Page 20 of Railed By the Easter Bunny

When I get out of the bed, it disappears.

Jack too.

And I’m left with a pile of neatly folded clothes instead.

The dress I wore when I arrived isn’t among them, but they’re soft and black and exactly what I would have chosen when it was time to go back and face Jamus.

I’m almost dressed when two figures form out of the shadows, their tails twined as they slink toward me.

“Such a pretty little princess.” Minx says, her words accompanied by a purr. She plucks the shirt from its place and slides the cool black fabric over my head. I tuck the silken hem into my pants before taking the shoes I’d come in back from Calico.

“You’re going to have fun, aren’t you?” Calico holds up a mirror and I see the red slick of the Power behind my eyes.

“As long as things go to plan.”

“They will.” Her smile is sharp, almost as if she’s actually a cat under the mask as well.

“How long have I been gone?”

Calico snickers. “Just the night.”

I almost tell her that can’t be right, but… time doesn’t matter here.

Minx brushes invisible dust off my shoulder. “Don’t forget to take the mask with you. A souvenir.”

“A second one.” Calico titters as she takes Minx’s hand and leads her away.

When they’re gone, I untie the mask and look at myself in the mirror.

With the exception of my eyes, I don’t look any different.

It feels like I should.

Setting the mirror down, I take a deep breath and, mask in hand, I step out of that blindingly bright doorway.

It’s mid morning, and Jamus’ penthouse clatters with noise. A game’s commentary echoes from the TV in the empty living room.

But Jamus is definitely here. And his ever present entourage is as well.

It’s a sign of weakness I hadn’t noticed until now.

He surrounds himself with others to protect him, because he can’t protect himself.

I place the mask on the sideboard and step into the main space.

Those men won’t save him now.

“I knew you’d come back.” Jamus says it from the door to his bedroom. He watches me with a lazy smile on his lips.

He doesn’t seem to realise I didn’t come in through the door.

The three guards do.

They watch me nervously and when I turn to them, I know there’s a flash behind my eyes.

I know it’s brighter than the one in Jamus’.

They’re scared.

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