”“Thatshouldbeenough,”
Curransaid.MahonandNickroseat
thesametime,headingforthephone.Iwentupstairstogetdressed.
CHAPTER
C21
URRANPULLEDINTOtheparkinglotinfrontof
theBiohazardbuilding,followingLuther’struck.Derekstirredinthebackseat.Hehadbeensoquietandstill,Ialmostforgothewasthere.
TherewasamomentonthedrivewhenIwonderedifitwasevernotgoingtobe
likethis.ButthenIdecidedIwascrazy.Itwouldalwaysbelikethis,ridingtocertaindeatheveryfewmonths,tryingtoprotectpeoplewewouldnevermeet.Somepeoplepainted.Somepeoplebaked.Wedidthis,whateverthehellitwas.Ijustdidn’twanttodie.Ididn’twantCurrantodie.IwantedtosaveEduardo.
Iwantedtheretobea
stretchofnormal,ifnotforafewmonths,thenatleastforafewweeks.
Themagicranthicktonight.WarmwindbathedmeasIsteppedoutofthecar.Achangewasintheair.
Adarkshadowslidacrossthestarsaboveandajet-blackwingedhorseflewthroughtheair,circlingtheyard.Arabianhorseswerenevermyfavorites.Theywereloyal
toafaultandwouldrunthemselvestodeathfortherightrider,buttheywereabithigh-strungformytaste.Butthishorsewasperfect,fromthevelvetcoatandsilkymanetothetaperedhoovesofherelegantlegs.Vastwings,blackasmidnight,spreadfromhershoulders.Sheglidedontheaircurrents,agracefulcreatureoflegendcometolife.EvenMahon
watched,halfwayoutofhiscar.
IcaughtaglimpseofCurranoutofthecornerofmyeyeashemovedtostandnexttome.Wewatchedthehorsegentlylandonthepavement,Bahironherback.
“Doyoueverwishitwerejustnormal?”Iaskedhimquietly.
“Yes.Butthenwewouldneverseethingslikethis.”
Bahirdismounted,lightonhisfeet.
“Wheredidyoufindher?”Iasked.
Bahirpettedthehorse’smuzzle.“Ididn’t.Amalfoundme.”
Heclickedhistongueather.Amalshookherself.Herwingsvanished.
Atlantawasgettingstrangerandstrangerbytheday.
“Comeon,”Luthercalled.Wefollowedhimintothebuilding,upthestairs,tothefarendofalonghallway,wherebigdoubledoorsstoodwideopen.Alargeroomspreadbeforeus,devoidoffurniture.Thefloorwascoveredwithchalkboardpaint.Bronzebraziersstoodbythewallsfilledwithcoalsreadytobelit.Thathadtobetheincantationroom.
Inthemiddleoftheroom,inaprotectivecircledrawnonthefloorwithchalk,Mitchelllayinasmallheap.Theglyphsaroundthewardglowedweakly—thespellpackedonehellofawallop.Shredsoffabriclitteredtheflooraroundtheghoul.Awomansatinachairbythewall,readingabook.
“Blood,”Curransaid.IglancedatLuther.
“Wetriedputtinghimintoastraitjacketsohewouldn’thurthimself.”Luthersighed.“Hekeepstryingtocrackhisskullagainstthefloor.”
“Whathappensduringtech?”Nickasked.
“Barscomeoutofthefloor,”Luthersaid.“They’redownnowtokeephimfromthrowinghimselfagainstthemetal.”
Iapproachedthecircle.
“Mitchell.”Mitchellgaveno
indicationheheardorsmelledme.
“Hewon’trespond,”Luthersaid.“Itried.”
“Itriedscreamingawhileago,”thewomansaid.“He’sgonesomewheredeepinsidehishead.”
Iglancedatthelinesofthecircle.Itwasdesignedtokeepmagicin,notout.Hmm.
Ihadneverdoneitbefore,butitworkedformyfather.
Ipulledmymagictome.Itcameeagerandreadylikeanobedientpet.Igathereditallaroundme,packingittight,andletitfuelmyvoice,reachingtoMitchellwithmypower.
“Mitchell.”Lutherstartled.“Jesus,
Daniels.”Theghouluncoiled,
raisinghisdeformedhead,androlledtohisfeet.Iwalkedalongtheboundaryofthecircle.Theghoulturnedslowly,movingtofaceme.UpcloseIcouldseesmearsofbloodonthepaintinsidethecircle.
“You...”theghoulwhispered.
“Canyousensetheifrit?Ishecallingyounow?”
“Yessss.”
“Doyouknowwhatyouare?”Iasked.
“Yessss...”Heduckedhishead,buthisgazeboreintome.“Iamflame.Iamsmokelessfire.This”—hestretchedhisarmstome—“ismyprison.Killme.”
Ikneltononeknee.Heleanedinascloseastheboundaryofthecirclewouldallow.Amerethreeinchesseparatedus.
“Icanmakeyouwhole,”Iwhispered.“Butthereisaprice.”
“I’llpay.”“Stop,”Nicksaid.“She’ll
promiseyoutheworldandthenshewillmakeyouherslave.Shecan’thelpit.It’sinherblood.”
“Wait,whatisthistalkofwhole-making?”Lutherwavedhisarms.“What’sgoingon?”
Mitchell’sgazeneverwavered.“Iwouldratherbeaslavethanbethis.”
“IfImakeyouwhole,youmusthelpmefighttheifrit,”Itoldhim.“Canyoufindhimonceyouarewhole?”
“Yes.”“Oncefinished,youwill
makeyourhomehere,inLuther’scustody.YouwillservetheBiohazardDivisionforfiveyears.”Thatoughtto
givethemenoughtimetofigureoutwhattodowithhim.
“Yes.”“Swearonthefirethat
burnsinyou.”Theghoulopenedhis
mouth.“Iswear.”Irose,pulledthebookout
ofmybackpack,andthrustitatLuther.“I’llneedthesesupplies.”
Hescannedthepages.
“Whatisthis?”“We’regoingtoevolve
Mitchelltohisproperstate.”“Oh,okay.Wait,what?”
•••
THECOALSHADbeenlit.Ifinisheddrawingthealchemicalsignfortheetherandwasaboutdonewiththesymbols.Mitchellsatwithinthetwotriangles.Justoutside
thetwotriangles,ahalf-gallonbeakerofclearliquid,trimethylborate,waitedonatablenexttomatchesandasmallvialofmyblood.Ihaddrawnitbeforeweleftthehouse.
AgaggleofLuther’scolleaguesgatheredintheroom.Ihadwalkedhimthroughthedjinnground-statetheoryandhehadexplainedittothem.The
reactionsweremixedtosaytheleast.Voicesfloatedtome.
“Youdorealizethatifthisworks,we’vefoundacureforghoulism.”
“Yes,butthecureisworsethanthedisease.Wecan’trunaroundthecountrysideturningghoulsintodjinn.”
“Technicallytheyarealreadydjinn.”
“That’sbesidethepoint.”“Wehavenoideawhat
theyarecapableof.”“What’sinthevial?”“Areyousayingwe
shouldn’tdoit?”Lutherasked.
“No,”awomansaid.“I’msayingthatit’sillegal,dangerous,andpossiblyunethical,butweshoulddefinitelydoit.”
“Yes,whatMargosaid.”
“Thisisaonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunity.”
