Page 27 of Triumph of the Wolf
You like a man who can summon vines out of the ether, huh?I texted back, wondering if she would show the phone to Bolin.
Apparently, I do! Wolves are into nature, you know.
I do know that.
The natureIpreferred was of the lupine variety and waited in his van for me. Key in hand, I reached for my doorknob, but the blue smoke wafting from the vial increased, curling up like a long finger toward my wrist. I pulled my arm back, and it billowed, forming a cloud around the doorknob.
“Hm.”
Though it was late, I called Rue.
She sounded groggy when she answered. “Yes?”
“Thanks for helping keep burglars out of my apartment, Rue, but how do I get in?”
“That was your ex-husband, was it not?”
“Yeah, but he had burglary in mind.”
“So we deduced. Hence the placement of my Potion of Protection.”
“It’s doing a good job of ominously wafting smoke.”
“I’m glad you appreciate it. Such potions are not simple to make. I left an invoice in your mailbox.”
“For… an item I didn’t order?”
“Bolin assured me that you would desire it to be placed in front of your door.”
“Bolinwanted someone else to watch my apartment so he could make out with my niece.”
“I did sense that possibility. They are a cute couple, are they not? The wolf and the druid. A natural pairing.”
“Yes, I understand that. How do I move the potion so I can go in? My own pairing is waiting to happen as soon as I grab some microwave popcorn.”
“I did sense the bipedfuris on the premises. I hope he slew your thieving ex-husband.”
“Just… hurled him over some cars to break his arm. I didn’t think I should allow a slaying. It’s against the law, and there’salwayssomeone around here with a phone camera, ready to take photos.”
“I’m well aware of that.”
“How do I move this potion and get into my apartment without being attacked by misty vapors?”
“I brewed the potion in such a manner that it would allow the proper owner to enter the premises. You need not fear the vapors. You may even wish to leave the potion on guard there. It’ll remain viable for a week.”
“So I can just step around it?” Not entirely believing the potion would leave me alone, I reached for the knob again.
Once more, the finger formed. I resisted the urge to yank my hand back, instead turning the key in the lock. The tendril of vapor reached me but merely brushed my wrist. Touching me as a way to identify me and decide I could be allowed access? Or…
“Your potion is getting fresh with me.” I decided the brush was more of a caress.
Rue cackled.
“I punched my ex for that.”
“Just go past. You’ll be fine.” Rue yawned and hung up.
I stepped over the flask and into the apartment. Fortunately, the handsy vapors didn’t follow me inside. Just in case, I shut the door firmly.
