Light Of The Moon excerpt

8/12/2019 Light Of The Moon excerpt

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LIGHT OF THE MOON16,553 word excerpt

All rights reser ed !" #$%dr$ H$ll

It w$s $&$'i%g( O)tr$geo)sl" $&$'i%g th$t $&pires were r)%%i%g

the gross, $%d &ore i&port$%tl", illeg$l *re$+ show( o)%g &e% $%d

wo&e%, !o"s $%d girls re$ll", w$l+ed the streets sc$%til" clothed( H)&$%s

$%d $&pires( -o%do& wr$ppers $%d s"ri%ges littered the l$w%s, sidew$l+s

$%d street( #ex, dr)gs, g)%s, $%d !lood w$s *or s$le i% the $!$%do%ed

cor%ers o* F$irlight, +%ow% $s the Gro e(

#he stood i% the &iddle o* .e$ch L$%e, horri*ied $%d disg)sted $t the

*l$gr$%t displ$" o* l$wless%ess $%d de!$)cher" $ll $ro)%d her( It w$s the

s$&e o% Apple $%d -herr" #treet, %o o%e w$s hidi%g $%"thi%g, doi%g it $ll

i% the ope%, $s i* d$ri%g so&eo%e to do so&ethi%g $!o)t it( #he g$sped, $%dthe% g$ped $t $ co)ple o% the stoop o* $% $p$rt&e%t !)ildi%g /)st $ *ew *eet

$w$" *ro& where she stood st)pe*ied( A $&pire wo&$% str$ddled $%d

gri%ded o% $ p$rti$ll" tr$%s*or&ed wol* &$% while she !it $%d s)c+ed !lood

*ro& his r$gged" sho)lder(


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#he0d see% e%o)gh, $%d *elt &ore th$% o!lig$ted to do so&ethi%g(

e$chi%g i%side her /$c+et, dow% the &iddle o* her !$c+, she p)lled her

sword *ro& the sc$!!$rd, $%d ill)&i%$ted the *ilth", d$r+ street with her

$)r$( 2l)e light got the $tte%tio% o* e er" seller $%d !)"er, especi$ll" the $&pires( The" growled $%d hissed whe% she we%t *ro& !l)e to white(

#o&e co ered their e"es or loo+ed $w$", !$c+i%g o** to $ &ore co&*ort$!le

dist$%ce( O%e "o)%g !lo%d &$le got her $tte%tio% *ro& $cross the street, he

stood $lo%e $%d s%$rled $s she !ee li%ed tow$rds hi&(

A*ter $ *ew 4)ic+ steps, $%other &$le !od" !loc+ed her p$th $%d iew

o* the $&pire( He w$s $ %or&$l h)&$%, tho)gh 4)ite t$ll $%d wide $s $

re*riger$tor( #he did%0t h$ e to loo+ )p to *$ce hi& $s she wore heels

to%ight( The" &$de her t$ll *ig)re &ore i&posi%g !)t she wore the& *or

st"le(

2$c+ "o)r !ig $ss )p, he s$id th)&pi%g her chest with $ thic+ &e$t"

*i%ger(

7o%0t do th$t, she w$r%ed( 7o%0t to)ch &e $g$i%(

2itchM" %$&e is 8el et 9$shi%gto%, %ot !itch( Got it:

The re*riger$tor s&iled( He h$d !ig white croo+ed teeth( e$h, he

s$id( I got it !itch( 7o%0t %o!od" c$re wh$t "o)r %$&e is( Aro)%d here

people do%0t tote swords $%d go lighti%g )p the *re$+i%0 %ight with %o

*re$+i%0 sel* ge%er$ted e%erg"( It $i%0t good *or !)si%eeeee His e"es we%t

ro)%d $%d his &o)th ope%ed wide whe% he co)ld%0t !re$the *ro& the gripo* 8el et0s *i%gers diggi%g i%to his thro$t( 9ith /)st $ little &ore e**ort she

co)ld e$sil" !re$+ his %ec+(

o) c$% +eep tr"i%g to !loc+ &" &eeti%g with "o)r $ll A&eric$% !o"

o er there, i* "o) w$%t to, !)t it will cost "o) $t le$st o%e $r& or o%e leg(


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o) )%derst$%d &e:

#he w$ited *or hi& to %odd the% she led his !od" to the side, $w$"

*ro& o%loo+ers !e*ore rele$si%g his thro$t( 9h$t0s his %$&e:

ex(He0s i% ch$rge: Is he the re$l !oss o* this &ess:

O%l" o%e I0 e see%( The !ig g)" &$ss$ged his thro$t $%d !$c+ed

$w$" $s ex stepped scowli%g i%to the street(

Fro& so&ewhere he h$d prod)ced $ sword $s well( 8el et

9$shi%gto%, he s$id( M", the stories do%0t ex$gger$te $*ter $ll( o) $re $s

!l$c+ $%d t$ll $s the" s$"( et, so&ehow, I $i%0t $ll th$t i&pressed(

The% I g)ess "o)0ll /)st h$ e to get $ lo$d o* &" swords&$%ship(

I c$%0t w$it, ex gri%%ed( He r$ised his !l$de r)%%i%g the *ew steps

!etwee% the&( Her sword stro%gl" &et his cl$shi%g $%d cl$%gi%g( 7$&%,

he gritted( His $&pire stre%gth w$s%0t e%o)gh to *orce her $r& dow%(

Gi i%g )p, he s)c+er p)%ched her de$d i% the /$w( .le$sed with hi&sel*, he

$tte&pted $%other, $%d le*t hi&sel* )%!$l$%ced *or $ seco%d( T$+i%g the

$d $%t$ge, she stepped i%, gr$!!ed his $r&ed h$%d !" the wrist $%d *lippedhi& o er( He s$iled i%to the !ig g)", $%d cr$shed the& !oth i%to $ p$r+ed

tr)c+(

ex; A petite girl with !row% short h$ir r$% to his side( #he wore

!l$c+ high heeled !oots with $ short red p$te%t le$ther s+irt th$t showed

her &$tchi%g p$%ties whe% she &o ed, $%d $ top th$t loo+ed li+e $

!r$ssiere( ex, do%0t *ight her( Let the *ell$s h$%dle her( #he0s th$t sl$"erN$w, ex co%tr$dicted( #he0s /)st $ witch( Ai%0t $%" re$so%

2)t she h$%dled "o) so e$sil"; A%d she0s got her !ig *oot o% "o)r

sword; 7id she p)t $ spell o% "o):


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!$c+ his thic+ str$ight h$ir, the% p)lled his shirt dow% *ro& )p his !$c+,

$%d s&oothed it o)t /)st o er the top o* his so*t white le$ther p$%ts( All

right, the%( Growli%g, he p)shed his *i%ger%$ils o)t o% !oth h$%ds(

ex, M$r" hissed cro)chi%g, slidi%g dow% the le%gth o* $ c$r( #he0sthe o%e th$t too+ Li'$ $%d the others o)t i% the ce&eter"; ex t)r%ed to

st$re $t her $%%o"ed with her i%ter*ere%ce( 7$&% it, ex; Li'$ w$s w$"

!etter th$% "o) i% co&!$t;

M$"!e, I $i%0t $s st)pid $s Li'$, he !o$sted $s he ch$rged 8el et( He

spe$red her i% the &idsectio% to p)sh her *ro& the street( O% the sidew$l+,

she pl$%ted her *eet *ir&l" $%d !ro)ght dow% her we$po%0s hilt, $%d

clo!!ered hi& h$rd( E er"o%e he$rd the cr$c+ o* his s+)ll( He *ell to his

+%ees gro$%i%g, cl)tchi%g his he$d( Oh, he &o$%ed, rolli%g o er )%$!le to

*oc)s his e"es(

Nope, "o) $re%0t st)pid, 8el et $greed he$ " with the s$rc$s&(

ex; M$r" scre$&ed, !)t did%0t r)% $cross the street to chec+ o%

her p$rt%er( 8el et scooped hi& )p ro)ghl" !" the loose *$!rics o* his shirt

$%d /$c+et( To!", help hi&;To!", "o) $i%0t $!o)t to $ct st)pid: 8el et $s+ed(

9h" do%0t "o) p)t hi& dow%: He0s %ot c$p$!le o* $%"thi%g $t the

&o&e%t(

Now, "o) thi%+ I0& st)pid( I +%ow $ cr$c+ to the %oggi% will o%l"

i%c$p$cit$te $ $&pire *or $ *ew seco%ds( #h$+i%g ex, she &$de his he$d

*lop *ro& side to side( He w$s o)t( 2)t the%, I &ight !e wro #he d)c+edto $ oid $ *)ll *ro%t$l $tt$c+ *ro& $ *l"i%g o!/ect who h$ppe%ed to !e

$%other "o)%g &$le with lo%g !l$c+ cor%rowed h$ir th$t h)%g dow% to the

top o* his low w$isted /e$%s, $%d i% the thic+ o* the %ight he wore

s)%gl$sses( -ircli%g $ro)%d, he le*t $ good s&elli%g &e%0s sce%t $ll i% the


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$ir $%d street( 8el et w$tched hi& *l" )pw$rd the% p)sh with his !oots o** $

ho)se to ch$%ge directio%s( #)rprisi%g her, he did %ot ch$rge, !)t ho ered

i% the $ir, $%d gri%%ed &ischie o)sl"( He w$s holdi%g her $tte%tio%,

+eepi%g her $w$" *ro& ex( 2)t wh" w$s%0t M$r" or so&eo%e else h)stli%gto dr$g ex o** to s$*et":

Because he was waiting for someone else to get in position (

#he e"ed ex, who w$s )p, %o lo%ger *$+i%g it( His e"es h$d /)st

ret)r%ed *ro& loo+i%g to the le*t( T$+i%g to the $ir, she so$red higher th$%

the %ew $rri $l, loo+i%g dow% *or $ possi!le third $tt$c+er( =%less he w$s

)p higher th$% she w$s, he w$s%0t there(

o, !$!"; ex tossed d$ggers li+e &issiles with expert precisio%(

O%e whi''ed !" %ippi%g her e$r, the others she !$rel" dodged with her

s)per speed( Now, th$t0s wh$t I0& t$l+i%g $!o)t; M$r" /oi%ed i% throwi%g

st$rs( Her $i& w$s !$d !)t she see&ed to !e h$ i%g *)%(

To!", shoot th$t witch, ex ordered o%ce he w$s o)t o* d$ggers(

#hoot her: To!" loo+ed $t ex li+e he w$s t$l+i%g cr$'" or

so&ethi%g( #hoot $ wo&$% th$t $i%0t shooti%g !$c+:#he0s $r&ed, M$r" s$id( A%d she0s the o%e

To!", "o) /)st do wh$t I co&&$%d, ex s$id i% $ low ster%er oice(

N$w, To!" decided( 2ri%gi%g g)%s i%to $ sword *ight $i%0t +osher(

A%d !esides, I do%0t do co&&$%ds, l$ter *or "0$ll(

M$r" w$tched hi& with her &o)th ope%, $s he h)stle it dow% the

street to $ sil er sports co% erti!le( 9ith $ s4)e$l o* tires, he sped *ro& thec)r! le$ i%g her to st$re $*ter hi& co&pletel" $sto)%ded( A*ter closi%g her