“Justasanexperiment.”Mages.“Howdoyoufeelabout
herdoingthis?”ThathadtobeMahon.Thatlow-pitchedgrowlcouldonlycomefromhim.
“Weleteachotherbewhoweare,”Curransaid.“Idon’thavetolikeallofthethingsshehastodo.Ilove
her.”Iloveyou,too.Justkeep
thisinmindafteryouseewhatIamgoingtodo.
Idrewthefinalcirclearoundtheglyphs.Wardscameinallvarietiesandthisonewasn’tacontainment;ratheritfunctionedlikeamirror,focusinganymagicenteringthewardonthecreaturewithinit.
Mitchelllookedupatme.
“Hurry.”Ipickedupthebeakerof
thetrimethylborateandpoureditoverhim,saturatingthetriangleonthefloor.
“Shedoesknowit’sflammable,right?”someoneasked.
Ipickedupthevialofmybloodandpulledoutthecork.
“DrinkthiswhenIsay.”Hestretchedhisclawed
handstome.
“Thereisstilltimetostepback,”Itoldhim.
Mitchelltookthevialwithhisclaws.
Istruckamatch.“Now.”Hegulpedtheblood.Ilet
thematchfallintotheward.Emerald-greenflamessurgedup.Mitchellspunaroundthrashing,hisskinblistering,screaming.Ifocusedmymagiconhimandfeltthemagicamplifyit.Myblood
burnedthroughhim,slidingdownhisthroat,deepintothepitofhisstomach,andawakenedaweaksparkoffire.Ireachedforit,asitbathedinmyblood,andwhisperedapowerword.
“Amehe.”Obey.Theshockofittoreatmy
mind.Agonyrippedthroughme.Theworldturnedhazy.Ifoughtit,tryingtokeepholdontheflameinsideMitchell’s
body.IfIletmygripslip,itwouldbeallover.
BehindmeCurransnarled.Yes,Iusedapowerword.Sueme.
Thehazemelted.Istaggered,butDoolittle’srepairstomybrainmust’veheld,becauseIwasstillme.
Mitchellwasstillscreaming.Hisskinsloughedoff,hisrawfleshhissinginthefire.
Ipulledandtheflameresponded,bendingtomywill.Ifannedit,funnelingmymagicintoit.Mitchellcollapsedintoaball.
“He’sdying!”someonesnappedbehindme.
Grow.Likeblowingonafledglingfire,tryingtohelpitgrowhotter.
“Thiswasreallyill-advised...”
Grow,Icajoled,pouring
magicintoit.Grow.“Shush!”Patricesaid.Thegreenflameswent
out,suckedintoMitchell’sbody.
Grow!Thetinyflameexploded,
turningintoawhite-hotblaze.Mitchellsurgedtohisfeet.Brightorangefireeruptedfromhismouthandeyesandwashedoverhim,consuminghisflesh.Iletgo.Hisbody
convulsed,jerkinglikeamarionetteonastring.Thefirespunintoawhirlwindandwithinitanewbodywastakingshape,large,quadrupedal,andmuscled.
Theflamesvanished,absorbedintothenewskin.Astrangefurrybeaststoodbeforemeonfourclawedfeet,hisheadafullfoothigherthanmine.Brightredanddappledwithblack
rosettes,hisbodywasalmostcanine,leanandpowerfullikethatofaDoberman.Alongthickhorsemaneofjet-blackhairranalonghisspine.Alongleoninetailcoiledaroundhislegs.Twinhornscrownedhishead,curvingforwardonthesidesofhisleanface,readytogore.HisfeatureswereunlikeanythingIhadeverseen.Hislongnarrowjaws,studdedwith
sharpperfectfangs,hintedatawolfandanalligatoratthesametime,whilehiseyes,largeandbrightorangewithdarkovalpupils,mademethinkofapredatorycat.
ThethingthatusedtobeMitchellshookhishead,sendinghismaneflying.Heraisedhishead,openedhismouth,andcriedout.Hisvoicewasn’taroarorasnarl,itwasmelodiousandhigh,
liketheshriekofabirdflyinghighthroughtheclouds.
“Holycrap,”someonesaidbehindme.
Mitchellleanedforward,hiseyesevenwithmine.Hisdeadlyjawsunhinged,showinghisfangsandtheblacktongueinsidehismouth.
Don’tflinch,don’tflinch.“Hello,Mitchell.”
“Thenamenolonger
fits.”“Doyouwantadifferent
one?”“Yes.Nameme,human.”Makeitgood.“Iname
youAdib,aftertheWolfStarintheConstellationofDraco.”
“Iacceptmyname.Ioweyouadebt.”
“Yes.”Helungedatme.Itwas
sofast,Iwasinmidairbefore
Irealizedhe’dtossedmeontohisback.Ilandedastrideandgrabbedontohismane.
Curransurgedforward.“I’mokay,”Isaid.“Ipaymydebts.”Theifrit
houndraisedhismassivehead.“Icanhearthemadman’svoice.Followme.”
Hedashedoutthedoor,scatteringthemages.Iclenchedhismaneandtriednottofalloff.
•••
TRAVELINGBYMYSTICALifrithoundsoundedcoolintheoryandentirelyplausible,sincehewasthesizeofasmallishhorse.Buthorsesweretrainedtocarryhumans,whileifrithoundswerenot.Ittookeverymuscleinmybodytostayonhisback.Heranthroughthestreets,leapingoverobstructions,
dodgingoccasionalcars,andpanickinghorses.
ThreeminutesintoourraceCurrandrewevenwithus,ahugegraybeastthatwasneitherlionnorhuman,designedspecificallyforrunning.ThatwasCurran’sspecialpower—hemoldedhisbodyatwilltowhateverpurposesuitedhim.He’dchasedmedownmorethanonceinthisshape.Afew
momentslaterDerekcaughtupwithus.Hewasstillinhishumanform.Aboveashadowswoopedacrossthestarsandpulledahead.Theifritwasfast,butbeatingawingedhorserequiredawholeotherkindoffast.Abluesparkflared,illuminatingthehorseandrider.Bahirmust’vecarriedafeylantern.Heflewaboveuslikeabeacon.HopefullyMahon,Luther,
andtheknightswouldseehim.
Magicscouredme.WehadcrossedtheinvisibleboundaryintoUnicornLane.Ofcourse.Whywoulditbeanywhereelse?UnicornLanecutthroughthecenterofthecity,asifsomeenormousinvisibleenemydrewadaggerandstabbeddeepintotheveryheartofdowntownAtlanta,andnowmagic
geyseredoutfromthewound.Normalrulesdidn’tapplyhere.Thiswasaplaceofpredatorsandpreywhereplantsattackedyou,mosswaspoisonous,andglowingeyestrackedyoureverymove.
Themagicchurnedandboiledaroundmeaswedartedamongthedarkruinsofonce-mightyskyscrapers.Adibturnedleft,leapedovertheremnantsofagutted
building,andshotoutofUnicornLanerunningnorthwestalongthecrumblingColierRoad.Well,thatwasunexpected.
ColierRoad,asimpletwo-lanestreet,onceranthroughresidentialneighborhoods,butasUnicornLanegrew,itswallowedtheroad’ssouthernend,andColierbecameastreetthatled
nowhere.Duringmagicwaves,creatureshidinginUnicornLaneventuredoutinsearchofmeatandblood,andtheroadnicelyfunneledthemdirectlytotheirpreyasleepinbeautifulcolonialhouses.Anyonewithacrumbofbrainsmoved,andovertheyears,theresidentialneighborhoodsonceliningColierbecamedeserted.Abandonedhousestracked
ourprogresswithdarkwindows.
