Page 75 of Wolf Trap

A light tapping on my front door distracted my thoughts. “That’s Austin.”

Austin smelled of woody spice, his face brighter, smiling. “I heard from Michael and Lucifer. The Seraphim refused to help Anthony, but they persuaded them eventually. They’re taking him to Nathaniel’s now. You ready?”

I nodded. “So, he’s mortal?”

Blinking, raising his shoulders, Austin muttered, “I guess so. Let’s find out.”

He looked past me. “Lycaon, Conor said you’re welcome to your old lodge if you and Elsa want somewhere more off-grid to stay. Grace is working with them to install some barriers, powerful warding over the forest. She’ll be going to Savernake later to do the same.”

“Thank you. I think after this, though, we may be better off away from everyone. Trouble seems to follow us. I have other places further away, and they are less rustic for Elsa.” He winked at me.

Austin nodded. “Oh, Luna is well. She’s shut up shop for now and is staying with her mortal witchy friends. And...” Austin shot me a lopsided grin. “I texted your mum. She’s safe and sound.”

“Thank you!”

Hum... I was relieved my mum was safe, but I doubted she was happy. In fact, after our last conversation, I doubted a lot.

Austin shook his head. “No problem.” He glanced at Lycaon, then at me, and nodded.

“Right, Anthony, the mortal.”

21

A VAMPIRE’S HEART

We weren’t the first to arrive at Nathaniel’s home. Austin sensed Lucifer and Michael were still there, so he transported us into the hallway.

Shouting echoed from the living room. Creeping slowly, we edged towards it. Through the open door, I saw Nathaniel knelt on the floor dressed only in jeans, a dagger between his hands that were held before him in a prayer position.

Bloody tears streamed down Nathaniel’s face, his mahogany curls cascading past his shoulders.

He looked like a Renaissance painting. An angel of death, such beauty in his sadness.

I gulped.

Rasping, in the room's corner, with his legs to his chest, Anthony huddled.

Naked and terrified, his eyes and mouth wide in horror, Anthony was huddled as if he was trying to push through the wall. Like a cornered animal.

Michael and Lucifer sat on the sofa, the softness of their voices a calming presence in the room. Michael got up, stepping tentatively towards Anthony, who cried out, “No! Don't comeany closer!” but Michael didn’t stop. Anthony's body tensed up even more as Michael stepped towards him.

Then, Michael's golden energy flowed into the mortal like a river, instantly soothing and calming Anthony.

But Nathaniel was muttering, whispering something under his breath as he sat on his knees, rocking back and forth, the blade dangerously close to his chest.

I glanced at Austin, then Lycaon and went to step forward, but Lycaon put his arm out, shaking his head.

Instead, Lycaon strode over to Nathaniel and knelt before him, his arms by his side.

“What can I do? Anthony sacrificed his life to save me. Can I help?”

Don’t make Anthony a werewolf.

It was then I noticed, sitting in a chair, watching as still as a statue, in the corner of the room, his eyes burning into me, Hakon.

Anger seared through him. His eyes had turned red, lips pressed tightly as he shook his head at me.

Blood, could I give Anthony my blood? That was volatile with Lycaon, and I wasn’t sure all this blood sharing was the best plan. I knew Hakon blamed me for casting the vampire’s prayer on Anthony when he’d been possessed, but I hadn’t meant to harm him.

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