&o)th, she loo+ed to ex0s *)rio)s *$ce(

M$r", he s$id isi!l" tr"i%g to +eep his cool( e&i%d &e to rip his

thro$t o)t(


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Loo+ o)t; M$r" le$ped to the right to $ oid $ !l$st o* i%digo light(

7$&%( #he l$%ded h$rd o% her hip $%d got )p &$ss$gi%g hersel*( 7$&%

witches do%0t *ight *$ir, she gr)&!led(

-o&e o%, H$ido; ex sho)ted to the other &$le still i% the $ir(He too+ *light !r$ i%g the light, protecti%g his he$d $%d chest with his

$r&s( H$ido !)''ed her $s i* %ot %otici%g the sword i% her h$%d( He e e%

ris+ed $ slice i%to $% $r& to get closer( He w$s stro%g *or $ slightl" !)ilt

*ell$, stro%g e%o)gh to &$+e her str)ggle to +eep her ow% sword i% her ow%

h$%d( O%l" o%e $&pire h$d e er t$+e% $ we$po% *ro& her, $%d so&e little

g)" h$l* her si'e w$s %ot goi%g to do it to%ight, !)t he w$s %ot )%tr$i%ed

li+e ex $%d M$r"( =p close, she s$w he w$s %ot $ +id either( He h$d to !e

close to thirt" or older whe% he died( A%d he w$s%0t p$le( Fro& his %$&e

she $ss)&ed he w$s pro!$!l" >$p$%ese( His *ist c$&e $t her *$ce $%d she

!loc+ed it )si%g her !l$de $s $ shield(

Ah( He wi%ced $%d p)lled !$c+ to sh$+e o)t his *ist( #il er $lw$"s

w$s $ witch0s $d $%t$ge(

>)st li+e doi%g e er"thi%g i% three0s is $ $&pire0s( F)%%", *or $ hot&i%)te there, I tho)ght "o) h$d $ little so&ethi%g(

.)t th$t sword dow% $%d I0ll t$+e "o) o% $lo%e(

7o%0t thi%+ so( #he r$ised her sword de*e%si el", he hesit$ted( It

w$s e%o)gh( 8el et recog%i'ed he w$s%0t so s)re o* his co&!$t s+ills $s

whe% he *irst st$rted( Not whe% she w$s holdi%g sil er( He w$s %ot

*or&id$!le li+e >ero&e, who& she i&$gi%ed, &ost glee*)ll" wo)ld )se herow% sword to c)t her li er o)t(

Tell "o)r &$ster, 8el et 9$shi%gto% $%d Associ$tes is sh)tti%g dow%

$ll illeg$l $&pire $cti ities i% the Gro e(

I wor+ o)t here *or &o%e"( I do%0t c$ll $%"!od" &" &$ster( He


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re&o ed his s)%gl$sses $%d ch$lle%ged her to loo+ hi& str$ight i% the e"e,

which she did witho)t hesit$tio%(

Loo+i%g $ witch i% the e"e pro ed he *elt he w$s her e4)$l, her loo+i%g !$c+

de&o%str$ted she w$s %ot $*r$id o* his powers o* co&p)lsio%( M" /o! is to+ic+ $%"o%e0s $ss th$t is +ic+i%g ex0s( These cor%ers $re%0t &" co%cer%,

$%d the" sho)ld%0t !e "o)rs(

Is th$t s)pposed to !e $d ice, H$ido:

The !oss is%0t the +i%d o* $&pire to pl$" $ro)%d, %ot whe% it co&es

to his !)si%ess( These cor%ers, the Gro e is his lo echild( 9he% he *i%ds o)t

"o) were dow% here to%ight tossi%g people $ro)%d, he0s goi%g to chew "o)

)p $%d spit "o) o)t( 7o%0t co&e !$c+ dow% here is &" $d ice, he s$id,

co eri%g his e"es with his s)%gl$sses $g$i%( He *lew dow% to /oi% ex $%d

M$r" $&o%g the s&$ll &$sses th$t stopped to w$tch the $ir show(

Get !$c+ to wor+, ex sho)ted p)shi%g $%d hitti%g $t the idlers(

O%e witch do%0t stop %o show( 7$&% it, get !$c+ to sh$+i%g "o)r $sses $%d

&$+e &e so&e &o%e"( M$r", get these !itches to &o i%g( .ic+i%g )p his

sword, he swept the crowd letti%g his &e$% !l)e e"es rest o% e$ch $%d e er"h)stler( Two "o)%g girls gr$!!ed e$ch other $%d retre$ted !ehi%d other

!odies(

He w$s $ pi&p; A !lood" %o good $&pire pi&p, &$+i%g girls $%d

!o"s sell the&sel es; o) creep, she oiced so*tl", $i&i%g her ope% p$l&s

$t ex0s he$d(

9h$t wh$t "o) doi%g: A% exp$%di%g !)rst o* white light so)ght $*ter the scre$&i%g $%d

*leei%g $&pire( It str)c+ hi& i% the !$c+ with the i&p$ct o* $ !olt o*

light%i%g( His s&o+i%g !od" h)rled i%to the *ro%t "$rd o* $ !$rred )p ho&e(

ex; M$r" *l$shed her !right e"es, *)rrowi%g her !row t)r%i%g her


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g$'e )pw$rd to 8el et( o) +illed hi&; #he r$% to H$ido( o) /)st stood

$%d w$tched; #pi%%i%g $ro)%d she gr$!!ed $%d p)lled $t her short h$ir

scre$&i%g, $%d c)rsi%g e er" witch th$t e er li ed(

M$r"; H$ido sp)% her !$c+ $ro)%d holdi%g her $r&s( #h)t the hell)p(

H$ido, "o) s$w wh$t she did;

#h)t "o)r godd$&% &o)th !e*ore she stri+e0s )s $ll dow%(

o) cow$rd; M$r" hit hi& i% the &o)th $%d p)shed hi& o)t o* her

sight to co%*ro%t 8el et( 2ri%g "o)r !l$c+ $ss dow% here;

M$r" H$ido st$rted to w$r% her $g$i% !)t 8el et h$d $lre$d"

$ccepted M$r"0s i% it$tio% to /oi% her o% the gro)%d(

He0s %ot de$d, "o) idiot( 8el et dis&issed her to t$l+ to the crowd(

M" %$&e is 8el et 9$shi%gto%( I i%te%d to close the Gro e( I* $%" o* "o)

w$%t &" help or protectio% si&pl" co&e dow% to &" o**ices $%d $s+ *or &e

perso%$ll"(

9h$t: How d$re "o): M$r" screeched(

2ec$)se, I c$%( 8el et gr$!!ed M$r" !" her thi% sho)lders,de&o%str$ti%g her stre%gth( M" &$gic is gre$ter th$% "o) c$% i&$gi%e(

9ith $ tho)ght I c$% destro" "o) $ll(

Li$r; No!od" !elie es th$t st)** $%"&ore( I* witches co)ld do s)ch

thi%gs to )s, "0$ll wo)ld0 e do%e it ce%t)ries $go; 9e $re $&pires; M$r"

scre$&ed i% her *$ce( 9e $re stro%ger th$% we0 e e er !ee%; 9e +%ow "o)r

secrets;Are "o) willi%g to !et "o)r li*e o% th$t theor" $!o)t /i%xi%g $ witch:

o) re$ll" w$%t &e to pro e who the higher power !elo%gs to: 7o "o) thi%+

"o) $%d H$ido c$% &$%$ge it: All $t o%ce, she got the creeps( The so)rce

w$s st$%di%g right !ehi%d her( M$r" w$s &erel" st$lli%g her, getti%g her to


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co&e !$c+ to the street, $%d she0d *$lle% *or it( T)r%i%g, she *$ced the d$r+

co)%te%$%ce o* the $&pire th$t swore to perso%$ll" gi e her the &ost

horri!le de$th i&$gi%$!le( #he s&iled, !ec$)se $s $lw$"s it str)c+ her th$t

he w$s the &ost h$%dso&e &$% she e er &et, li i%g or )%de$d( 7$r+s+i%%ed, wide sho)ldered, &oder$tel" &)scled $%d t$ll, he stood per*ectl"

still, gloweri%g $t her, letti%g his h$tred *ill the $ir !etwee% the&( He

de*i%itel" w$s%0t thi%+i%g how $ttr$cti e she loo+ed to%ight(

9h" is it $lw$"s "o): he $s+ed $d/)sti%g the &$tchi%g tie o* his

o)tr$geo)sl" expe%si e gr$" s)it( >)st o%ce, wh" c$%0t "o) do li+e I tell

"o): His e"es 4)ic+l" s)r e"ed the street( This is %ot "o)r %eigh!orhood,

so it does %ot co%cer% "o)(

F$irlight is &" co%cer%, the Gro e is $ %ice si'ed ch)%+ o* F$irlight(

o) +%ow I c$%0t let this slide(

I i%sist th$t "o) do /)st th$t, 8el et, )%less, "o) w$%t this !elo ed

cit" o* "o)rs t)r%ed i%side o)t(

It wo%0t co&e to th$t(

I0ll see th$t it does(o) do%0t c$re $!o)t $%"thi%g, do "o): He g$ e her $% i%d)lge%t

s&ile( o) $re sc)&, she !oldl" st$ted getti%g closer to his *$ce( o) $re

tr$sh, >ero&e, $ disg)sti%g piece o* sli&e; 9e$ri%g t$ilored s)its do%0t

dress "o) )p;

-$re*)l, %ow(

Mo e o)t, >ero&e( Let these %eigh!orhoods go(Not i% $ &illio% "e$rs(

#he chec+ed the street *or $ggressi e $&pires( No%e see&ed e$ger to

*ight, %ot e e% H$ido, !)t the" wo)ld, i* >ero&e ordered it(

Get o)t o* here, 8el et, while "o) still c$%( I h$ e &ore i&port$%t


10/59

&$tters to $tte%d to to%ight(

M$"!e, "o) o)ght to c$%cel those pl$%s(

M$"!e, "o) sho)ld stop !ei%g so ridic)lo)s( 9e !oth +%ow "o)

$re%0t $!o)t to st$rt so&ethi%g with so &$%" h)&$%s $ro)%d( Hell, "o)e e% c$re wh$t h$ppe%s to these so c$lled icti&s(

He h$d her there( #he h$d to co&e )p with $%other w$" to s$ e the

Gro e $%d *ree the )%willi%g p$rticip$%ts o* >ero&e0s illeg$l doi%gs, $ w$"

th$t closed the& dow% witho)t $%"!od" getti%g h)rt(

All right, she s$id( For %ow, I0ll le$ e( Not li+e she did%0t h$ e

other thi%gs to !e doi%g to%ight, $%d she w$%ted to get it do%e !e*ore it

r$i%ed( To%ight w$s re$ll" $!o)t chec+i%g o)t the sit)$tio%, th$t l$st thi%g

she expected w$s >ero&e $ct)$ll" showi%g hi&sel*( A%d she h$d to $d&it,

she w$s%0t prep$red to t$+e hi& o% $lo%g with his e&plo"ees $%d !rood(

#he %eeded her te$& *or this(

Now, "o) $re showi%g sig%s "o) $re $% i%tellige%t cre$t)re(

Th$%+s, she s$id !)rsti%g i%to r$di$%t !l)e light( The *irst w$ e

we%t thro)gh >ero&e, hitti%g hi& h$rd, so h$rd th$t he cried o)t,st$ggeri%g !$c+ *ro& the *orce o* it( Howe er, he w$s the +i%d o* $&pire

th$t +%ew how to co)%ter $ s)c+er $tt$c+ !" rolli%g with it( He s%$tched her

thigh, /er+ed her *orw$rd, $s he dropped to $ +%ee( He w$s goi%g to !ite her(

Oh cr$p, she )ttered re$li'i%g there w$s %o ti&e *or $%"thi%g else, except

to get o)t o* his cl)tches(

Arrgh; he cried *ro& p$i% $%d disg)st( Her !od" w$s ph$si%g its w$" thro)gh his i% order to esc$pe his *$%gs(