Theifritkeptrunning.Alargeruinloomedontheleft.Anoldsignflashedby,bentandgrimy.PIEDMONTHOSPITAL.That’sright.TheoriginalhospitalcomplexstoodsoclosetoUnicornLanethatpartofithadcollapsedintheShift.NotrealizingthefullimpactofUnicornLane’sexistence,the
cityhadrebuiltitafewmilesdowntheroad,butthen,astheresidentialneighborhoodswithered,sodidthehospital,andiftheyhadbuiltitwiththatalgae,thefirstflarewould’vefinishedit.
Theifrithoundturned,followingtheroad.Yearsagothisplacemust’vebeenbeautifullylandscaped,butnowthetreesandbrushwereinfullrevolt,fillingthe
artificiallycurvedlawns.Astonesignblinkedbywithsomearrowsonit,andAdibpunchedthroughthewallofgreenintotheemptyparkinglot.Theoldhospitalcrouchedinthegloom.Atleastthreestoriesofitwerestillstanding,andthelampssupportingfeylanternsstillglowedweakly,tryingtocombatthedarknessoftheparkinglot.Adibhaltedin
frontoftheemergencyroomentranceunderaconcreteroof.Theridewasover.Thankyou,Universe.
“Wewaitfortheothers,”Isaid,andslidoffhisback.Mythighswerekillingme.
Wewerealone.CurranandDerekmust’vefallenback.
Adibturnedaround,raisedhishead,andinhaleddeeply.“Iwillscoutahead.”
“Wait...”Theifrithounddashed
throughthebrokendoorofthehospitalandvanishedintothegloom.Damnit.
Isatontheground.Mybodyachedasifsomeonehadworkedmeoverwithasackofbricks.
Derekleapedthroughthegreeneryandrantome.
“WhereisCurran?”Iasked.
“Hehadtodoubleback.Thevehiclesandhorsescouldn’tgetthroughtheUnicorn,andthebearsareslow.”
Yeah,IbetMahonwasjustlovingthisrace.
“He’shelpingtolift...”Derekpaused.“Somethingiscoming.”
Ireachedformysword.Thesoundofhoofbeats
echoedthroughtheempty
parkinglot.Acreaturewalkedintoourviewontheleftandhaltedunderalamppost.Itstoodsixfeettall,thelinesofitslean,almostfragilebodyreminiscentofagazelle,butitsneckandpowerfulchestwasallhorse.Palesandyfursheatheditsflanks,stripedwithdarkercinnamon-brown.Asinglefoot-longhornprotrudedfromitsforehead,
narrowandsharplikethebladeofasaber.Longdarkstainsstretchedacrossitsfacefromitseyes,asifithadbeencrying.Crap.
Thecreatureresumeditsslowgait,headingforus,thelinesofitsbodymesmerizing.
“Isthataunicorn?”Derekasked.
Thecreaturepassedunderanotherlamp.Adarkredstainmarkeditshorn.Crap,
crap,crap.“No,it’snot.”Irosefrom
theground.“That’sashadhavar.APersianunicorn.”
“Itakeitthey’renotnice.”
“No.”Derekstoodup.Thetreesandbushes
rustled.Moreshadhavaremergedfromthebrush.Asmallfoalonourright
shoulderedhiswaypasthismother.Hewascarryingaseveredhumanarm,stillinthesleeve,inhisteeth.One,two,three,seven,twelve...Toomany.
“Arewefighting?”Derekasked.
“No,we’regoingtobesensibleandwaitforbackup.”Wehadmuchbiggerfishtofry.Runningintoaherdofcarnivorous
unicornswouldbeverybraveandridiculouslystupid.Whyriskgettingahornthroughyoursideandbeingtakenoutofthefightwhentherewerereinforcementsaroundthecorner?
Alargeshadhavarpawedthegroundwithhishoof.
Derekglancedattheconcreteroofaboveourheads.“I’llboostyou.”
“Go.”
Hegrabbedmebythewaistandhurledmeup.Icaughttheedgeoftheroofandpulledmyselfupontoit.Theshadhavarcharged.
Derekleapedup,bouncedoffthebuilding,anddroppedbymyside.
Theshadhavarreared,baringlongtriangularteethatus,yellowagainsttheirblood-redgums.Thatwasasightenoughtogiveyou
nightmares.“Yes,yes,keepsmiling.”
Noworries.Ourbackupwascoming.
Thewingedhorsecircledaboveus.
Iglancedup.“Whenwe’refighting,keepaneyeonhimforme,please.”
“Sure,”Dereksaid.“Why?”
“Somepeoplearenaturalkillers.Curranisone.Iam,as
well.Heisn’t.Bahiriswhathappenswhenyouforcemurderonadecent,kindhumanbeing.Heisfierceandhe’llkillifhehasto,becausehethinksit’shisduty,buthedoesn’thaveenoughexperiencetomakecalculateddecisions.Hemaytrytosacrificehimselfforourgreatergood.”
“Pot,kettle,”Dereksaid.“Isacrificedmyselfafter
I’veweighedallofouroptionsandrealizedthereisnootherchoice.Hemaynotseealloftheoptions.Hehastakenalife,andtheguiltisgnawingathim.Hemayseehissacrificeasatonement.Iwanthimtosurvivethis,ifwecanmakeithappen.HeandEduardodeservetohaveaconversation.”
ThewingedhorseswoopedlowandBahir
jumpedontotheroof.Amalbeatherincrediblewings,soaredaboveus,andlandedonthecrumblingwallofthebuilding.
“Doyouneedassistance?”Bahirasked.
“We’llwaitforthevehiclestogethere,”Itoldhim.
“Oh.InthatcaseIwillwaitwithyou.”
Hesatbyme.
“Doyouknowmysonwell?”
“Iknowthatheishonestandbrave.Hedoesn’thesitatetoputhimselfbetweenhisfriendsanddanger.HeisdevotedtoGeorgeandheworkedverylonghourshopingtobuildafamilywithher.I’mproudtocallhimafriend.”
Bahirremainedsilent.“Didyouspeakwith
George?”Iasked.“Yes.Shesaidshesaw
himburning.Shakushistorturingmyson.”
“Wesawhimburningduringoneoftheifrit’sattacks.Idon’tknowifitwasrealoranotherillusion.”
“Doyouthinkmysonisstillalive?”heasked.
Hewaslookingforreassurance.SadlyIhadnone.
“Isawhiminavision,”Isaid.“Hewasinacagestarving.Hewasn’tinthebestshape,butIthinkhe’salivebecausetheifritiswaitingforyou.”
“He’swaitingtokillmysoninfrontofme,”Bahirsaid.
“Yes.”Bahirsighed.“Ifyou
comeintopossessionoftheearring,youneedtoknow
whattoexpect.Theifritwillseduceyou.Themomentyoutouchhisprison,heburrowsintoyoursoul,tearsitopen,andfeedsonyourgreatestfear.Ifyouareafraidofgrowingold,hewillofferyouyouth.Ifyouthinkyourselfugly,hewillpromiseyoubeauty.Hewillmovemountainsandresurrectthedead,andifhelacksthepowertodoit,hewilltrick
yourmindintothinkinghehasdoneit.Witheverywish,youwillsurrenderapartofyoursoultohimandhewilllieandbetrayyouuntilhepossessesyoucompletely.”
