Page 32 of Mystery of Magic

I crossed my arms. “What the hell?”

Daryn turned to me with flickering eyes. “You are my parafinai and my equal in all things except this. You have not been back with us long enough to have learned the protocols for rookie training. And Caleb’s situation is volatile. I don’t have a handbook for shadow cats, and I won’t put any other hunter in danger because Caleb doesn’t like my decision.”

I pointed at the base. “He was attacked. I agree it looked like they went after him specifically, but there were too many to make that assumption. They may have realized the threat Sphinx imposes when they arrived and tried to remove her. They got more than they bargained for, and I hope whoever sent them is licking their wounds and thinking twice about another attack.”

Several seniors glanced our way as Indy and Kaine moved another hybrid to the pile of dead. I hadn’t seen him arrive, but he was likely with the dozens of seniors who arrived after Daryn’s call.

“Shannon, your son does not get special treatment. As a family member, yes. But not as a hunter. He has to be readybefore he is sent into the field, or he is dead. That includes Sphinx. She is a force and far more volatile than we first suspected.”

My hands moved in the air. “She was protecting him. Someone has to.”

As soon as the words left my lips, I regretted them, but I was too mad and too emotional to back down. Indy was so quiet I didn’t hear her approach, and I jumped when her hand touched my shoulder.

“The cleanup is almost done. Can I have a word with you both?”

CHAPTER 14

Indy glanced at the other senior hunters on the training course, clearing it of dead hybrids. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I think you two need a time-out.”

Daryn arched an eyebrow. “I don’t need time away from Shannon. She is just upset because I have to discipline Caleb. She isn’t the first mother to have a hunter in training and struggle with our protocols.”

Indy narrowed her gaze on Daryn. “Even parafinai need time away and if you think it isn’t different with Caleb, you are wrong.”

I touched Indy’s shoulder, thankful for her support. I could see Daryn’s point. He had to treat the hunters the same, but Indy was also correct. Caleb was my son and part of Daryn’s family. “Indy is right. We need a little break. I think some girl time would be good if you don’t need me for an hour or two.”

Daryn frowned, but as he glanced over the grounds, I could feel his resignation. “There is nothing but cleanup. We can handle that, but I want you at the base or at Marty’s. Secure locations only, Indy. That is non-negotiable.”

Indy held up both hands. “I was planning Marty’s. He hasbeen feeling down since the museum explosion. I promised we would still come there as long as we visited in pairs. Even the seniors are using the buddy system until we figure out what is happening with the demons and hybrids.”

I motioned for Indy to follow me back to the base. Normally I would kiss Daryn goodbye, and I felt the twinge of disappointment through our bond when I didn’t, but Indy was right. I needed a moment away to process tonight’s events.

Indy bumped my shoulder as we walked. “Don’t hate him. This situation is new for him too, but he is right. He has had to deal with dozens of hunter mothers, but he wasn’t personally involved with them. Even if he feels it, he can’t show favoritism.”

I ran my hand through my hair as the breeze blew an errant strand in my face. “I know. It’s not that I expect him to favor Caleb, but Sphinx is unique. He asked Caleb not to use his ability to call animals and after what happened with me, I get that. But the pendant distorted my magic. Caleb never touched it. This is his innate ability. I am not sure you can turn that off any easier than asking someone to stop breathing.”

Indy was quiet for a minute while we walked. “Daryn has death magic. He must suppress it. The results, if he didn’t, could be disastrous. It doesn’t mean it’s not there. Caleb just has to keep a tight leash on any power that is designated as dark. Those magics are like giving an alcoholic booze. They may get away with having a few drinks, but eventually one or two isn’t enough.”

“I never thought about it that way. This is why we need girlfriends to help you sort out the emotional stuff. Sometimes it’s like Daryn and I share the same skin. I can’t tell which one of us is angry, sad, or frustrated.”

“I hear the bond is like that.” She patted my back. “Don’t worry. When Daryn gets too dominant, I am always here to put an alpha male back in his place.”

I laughed in spite of my frustration. As we climbed the fewsteps to the base entrance, the hunter stationed at the door opened it for us, and we made our way to my suite to grab a change of clothes before heading over to Indy’s.

The Frost twins’ private suite on the hunter base was a sanctuary of comfort tucked away amidst the relentless demands of our calling. As I stepped through the door, the warm ambiance, a stark contrast to the shadows we usually navigated, enveloped me.

We ignored the small living area and headed for her bedroom, passing Kaine’s closed door and the bathroom. All seniors had quarters here if they needed them, but the twins also had their family home and spent as much time there as they could.

Her bedroom exuded an air of sophistication and utilitarianism. Her furnishings were simple but of good quality. The walls were adorned with artwork that told stories of adventures and triumphs, a reminder of the fierce spirit that resided in the heart of its occupant.

In the corner, a vanity table held an array of cosmetics and brushes, each item meticulously organized. Indy was a master of subterfuge when needed, using these tools to enhance her beauty before every mission. Her scent lingered in the air, a delicate perfume that spoke of both strength and femininity.

As I settled into a plush chair, Indy moved with grace and purpose, selecting an outfit for herself. She had an impeccable sense of style, always knowing how to strike the perfect balance between practicality and sexiness. Today, she had chosen a tailored black leather jacket that hinted at our warrior spirit, paired with dark denim jeans that promised both comfort and flexibility.

I pulled off my hunter garb and changed into the fitted white blouse I had grabbed from my suite. It was the kind that made me feel both powerful and elegant. As I pulled on the black fitted skirt, I couldn’t help but admire the way the ensemble made mefeel. It was more than just clothing; it was armor, a reminder of the strength that resided within me.

Indy had a talent for accessorizing, and she completed her look with a statement necklace that carried a hint of hunter magic. Its intricate design whispered of protection and courage, a talisman against the darkness we faced.

As I gazed at myself in the mirror, I felt a surge of confidence. It wasn’t just about looking the part; it was about embracing our identity as fierce, capable women who stood ready to confront the supernatural threats that lurked in the shadows.

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