Page 68 of Secrets & Spells
“That’s right after he altered the town wards to let the humans in,” Garrett says.
“Yes.” She gives a haughty sniff. “There is evidence that Raymond was confined to his bedroom and that someone else, presumably The Raven, has been living in the house for some time.”
“How would they even cross paths for The Raven to force Raymond to help him in the first place?” I ask.
“Raymond’s an expert in wards, remember? He was often called out of town to set wards for supes who could afford his services,” Garrett explains.
“You think The Raven got to him on one of those business trips?”
“Raymond’s family don’t live in a sanctuary town. It’s likely The Raven threatened them to force Raymond to cooperate,” Terrall answers.
Overwhelmed, I flop back in my seat. I can’t believe this. “Why not kill me right away? Not that I’m unhappy to be alive, I just don’t understand.”
“If he’s been watching you since he attacked you back in London, he may even have grown… attached to you in his own way,” Johnson replies. “You said you reported on his crimes at your old job?” I nod. “It’s possible he’s craving your recognition. That, or his sadistic streak combined with his narcissism meant he wanted you to know he was coming for you.”
“I’m not sure which is more disturbing,” Garrett says. “We need to keep Jared safe.”
“I’ll assign two protection officers to you until he’s caught,” Terrall says apathetically, as though Garrett’s overreacting. I bite the inside of my cheek to avoid chewing her out.
Sensing I’ve hit my limit, Rett stands, levelling her with a glare. “See that you do. I will escort Jared home and wait with him until they arrive.” At least if I’m being assigned protection, it will be safe for me to see Selene. That thought buoys me enough to stand and walk through the door Rett’s holding open.
Garrett and I make the walk from the town hall to Selene’s cottage in silence, my mind still reeling from tonight’s events.
“I can’t believe The Raven is here. I only just wrapped my head around the fact he’s a fear demon.”
“I’m so sorry, Jared, I never imagined he would find a way through the wards, but I promise to keep you safe.”
“We’ll keep each other safe—that’s what family does.” Rett looks at me like the idea ofmeprotectinghimis adorable. Fair point. “Besides, it’s a good thing you didn’t think The Raven would ever find a way into town. If I’d known he could find me here any time, I… I don’t think I’d be in the place I am right now—tonight’s setback aside.”
“Hey.” Garrett halts me with a hand on my arm. “Your reaction tonight was completely understandable, and nobody thinks any less of you for it—not me, and certainly not Selene. It doesn’t negate all the progress you’ve made either. Remember what Mohinder says—healing isn’t linear.”
I nod and we keep walking. “You see Mohinder too?” I ask, surprised to hear him quoting the vampire therapist.
“Not anymore, but I did for a while after my dad died, and I took over the pack.” He looks at me intently. “You’re stronger than you think, Jared. Look at everything you’ve been throughand you’re still standing. Not only that, you haven’t let it warp you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your first experience of the supernatural was literally a homicidal psychopath. Yet here you are embracing your supernatural nature and our community.”
I choose to let my friend believe I wasn’t scared of everyone in town when I first found out the big secret. “In fairness, I only found out The Raven was a supernatural after I started learning about my powers.”
“Yet even after learning the truth about The Raven, you didn’t let that colour how you see yourself or other demons. Instead, you embraced your new abilities and became close friends with another demon.”
“That’s because Huxley’s not a serial killer,” I reply drolly. “While it gives him a worrying advantage, The Raven being supernatural is the least terrifying thing about him. I’m not afraid ofwhathe is—I’m afraid ofwhohe is. That person is capable of pure evil.”
“We’ll catch him,” Garrett declares with quiet confidence and determination.
My response dies on my tongue when I spot Selene’s gate and front door hanging wide open.
“Rett,” I say, terror strangling my vocal cords.
“I see it,” he replies, all business. Watching him tonight, I can see why he’s pack Alpha and a council member. “Let me go first.”
“But—”
“You’re not trained for this, Jared. Let me go in first.”
“Fine. Just hurry.”