Not so s&$rt o% her p$rt, she tho)ght, the i%st$%t her !od" &et his

hostile resist$%ce( He w$s $ct)$ll" p)shi%g her, $tte&pti%g to o erco&e her

light *orce with his d$r+ %$t)re( 9ith $%other h$rd !)rst o* light, she


11/59

propelled hersel* thro)gh $%d o)t, le$ i%g >ero&e gro$%i%g o% his +%ees( A

good e**ort o% his p$rt, she h$d to gi e hi& th$t &)ch(

9itch, he &o$%ed coll$psi%g o%to his side( I0ll h$ e "o)r he$rt *or

dessert, I pro&ise "o)(I% the &e$%ti&e, "o) /)st l$" there li+e $ p)%+(

8el et, "o) !etter get "o)r $ss $w$" *ro& here, H$ido s$id steppi%g

*orw$rd to g)$rd >ero&e0s spe%t !od"( o) c$%0t t$+e $ll o* )s(

All o* the& i%cl)ded h)&$%s $%d werewol es( #o&e &ight e e% h$ e

g)%s( It w$s ti&e to go, she decided, %otici%g r$i% clo)ds rolli%g i% co eri%g

the %ight0s s+"( F$di%g o)t, she s$w >ero&e risi%g to his *eet $ided !"

H$ido(

Two

i er w$ter w$s the worst, *o)l w$s the word( A%d she co)ld%0t see $

thi%g( Her ow% h$%d i% *ro%t o* her *$ce w$s /)st $ $g)e !l)r i% the &)dd" w$ter(

#h$+i%g loose her $tt$c+er, she rose to the s)r*$ce *or $ !re$th o* $ir(

#o% o* $ !itch, she gro)%d o)t sl)ggi%g the s%$rli%g, %ot so c)te de&o% i%

the thro$t with her *ist( He s$%+ dow% i% the w$ter gr$!!i%g $t her !elt,

$tte&pti%g to p)ll her !$c+ dow%( 9h" "o) little twerp, she excl$i&ed $t

his persiste%ce( He w$s re$ll" tr"i%g to drow% her; #weepi%g $ lo%g leg, she

+ic+ed hi& i% his tr$%sp$re%t chest, +%oc+i%g hi& !$c+w$rd, doi%g *lips(

The% he w$s swi&&i%g $w$", /)st gi i%g it $ll )p( Get !$c+ here, she

co&&$%ded goi%g $*ter hi&, propelli%g hersel* with /ets o* w$ter, r$ther

th$% tr" to o)t swi& $ ri er cre$t)re( Loc+i%g o%to his little !od", she


12/59

p)lled hi& )p high, !)rsti%g *ro& the ri er li+e ste$& *ro& $ ge"ser( He

scre$&ed, his oice so)%ded *e&i%i%e( #top th$t, she s$id holdi%g his ti%"

wrists i% o%e o* her h$%ds( Or I0ll stic+ "o) i%side $ s$%d d)%e( o) he$r

&e: He hissed i% her *$ce re e$li%g rows o* teeth, re&i%di%g her o* $sh$r+( Are "o) goi%g cr$'": I /)st w$%t to t$l+ to "o)(

9itches do%0t t$l+; he shrilled, str)ggli%g to get loose( His !od"

tr$%s*or&ed *ro& the see thro)gh w$ter" o)tli%e to $ solid !l)e *ish &$%

with !illowi%g gills( o) c$%0t +ill &e, I0ll co&e !$c+(

I0& %ot here to +ill "o)( #he rele$sed his h$%ds hopi%g th$t g$ e

so&e crede%ce(

Let &e dow% !e*ore I get sic+( He w$s st$rti%g to loo+ &ore gree%

th$% !l)ish(

No, I do%0t tr)st "o)( He c$lled her $ witch tho)gh she h$d%0t

re e$led &)ch o* her power( 7o "o) +%ow who I $&:

o) $re the witch(

The witch: I0& 8el et 9$shi%gto%( He !li%+ed his ro)%d e"es $t

her( 8el et 9$shi%gto% $%d Associ$teso) $re the o%e; he scre$&ed tr"i%g to swi& i% the $ir( I I c$%%ot

&o e;

es, "o) c$%, /)st %ot $w$" *ro& &e( His !ig wide e"es grew !igger

$%d wider( He w$s re$ll" getti%g sc$red, 8el et loo+ed $ro)%d 4)ic+l"

s)r e"i%g the $re$, &$+i%g s)re %othi%g else w$s spoo+i%g hi&( Loo+, I

/)st %eed to t$l+ to "o) $!o)t wh$t "o)0 e !ee% doi%g to people(.eople: o) &e$% the h)&$%s(

ight( o)0 e got the& *righte%ed, %ow c)t it o)t( o) c$%0t +eep

wrec+i%g !o$ts $%d te$ri%g )p %ets

I sho)ld o!e" &ort$ls:


13/59

o) sho)ld tr" to li e pe$ce*)ll"( He w$s c$l&er, /)st pissed $t her

*or o er poweri%g hi&( 9h$t did "o) do to those girls:

9h$t girls:

The o%es "o) too+ o)t o* the w$ter( The o%es he tho)ght %o o%e+%ew $!o)t(

The" did %ot perish( I g$ e the& !re$th to li e(

I +%ow th$t, de&o%( He w$s%0t d)&!, !)t tho)ght she w$s, Or

si&pl" %ot do%e her rese$rch( I $lso +%ow de&o%s wo%0t help $ h)&$%

)%less he is getti%g so&ethi%g o)t o* it( Also, I +%ow "o) c$% loo+ di**ere%t(

Those girls did %ot recog%i'e "o) $s $ de&o%(

Are the girls co&pl$i%i%g: His &o)th $ppe$red &ore h)&$%( He

w$s s&ili%g $t her li+e he +%ew $ secret she h$d to disco er o% her ow%(

I* "o) did wh$t I thi%+ "o) did

o) c$%%ot h$r& &e, he re&i%ded her $g$i%(

9ro%g( I c$%0t +ill "o), !)t I c$% p)t $ h)rti%g o% "o) th$t will %e er

e%d( #he let her $)r$ !l$'e $ro)%d her $%d stirred )p so&e wi%d *or e**ect(

I0ll st$rt !" p)tti%g "o) i% $ w$terless pl$ce( The s&ile *ro'e the%dis$ppe$red( Now, "o) tell &e wh$t "o) did to those girls(

I do %ot +%ow wh$t "o) !elie e(

I i%ter iewed those girls( The" do%0t +%ow e$ch other or e er e e%

&et, "et the" tell the s$&e stor"( Their !o$ts were +%oc+ed o er !" $ h)ge

*ish cre$t)re d)ri%g $ stor&, $%d the" were resc)ed !" $% older !o" i% $

!o$t( The stor& !lew the& &iles dow% the ri er, $*ter th$t it gets s+etch"(The" s$" "o) +ept the& w$r& $%d let the& sleep(

Th$t is %o cri&e(

The" were $w$" *or ho)rs( He w$s%0t goi%g to o**er $%"thi%g(

H)&$%s do%0t l$" eggs, "o) idiot( -$rr"i%g de&o% eggs co)ld +ill the&(


14/59

I h$ e %ot prod)ced $%" eggs "et(

The% wh" did "o) $!d)ct the girls:

H$ e "o) $%" ide$ how !ori%g it gets !ei%g the o%l" o%e o* "o)r

+i%d: The o%l" h)&$% I c$% si&)l$te is $ "o)%g &$le(A%d:

Fe&$les li+e hi&( I li+e the *e&$les(

Let &e see this *or&( The tr$%s*or&$tio% w$s slow $%d color*)l( A

"o)%g, %$+ed, d$r+ !ro%'e s+i%%ed &$% o* $!o)t twe%t", sle%der !)ild,

short spi+ed h$ir with sep$r$ted !$%gs th$t co ered o%e e"e, $ppe$red

!e*ore her( He w$s gorgeo)s( A%" girl or "o)%g wo&$% wo)ld *i%d hi&

$ttr$cti e $%d sex"( Might w$%t to &eet hi& $g$i% r$ther th$% tell $%"o%e

the" were $ct)$ll" $!d)cted( 8el et re$ched o)t $ h$%d to his chee+( He

/er+ed *ro& her to)ch $s i* she were hot(

.le$se(

I0& %ot goi%g to h)rt "o)( #till he shied $w$", $l&ost coweri%g( He

w$s $ re$l &$% to the e"e( A%d he h$d $% $)r$( Most *$+e *or&s did %ot(

L$st %ight she ch$sed hi& $ro)%d the p$r+ *or %e$rl" three ho)rs( Th$t w$s4)ite $ while *or $ w$ter de&o%( A%d he h$d exerted hi&sel* !" r)%%i%g(

A*ter their little !$ttle /)st $ *ew &i%)tes $go, he &ight %ot h$ e &)ch

stre%gth le*t to de*e%d hi&sel*( 9h$t0s "o)r %$&e:

M" %$&e:

o) told the girls $ %$&e, did%0t "o):

M)++i(Loo+ &e i% the e"e $%d tell &e "o) did %ot i%ter*ere with those girls(

9e I o%l"

9h$t, M)++i:

9e did%0t do $%"thi%g $g$i%st their wills(


15/59

o) wrec+ed those !o$ts to t$+e the&, prete%di%g to resc)e the&(

I did resc)e the&( A%"w$", wh$t h$ppe%s o% the ri er is %ot "o)r

co%cer%( A%" h)&$%s th$t d$re cross i%to &" w$ters, crosses $t their ow%

ris+(M)++i, wh" were "o) tr"i%g to drow% &e:

#he s$id "o) $lw$"s +ill "o)r pre"( I* "o) c$%0t, "o) will !$%ish the&

to $%other di&e%sio%(

9ho is this perso%:

A l$%d de&o% who wo)ld %ot co&e %e$r the w$ter(

9he% she t$l+ to "o):

L$st %ight( #he w$r%ed &e the o%l" w$" to !e$t "o) is to drow% "o)(

9itches c$%%ot o erco&e w$ter( 2)t "o) did(

o) s)re it w$s%0t $ &$%: Or $&pire:

I c$% o%l" !e s)re th$t it w$s *e&$le(

o) &e$% she co)ld0 e !ee% $ h)&$%:

.erh$ps(

He w$s%0t co%cer%ed $!o)t it o%e w$" or the other( 8el et r$ised $slight !row $t th$t( A de&o% th$t co)ld%0t recog%i'e $%other de&o% $t $

short dist$%ce( O% the w$ter, how lo%g c$% "o) loo+ li+e this: she

wo%dered $%d $s+ed(

As lo%g $s I %eed to, he $%swered( I c$% loo+ $%"w$" I w$%t(

O% l$%d: He s$id %othi%g( O% l$%d, "o)0re li&ited to cert$i%

co%ditio%s: #o&eti&es, "o) $re &ore s)ited o% l$%d th$% w$ter, !)t %ot *ortoo lo%g( A& I right, M)++i: O% these d$"s $%d %ights "o) h$ e to loo+

h)&$%, do%0t "o):