“Sohowdowefightthat?”Derekasked.
“Youmustrejectthedjinn.”
“Easiersaidthandone,”Isaid.
“Yes.Butthereareforces
withinoursoulthataregreaterthanhe.Loyalty.Duty.Love.Honor.Ifyouarenotsure,itisn’ttoolatetoturnback.”
Ismiled.“I’llstay,butthankyouforthepeptalk.”
“Youhavealife.”“Sodoyouandyourson.
Eduardoismyfriend.Irefusetolethimdieinacage.”
“Yes,butfewpeoplewouldriskcertaindeathfora
friend.”“I’mdoingitoutof
selfishreasons,”Itoldhim.“Ifwefailtostoptheifrit,he’llcomeaftermyfamilynext.Wefrustratedhimafewtimesandhe’sanarrogantsonovabitchwhohateslosing.”
Bahirdidn’tlookentirelyconvinced.
Adistantroarofenchantedwaterengines
announcedthatthecavalrywascoming.
“It’swhattheydo,”Dereksaid.“Don’taskherwhy.Justtakethehelp.Youwon’tgetbetter.”
Thankyou,boywonder.“Ifwesurvivethis,”Bahir
said,“andyouneedsomething,anythingatall,callonme.”
“Youmaycometoregretthatoffer.”
“Anythingatall,”Bahirsaid.
Thefirstvehicletorethroughthegreenery,alargeblackSUVwithametalgrateshieldingtheradiator.IcaughtaglimpseofMartha,George’smother,behindthewheel.Shewasaplumpmiddle-agedAfricanAmericanwomanwithawealthofcurlyhair.Ihadonlyspokenwithherafew
times.SheusuallyknittedduringPackCouncilmeetings,andifourgazeshappenedtocross,shesmiled.Shewasn’tsmilingrightnow.Shesawusontheroof,sawthegatheringofshadhavar,andflooredit.TheSUVplowedintotheherd.Somemanagedtodashaside,butatleastthreecrashedtotheground.Marthathrewthevehicleintoreverseand
rolledoverthethrashingbodies.
Holycrap.Threemorevehicles
followedthefirst,bulldozingtheherddown.Marthapoppedherdooropenandsteppedout.Ashadhavartriedtoramher.Shegrabbeditshornandslappeditupsidethehead.Theshadavarmoanedandcollapsed,itsfeetjerking.Ontheotherside
Georgeexitedthevehicle,grabbedthenearestshadhavarbythehead,twisteditoffitsfeet,andstomped.DearGod.
Thevehiclesdisgorgedshapeshifters.ItlookedlikeGeorge’sentireextendedfamilyhadshownup.
“Ifitmoves,killit,”Marthacalledout.“Idon’twanttohearanythingbutusbreathinginthisparkinglot!”
Iheldmyarmoutto
Derek.“Pinchme.”Hereachedover.“Ow.”“She’sthealphaofClan
Heavy,”hesaid.“Marthaisreallynicebutonlyuntilsomeonetriestoscrewwithherfamily.”
CHAPTER
B22
YTHETIMECurranandMahonarrived,together
withsixknightsoftheOrder,andLuther,Patrice,andanotherBiohazardmagewhosenameIhadn’tcaught,theparkinglotwasfilledwithshadhavarbodies.ClanHeavysustainednocasualties.
“Youmissedtheslaughter,”Ireported.
Currangrimaced.“Youmissedmecarryinghorsesovertherubble.”
Curranandhorsesdidn’tgetalong.Hethoughttheywereunpredictableanduntrustworthy,andtheythoughthewasawerelion.
IwaiteduntilMahonwasoutofearshot.“Whydidn’tyoutellmeMarthawasa
terminatorindisguise?”Hesmiled.“ShewasAunt
B’sbestfriend.Ithoughtyou’dfigureitoutsoonerorlater.Whereisyourride?”
“Hewentintothehospitaltoscout.”
“Thenweshouldfollow.”Ittookaboutthirty
secondstogathereveryone.Wewentthroughthedoorssinglefile:Derekfirst,trackingAdib’sscent;Curran
andme;thenBahir,leadingAmalgently;theknights;themages,protectedfromallsidesbecausetheysquishedeasily;andfinallyClanHeavy.Georgewalkedbetweenherparents.SheandMarthaworeidenticalpinchedexpressions.Mahonwasclearlyinthedoghouse.
WepassedthroughthedesertedhallwayoftheER,thenthroughthedoorway,its
doorslyingonthefloor.Alightglowedahead,inthegapofacrumblingwall.Derekmovedtowardit.Wefollowed.
Avastgardenunrolledbeforeus.Lushflowersbloomedamongthegreenery.Pondsofferedcrystal-clearwater,reflectingthedelicatepetalsofpink,white,andlavenderlotuses.Palmsrustledoverhead,over
curvingpathsofgoldensand.Isteppedthroughthegap.
Inthedistance,reigningoverthesplendor,apalacerose.Itwasn’ttheglowingwhiteperfectionandslimminaretsoftheTajMahal,withitsarchedbalconiesoritsgoldencupolas.Instead,aforestofcolossalcolumnsstoodamongthegreenery,theirlengthpaintedabrilliantred.Eachcolumnterminatedina
carvedtexturedpedestalofvivid,almostturquoise,blue,uponwhichagoldenanimalstatuesnarledatthegarden,itsheadandbodysupportingthesharprectangularblueroof,decoratedwithatexturedparapetofgoldenspikes.Thiswasanancientpalace,conceivedinthetimewhendyeswereprized,heightwasawe-inspiring,andeleganceandsubtletywere
faultsratherthanvirtues.Itmeanttocommunicatetruepower—thepowertomakecountlesshumanbeingstoilalloftheirlivesasslavestoraisethosecolumnstotheirdizzyingheight.Ithityoursenseslikeahammer.Ihatedit.
Howmuchpowermustithavetakentocreatethisoutofnothing?
Nexttome,Curran
squaredhisshoulders.Thepalacewasachallengethrownatunseenopponents.Comeandtakeitifyoudare.Curranwrinkledhislip,hiseyesgold.Hedared.
IelbowedCurran.“Hey,whenIsaidbluewouldbeniceforthedownstairs,Ididn’tmeanthatkindofblue.”
“Maybeit’shisaceinahole,”hesaid,hisfacedark.
“Thirtysecondsinthatpalaceandwe’llgoblind.”
“Ithastobeatleastthreemileswide,”Nicksaidnexttome.“Howthehellishefoldingitintothisbuilding?
“Themadmanlies.”Adibemergedfromthebushesandstoppedmidwayinthepond.
“Theflowershavenoscent,”Dereksaid.“Ismelldustandafewotherthings,butnoneofthis.”
Icrouchedbythepondandscoopedsomewater.Icouldseeitinmyhand,butIfeltnothing.Therewasnosubstance.
“Theknight-archivariusmust’vewishedforthisplace,”Luthersaid.“Butthedjinndidn’thaveenoughpower,sohegaveheranillusion.”
Bahirreachedintothescabbardonhiswaistand
unsheathedablade.Itwasabeautifulsword,almoststraight,single-edged,withaportionofthebladenearthetip,abouttenincheslong,curvedforaviciousstrike.Bahircuthisarm.Bloodrandownhisbladeandburstintoflame.Heraisedtheflamingswordlikeatorch.Hisskingainedadarkergoldenhue.Hiseyesturnedredliketwoglowingembers.Thegarden
partedbeforehim,melting.Apathopened,aboutafootacross,thegroundnotsomegoldensand,butthetypicaldirtandrocksfoundinAtlanta.
