Page 84 of Love the Way You Lion
A quick scouting trip to the roof of a bakery allowed me to use my beast vision at night, and I could make out a lush, leafy miniature rainforest on the roof of her store. That could not exist inLondon’s climate without extranormal help. There appears to be a glass greenhouse and fountain area, so I assume she meets with clients there. It would give them cover to drop whatever enchantments and glamours they used to stride through the Queen’s capital without drawing suspicion.
It’s stupid that I have to approach this way, but such is life.
I disapparate to that perch again, having witnessed a noticeably short, stubby man enter the store at a brisk pace. He seemed too round and too awkward to be human, so I believe I may get a glimpse of a species I have yet to see in person. Could he be a brownie or a gnome? Perhaps a dwarf or an elf?
Straining, I lean forward and drop the kitty face to see if I can make them out as they step out onto the roof. Before I can see what the little man is hiding, my breath catches.
Argus.
That fucking wolf can smell prey for miles. The rumors online say that Clea won him in a game of cards from Odin. Another said she had captured a shifter cheating on her and relegated him to wolf form to be her companion as a punishment. Another tale said that he was a warg, and yet another claimed she’d tamed the Fenrir wolf. They attributed Argus to everything from a shifter to a were to the pet or enforcer of gods and goddesses.
I knew him when he was a quarter of the size he is now, and he gives Aradia a run for her money. If Argus is not extranormal, then there is no way he does not have dire wolf blood. He’s enormous, jet black, and his eyes are as blue as the sea. He is never leashed, but he wears a collar of trinkets imbued with protection spells suited to Clea’s surroundings. I saw him rip apart a black bear that charged us in the woods when we were in middle school.
You do not fuck with Argus.
I’m without my familiar, so I can’t let him scent me. Noting the ring of peacock feathers around his neck, I wonder if that is a coincidence or if Clea has figured out that I am here. I don’t wait to find out, though, because this turn of events means that I have to go back to the drawing board and plan yet again.
I am not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf, but I don’t want to become his dinner, either.
Time for an alternative approach, Deli.
I nibbleon the croissant as I watch the comings and goings. I’m back with an alternative plan, but I had to come later in the day than I would have preferred. The extension of my side project is clashing with my community duties, my mate duties, and my work duties. I can’t be in four places at once, and it annoys the piss out of me. I also can’t use a spell as a substitute for any of those things, so I’ve opted for technology.
Talia made me promise I’d be back within the next day or so—otherwise, she’s sending the bird after me.
“I don’t know what they are up to, Lily. It has my hackles up, though,” I say, reaching up to adjust the wireless headphones tucked into my ears. “It’s too quiet. The chatter is minimal. We have to be ready.”
A noise distracts me, and I look down, watching Twist skitter under cars and between people as he returns. Looking triumphant, he climbs up onto the table and stands in front of me, holding a piece of paper like a prize. I smile, taking it as I hand him a piece of crusty goodness on my plate.
“Lily, I have to go. I’ll get back to you later.” I hang up without ceremony, knowing that she’s gotten used to it. I open the paper, studying the leaflet with interest before I burst into laughter.
It’s an advertisement for the bookshop, and I’ll be fucked if that bitch didn’t hit the nail on the fucking head. She’s calling it ‘Destiny’.
Clea has always had a sharp wit, but this is even more on point than usual. The flier is for a sale on books and gifts, which implies that perhaps she’s selling more than just occult books in there. I pat Twist’s head, letting him know I am pleased, and he chitters in response.
I’m going to have to put him in danger again. I have to know what she’s hocking in there and what’s on the roof before I can approach. I can’t step into a store like that, run by that person, and not know every square inch of the place. She could have enchantments on the products, other casters—or worse—hiding, or even have some traps built into the structure.
No way am I getting suckered into walking over a containment spell.
“I need to send you home to the Maison. I will send a message to Victor before I do. He needs to suit you for surveillance.” The coal-black ferret stands on his back legs, raising a paw as if pumping his fist, and I chuckle. “That’s the spirit, love. You will be my eyes and ears in the wolf’s den—be invisible.”
After he chitters a response, I pat his head again before picking up my million-dollar booty phone. Sending a quick text to Victor, I sigh. While Twist is getting outfitted, I have a trip to make. I have to see the bird since I haven’t since he and the artist hooked up. He texted me to check in, and I don’t want him to feel like I’m ignoring him.
“Be careful, darling, and I will return after I complete my mission. Do not take any unnecessary risks—Argus would enjoy eating you for high tea.”
I could swear the animal snorts and shimmers as I disapparate him to my other home. They say that pets take on the personalities of their owners.Taurus is in for a hell of a ride with any animal I bring into our lives. He has enough trouble trying to tame me.
Now to calm the ruffled feathers of a big bird at HQ.
The Cat and The Weasel Accomplish Their Goals
DELILAH
Idrop into the chair at the cafe with a groan. My visit with Taurus was brief, but I could tell how excited and happy he was just by looking at him. After we chatted, I dropped by the office to see what I might have to do next to complete my training. It won’t make my mates happy, but I told my handlers that I wouldn’t be available for it until the end of the week.
After all, I have this errand to finish and a new mate to spend time with.
When I don’t see Twist right away, I wait for a couple of minutes, worried that my tiny familiar has gotten himself into trouble. He’s very punctual for a weasel, and his absence is making me frown. If he doesn’t show in five minutes, I’ll go in there with claws blazing even if I am walking into a trap.