9h" $re "o) $s+i%g &e these 4)estio%s: His loo+ !ec$&e g)$rded

which &e$%t she w$s pro!$!l" right with the ide$ she w$s 4)ic+l" *or&i%g


16/59

$!o)t hi& $%d his de&o%ic $!ilities( 8el et 9$shi%gto%

>)st 8el et will do( 9h" %ot co&e i%to tow% $%d &eet girls the right

w$":

H$rdl" see&s worth it, he &)&!led loo+i%g dow% $t the &)r+" w$ters( o) +%ow &" secret, he st$ted r$ther th$% $s+ed(

o) $re $ lo%el" solit$r" cre$t)re( 2ec$)se "o) $re o%l" $ h$l*

de&o%, "o) c$%0t prod)ce eggs, $%d "o) were c$st $w$" *ro& "o)r cl$%(

A%d I0& %ot h)&$% e%o)gh to li e $&o%g h)&$%s(

#o&e h)&$%s li+e de&o%s( A%d so&e de&o%s li+e other +i%ds o*

de&o%s(

9h$t $re "o) s$"i%g:

2ei%g h$l* $%d h$l* is%0t $ c)rse( I0& $ witch( To so&e people th$t

&$+es &e less th$% $ h)&$%, to others, I0& &ore th$% h)&$%( o) h$ e

co%ditio%s $%d &$"!e restrictio%s, !)t "o) $re h)&$%( A%d "o) $re de&o%(

o) c$% li e "o)r li*e here o% the ri er pl$"i%g tric+s, or "o) c$% go o% l$%d

$%d li e $&o%g people, too( o) !elo%g where er "o) w$%t to !e, M)++i(

I co)ld %ot pres)&e $%"thi%g(9ell, "o) c$%0t go $ro)%d co&&itti%g $%d$lis& $%d $!d)cti%g

people( I w$s hired to c$tch "o) $%d stop "o)( Is t$l+i%g to "o) e%o)gh to

get "o) to stop it:

o) serio)sl" thi%+ "o) h$ e the right to i%ter*ere i% the w$" $%other

!ei%g choses to li e:

o) serio)sl" thi%+ ri er de&o%s h$ e the right to get $w$" with$%"thi%g /)st !ec$)se it0s o% the ri er: o) thi%+ the ri er !elo%gs to "o):

o) thi%+ "o) c$% co%ti%)e to i%ter*ere with "o)%g wo&e%: For the record,

I do%0t !elie e *or o%e &o&e%t, "o) /)st s$il )p $%d dow% the ri er sh$ri%g

$ &e$l $%d co% ers$tio%(


17/59

How d$re "o) s)ggest $%"thi%g else:

.le$se, M)++i( o) $re e%ch$%ti%g people, %ot gi i%g the& the

choice to d$te "o) or r)% $w$"( o) c$%0t prod)ce eggs, !)t "o) still h$ e $

li!ido(How how do "o) +%ow:

O%e o* "o)r icti&s, did%0t go to college, or &o e $w$"( #he0s *i*t"

se e% $%d she $g)el" re&e&!ers "o)( #he0s $lso o%e o* the !)si%ess&e%

th$t hired &e( #he does%0t w$%t "o) h)rt(

9h$t is her %$&e: he $s+ed(

-$%0t tell "o)(

o) The sh$rp !l$st o* $ c$r hor% drew their $tte%tio% to the doc+s(

M)++i we%t tr$%sp$re%t, $%d dropped hi&sel* i%to the ri er with $ lo)d

spl$sh( He w$s o)t o* there(

Now, wh$t w$s so sc$r", she wo%dered, $!o)t $ hor% !lowi%g: #he

swooped low $%d *lew tow$rd the doc+s( 9h$t the hell: 9ere her e"es

pl$"i%g tric+s, or were there re$ll" three werewol es $ll o er $ c$r, !)ll"i%g

whoe er w$s h)ddled i%side it sc$ri%g hi& o)t o* his or her &i%d: He";#he "elled dr$wi%g their collecti e $tte%tio% to her $ppro$ch( Two c$&e $t

her while the third, !ro+e the wi%d shield o)t o* the c$r with $ *)rr" el!ow(

A &$% w$s pressed !$c+ )p $g$i%st the se$t holdi%g $ g)%( He w$s terri*ied,

$%d h$d to +%ow the g)% w$s%0t goi%g to s$ e hi& *ro& three werewol es,

especi$ll" the o%e !re$+i%g i%to his c$r( The &$% wol* h$d $ h)&p o% his

!$c+, which sig%i*ied his stre%gth( A gloc+ *)ll o* sil er !)llets w$s%0te%o)gh to !ri%g hi& dow%, )%less "o) pl)gged his he$rt with e er" ro)%d(

The &$% !ehi%d the wheel w$s sh$+i%g too &)ch *or th$t +i%d o* $cc)r$c"(

$$wr; O%e o* the two stepped )p swipi%g $ cl$w $t her *$ce( #he

d)c+ed the% /)&ped o er their he$ds, &e$%i%g to get to the c$r !e*ore the


18/59

h)&ped !$c+ tore i%to the dri er(

8el et; #he recog%i'ed the oice( 7o so&ethi%g, !oss;

Lero"; Her dri er, !)t wh$t w$s he doi%g o)t there so e$rl" i% the

&or%i%g: His wi*e &)st did%0t +%ow, or she0d h$ e p)t $ stop to it( Mill"h$ted th$t her h)s!$%d wor+ed *or 8el et 9$shi%gto% $%d Associ$tes(

Lero" h$d $ l$&e $r& $%d w$s p$rti$ll" !li%d i% o%e e"e( 9here else w$s he

goi%g to e$r% e%o)gh &o%e" to +eep )p the &ortg$ge $%d $**ord &edic$l

i%s)r$%ce i% the sh$pe he w$s i%: Howe er, $t the &o&e%t, 8el et s$w

Mill"0s poi%t with co&plete cl$rit"( #he r)shed *orw$rd, t$c+li%g the wol*

&$%, te$ri%g hi& o** the hood o* the c$r( As she rolled with hi&, she he$rd

se er$l shots go o**, $%d the% she w$s *orce*)ll" collidi%g i%to $ w$ll,

stri+i%g her he$d so h$rd, she !it her ow% to%g)e( Goi%g *or $ we$po%, she

re$ched dow% her !$c+, p)lled o)t $ s+i%%" sword, o%e o* $ twi% set(

2e*ore the werewol* got to his *eet, she pl)%ged the sword i%to his

!$c+( It !o)ght her ti&e to get )p *irst( Lero", st$" i% the c$r; He w$s

relo$di%g to )%lo$d $g$i% o% the two st$ggeri%g *or hi&( -lose the door;

Li+e &ost &e% she +%ew, he ig%ored her, $%d /)&ped *ro& the c$r $s i* th$t&$de $ di**ere%ce(

2oss; F)rr" !$%ds o* steel c$)ght her $ro)%d the &iddle pi%%i%g

her $r&s to her sides( Lero" *ired o er her he$d, &issi%g the wol* &$%( Oh

s%$p; As the two s&$ller $tt$c+ers were str$ighte%i%g )p, he *ired

repe$tedl" i%to their chests $%d sto&$chs(

Get i% the c$r $%d get o)t o* here; 2$c+ to !ell", her *eet le*t thegro)%d $%d she we%t o er h$rd i%to the p$ e&e%t( 7$&% it; #he got )p

i&&edi$tel" gr$!!i%g $t his *)r, tr"i%g to hold hi& !$c+, hopi%g Lero" s$w

*it to *lee the sce%e( As expected, the h)&ped !$c+ w$s goi%g right *or

Lero"( He stepped o% $%d o er his !)ddies, swipi%g $t Lero"0s !$c+, his


19/59

le$ther co$t see&ed to &elt !e%e$th the cl$ws( A%d ri!!o%s o* !lood so$+ed

his white shirt, tor% s+i% $%d &)scle *ell $%d d$%gled *ro& his !$c+(

Oh &" God( #he co)ld%0t !elie e it( #he p)lled the sword *ro& the

s%$rli%g !e$sts !$c+ $%d r$% it thro)gh his %ec+( 9$s%0t e%o)gh sil er to+ill hi&, !)t he we%t dow% howli%g(

$$wr; $$wr; The other two got )p $g$i% $%d r$% le$ i%g hi& o%

his ow%( $$wr; He tore the sword o)t $%d *l)%g it tow$rd the ri er(

I0& goi%g to +ill "o), 8el et pro&ised( Her e"es glowed white $%d

her $)r$ !)rst i% !rilli$%t sil er( Fro& the light, she *$shio%ed $ sword $%d

the% sliced $t his he$d( 2)t it w$s%0t there $s she *ollowed thro)gh( He h$d

le$ped !$c+w$rd, $ oidi%g her $ltogether( His power*)l legs c$rried hi& to

the ri er, where he di ed $%d sw$& power*)ll", &$+i%g his *re%'ied esc$pe(

?@?

Tho)gh the" loo+ed h$rdl" $li+e, Lero" $lw$"s re&i%ded 8el et o* the

$ctor Er%ie H)dso%, who pl$"ed the !l$c+ g)" i% Ghost 2)sters( Lero" w$s

!ig sho)ldered $%d d$r+ with thic+ lips, $%d $ deep rich oice to go with

the&( He w$s $ &$% th$t did wh$t he h$d to do( He %eeded $ /o!, so he$%swered the $d ertise&e%t, $%d got i%ter iewed !" $ $&pire $t &id%ight

to !eco&e 8el et0s perso%$l dri er( Not th$t she %eeded $ dri er, it w$s *or

pro*essio%$l $ppe$r$%ces o* the $ge%c"( O* co)rse, Milto% tho)ght it &ight

+eep her o)t o* the $ir, $%d o)t o* the &$"or0s crossh$irs( Fl"i%g, !" h)&$%

or de&o% w$s *row%ed )po% withi% the cit" li&its(

Ag$i% she wo%dered wh$t Lero" w$s doi%g $t the ri er*ro%t( How didhe +%ow she w$s o)t there: #)rel", Milto% wo)ld %ot se%d $ %or&$l to !$c+

her )p whe% she0d &$de it cle$r she w$%ted to h$%dle thi%gs o% her ow%( I*

%ot, wh$t w$s with the g)%s $%d sil er !)llets:

.oor Lero", she sighed( >)st to help her, he0d &$de $ good st$%d,


20/59

+%owi%g there w$s %o w$" he w$s goi%g to wi%(

#he gl$%ced )p $t the s&$ll co&&otio% $t the ele $tor( It w$s Milto%

getti%g o** $ll i% $ h)rr" h)stli%g tow$rd her, $ll i%te%se( He wore the

st$%d$rd !$ttle ge$r he pre*erred *or ch$si%g $&pires, lo%g !l$c+ d)stero er !l$c+ *or& *itti%g tight s)it with )tilit" !elt $%d t$ll !o$ts th$t stopped

