Page 72 of Darkside

Andthatis what’s bothering me. It’s no secret, it’s nothing new in the world. But it’s hitting me hard right now just how unsettling it is to have to accept that people are far more dangerous than demons.

* * *

“Your parents just landed,”Ethan says, adjusting my pillow. I’m camped out on the living room couch, with my feet propped up on the ottoman. I got home from the hospital a few hours ago and am comfortably drugged up.

“Our mom can be very overbearing,” I warn Saanvi. She and Harrison rushed to the hospital this morning after hearing what happened. The news made headlines again, and this time there was no keeping my name out of it. They didn’t list me as a psychic this time, at least. The news outlets have painted me as a true hero: a small-town girl who, along with her dog, fought off a psychotic killer and saved innocent lives.

I’ve declined interviews from CNN to Fox News and everything in between. I meant it when I told Maxwell I don’t want fame. I was given the gift of magic for a reason, and I’m just doing my job.

“I never thought anything would top surprising Mom with the news I have a serious girlfriend,” Harrison starts. “But you kicking a serial killer’s ass takes the cake.”

I laugh and then wince. “Don’t make me laugh. And I’m glad to be of service.”

Rene and Keith brought over breakfast this morning, and the vet texted me, asking if I needed help taking care of the horses. Even the owners of the feed store sent flowers to the hospital. It’s weird, being a bit of a local celebrity like this. And now, between Nik, Harrison, Saanvi, and—most of all—Ethan, I’m being completely doted on. Not that I mind, of course.

“Do you need anything else?” Ethan asks, putting another blanket over my legs.

“I’m good, thanks.” I smile up at him, wanting to just take a nap. But then the doorbell rings, and Hunter lets me know that it’s Donna. “You can either run upstairs and hide or meet my nosey neighbor,” I tell Harrison and Saanvi.

“I say hide,” Nik grumbles and waves them upstairs, knowing that Donna will stay longer if she sees new people. Hunter joins me on the couch and Ethan answers the door, letting Donna in. She’s carrying a casserole dish of something that smells amazing.

“Oh my goodness gracious!” She bustles past Ethan and comes into the living room, setting the dish on the coffee table. She sits on a chair opposite me. “When I heard what happened.” She shakes her head. “Of course, I knew you of all people would be a fighter. That’s what I told the paper. My next-door neighbor fought off a murderer!”

Just wait until the news comes out that Ariana is a serial killer, I think to Hunter. Only my friends know the truth, since it’s going to take time for the police to gather physical evidence that will prove Ariana killed all those other people.

“I just did what I had to in order to survive,” I say and run my hand over Hunter’s head. “And I’m lucky I brought my dog with me. He’s very protective.”

“And humble to boot!” She pats my leg.

“I, um, was actually just wondering if you’ve seen that wolf around your property recently.”

“What wolf, honey?” Donna laughs and looks at Ethan. “Must be the drugs.”

“You…you had footage on your doorbell camera of a wolf wandering around your property.”

She gives Ethan a wink, thinking I’m off my rocker. “Oh, right. Don’t worry. He tried to huff and puff but couldn’t blow our brick house down.”

What the fuck?

“You did mention seeing something,” Ethan tries. “You were concerned it would attack your animals.”

“You both are thinking of someone else, I’m afraid.”

Silence falls over the room and Ethan gets to his feet. “It’s important Anora gets her rest. Thank you for bringing us something to eat.”

“Of course. The last thing you want to do is deal with cooking. Please, let me know if there is anything you need. I can send the kids over to help muck out stalls and if you need me to come help straighten up, I am a great housekeeper.”

“Thank you,” I say, knowing she’s only offering to help so she can come poke around the house.

“That’s vegetarian,” she adds, standing up. “I was told you don’t eat meat.”

“No, I don’t. Thanks. That was very thoughtful.”

“Of course, dear. You take care, okay?”

Ethan shows her out and comes back into the room, eyes meeting mine. I know we’re both thinking the same thing.

The wolfwasthere last night. Hunter remembers it. He doesn’t, however, know where it came from. His main concern was me and by the time I was safe, the wolf was gone.

---