Page 27 of Wolf Trap

A smile litup his face. “I’ll make us a drink, we’ll have a coffee and then, using your gifted powers, we’ll finish the blessing for Loren.”

Nodding I said, “I need to go back to Ellsworth Manor. I have a gut feeling that there’s something there that would help.”

“That’s crazy, Elsa. I can’t believe you’re going to go back out there! Still, you’re pretty seasoned now! Confronting Adara, having a half-beast boyfriend, and riding on a gargoyle. I’d love to help, but I have other jobs I must attend to, but I can spare an hour. Grace is back with Conor with the Wychwood pack, so I can’t ask her. Others may be able to help, though.”

“I understand. Thanks for helping. It’s alright, I’ll drive there soon.”

“I don’t think going on your own is wise. Come on! I could ask…”

“Not Hakon.He’s great, but I can’t handle his optimistic mood at the moment. I feel calmer, especially knowing it’sherhelping me. Hecate. But the shock is still here. It’s just a bit dulled.”

“Ok. Have a think. I’ll be up in a bit.”

He left, and I sat there, breathing deeply, feeling the warmth, the power of Hecate. She was, as he said, allied to Zeus. I vaguely remembered the stories and, of course, as Austin had said, Zeus had brought Lycaon’s curse about. Was that why she had given power to me, because Lycaon was a child, be it a cursed child, of Zeus? Some said she was the mistress of witches. Perhaps they were right. Doubt tightened in my chest. If this was Hecate, and she was the keeper of the keys, then that meant I didn’t have to abandon everyone. I didn’t want to do that, but fear still clung to me. But at least she had my back. Even Adara didn’t have her blessing!

Instinctively, I touched the triple moon pendant around my neck that Mattie had given me. With everything that was happening, I had forgotten all about it, but now a warm glow filled the space where fear lay. Perhaps Mattie had given me or helped me with this connection through the pendant? Or was that wishful thinking?

As I thoughtabout the goddess, more energy buzzed through me and a surge of confidence. I didn’t expect it to last, but if it could help protect others… then so be it.

Expecting my legs to be shaky, I stood with my hand on the bedside table. But they felt strong. Now I took in my surroundings. Austin’s bedroom.

Surprisingly, Austin’s bedroom walls were filled with fine art prints. Opposite the bed, a painting of a couple embraced in bed, kissing. And other paintings of couples embracing, dressed in seventeenth century clothing.

His room definitely had the romance vibe about it, and his expensive soft sheets smelled of citrus.

He may be a slob downstairs, but the tiny strands of yellow, orange and gold LED lights, the sumptuous velvet bedspread and ornate mirror behind the bed told a different side to the mage.

He was romantic.

For a split second, my mind wandered… What was Lycaon’s bedroom like?

I put that thought out of my mind. I may never know now. He had hinted he lived rustically, which sent a chill down my spine. And last night? He’d changed into a wolf and slept in my dining room. I swallowed hard. Well, that was that then.

After putting on my boots, I went downstairs only to hear him on the phone. I smiled as he chatted and continued finishing the coffee.

I knew what I had to do. Get to Ellsworth Manor, look for clues. Adara had a base here, somewhere, they had to. A bigger base. I could feel it in my gut. Ubraz had said they were working with humans, creating weapons. I needed to find it. And blow it up. Well, I’d need to find someone who could do that. And my hunch about Ellsworth wouldn’t shift. There had to be a clue there. Somewhere.

But first, we’d put Loren’s soul at peace.

As Austin put his phone away in his jeans pocket, I handed him a coffee. Sighing he said, “Well Lucius has heard of Adara, but he’s never run into them. Back in 1894, Lucius got word of their organisation but kept a low profile. Aside from his friends, and the fact that he was my teacher, few know much about Lucius. It’s safer if we’re off the radar, ha, not that I am, of course. Unfortunately, since yesterday, everyone knows about you and Lycaon, and me, and Grace, so now we’re all targets.”

“Oh, shit!”

“Shit indeed. Still, you up to this blessing? I have an idea who can help you at Ellsworth, but one thing at a time.”

“Yes, let’s do it. Poor Loren, I can’t imagine…”

“Well, don’t imagine her pain. Imagine her at peace.”

I followed him down into his cold basement. Wishful thinking about the underfloor heating. Placing my mug down I asked, “Shall I put these herbs into this?” I picked up a gold-coloured bowl from the desk.

He clicked his fingers, lighting the candles. “Sure. Then place it in the centre.”

I didn’t actually need telling how to do that, but I was grateful for his help. He’d make someone a great husband some day,and it made me feel better knowing he was my friend. Luna was lucky. I only hoped I could see Lycaon soon.

Lighting the herbs in the bowl, I settled my mind, breathing deeply until Austin joined me in the centre of the pentacle. Joining hands over the smouldering bowl, I recited a simple blessing.

“Loren, let your soul rest

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