$t the +%ees( Except *or the g)%s $%d +%i es, he o! io)sl" c$rried, he

loo+ed li+e $ s)per hero, $%d 8el et s)pposed i% $ per*ect world the"

pro!$!l" were, !)t the" li ed $%d *o)ght i% F$irlight( A co)ple o* %)rses

*ollowed !ehi%d hi&, i%sisti%g he %ot e%ter their hospit$l with we$po%s, or

the" wo)ld !e *orced to c$ll sec)rit"( He +ept his e"e o% 8el et who got to

her *eet i% c$se $ctio% w$s c$lled *or(

O%e o* the %)rses g$ e o** $ str$%ge i!e( 8el et w$tched her closel",

$%d she t)r%ed &eeti%g 8el et0s s)spicio)s st$re( #he w$s shieldi%g hersel*,

s)ppressi%g her &$gic, tr"i%g to p$ss $s $ %or&$l h)&$%(

#ir, "o) c$%0t

Forget it, Milto% s$id &ildl"( He stopped to *$ce the %)rse( o)

+%ow who I0& here to see( 9h" "o) swe$ti%g &e li+e this:7o I h$ e to c$ll the police:

o) do%0t h$ e to do $%"thi%g, 8el et s$id goi%g o er to co%*ro%t

the %)rse( 2)t it wo)ld !e i% e er"o%e0s i%terest i* "o) $cted li+e "o) did%0t

see his g)%(

I did see it, $%d I wo%0t prete%d otherwise(

M" %$&e is 8el et 9$shi%gto%, $%d he0s $% $ssoci$te( 7o "o) re$ll" w$%t to get i% o)r w$":

I0& /)st doi%g &" /o!(

7o it so&ewhere else, Milto% stro%gl" s)ggested( As lo%g $s th$t

&$% is i% there o% his !$c+, o%e o* )s is goi%g to !e here( A%d we do%0t


21/59

dis$r& o)rsel es(

I0& goi%g to the $d&i%istr$tor, the %)rse decl$red t)r%i%g o% heel

$%d *$st w$l+ed to the ele $tor( #he got i% st$ri%g $%d scowli%g e e% $s the

doors swished closed(9h$t the hell h$ppe%ed, 8el et:

ight $w$" he w$s $ll de&$%di%g( #)re he w$s tired, so w$s she, !)t

he w$s%0t the o%e co ered i% $ *rie%d0s !lood(

o) $ll right: he $s+ed gi i%g her $ 4)ic+ o%ce o er $%d too+ her

h$%d( 9ere "o) scr$tched:

Now, she *elt !etter( No, I do%0t thi%+ the" were $*ter &e( #he led

hi& dow% the h$ll to the )%co&*ort$!le !e%ch pro ided *or those who

were%0t *$&il" o* the p$tie%t( The !ig o%e h$d $ power h)&p( He0s the o%e

did the slici%g( The other two see&ed li+e the" did%0t e e% +%ow how to

*ight(

Th$%+ God( o) thi%+ "o) c$% ide%ti*" the& i* "o) s$w the& $g$i%:

e$h( The o%l" thi%g is I c$%0t i&$gi%e wh" the"0d do s)ch $ thi%g( I

&e$%, Tro" does%0t go *or &i%dless iole%ce(-o)ld !e he h$s %o ide$( It0s %ot )%co&&o% *or werewol es to go

rog)e( Milto% r)!!ed his p$l&s o% the *$!ric stretched $cross his le$%

thighs, *row%i%g *or $ &i%)te( o) s$id the w$ter de&o% told "o) $ wo&$%

told hi& he sho)ld +ill "o)( o) h$ e %o ide$, who she &ight !e:

Not re$ll"( 8ill$i%s I +%ow o* wo)ld co&e right $t &e, especi$ll" $

wo&$%(It0s pro!$!l" )%rel$ted $%"w$", he s$id(

o) !elie e th$t:

No( He loo+ed her o er $g$i%( o) loo+ li+e hell, girl( M)st0 e !ee%

ro)gh o)t there( 2)t loo+, "o) +%ow th$t old c$t is goi%g to !e *i%e, right:


22/59

I do%0t +%ow, Milto%( #he co)ld%0t help it, $ll $t o%ce her e&otio%s

see&ed to o erlo$d( Her sho)lders he$ ed $%d soo% she w$s cr"i%g,

so!!i%g i% Milto%0s $r&s( I h$d to )se &" li*e e%erg" to +eep hi& $li e(

E e% the% he w$s !$rel" h$%gi%g o%( I *lew hi& to the hospit$l( I co)ld *eelhi& slippi%g $w$"(

2)t he did%0t slip $w$"( o)r /)ice wor+ed(

Milto%( #he p)shed o** the h$rd !e%ch loo+i%g o** dow% the critic$l

c$re )%it( It w$s%0t e%o)gh(

It s )p to the doctors( o) did

No; He did%0t re$ll" !elie e th$t, she s$w it i% the w$" he w$s%0t

&eeti%g her e"es $%"&ore( He w$s /)st sc$red *or her( 2oss" or %ot he

c$red $!o)t her li+e *$&il"( He $lso g)essed wh$t she w$s pl$%%i%g to do(

Milto%, e e% !e*ore the" were *rie%ds re$d her li+e $ !oo+( His ch$+r$s $re

d$&$ged, $ll se e% poi%ts $re we$+( He s$id %othi%g, !)t his &i%d w$s

wor+i%g( eg)l$r &edici%e c$%0t *ix hi&( I c$%(

8ee, loo+ I did%0t w$%t to s$" $%"thi%g(

9h$t:It0s his wi*e( o) +%ow how she is(

e$h, $ re$l precio)s little !itch(

#he c$lled &e !e*ore "o) did( #he w$%ts &e to get "o) o)t o* here(

#$"s "o) $re the re$so% Lero" got h)rt( #t$rted scre$&i%g $!o)t "o) *l"i%g

hi& here r$ther th$% c$lli%g the $&!)l$%ce(

#o:2$!", she $i%0t letti%g "o) %e$r her h)s!$%d( A%d "o) h$ e to !e

%e$r hi& to do wh$t "o) gott$ do, $i%0t "o):

I do%0t see the pro!le&( I c$%

#he0s his wi*e( #he gets to spe$+ *or hi& whe% he c$%0t(


23/59

He is spe$+i%g, Milto%( He w$%ts to li e(

Fi%e( As $lw$"s, it0s "o)r c$ll(

Lero" loo+ed li+e $ de$d &$%(Fro& the glower o% her little *$ce, 8el et +%ew Mill" w$s%0t goi%g to

willi%gl" let her i% the roo& to !less Lero"( For &ore th$% $ &i%)te the"

st$red $t e$ch other thro)gh the s&$ll wi%dow o% the door( 8el et w$%ted

to tell her there w$s %o )se !l$&i%g her or h$ti%g her g)ts !ec$)se th$t w$s

how she $lre$d" *elt hersel*( #he %eeded to get i%side th$t roo& reg$rdless

o* how Mill" *elt or !eh$ ed( #he gripped the !$g o% her sho)lder $%d too+

$ deep !re$th, %o &ore ti&e *or w$iti%g *or $ sc$red wi*e to do the right

thi%g(

As i* re$di%g her &i%d, Mill" dropped her h)s!$%d0s h$%d to r)%

$ro)%d the !ed to gr$! hold o* the door+%o!( 8el et !$rged her w$" i% $%d

!$c+ed the little wo&$% )p $g$i%st the w$ll(

Get o)t o* here, Mill" hissed i% $ whisper( I &e$% it, she s$id

dr$wi%g $ po)ch *ro& $ro)%d her %ec+, $ to!" $%d $% old o%e $t th$t( 8el et r$ised $ s)rprised !row the% Mill" p)lled $ woode% cross *ro& her

s+irt poc+et( I0ll )se the&( I swe$r to God(

Oh, Mill"( The cross w$s %othi%g, except &$"!e $ co&*ort to de ote

-hristi$%s( The to!" w$s the pro!le&( O%ce those thi%gs wor+ed o% "o),

"o) were%0t the s$&e )%til the %ext !l)e &oo%, or lo%ger, i* "o) were

)%l)c+"( #he dropped her !$g o% the *loor, $%d )%tied the stri%g th$t held it

sh)t(

I s$id, get o)t, 8el et( 9ho do "o) thi%+ "o) $re co&i%g i% here

$g$i%st &" wishes: o) thi%+ "o) c$% do $%"thi%g, do%0t "o):

9here did "o) get th$t thi%g: 8el et $s+ed *i%di%g hersel* 4)ite


24/59

exed with the other wo&$%( The to!" h$d power, $%d Mill" +%ew it( #he

$lso +%ew to cl)tch the po)ch i% her le*t h$%d *or stre%gth, $s it w$s %e$rer

the he$rt( I0& "o)r h)s!$%d0s *rie%d( 7o "o) re$ll" &e$% to h)rt &e *or

tr"i%g to s$ e his li*e:I do%0t w$%t to, !)t I will, *or &" Lero"0s s$+e( Te$rs rolled dow%

her *$ce to the *ro%t o* her dress( I &ight lose hi&, !)t he wo%0t lose his

so)l(

7id "o) get th$t *ro& th$t %)rse: The &$gic o% it w$s stro%g, li+e

the &$+er w$s %e$r( 8el et loo+ed o er her sho)lder s)dde%l" getti%g $

creep" *eeli%g( The %)rse $%d Mill" were i% c$hoots( 9h" is &" witchcr$*t

worse th$% hers:

This wor+s $g$i%st witchcr$*t( I0& *ighti%g "o), 8el et(

o) lo e "o)r h)s!$%d, !)t "o) do%0t h$ e the stre%gth to *ight &e(

#orr"( 8el et gr$!!ed her wrist, s4)ee'ed it *orci%g the to!" to drop to the

*loor(

Mill" str)c+ her )pside the he$d with the woode% cross( 2e go%e,

witch, Mill" scre$&ed stri+i%g her $g$i%( Get o)t;Ow; #top it, Mill"( $ther th$% *ight her, 8el et !eg$% to

$d&i%ister to Lero", 4)ic+l" she tossed dried $%d *resh her!s, powdered

roots $cross his chest $%d groi%(

o) c$%0t do this; It0s illeg$l;

I c$% $%d I $&( 8el et p)lled $ wish!o%e *ro& her co$t poc+et, $%d

s%$pped it to pieces, letti%g the *r$g&e%ts *$ll o% his !ell"(I0& c$lli%g the police, Mill" $%%o)%ced pic+i%g )p the pho%e(

#top;

Mill" *ro'e wide e"ed the% !eg$% to sh$+e(

.)t th$t pho%e dow% !ec$)se "o) $i%0t c$lli%g $%"o%e, Mill"( o)


25/59

he$r &e: #he %odded igoro)sl", droppi%g the pho%e( Now, sit dow% $%d

!e 4)iet( Or I will p)t $ *ix o% "o)(

I #he s$t dow% i% the ch$ir %e$r the wi%dow( Fix &e: #he

shi ered li+e she w$s cold $%d p)lled her +%ees )p to her chest, holdi%ghersel* i% $ little !$ll( I0& goi%g to pr$";

