Page 22 of Wolf Trap

Smiling back at him, I nodded. “Thanks. Please stay more often. And thank you for fixing my window, and,” I looked at the wood burner, “for the heating.”

He shrugged, grinning back.

I got breakfast and came back into the lounge and sat next to him. “You had some for yourself? Please say you did?”

“Sure. I’m good, Elsa, no need to worry. So, what are your plans? Hey, no, finish eating first.”

As I ate, he delved back into the book. It was the history of the occult, an old book Austin had lent me, out of print these days. Finishing my breakfast, I sat back, feeling like everything that had happened had been a dream. Well, more a nightmare.

I went to speak, but he anticipated that. Putting the book down he said, “I’m going to go to Savernake, help Marrock and Dolph. What are your plans?”

An empty feeling grew in the pit of my stomach. I had hoped, even with what happened, we’d be working together. “Um, I might go see my mum, and I need to check Luna’s ok. After that, try to find a safer way to bring them down.”

Lycaon leapt up, snatching my plate from the chair arm. “That’s a great idea. I don’t know how long I’ll be, but Austin will be about. You should check on your family and friends, and I’ll do the same with mine.”

A rapping sounded at the door. “Ah,” he smiled, “That’ll be Spike!”

Almost leaping towards the door, he opened it swiftly, cold air sweeping through and I sat up straighter as the mage came in. Lycaon said, “Great timing. We’re almost ready to leave.”

Scratching his head, worry in his eyes, Austin offered, “Um, have you been outside? I mean, have you seen, look.”

Still clutching at my plate, Lycaon darted around Austin and went outside. “Oh, God! And... Shit! Bastards!”

I found the mage looking forlornly at me.

“What, what’s happened?

“Don’t worry, I’ll put it right. It’s just... I’m a bit worn out still. And transporting all of us...”

I got up and followed Lycaon out.

Nausea lolled. Adara, presumably, had daubed the wordwhoreon my front door. Lycaon cringed, but couldn’t help from looking over to my car. It had paint thrown on it, though they obviously didn’t want to stop me from using it because it was only on the driver’s side and not on the windscreen.

“Petty bastards! I should sue them.”

Austin was beside me, pulling me into a hug. “Aw, my sweet. We’d have to prove it was them. Don’t worry, I’ll get it fixed. Just not right now. On the upside, you can't see your front door from the road.”

I stood there, rage burning through my veins and channelling some magic of my own. Thanks!

As I weaved my fingers, I felt the slightest heat in my heart travel up through my arms, but as it reached my fingers... nothing.

Huffing, I went inside. Taking my coffee cup out to the kitchen, I saw Lycaon had washed up, dried up and left the kitchen sparkling.

He was behind me in minutes, his voice quiet. “Right, Austin is taking me to Savernake. Hopefully, I’ll see you soon?”

Before I could answer, he leaned in. Lifting my chin, surprised as he pulled me close in a quick hug, then left. My lips still parted, a double dose of nausea.

Really? I was still standing there five minutes later when Austin reappeared, smiling. His grin dropped suddenly. “What’s wrong? What happened? I was only gone five minutes.”

“Nothing. Don’t worry, I’ll drive myself to my mum’s and catch up with you after, if that’s alright. Have you heard from Luna?”

“Yes.” His face reddened. “Yes, I have. Not like that. Well, almost. You sure? It’s no problem, I...”

“No, thanks Austin. I need some space, anyway.”

Frowning, he stepped forward; I edged backwards. “Hey Elsa, what happened? What’s he done?”

Shaking my head I answered, “Nothing. You’d better go.” I turned my back and rinsed out my cup. Austin left. I huffed again, feeling like someone had ripped a part of my soul out, which may seem dramatic, but you know how it feels. I walked through to my living room, picking up my plate that he’d left there, I scanned the room.

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