“Leadtheway,”Currantoldhim.
WefollowedBahirtowardthepalace.
•••
THEJOURNEYTOthepalaceshould’vetakenonlyfifteenminutes,butittooktwiceaslong.Wewentovertheplanagain.Curranhadcomeupwiththestrategy,andhisplansusuallyworked.Gettingeveryonetosticktoitwasanothermatterentirely.IhadaskedNickifhe’dbroughtanymoreoftheGalahadwarheads,towhichheaskedmejusthowmanyoftheten-
thousand-dollarwarheadsIthoughthewasauthorizedfor.Itoldhimthatbrevitywasavirtueand“no”would’vebeenjustfineasaresponse,andthenLutherhadtogiveushis“savethecityandstopbickering”speech.
Graduallydirtbecamesand,flowersgainedaroma,andmoisturesaturatedtheair.Abouttenfeetfromtheredpalacesteps,theillusion
evolvedintoreality.Istoppedtodrawsomeblood.Icould’veprobablydoneitearlier,butIdidn’twanttotakechanceswithitspotency.Wepassedbetweenthecolossalcolumnsintoashadowedhall,ourstepsloudonthepolishedstone.Athronestoodattheendofthehall,amassivecarvedchairofstone,paintedwithgarishabandon.Awomanof
incrediblebeautysatonthethrone.Herdarkhair,arrangedinartfulspiralwaves,fellonherdiaphanousgownofpalegoldandblue.Goldchainswovethroughherhair,anecklaceofblood-redrubiesrestedaroundherneck,andasinglelargeearring,itssimplicityjarringandoutofplace,decoratedherleftear.Ablackpanthersatbyherthrone,andthe
womanstrokedthebeast’sheadwithherlongfingernails.Ohboy.IhadwalkedintoanoldSinbadmovie.Toobadthemonsterswouldn’tbeClaymation.
Menstoodbehindthethrone,brandishingswords.Someweredarkskinned,somelighter,someclothed,othersmostlynude,buteachwasaperfect,handsomemalespecimen.Ididaquickhead
count.Atleastforty.Shehadherownprivatearmyofmalemodels.
Ireachedforwardwithmymagicandmetthefamiliarresistance.Thatwasahellofalotofmagicanditwaswrappedaroundherlikeashield.Usingpowerwordsdirectlyagainstherwouldbeoutofthequestion.Attackingherrightnowwasoutofthequestion,too.
“She’sshielded,”Luthersaidbehindme.
“Whathesaid,”Iconfirmed.“Thedjinnispouringeverydropofhispowerintoprotectingher.Wedon’thaveenoughfirepowertobreakthroughit.Wehavetogethertotransformsoshe’llstopshieldingandstartattacking.”
“Thatmeansshe’dhavetomakeawish,”Luther
pointedout.“Ifshewishesfortheceilingtocrushus,thereisn’tmuchwecandoaboutthat.”
“Theifritisanoldpower,”Isaid.“They’renotcomplicatedandtheyrespondwelltodrama.Theifritwillwanttobreakushimselfandseeussuffer.Weneedtonudgehertowardafight.”
Bahirpulledthehoodofhiscloakoverhisface.“Two-
thirdsofherbelongstothedjinn.Leaveittome.”
“NotuntilItalktoher,”Nicksaid.“SheisaknightoftheOrder.”
IglancedatCurran.Heshrugged.WecouldwaitacoupleofextraminutesinourrushtodietomakesureNick’sconsciencewasclear.
“Remember,hewillcoverherinmetal,”Curransaid.“Thefasterwehit,the
better.”“Canyourswordslice
throughmetal?”afemaleknightaskedme.
“We’llfindout,”Itoldher.I’dhadjustaboutenoughofgiants.IhadasurpriseforthedjinnandIcouldn’twaittoshowitoff.
Wereachedthethrone.Thewomangazedatus.Flamesrolledoverhereyesanddieddown.
“Youshouldfireyourinteriordecorator,”Itoldher.Icouldn’thelpmyself.
Thewomangavenoindicationsheheardme.That’sthetroublewithancientpowers—nosenseofhumor.
“Thisisnice,”Nicksaid,steppingforward.“Youhadyourfun,Sam.Timetocomehome.”
“Iamhome,”thewoman
said,hervoicerollingthroughthecavernoushall.
“Thisisn’tyou.Thisisnotwhatwedo,”Nicksaid.“YouhaveajobandadutytotheOrder.Yousworeanoath.”
“Thisisme,”shesaid.“Ispentyearsexaminingobjectsofpowerandresistingtheircall.Nowit’smyturn.I’veearnedthis.Iamworthy.”
Shesoundeddistant,the
emotioninhervoicemuted,asifshe’dbeensedated.Right.Samanthawasgone.
“Whathappenswhenthemagicends?”Iasked,slippingthebackpackoffmyshoulder.Ihadbroughtthelastofmyundeadbloodsupplyforthis.Here’shopingitwouldbeenough.
“Themagicwillneverendhere,”shesaid.“Allofthepleasuresaremineinthis
place.Forever.Butyoudon’tbelonghere.Thisplaceisformealone.LeaveandIwillspareyou.”
“Hey,bitch,”Georgesteppedforward,hervoicesharp.“WhereisEduardo?”
Samanthastaredather,hereyesunblinking.
TheskinonNick’sarmsburstopen.TwogreenwhipsshotoutofhisarmsandbouncedoffSamantha’s
magicshield.TheformerknightoftheOrderopenedhermouth.Herteethdidn’tbelonginahumanjaw.Sherolledherheadbackandlaughed.
“Laughallyouwant.”Bahirdrewbackhishood.
“You!”Samanthahissed.Thedjinnhadtohavefelthispresence,butseeinghimmust’vepushedtheifritovertheedge.
“Ilive,creature.Iamhere.I’vecometoreclaimmyson.”
ThemagicaroundSamanthasurgedup,twistingintoaninvisibletornado.Herfaceturneddark,hereyesglowingliketwoembers.
“Youhavenopowertodefeatme!”Bahirscreamed.
Samanthashrieked,hervoiceslashingmyears.“Iwishforthepowertodestroy
myenemies!”Windslammedintome,
hurlingmebackward.Iflew,fell,andslidacrossthefloorandrolledtomyfeet.TomyleftDerekcaughtBahirinmidairandsethimonthefloor.
Onthethrone,caughtinthefunnelofamagicaltornado,Samantha’sbodygrew.Herlegsthickened,herspinereachedup,herarms
grewmassiveliketreetrunks.Herlipsdrewback,exposingaforestofteeth;herearslengthened;hereyespivotedinherskull,turningintopoolsoforangefire.Theceilingpartedaboveher,revealingacagesuspendedbyathickchain.InthecageEduardograbbedthebarsandrecoiled.Helookedlikeaghost.
Samantharaisedher
enormousarmstothesky,herblackclawsglowingattheirtips,andbellowed.
Thegaggleofmenbehindhershivered,morphed,andapackofleoninecreaturessnarledinunison,spreadingmassiveleatherywings.Manticores.Shit.
“ClanHeavy,”Curranroared.“Takeoutthemanticores.”
Thewerebearswentfurry.