Holdi%g o)t her $r&s, hori'o%t$ll", 8el et tilted !$c+ her he$d $%d

ch$%ted so*tl", her e"es rolled )p i% her he$d $%d the" !eg$% to glow white(

I0& goi%g to pr$"; Mill" thre$te%ed $g$i%(

9ell, do it $lre$d"(

A*ter loweri%g the !l$%+ets dow% his !od" to his $%+les, 8el et li+e $

!li%d wo&$% ex$&i%ed his !od" with her h$%ds( As the" &o ed )p $%d

dow% his torso the" !eg$% to glow red( The lights i% the roo& *lic+ered, $%d

the% the roo& *illed with red light(

Oh &" God, Mill" cried( 7o%0t !ri%g the de il i% here;

I tho)ght "o) were goi%g to pr$", 8el et s$id ope%i%g her !$g(

-hoosi%g two pl$i% white c$%dles, she e"ed Mill" sitti%g tightl" o% edge o*

the ch$ir( -o)ld "o) hold these: The le$st $ &$%0s wi*e co)ld do w$s $idi% his reco er"( o) we%t to so&e!od" "o) tho)ght w$s $ witch to wor+

$g$i%st &e( I0& telli%g "o) %ow th$t perso% w$s %o witch( The &$gic she

wields is %ot her ow%( Gi i%g "o) th$t to!" w$s %ot to help "o), it w$s to

h$r& &e( I0& Lero"0s *rie%d, "o) thi%+ he0d w$%t "o) to help h$r& &e:

All I c$re $!o)t is his so)l( o) witches c$% do wh$t "o) w$%t to e$ch

other(o) go%%$ hold those c$%dles *or &e or %ot: No poi%t $rg)i%g with

$ closed &i%d( #he !$c+ed o** Mill" whe% she did%0t &o e, !)t held the

c$%dles tightl" i% her h$%ds( #he closed her e"es !iti%g her lip whe% 8el et

lit the& with her *i%gertips( All $t o%ce, 8el et )%derstood the other


26/59

wo&$%0s plight( #he de$rl" lo ed her h)s!$%d, $%d !elie ed he w$s $t

de$th0s door( #he w$s terri*ied o* witchcr$*t, "et +%ew it &ight s$ e his li*e,

tho)gh *oolishl" thi%+i%g $t the cost o* losi%g his so)l( #he /)st did%0t get it

w$s%0t her choice, it w$s Lero"0s( Te$rs *ell *ro& her closed e"e, $%d her lipstre&!led( #he w$s goi%g to hold the c$%dles(

It w$s good she +ept her e"es closed, 8el et tho)ght( 2e here !)t %ot $

p$rt o* it( Mill", do "o) +%ow the twe%t" third .s$l&s: 9h$t -hristi$%

did%0t: #$" it *or Lero"(

9h$t:

It0s s$"s the s$&e thi%g I w$s goi%g to ch$%t(

No; I c$%0t th$t is !l$sphe&";

As+i%g *or stre%gth $%d hope is !l$sphe&": Are "o) $ child o* God

or %ot:

How d$re "o):

I* God is here, wh$t $re "o) $*r$id o*:

I $& %ot $*r$id o* "o), Mill" decl$red ope%i%g her e"es !l$'i%g the&

o% 8el et( The Lord is &" shepherd, she !eg$% i% $ lo)d oice( I sh$ll %ot w$%t( #he /)&ped $ little *ro& the !rie* co%t$ct o* 8el et0s hot *i%gers

to)chi%g hers $s she too+ o%e o* the c$%dles $%d recited the erses $lo%g

with Mill"(

-o&i%g o)t o* the tr$%ce, she %oticed the dis$rr$" o* the roo& *irst( It

loo+ed li+e $ ti%" tor%$do p)l eri'ed it( #itti%g i% $ ch$ir p)shed )p i%to $

cor%er, Mill" w$tched her with %$rrow e"es( The !$c+ o* her h$%ds were

co ered with c$%dle w$x, the"0d !)r%ed p$st the wic+s( Her ow% h$%ds *elt

dr" $%d itch"( A%d her thro$t w$s p$rched( #he we%t to the pitcher o* w$ter

o% the %ightst$%d, $%d dr$%+ it $ll !e*ore t)r%i%g !$c+ to Mill"(


27/59

o) dis$ppe$red(

I h$d thi%gs to do( Thi%gs th$t were !est do%e witho)t the prese%ce

o* h)&$% e"es(

A%d so&ethi%g else c$&e i% here; Mill" got to her *eet li id( o)tric+ed &e; H$d &e pr$"i%g while "o) se%t th$t thi%g o% Lero";

It c$&e: #he r)shed to Lero"0s side tossi%g !$c+ the co ers( He w$s

%$+ed, his !od" w$s whole, he$led( #he let o)t $ sigh o* relie*( Oh th$%+,

God(

God: Mill" $s+ed( o) w$%t &e to !elie e God h$d $%"thi%g to do

with this: Th$t thi%g %e$rl" !li%ded &e( It it co%s)&ed Lero"0s !od"(

Mill"(

I s$w wh$t it did; o) se%t $ de&o% i% here;

It w$s%0t $ de&o%, Mill"(

9h$t0s goi%g to h$ppe% to &" Lero":

He0s he$led, $%d hope*)ll" he0ll li e $ lo%g li*e(

I &e$%, his so)l; H$s he $ so)l, 8el et;

O* co)rse, he does( Now, sh)t "o)r &o)th, Mill"( Her he$d w$sthro!!i%g $%d Mill"0s scre$&i%g w$s &$+i%g it worse( 9e$ril", she s$t

dow% o% the cold *loor the% l$" dow% o% her !$c+( Lero"0s so)l, he$rt $%d

!od" is cle$%( I e o+ed the spirit( I0& the o%e th$t too+ the ris+, $%d I0& the

o%e th$t *eels li+e cr$p(

o) get o** th$t *loor $%d get $ll "o)r hoodoo st)** o)t o* here; The

doctors h$ e !ee% tr"i%g to get i% here si%ce "o) ret)r%ed $%d we%t i% th$ttr$%ce( I !et the police $re o)t there too(

o) c$ll the&:

I did%0t h$ e to( Get )p(

I0& tired(


28/59

The% go ho&e $%d go to !ed( o) s$" "o) *eel li+e cr$p: 9ell, "o)

loo+ li+e it too(

Three

It too+ three sh$&poos to cle$% the !lood $%d sli&" &)c+ o* the ri er

*ro& her thic+ t$%gled !r$ids( Now, she w$s $!le to *orce her *i%gers

thro)gh to the sc$lp( Felt good( Hot w$ter sti&)l$ti%g the s+i% *ro& the top

o* her he$d dow% to her toes( The &)scles !etwee% her sho)lder !l$desrel$xi%g(

L$theri%g )p with $%ill$ !od" w$sh o% $ spo%ge, she co%sidered $ll

th$t h$d h$ppe%ed l$tel"( The ri er de&o% w$s $% idiot !)t he w$s%0t li+el"

to !e p$rt o* $% $&!)sh o* $ h)&$% !" werewol es( The w$" he !e$t it o)t

o* there tho)gh, got her to wo%deri%g wh$t he $ct)$ll" +%ew( H$%gi%g o)t

$t the ri er*ro%t, o%e &ight e$sil" !eco&e pri " to lots o* thi%gs o* thecri&i%$l %$t)re, p$rtic)l$rl", i* "o) &$de "o)rsel* i% isi!le or p$rt o* the

%$t)r$l s)rro)%di%gs( Either, he +%ew so&ethi%g $w*)l w$s $!o)t to

h$ppe%, or he si&pl" w$%ted to get $w$" *ro& her pr"i%g i%to his de&o%

world( 9hich w$s &ore li+el", she co)ld%0t tell( The $%swer w$s with the

werewol es(

The !ig g)", she w$s $l&ost s)re she +%ew hi&( Not &$%" wol es h$d

the power h)&p( O%l" $lph$s, $%d )s)$ll", there w$s o%l" o%e to $ p$c+ $%d

he w$s the &$i% wol* &$%( A%d $lph$s h$d to *ight *or st$t)s, the loser

)s)$ll" le*t r$ther th$% *eel li+e $ p)%+ *or losi%g( 2)t the other two, did

er" little i% the *ight, li+e their he$rts w$s%0t i%to it( Their ide%tities, 8el et


29/59

co)ld %ot swe$r to, !)t she tho)ght she +%ew the&( Either w$", she +%ew

she0d &eet the& $g$i%, $s the" h$d %ot co&pleted the o!/ecti e o*

sl$)ghteri%g Lero"(

#teppi%g *ro& the shower, she re&e&!ered Lero" w$s%0t e e%s)pposed to !e there( He0d *ollowed her o% his ow%, *or wh$t p)rpose, she

wo%dered: He w$s well $w$re she did%0t %eed !$c+)p i* she did%0t $s+ *or

it( A%d he h$d those g)%s, two g)%s, whe% he w$s o%l" $!le to h$%dle o%e $t

$ ti&e( 7id he +%ow the wol es were o)t there: 9ere the" $*ter her $*ter

$ll: I* the" were, it wo)ld &$+e &ore se%se(

T$+i%g $ pl)sh towel *ro& the towel ri%g, she p$tted her *$ce dr"(

2e*ore ope%i%g her e"es, she se%sed $ prese%ce o)tside the door to her

!edroo&( B)ic+l", she dried the rest o* her t$ll &)sc)l$r !od", $%d p)lled

o% $ short pi%+ terr" ro!e( Al&ost $ll her ro!es $%d gow%s were pi%+ or

p$rtl" pi%+( Not th$t the color re$ll" s)ited her e!o%" s+i%, she si&pl"

pre*erred it !ec$)se she li+ed it( #o&eo%e o%ce told her the color w$s too

*e&i%i%e *or her perso%$lit", $%d th$t so&eo%e w$s i% her !edroo&,

ig%ori%g th$t it w$s her perso%$l pl$ce $%d th$t he w$s %o lo%ger welco&e(9ell( He stood whe% she !)rst i%to her !edroo& c$tchi%g hi&

to)chi%g the thi%gs o% her dresser( A%d h$ i%g the %er e to !e s&ili%g $t

her lo%g !$re legs, he s$id, I see "o) $re i% o%e delicio)s piece( He let his

g$'e w$%der o er her c)r $ceo)s *or& )%der the ro!e, li%geri%g $t the swell

o* her $&ple si'ed cle$ $ge(

$ther th$% re$d/)st her wr$p, she w$l+ed )po% hi&, letti%g her ex$tio% show $t his !l$t$%t disreg$rd *or her wishes( How do "o) +eep

getti%g i% here: Her ho)se h$d co% e%tio%$l sec)rit" s"ste&s $s well $s

e%ch$%t&e%ts th$t +ept i%tr)ders $%d e%e&ies o)t, or p)%ished i* the"

&$%$ged to get i%side( #o *$r, the Eg"pti$% co%ti%)$ll" e%tered witho)t


30/59

h$r$ss&e%t( #o&ehow, he +%ew how to o erride her spell, which &e$%t he

+%ew &)ch &ore $!o)t her th$% she w$%ted to $d&it( #he co)ld tighte%

thi%gs )p, $lter her spell, !)t th$t w$s%0t the iss)e( It w$s $%+i%0s $)d$cit"(

His I c$% do wh$te er I w$%t whe% I w$%t $ttit)de( For %ow, si%ce she h$dother thi%gs o% her &i%d, she0d let it go $ little lo%ger( 2esides, she

