Page 21 of The Howl
“An assessment of which I fully agree. Which is exactly why Megan and Oanen need to move quickly. The troll death may be the continuation of the same ritual,” Adira said. “And while it is our obligation to watch for and stop these threats to humanity and our kind alike, we cannot forget our obligations here.”
Her voice grew louder as if she was moving closer to the door. Torn between hearing more and not being caught, I hesitated just long enough to hear her next words before hurrying away.
“I worry for Eliana.”
My heart raced as I paced the entertainment room and tried to make sense of what I’d heard. What was the Council planning to do that would tick off Megan? And who would be crazy enough to kill not one but three Nemean lions? That Adira and Mr. Quill thought something dangerous was happening in New York was obvious, but why would Adira say she was worried for me and not Megan? Add to that the fact that they were worried about Megan’s Mom’s reaction, and I couldn’t help but come to one conclusion. They thought Megan was going to die.
I needed chocolate.
My phone rang before I made it more than a few steps toward the fridge. When I glanced at the screen and saw Megan’s name, I immediately answered.
“Any sign of the brownie or goblin yet?” Megan asked.
“Not yet,” I said, the idea of her dying coloring my tone.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you trying to lie to me?”
“Yes. Because I want you to focus on getting the job done so you can get home sooner.”
“Talk, succubus.”
I sighed.
“I didn't know how lonely I was until I made a friend, and she left. And then, I find out someone is trying to kill her, and my only friend might not come back.”
“I miss you, too. And that poisoned burger wasn’t meant for me. Oanen overreacted because of the whole bird bond thing. As for the smiling dead trolls, we have a few leads. It shouldn't be too much longer. I’m coming back. I promise. How did it go at the Academy today?”
Her words didn’t erase my concern, but I tried to pretend they had.
“Good. Eugene is loving classes and asking a ton of questions. It rubbed a few people wrong, but by the end of the day, I think they were catching on that Eugene is impressed and curious and not a threat. Oh, a siren almost got him into the pool at lunch, but Ashlyn was there to block him,” I said, not mentioning the second, successful attempt where he had actually gone in. “And, Fenris was being pretty good about keeping an eye on the humans, too.”
“Oh? So you and Fenris were hanging out?”
I snorted.
“No way. He keeps texting me annoying updates. I think he misses you.”
“Then, I think you should be a friend and keep him company.”
“Not me. I think the new girls are stirring his wolfie hormones or something because he's getting worse.”
“Worse? You mean he’s flirting with you now?”
“No. He hasn’t changed at all in that way.” Fenris had always flirted with other girls, especially Megan, but never really with me. Thankfully. “It’s his lust. I can barely be in the same room with him.”
“How’s your succubus training going? Adira still dressing you?” Megan asked, skillfully changing the conversation to a topic I found less upsetting. But only marginally.
“She set out clothes for me this morning. I got creative with them while still following the rules. I wish everyone around here would just leave me alone. I might be a little on the small side, but I don’t think I'm unhealthy. Nothing to warrant this much unwanted attention.
“So how is it staying in New York? Are you missing your backpack with all the wicked you’re running into? Did you kill anyone yet without me?” I asked.
While only sexual energy fed me, it wasn’t the only energy I could take. Draining Megan’s anger had saved her more than once. The fact that I’d had to tackle her from behind a few times, in order to help her, brought a small smile to my lips.
“Not yet. It’s weird here. Most of the time, it’s not as provoking as I thought it would be. People I would have thought I’d want to beat the hell out of, like the goblin, Elbner, don’t bug me. Yet today, regular people were starting to get under my skin. I’m just glad it’s not like it was the night I came here with Adira. That would have been hell. As it is, I think New York would be more fun if we weren't having to deal with dying trolls.”