Themanticorescharged,screamingandglidingabovethefloor.
“Takeyourplaces.”Curran’svoicecutthroughthesnarlsandgrowls.“Remembertheplan.”
Plan.Right.Idashedtowardthe
giantess.Amanticoreswipedatmefromabove.Idodgedtotheside.Theclawsscrapedmyscalpandthena
thousand-poundpolarbearleapedaboveme,rammingintothemanticore.Theyrolledacrossthefloor,snarling.Ikeptrunning.
Samantha’senormousfeetloomedbeforeme.Amanticorecrashedintome.Itsclawspinnedmyrightarmtothefloor,piercingmybicep.Thehugeuglymawgapedoverme,tryingtoswallowmyentirehead.Istabbedmy
throwingknifeintothesideofitsneck,freedtheblade,andstabbeditagain.Hotbloodspurtedoverme.
Suddenly,themanticorevanished,jerkedaside.IrolledupandsawAdibbitethroughthebeast’sneckwithhisjaws.Firedasheddownhismane.Hisclawsglowedandbrightsparksfelloffhisfurrysides.
Iranforthegiantess.On
theotherside,threeknightsweremovingtogether,tryingtogetinposition.
IpulledthesmallvialofmybloodoutofmypocketasIsprinted.Thesecondgianthadhealedhisinjuries.Thisonewouldhealevenfaster,andIprobablyhadonlysecondsbeforetheifritregeneratedherbody,sothismaneuverhadtobedonefast.Iwouldn’tgetasecond
chance.Ablackviscousliquid
coatedSamantha’sskin,emergingfromherporeslikesweat.Aslightlysweetodorsaturatedtheair.Thedjinnhadcoveredherincrudeoiltokeepusfromclimbingher.Thesonovabitchwaslearning,butnotfastenough.
IdrewSarrat.Ahugefootroseaboveme,itssoleglowing-hot,thefirsthintof
metalforminginlongscalesovertheskin.IdashedtothesideandspunaboutasshestompedandcrushedthevialofmybloodontoSarrat’sblade.Mymagicsparked,reactingtothesaber’smagic,formingasecondedge,crimsonandunnaturallysharp.
Aboveme,Bahirscreamed.“Faceme!”
Amalswoopeddownat
thegiantess’sface,likeahawk,andheslicedhercheekwithhisburningblade.IcaughtaglimpseofGeorgeclimbingupthecolumntowardEduardo’scage.
ThegiantessswattedatBahir,tryingtograbhimwithherclawedfingers,forgettingIwaseventhere.
Thankyou,Bahir.Ichargedforwardandslashedacrossthebackofthe
giantess’sleg.ThecrimsonedgeslicedthroughthethinfledglingmetalandSarratcutintothespringymassoftissuejustabovetheheel,severingit.Bye-bye,Achillestendon.
Thegiantessbellowedandkickedatmewithhernow-uselessleg.IjumpedasfarrightasIcouldandinstantlyknewitwasn’tfarenough.Currancaughtmein
midair,theforceofhisleaptakingustosafety.Thefootmissedusbyinches.Hisfeettouchedtheground.Hetwistedandthrewmebacktowardthegiantess.We’dpracticedthismoveinourmorningsparring,andtheconditioningtookover.Ilandedonmyfeet,sprinted,andslicedthesecondtendon.
Thegiantscreamed,herroarpunchingmyeardrums.I
backedaway.Fortyyardsaway
Curran’sbodyboiled,turningleonine,ashetriedtobuildupmass.NexttohimMahonroared,ahugeKodiak.
Samanthafoughttostayupright;spun,reeling,asheranklesrefusedtosupportherweight;andsawmebackingup.Shit.Shewasfacingthewrongway.Iftheyhithernow,theywouldfail.Ihadto
gethertoturnherbacktothem.
“Isthatallyou’vegot,weakling?”Iranaroundher.Sheturnedtowardme,swaying.
Thelionandthebearsurgedforward,breakingintoarun.
Samantha’smouthopened,thunderclapped,andaglowingtorrentofmagictoretowardme.Therewasno
placetogo.Ithrewmyarmsup.Themagicsmashedintome.
Itdidn’thurt.Itfeltlikeanelasticwall
hadformedbetweenmeandthetorrentofpower.Themagichitit,theimpactknockedmebackafewfeet,butitdidn’thurt.
Thegiantessreeled,clutchingatherhead,offbalance.
Ha!Theresistanceworkedbothways.Paybackisabitch.
Theknightsclosedinonbothsides.
CurranandMahonsmashedintothebackofthegiantess’sknees.Theimpactoftheircombinedweightprovedtoomuchforherinjuredlegs.Shedroppedtoherknees.Herpalmstouchedthefloor.
Curran’sbodytwisted,flowingintowarriorform.
Theknightsrushedtoher.Fourofthemthrusthugelancesintothebackofherhands,tryingtopinher.Nick’sfleshruptured.Twinwhips,greenandtextured,liketheshootsofsomemagictrees,shotoutofhimandwrappedaboutherneck.Theknightsshothookedchainsintoherflesh.Threeofthem
pulledononeside,andCurranpulledontheother,bringingherheadlowerandlower.Themanticorestoreatus,andClanHeavyrippedintothem,tryingtokeepthebeastsoffourbacks.
Thegiantessraisedhershouldersandtuckedherchinin,hidingherneck.Nickgrowledlikeananimal,straining.Hiswhipssnappedandhestumbledback.
“Time!”Luthercriedout.Thefloorburstandplants
spiraledtograbatthegiantess’sneckandbody.Bahirdroppedontoherspineandbeganhackingatthenarrowexposedbandofherneckwithhissword.
“Applyingthevectornow,”Patriceannounced.“Three,two,one...”
Sheclampedherhandstothegiantess’sarm.The
giantessshuddered,shaking,asthedjinnstruggledtoregenerate.Thegiantess’sheadloweredanotherfoot.
Heatbathedus.Sweatbrokeonmyface.Itwashardtobreathe.Luther’splantsbegantowither.Patricecriedoutandstumbledback,herpalmssteaming.
Thegiantessroared.Metalbegantoclimbupherchesttoherneck.Shit.
Currandroppedhischainandlungedunderthegiantess’schin.Hismassivearmsstrained.Hesnarledandliftedherchinup,stretchingherneck.Itwasmyturn.Islippedintotheopening.SarratkissedherneckandImovedclear.Thesaber’snewbloodedgecrumbled,itsmagicexhausted,butthedamagewasdone.Bloodpouredfrombothsidesofher
neck.Ihadcutboththecarotidandthejugular,openingagapinherneck.
Thegiantessstrained,tryingdesperatelytopullherheaddownandcloseherwounds.Currangroaned.Hisframeshook.Hiseyeswerepuregold.
Twofiguresfellfromabove,landingonthegiantess’sface.GeorgeandEduardo.Eduardoclamped
hisfiststogetherandbroughtthemdownstraightontoSamantha’slefteye.Ontheothersideathree-leggedbeartoreintothegiantess’sright.Thelastthingsheeversawwasthesonofthemanshehatedandthewomanwholovedhim.
Aboveus,onthegiantess’sneck,Bahirscreamed.Firesheathedhisswordandspreadtoengulf
him.Hiseyesblazed,brightred,theirglowvisibleeventhroughtheflames.BahirswungthebladeintothegapI’dmade,andseveredthegiantess’sheadfromherbody.Currangruntedandpusheditaside.Itfellintotheblood.Herbodytrembledandsanktothefloor.