)%derstood th$t s&ile o% his *$ce( He w$%ted to +eep pl$"i%g his little g$&e

o% her(

#he ro)ghl" !r)shed hi& $side to get to her dresser top *or $ !ottle o*

!$!" oil( 9itho)t heels, she w$s shorter th$% hi& !" two i%ches( A t$ll &$%

w$s $lw$"s hot, i% her !oo+( Howe er these d$"s, he &ight $s well !e two

i%ches t$ll( He &issed !ei%g good loo+i%g !" $ %ose th$t w$s too !ig *or his

*$ce( I w$%t "o) to stop t$+i%g li!erties, $s i* "o) were still e%titled( I* "o)

&)st e%ter witho)t i% it$tio%, "o) restrict "o)rsel* to the li i%g roo&( Or

o%e d$", she w$r%ed, I wo%0t !e respo%si!le *or wh$t h$ppe%s to "o)(

As i* "o)r &$gic c$% h)rt &e(

Now, wh$t did th$t &e$%: Th$t he w$s %$t)r$ll" i&&)%e, or co)ld

/i%x her: Or w$s he d$ri%g to i&pl" he w$s stro%ger $%d perh$ps s&$rter:-$re*)l, she s$id s4)irti%g oil i%side her p$l&( M$ss$gi%g it i%to her *$ce

$%d %ec+, she w$tched hi& !ehi%d her *ro& the &irror( I* he tho)ght, he

w$s goi%g to get to w$tch her &oist)ri'e her legs he h$d $%other thi%+

co&i%g( Get o)t(

I /)st c$&e to see how "o) $re( Milto% c$lled &e

A%d I +%ow he told "o) I w$s )%h$r&ed; Now, get o)t !e*ore I c$st "o) o)t;

All right, he s$id !$c+i%g o)t( I w$s /)st goi%g to i%4)ire $!o)t

Lero"( I +%ow how tight "o) two $re(

ight, she &)ttered rolli%g her e"es, the% gr$!!ed *or $ tiss)e to


31/59

wipe her h$%ds( As 4)ic+ $s th$t he w$s $!le to ir+ her to the poi%t o*

getti%g re$d" to *l" o** the h$%dle( O%e d$" tho)gh, i%ste$d o* t$+i%g $ 4)ic+

&o&e%t to collect her shot to hell e&otio%s, she0d let her $%ger loose $%d

peel th$t !$ld he$d o* his(Getti%g dressed i% /e$%s $%d swe$ter $%d short high heeled !oots, she

chec+ed hersel* o)t i% the &irror( #he loo+ed *i%e, tho)gh she *elt low i%

spirits( Her h$ir w$s $ &$ss o* thic+ so*t, d$&p t$%gles th$t dr$ped p$st her

sho)lders( #he *orced $ wide tooth co&! thro)gh it, t$&i%g it !$c+ with

st"li%g lotio%( I% the "e$rs si%ce ope%i%g the $ge%c", her loo+s re&$i%ed the

s$&e( O er te% "e$rs, $%d she still loo+ed twe%t" se e%( The $ge she0d !ee%

whe% she0d t$+e% her *irst lo er( Most witches co%ti%)ed to $ge )%til

$ro)%d *ort" $%d the% the" stopped *or &$%" "e$rs( 9$s%0t )%)s)$l *or $

se e%t" "e$r old to $ppe$r to !e i% her *orties, $t eight" the $gi%g &ight

st$rt $g$i%( #o *$r, &$gic w$s re$ll" good to her(

T$+i%g her !$ttle co$t o er her $r& she we%t o)t to the li i%g roo&,

expecti%g to *i%d $%+i% o% the co)ch( He w$s%0t o% the co)ch(

I% her +itche%, he helped hi&sel* to $ c)p o* so&ethi%g( =s)$ll", it w$s te$, or coco$, %e er co**ee( He t)r%ed !lowi%g o% the ri& o* his c)p th$t

w$s%0t ste$&i%g( -le$rl", he h$d%0t !othered to let the w$ter !oil( 9h$t w$s

he, sc$red to !)r% his to%g)e, she tho)ght )%+i%dl" o* hi& goi%g to t)r% the

!)r%er o% )%der the te$+ettle( 9h$t: He0d r$ised $ slight 4)estio%i%g

!row $t her e%tr$%ce(

I did%0t s$" $%"thi%g, he shr)gged(I &e$%t th$t st)pid loo+ o% "o)r *$ce, she s$id choosi%g $ c)p *ro&

the &)g tree(

-o**ee is%0t goi%g to do "o)r !od" $%" good, he told her $s i* she

c$red wh$t he tho)ght( He *row%ed $t her $s she do)!led the )s)$l $&o)%t


32/59

o* i%st$%t co**ee i% her c)p(

#he w$ited *or the +ettle to scre$& !e*ore $ddi%g w$ter, $%d the%

scooped i% *o)r spoo%s o* s)g$r with $ dollop o* cre$&( 9hile stirri%g, she

gl$%ced $t hi& still *row%i%g $t her *or %ot t$+i%g his $d ice( #he l$)ghedsippi%g dow% the ste$&i%g hot !rew, )%&i%d*)l o* her precio)s to%g)e(

)&&", she s$id lic+i%g her lips(

A%"w$", $%+i% !l)rted sl$&&i%g dow% his tepid c)p o* te$(

-rossi%g his $r&s, he we%t i%to !)si%ess &ode( 9h$t0s )p with the ri er

de&o%:

#he did%0t $ppreci$te th$t to%e o* his( #he w$s his !oss, %ot the other

w$" $ro)%d( -$s)$ll", she le$%ed her !$c+side i%to the co)%ter top( I

c$)ght )p with hi&, !)t he slipped $w$" $g$i% right !e*ore the $ctio%

st$rted(

o) &e$% "o) let the cre$t)re go(

All right, so wh$t i* I did:

o) %e er w$%ted to t$+e the c$se $%"w$"(

Next ti&e, do%0t t$+e &o%e" )p*ro%t, )%less "o) pl$% o% wor+i%g it "o)rsel*(

Fi%e, he $%swered tightl"( 2)t tell &e, wh" were "o) so rel)ct$%t to

c$tch s)ch $ we$+ de&o%:

i er de&o%s $re%0t we$+, $%+i%( The" $re tric+", which &$+es

the& d$%gero)s( I* o%e h$s%0t +illed $%"o%e, I s$" le$ e hi& $lo%e( .eople

o% the w$ter /)st %eed to !e &ore c$re*)l $%d respect*)l o* theirs)rro)%di%gs(

Is th$t wh$t "o) expect &e to tell o)r clie%ts: The" p$id )s *or

res)lts(

I* the" $re%0t s$tis*ied with &" res)lts, si&pl" gi e the& their &o%e"


33/59

!$c+( I w$s %e er co&*ort$!le with c$tchi%g so&eo%e *or other people(

9h$t were the" i%te%di%g to do to hi& $%"w$":

Is th$t o)r co%cer%:

It &$" %ot !e "o)rs, !)t this $ge%c" is%0t desig%ed to do dirt" wor+,$%+i%( I c$)ght M)++i $%d I t$l+ed to hi&, th$t sho)ld s$tis*" e er"!od"(

-$% "o) g)$r$%tee the $%d$lis& will stop:

No(

I see(

o) &$+e the c$ll, $%+i%( Tell the& the de&o% h$s !ee% de$lt with,

or gi e the& their &o%e" !$c+(

o) re$ll" do%0t c$re i* I loo+ *oolish:

I /)st g$ e "o) "o)r optio%s( How "o) loo+ is )p to "o)( #he dr$i%ed

her c)p, ri%sed it, le$ i%g it i% the si%+ the% strolled o)t !$c+ i%to the li i%g

roo&(

9here $re "o) goi%g: $%+i% $s+ed seei%g her t$+i%g the ti&e to

p)ll o% her co$t(

O)t, she s$id(I hope "o) $re%0t thi%+i%g $!o)t goi%g h)%ti%g o% "o)r ow%(

I%ste$d o* dig%i*"i%g th$t with $ co&&e%t she rolled her e"es $t hi&

he$di%g *or the door( Or $re "o) expecti%g so&ethi%g or so&eo%e else:

#he stopped i% her tr$c+s $%d t)r%ed( No, he w$s%0t goi%g there, %ot

to%ight( 9h$t did "o) s$":

I* Milto% c$%0t tr$c+ hi& wh$t &$+es "o) thi%+ "o) c$%: 9h$t&$+es "o) thi%+, he e e% w$%ts to !e *o)%d !" "o):

First, o* $ll, "o) h$ e %o ide$ wh$t "o) $re t$l+i%g $!o)t( #eco%d, it

is%0t "o)r !)si%ess(

I +%ow th$t, 8el et( 9ilder w$s $ll "o)rs, %o!od" else w$%ted $%"


34/59

p$rt o* th$t cre$t)re(

Th$t cre$t)re, 8el et repe$ted, 9$s worth $t le$st six o* "o)(

I do)!t th$t, he )%+i%dl" o!/ected( I0 e %e er !ee% de$d, %or h$ e I

t$+e% li es !" *eedi%g o** &ort$ls, *or I $& $ tr)e i&&ort$l(9ell, good *or "o)( A%d who gi es $ shit, she $dded i% her he$d,

&e$%i%g to le$ e hi& $%d his /e$lo)sies $lo%e( 2)t so&ethi%g *litted $cross

his *$ce th$t g$ e her p$)se( Twice he0d re$cted to her tho)ghts $%d tried to

hide it( 9h$t the hell:

Exc)se &e: He $s+ed %ot gi*ted e%o)gh to p)ll o** i%%oce%ce(

9h$t0s )p with "o) $%"w$":

Nothi%g is )p with &e, 8el et( I0& /)st here to do $ pro*essio%$l /o!

$%d &$+e s)re the rest o* the te$& does the s$&e(

Me$%i%g, $ccordi%g to "o), I $& %ot pro*essio%$l:

I /)st &e$% there is roo& *or i&pro e&e%t(

#o% o* $ !itch; #he w$%ted to sl$p th$t *$ce( I%ste$d she s$id, 9ell,

*ort)%$tel", I0& the !oss $ro)%d here( A%d I get to set the st$%d$rds(

It0s th$t $ttit)de th$t le$ds &e to the %ext topic(The %ext topic: Li+e she h$d ti&e *or $%"thi%g else to%ight, whe%

!lood thirst" werewol es were o% the loose $%d str$%ge wo&e% telli%g lies

$!o)t her ch$r$cter w$s w$%deri%g the doc+s( L$ter *or "o), $%+i%(

9here $re "o) goi%g:

O)t(

O)t: >)st o)t, $%d th$t0s $ll "o) i%te%d to tell &e:#i%ce "o) $re %either &" d$d, or &" h)s!$%d

Oh, !)t there w$s $ ti&e, he gri%%ed( 9$s%0t there:

A%cie%t histor"(

>)st s$" the word, 8el et(


35/59

Good%ight, $%+i%( #he *$ded o)t o* his sight !e*ore he co)ld re$ch

o)t to to)ch her( He0d le$r%ed how to do th$t to +eep her *ro& &$+i%g

4)ic+ exits( A*ter *irst, she tho)ght he w$s /)st th$t *$st, !)t to%ight she

g)essed he w$s )p to tric+s, li+e re$di%g her &i%d to +%ow wh$t she w$s$!o)t to do !e*ore she did it( 9h$t $ /er+, she tho)ght *row%i%g $t his

s)rprised expressio%( He re$ll" &)st thi%+ she w$s $% idiot(

?@?

