Page 76 of Wolf Trap

It seemed to be a theme, though. With me. I helped. Things got worse…

Regardless of my intentions,I brought trouble. I turned to leave.

His voice cracked, Nathaniel turned his head. “Elsa, don’t you dare leave. This is your fault. You, Lycaon, Austin, even bloody Hakon over there. You just couldn’t leave us alone, couldyou? It wasn’t enough that we gave you training and weapons. No! You had to take the one I loved, my only companion. And now look at him. His mortal mind remembers every kill, every single drop of blood that he’s tasted. Every violent experience in Hell is as fresh in his mind as if it happened yesterday. And what am I to do with him?”

Hakon’s voice cut over Nathaniel’s. “You’ve no choice. Sire him, become his master, or I will. There is no other choice. Or he’ll end up in an asylum, driven mad by his own cruelty, by the victims that he drank from. No mortal mind can withstand that.”

Michael stood and edged away from Anthony, who looked drugged, his eyelids closing. “You could give him time. I’ve empowered him with celestial magic, but it would need to be replenished regularly.” Splaying his fingers, he continued, “In time, it could work. He could become human and have some semblance of peace. But...” frowning, Michael cast his gaze over us.

Lucifer stood up suddenly, making all of us jerk. “But he will never truly forget what he was. It would be like a shadow in the back of his mind, and a fragile one at that. And, well, he couldn’t have anything to do with us. It would be too dangerous. As it is, he is too well known. Bath is a tiny city. Perhaps you could relocate with him, Nathaniel, but...”

“But nothing. Leave, all of you and never darken my door again. Or face the consequences.” He locked eyes with me. “Especially you, little witch.”

Outside their home,we all stood silent for a moment.

Lucifer broke the quiet.

“Well, Anthony is alive at least. Nathaniel is understandably upset, and he is dramatic. He is old and hates change and he will no doubt sire Anthony with his own blood. And on that alone, he’ll be glad. His bond with Anthony will be unbreakable. After that, who knows?”

I nodded. “If he doesn’t turn Anthony, I’m sure Hakon will.”

Smiling, Michael, who almost towered over Lycaon, patted my shoulder. “He will indeed. A shame to taint a fresh soul newly cleansed, but... well,” he glanced at their house, his lips down-turned, “it’s not our business now. Though I will be curious to see what becomes of Anthony- will he retain his character?”

Austin sighed. “I’m glad either way. I like Anthony very much, even though I don’t trust any vampires. Now, I’m going to get these two home, and then switch my phone off, if you don’t mind?”

Grinning, the angels nodded. “Sounds like a good plan.”

I had a question. “Who will run Hell if Anthony is no longer King?”

Flinching, Lucifer frowned. “Don’t look at me. I’m sure it will fall into chaos.”

Austin’s tired eyes looked at me. “So, where to Elsa, yours, Lycaon’s? Make a decision.”

I looked at Lycaon. “As long as it’s got hot water and plumbing.”

He nodded. “To my home, Austin, near Wychwood forest, please?”

22

APPRENTICE

Hidden within the forest, we came to a clearing. Grinning from ear to ear, he unlocked his fingers from mine.

His lodge had been built around a huge oak tree! The trunk towered from the roof of the cabin, its branches sprawling high above the roof.

I had to ask, “Why, why did you build your home around a tree? I mean it looks spectacular, but,”

Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he whispered in my ear. “The tree is sacred, and its energy protects my home. Wolves are very aware of energies, perhaps that’s why your magic has a special force through me? I mean you practise mainly elemental spells, and as a werewolf, I’m very in tune with the earth. The elements. So, when I was looking to build a sanctuary, I thought right here would be best. Conor and Sabian helped, and their packs. We held several ceremonies, honouring the tree and the land that surrounds it. If you think it looks good here, wait till you see it inside!”

Hum. I wasn’t so sure. I’d seen houses that had done this, been built around a tree. Well I’d seen them on the internet. But didn’t his home get covered in bugs? Don’t get me wrong, Ilove trees, I love nature. I also love bug free homes. Maybe I’m wrong.

“Ok, well doesn’t it get damp inside?”

He slid his arm away and wandered over to his home. It was two storeys, had a large veranda with the fencing around it made from branches twisted together.

He glanced over his shoulder, grinning, then bent his legs and leapt up to the roof. For a big guy he certainly had grace, landing stealthily he edged over to the trunk.

“We cut the slate to fit around the trunk, then secured it. Obviously. She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

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