Abrightsparkofgoldshoneinfrontofme—theearring,tinyinthegiantess’s
ear.Ilungedforit,butNickbeatme.Heslashedatherearlobewithashortsword.Theearringdroppedintothepoolofblood.
Samanthaexhaledinalonggurglingsigh.Herbodyturnedtoashandfellapart.Theashmeltedintothewind.Themanticoresvanished;thepalacewaveredandwentout,liketheflameofadyingcandle.Westoodinthe
emptypavedlot,theruinofthehospitalbehindus.
“Now!”IyelledatBahir.“Putthespelldownnow!”
Bahirgrabbedthechalkanddrewacircleontheground,ascloseasthepuddleofbloodwouldallow.Hishandsshook.
Therewereatleasttwenty-fivefeetbetweentheearringandthecircle.Ohhell.
Nickreachedfortheearring.
“Clear!”Curranroared.“Clearifyouwanttolive!”
Peoplescattered,puttingdistancebetweenthemandtheearring.WehadtogetittoBahir’sboxoritwouldclaimanotherlife,andweweren’tinanyshapetostopanothergiant.
Nick’sfingerstouchedthegold.Hetookasteptoward
thecircle.Hiseyesturnedwhite.
Hisbodysnappedintoarigidstance.Hishandcreptup,shakingfromthemusclestrain.Musclesinhisfacejerked.Aninch.Anotherinch.Thelureofthedjinnwastoogreat.ItpromisedNickanythingandeverything,everydesirefulfilled,everywishgranted,unlimitedpower,untold
wealth,supernaturaljustice...Ittoldhimhecouldhaveanythinghewanted.Nickwasabouttoslidetheearringintohisear.
CurransmashedhisforearmintothebackofNick’shead.Theknightcrumbledtotheground.Theworldslowedtoacrawl.Theearringflewthroughtheair,painfullyslow,andCurran’sfingersclosedaboutit.
No.Curran’sfurstoodonits
end.Hisfaceturnedflat.Hetookaslowsmallsteptowardthecircle.Hiseyesstaredintothedistance,unseeing,asifhehadgoneblind.
No,no,no.“Hecan’thaveyou,”I
toldhim.“You’remine.Fighthim.Fighthim,Curran.”
ThemusclesonCurran’sfaceshook,reshapinghis
head.Hisjawslengthened.Biggerfangsthrustoutofhisjaws.Hewasbecomingsomethingmonstrous.
Anotherstep.Hisfurbegantosmoke.
Iwaslosinghim.Icouldfeelhimslippingawaybehindthecurtainofthedjinn’smagic.
Isteppedinfrontofhim.“Curran,doyouloveme?”
Hefocusedonme.Bald
patchesformedonhishand,theskinbubblingup.
Ashapebegantoformintheairjustaheadofus,translucentandweak,butIwouldrecognizeitsoutlinesanywhere.ThedjinnhadsearchedCurran’smindforapowerfulemotionandfoundhatehecoulduse.HewasconjuringHughd’Ambray,becauseCurranwantedtokillhim.IfCurrantookthebait,I
wouldlosehimforever.Icutmyforearm.My
bloodrandownmyskin,wettingitwithliquidheat.“Givemetheearring.Ifyouloveme,givemetheearring.”
Curranshook,everymuscleonhisframerigidwithtension.
“Ifyoueverlovedme,youwillgiveittome.Justopenyourfingersandletit
fall.”Mybloodsnappedintoagauntlet,obeyingmymagic.Itshouldshieldme,atleastforafewseconds.
Hugh’sformwasalmostsolid.
Curransnarled.Hisfingersopened.TheearringfellandIcaughtitwithmygauntletedhand.
Powertorethroughme,flingingopendoorsinsidemymind.Everysecretplace,
everyhiddenmemory,everyguiltythought,itknewthemallinstantly.Itsavagedmysoul.
Itookastep.FaraheadofmeflamestreameddownfromBahir,lappingatthecircle’sboundary,bindinghimandtheboxintoone.Hewasholdingtheportalopen.
Twentyyardsleft.DearGod.
Tearsstreameddownmy
face.Youcan’tdefeatyour
father,thevoicewhisperedinsideme.Icanhelpyou.Iwillgiveyoupowerunlikeanyyouhaveeverwitnessed.
Agonyrackedme.Anotherstep.Myhairwasburning.
Iwillgiveyouhishead.Youwillneverhavetoworryabouthimkillinganyoneagain.
Avisionswirledinmymind:myfather’sgrave,Juliesmiling,Currankissingme,aswestoodinthemiddleofparadise,happy,free,andsafe.
Iwillfreeyoufromtheseshackles.Iwillliftyouintothesweetairaboveandletyoubreathe.Iwillstopallpain.Takemyhand.
Anotherstep.Bahirandhiscircleweresoimpossibly
far.Soveryfar.Allyouhavetodoistake
myhand.“Doyouloveme?”
Curranasked.OfcourseIloveyou.“Givemetheearring.”No.Thepaingrippedme,
threateningtopullmetomyknees.No.Staywithme.Stay!
Ilovedhim.Iwoulddoanythingforhim.Ihadto
givehimtheearring.STAY!Iletitfall.Currancaughtthechunk
ofgold.Icollapsedonmykneesintothegiantess’sblood.
Currantookaslowstepforward.Idraggedmyselfup,sobbing.Hewouldneedmeafterhetookthatsecondstep.
Ittookhimthirtysecondstomakeit.Helookedalmost
deadbythetimehehaddoneitandwhenIasked,hegavetheearringtome.Itookit,welcominganeternityofpain.
Wewalked,twostepsatatime.Ifellonceandhadtocrawlthroughtheblood,butweweremoving.Thecirclegrewcloser.
Lookintoyourfuture.Lookintotheverydepthsofyourheart.Youknowwhat
yourfatherwants.Thecirclewasalmost
withinreach.Avisionthrustintomy
mind.Heishidingthefuture
fromyou.Butmypoweristoogreat.Icanseehim.LetmeshowyouwhatIsee...
Theworlddisappeared.Ahillrolledinfrontofme,emeraldgrassunderthebluesky.Rolandstoodonitscrest.
Hewasholdingababy.Magiccrashedagainst
me,afamiliaryetdifferentmagiccomingfromthechild,sostrong,ittookmybreathaway.
MysonhadCurran’sgrayeyes.
Itwasthetruth.Ifelttheconnectionbetweenusstretchingthroughtime.IfelttheloveIhadpouredintomychild.Mybaby.
Mysonreachedforme...
Rolandsmiledandturned,takingthebabyaway.
Iscreamed.Hecouldn’t.Itwasourchild.Mylife,mysoul,everythingIhopedfor.
Thisiswhathewants.Thisiswhathealwayswanted.Youknowittobetrue.Hewilltakeyourson.Hewilluseyourchildtocontrolyou.Hewillturnhim
intoamonster.Youcannotstopit.
“Puttheearringintothebox,baby,”Curransaidnexttome.“Youcandoit.”
ButIcanstopit.Iwillstopit.Don’tyouloveyourbaby?Don’tyouwanttokeephimsafe?
Iwouldkeephimsafe.Iwould.Idon’tneedyou.
Yes,youdo.Youcan’tbeathimalone.
Idon’tneedyou.“Idon’tneedyou.Idon’t
needyou.Youhavenopoweroverme.”IheardmyownvoiceandrealizedIwasscreaming.
Youwilldieandrotwithoutme.Yourfamilywillrot.Everyoneyoulovewillbeslaughtered.TakemyhandandIwillgiveyoueternalpower.
Iopenedmyfingers.
Theearringplungeddown,bouncedfromtherimofthebox,andfellintothecircle.Ihadfallenshort.
George’shandclosedaboutthegold.Thewerebearscreamed,herfacedistorted,hereyesterrible.Sheclenchedherteeth.Themusclesonherarmwerereadytorip.Asecondarmbegantoformoverherstump.
Withagutturalcry,Georgeshovedherselfforwardanddroppedtheearringintothebox.Aburstoffireshotoutofthesmallcontainer.Eduardoloomedaboveit,thelidinhishand.Thefirebathedhim,burninghisarms.
Eduardopushedtheliddown.Thejetoffirehelditup,fightinghim.Eduardostrained.Thelidsliddowna
hair,thenanotherhair.“Youcandoit,son,”
Bahircalledout.Eduardostrained.
Monstrousmusclebulgedonhisarms.“YouhavenothingIwant!”heroared,andslammedtheliddown.
Magicshovedmeback.Thecomplicatedlinesofthecirclespun,turning,likelayersofanintricatelockcomingundone.
Ahorriblescreamtorethroughthenight.Islappedmyhandsovermyears.
Thegroundopenedinsidethecircleandtheboxsank,shootingdownlikeabulletoutofagun,deepintothedarkness.Magicsnappedandallwasquiet.
IEPILOGUE
SIPPEDMYicedtea,holdingtheglassinmylefthand.Therightstillhadnoskinunderthebandages,despiteaweekofDoolittle’scarefulministrations,buthesaidinanothertendaysorsomyhandwouldrecover.He’dalsosaidafewotherchoicewordsthatIdidn’tknowwere
inhisvocabulary.HesatattheothertablenowwatchingEduardoandGeorgeslowdancingtheirwayaroundthelawn.Georgelookedlovelyinapurewhitedress.Eduardowasstilltoothinandprobablyshouldhavebeenonbedreststill,buttryingtooutstubbornawerebearandawerebuffalowasalosingproposition.
Eduardohadtoldme
aboutfifteentimesthathewasgratefulfortherescue.Georgekepthuggingme.Shealsosentchocolatetoourhouse.TheyweremovinginontheothersideofBarabas’shouse,whichmeantIwouldseethemoften.Ifeitherofthemtoldme“thankyou”onemoretime,Iwouldhavetorunawayfromhome.
ImovedmyheadtotossmybraidbackbeforeI
remembereditwasn’tthere.Theheatfromtheifrithadmeltedallmyhair.Itwasbarelytouchingmyshouldersnow,anditdrovemenuts.
AcrossthelawnMahonsatatthetable,hishandoverhisface.Iwasprettysurehehadtearedupanddidn’twantanyonetoknow.Bahirsatatthesametable,lookingslightlyoutofplace.HeandEduardohadspoken.Things
weren’tquitesmoothedover,butGeorgesaidsheremainedhopeful.
Inthepastweek,springhadexplodedinAtlanta.Everythinghadturnedgreen,asifnaturerejoicedintheifrit’sbanishment.Flowersbloomedandtheappleblossomsinthetallvasesonthewhite-clothedtablessentagentlearomaintothewarmair.IwassogladGeorgeand
Eduardohaddecidedonanopen-airweddinginsteadoftryingtopackfifteenhundredpeopleintotheKeep’smainhall.
Ahandsliddownmyback.
“Hey,”Curransaid.“Hey.”Ileanedagainst
him.Heputhisarmaroundme.
“Everyoneisgettingmarried,”hesaid.
“Mm-hm.”“Weshould,too.”InmymindIsawmy
fatheronthegrassyhill,walkingawaywithourchildinhisarms.Iwrappedmyarmaroundhisback,hopinghisstrengthwouldchaseitaway.“Ithoughtweagreedwewould.Youasked,Isaidyes,weareallgood.”
“Yes,butitwastheoretical.Let’ssetadate.
Anactualdate.”“Likewhat?”“Idon’tknow,howdoes
thesixthofJunesound?”“IvanKupalanight?The
nightwheneverythinggoescrazyinSlavicpaganfolklore?”
“ThelastdayoftheWerewolfSummer.”Currangrinnedatme.
EveryfirstweekofJune,thePackcelebratedthe
WerewolfSummer.Theyate,theydrank,theycelebratedbeingalive,andgenerallyhadanall-aroundgoodtime.
“Imeanit.Marryme,Kate.”
“Nopreacherwillmarryus.”
“Wedon’tneedapreacher.We’llgetRomantoofficiate.”
“Youcan’tbeserious,YourFurriness.”
Currangotupoffhischairandknelt.OhmyGod.
“Marryme.”“Whatareyoudoing?”I
groundoutthroughclenchedteeth.Myfacewassohot,theweddingcakefifteenfeetawayhadtobemelting.
“I’mformallyproposing.Thefirsttimedidn’ttake.”
Killme,somebody.“Curran!Getup.People
arelookingatus.”
“Letthemlook.”Hesmiledatme.“Marryme,Kate.”
“Okay.ThelastnightoftheWerewolfSummeritis.”
Hegotup,leanedtome,andbrushedakissonmylips.Ikissedhimbackandheardclapping.ThebrideandgroomhadstoppeddancingandEduardowasclapping.Someoneelseclappedfromtheleft.Andrea.Screwyou,
too.Ismiledandgavethema
littlewave.“I’msomadatyourightnow.”
“Don’tbemad.Here,I’llbringyoumoretea.”
Helaughed,tookmyglass,andwenttothetabletorefillit.
Wewouldgetmarried.Wewouldhaveachild.IwouldloveitmorethananythingIhadeverlovedin
thisworld,andthenmyfatherwouldtakemybabyfromme.
No.Itwasn’thappening.Ihadtofindawaytobeathim.WhatthehellwasIgoingtodo?Howdoyoukilltheunkillable?
Bahirapproachedthetable.“MayIsitdown?”
“Ofcourse.”Hesatontheright.“I
wantedtothankyouonceagain.”
“Noneed.HowisitgoingwithEduardo?”
Bahirsmiled.“Somefencestaketimetomend.Heisangrywithmeforleavinghim.He’sangrywithhismotherfornottellinghimanyofit.Eduardowasalwaysasensitive,gentlechild.”
Itriedtoreconcileasix-foot-fourwerebuffalogougingthegiantess’seyewiththe“sensitivechild”and
failed.“Mm-hm.”“Iunderstandhis
stepfatherwasn’tthemostunderstandingparent.ButI’mnotlosinghope.”
Curranhadrefilledtheglassesandwaswalkingbacktous.Ilovedhimsomuch.Ilovedhiseyes,thewayhelookedatme,thewayhewalked,thewayhemademecrazy...
Sometimes,whenthe
powerofyourenemyistoogreat,theonlythingyoucandoiscontainit.
“Bahir,”Isaidquietly.“YoutoldmebeforethefightthatifIeverneededanything,youwouldhelpme.”
“Yes.”“Doesthatofferstill
stand?”“Ofcourse.”“Afterthewedding,when
thingscalmdown,Iwould
likeustomeet.Iwantyoutotellmeeverythingyouknowaboutthatbox.”
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