Not +%owi%g wh$t to expect, except th$t it w$s *)ll o* werewol es, she

p)lled her pistol !e*ore e%teri%g the pl$ce, +eepi%g it poi%ted dow%w$rd( A

*ew %or&$ls w$tched her with wide $%xio)s e"es( Not sc$red, !)t &$"!e

hopi%g *or $ little excite&e%t $&o%g the s)per !ei%gs( As she $ppro$ched

the !$r, she e$sed )p so&e, si%ce she w$s%0t getti%g $%" especi$ll" !$d

i!es( Except *or $ p$rti$ll" tr$%s*or&ed werewol* !ehi%d the !$r, the pl$ce

$ppe$red li+e $%" other d$%ce cl)!( A%d it w$s re$ll" %ice too( Lights

*l$shed $%d sp$r+led with the lo)d &)sic th$t i!r$ted h$rd tho)gh herchest, she wo%dered i* it w$s /)st her, or did e er"o%e *eel li+e the" were

$!o)t to h$ e $ he$rt $tt$c+ the *irst ti&e co&i%g i% A%to%io0s:

The wol* set her )p $ co&pli&e%t$r" shot o* whis+", h$%dli%g the

gl$ss $%d !ottle expertl" with his *)rr" h$%ds( Not cl$ws, she %oted(

Th$%+s, she s$id( He growled low %oddi%g his he$d( Tell "o)r !oss, I

w$%t his !e$% he$d o)t here, right %ow(

First, p)t $w$" the pistol, he s$id r$ther $&ic$!l"( Not 4)ite h)&$%

so)%di%g, !)t she )%derstood his per*ectl"( A*ter her co&pli$%ce, he s&iled

$%d s$id( Now, $ct li+e $ l$d" $%d $s+ $ !rother %icel"(

#he e"ed hi& cooll" $ seco%d or two, tossi%g !$c+ the shot o* whis+e"(


36/59

9o)ld "o) ple$se !e so +i%d $s to tell "o)r !oss, $ l$d" is here to see hi&:

The !$rte%der stopped s&ili%g, loo+i%g o er her sho)lder( I% the &irror

!ehi%d the !$r, she h$d $lre$d" see% the wo&$% w$l+i%g power*)ll" )p to

her( #he w$s%0t h$pp" to see her $s )s)$l( Their e"es &et i% the &irror(8el et(

>$s&i%e, 8el et s$id spi%%i%g $ro)%d o% the stool, $%d slipped to

her *eet(

I told "o) !e*ore %ot to co&e here d)ri%g !)si%ess ho)rs(

It0s $*ter ho)rs *or 8el et 9$shi%gto% $%d Associ$tes(

o) thi%+ "o)0re c)te or so&ethi%g: >$s&i%e0s *$ce we%t h$rd

shi*ti%g i% her $%ger(

>$'', I0& here to see "o)r we$+ $ss h)s!$%d( I do%0t h$ e ti&e to

w$ste o% $ *ishwi*e li*e "o)( #he got re$d" *or $ cl$w $i&ed $t her *$ce, !)t

>$s&i%e c$l&l" crossed her $r&s i%ste$d(

Nice tr" 8el et, !)t we $re%0t !r$wli%g )p i% here to%ight( #he

sig%$led the !$rte%der *or do)!le od+$ o% ice(

At *i*t" so&ethi%g, >$s&i%e0s *ig)re w$s still good, !)t to 8el et she%eeded to to%e dow% the hoochie st"le( Her !)tt w$s too !ig *or the sh$pe o*

the &i%i se4)i%ed p$rt" dress, $%d the p)sh )p !r$ w$s too &)ch *or the

dCcollet$ge( 2)t the%, she w$s &$rried to $ "o)%ger &$%, co)ld !e she w$s

*eeli%g "o)%g these d$"s(

9h$t $re "o) loo+i%g $t: >$s&i%e s%$rled, $%d gr$!!ed )p $%other

do)!le( #l$&&i%g the e&pt" gl$ss dow%, she too+ $ step tow$rd 8el et(Get o)t o* here !e*ore I *orget I0& $ l$d"(

o) +%ow I wo)ld%0t co&e here )%less it w$s i&port$%t( I told "o) I

w$%ted to see Tro"( o) get hi& o)t here, or I0ll go *i%d hi&( 8el et p)lled

!oth %i%es holdi%g the& )p tow$rd the ceili%g( #he w$s seei%g th$t g)"


37/59

to%ight, it depe%ded o% >$'' how she did it(

7o%0t "o) d$re, >$s&i%e hissed( Tro" is%0t here(

I* "o) $re goi%g to lie to &" *$ce, 8el et s$id $%d shot o)t $ co)ple

o* lights i% the ceili%g, the% $ row o* gl$sses !ehi%d the !$r( This w$s wh"she w$s%0t welco&e d)ri%g !)si%ess ho)rs( #he stopped, c$tchi%g the

!$rte%der getti%g re$d" to /)&p o% her( E$s" there, she gri%%ed(

Are "o) %)ts: >$s&i%e scre$&ed( o)0ll h$ e the cops dow% here;

I $i%0t sc$red o* the cops(

I0& w$r%i%g "o), 8el et; Get "o)r $ss o)t o* &" cl)!;

Not )%til I see Tro"(

9h$t *or, >$s&i%e gro)%d o)t( 9h" $re "o) so i%siste%t to see &"

h)s!$%d:

E$rlier tod$", $t the ri er*ro%t, $ *rie%d o* &i%e w$s %e$rl" &)rdered

!" three werewol es( I +%ow "o) he$rd $!o)t th$t(

E er"!od" he$rd $!o)t it(

A%d it $i%0t $%"thi%g to do with )s; The !$rte%der s%$rled, st$rti%g

to !re$th h$rd( >$'', /)st told "o)-r$ig, >$s&i%e s$id the !$rte%der0s %$&e i% $ c$l&er oice th$% she

/)st )sed( 8el et 9$shi%gto%, *or the l$st ti&e, Tro" is%0t here $%d o)r

p$c+ did%0t to)ch this *rie%d o* "o)rs(

o) s$"i%g, o)t o* tow% $ss$ssi%s c$&e to $tt$c+ &" dri er: o)

s$"i%g, "o)r h)s!$%d is s)ch $ p)%+ th$t other wol es h$ e the %er e to

i%terlope i% his territor" $%d co&&it $ cri&e:M" h)s!$%d is the Alph$ Le$der, 8el et( >$s&i%e0s oice we%t low(

Her sho)lders h)%ched( 8el et recog%i'ed she w$s prep$ri%g to ch$%ge(

o) spe$+ to &e with respect, d$&% "o)(

Or wh$t: 8el et p)rposel" t$)%ted( o) w$%t to *ight &e o er $


38/59

g)" th$t spe%ds &ore ti&e with $&pires th$% his ow% +i%d: Is th$t wh" he

do%0t +%ow wh$t his ow% people is )p to these d$"s: 8el et too+ $%

o!ligi%g step closer( Toweri%g o er the other wo&$%, she co%ti%)ed the

i%s)lti%g !$%ter( 9h": #he did%0t re$ll" +%ow, /)st w$%ted to stri+e o)t $tso&eo%e, $%d werewol es were the tic+et( The" were stro%g $%d resilie%t(

As lo%g $s she did%0t p)ll sil er, the" wo)ld%0t go *or her /)g)l$r or tr" to

cl$w her he$rt o)t( 7$&%, she /)st w$%ted to *ight( o) +%ow, he0s with

>ero&e $%"ti&e he0s %ot with "o), right: ight:

o) sh)t "o)r &o)th(

o) +%ow those two $re tight $%d )p to %o good o)t there i% the

Gro e( Th$t0s wh$t the" c$ll those cor%ers with the *r)it tree %$&es( o)

+%ow, li+e $pple, cherr", pe$ch $%d wh$t0s th$t other o%e:

M" h)s!$%d is %ot $ cri&i%$l(

As $ wi*e, I thi%+ I0d !e &ore worried $!o)t other thi%gs(

9h$t:

>ero&e(

#he sw$llowed the% see&ed to re&e&!er she held $ dri%+ i% herh$%d( 2itch; she scre$&ed tossi%g the od+$ i% 8el et0s *$ce $%d

tr$%s*or&ed goi%g $ll the w$"( Grr;

>$''; -r$ig le$ped o er the co)%ter so lithe $%d e$sil" th$t it loo+ed

li+e he w$s getti%g re$d" to d$%ce r$ther th$% getti%g !etwee% two w$rrior

wo&e%(

Mo e, -r$ig, >$s&i%e ordered( No!od" co&es i% &" pl$ce $%d getsi% &" *$ce, i%s)lti%g &" h)s!$%d $%d &" &$rri$ge; #he w$s sho)ti%g $t

the top o* her l)%gs( Not e e% this so c$lled s)perhero, this godd$&%

!$ttle witch; #he le$ped, goi%g right *or 8el et, $%d -r$ig c$)ght her o)t o*

the $ir, holdi%g her *$st( #he growled the% !eg$% to howl( #o&e o* the


39/59

*e&$le wol es howled $%d p$rti$ll" tr$%s*or&ed( 8el et t)r%ed to *$ce the&

dow%( Three $ct)$ll" c$&e $t her, gr$!!i%g hold o* her p)shi%g her !$c+( I%

the short !$ttle, she dropped her g)%s i% order to l$%d $ *ew !lows(

2$c+ o**, "0$ll; -r$ig p)shed the l$dies $%d the" e$sil" g$ e w$" !$c+i%to the crowd( H$ e "o) lost "o)r &i%d: o) got $ de$th wish to%ight, or

wh$t:

He w$s &$d, ro"$ll" pissed( 8el et we%t to pic+ )p her g)%s( I* I h$d

$ de$th wish, I wo)ld0 e chose% so&e!od" I tho)ght co)ld get the /o!

do%e(

o) c$&e here to pic+ $ *ight, -r$ig $cc)sed( He we%t to >$s&i%e

who +ept her !$c+ t)r%ed( It0s $ll right, she0s /)st here to $ct $ *ool(

I0& %ot p)tti%g )p with her, -r$ig( Get her o)t !e*ore I lose it(

No pro!le&( Go o% i% the o**ice, I0ll !ri%g "o) so&e te$( He led her

p$rt w$" o** the *loor( He c$&e !$c+ gi i%g 8el et $ loo+ $t his *$%gs(

2$c+ the hell )p, she ordered(

o) sh)t the hell )p( A%d do%0t "o) d$re p)ll those g)%s i% here

$g$i%(9h$t0s $ little le$d, wol* &$%:

Le$d h)rts, $%d i% c$se "o) h$ e%0t %oticed, e er"o%e i% here $i%0t

$%i&$l(

He w$s right, $%d it wo)ld%0t help !)si%ess !" $llowi%g p$tro%s to !e

shot )p o% the d$%ce *loor(

Get o)t !e*ore I te$r "o) to thre$ds( It w$s >$s&i%e( #he did%0t go torest i% the o**ice( #he g$ e -r$ig $ loo+ th$t s$id she w$s cool( o) he$r

&e, witch:

e$h( Ai%0t &)ch *)% )p i% here $%"w$"( #he str$ighte%ed her co$t

the% st$rted *or the exit(


40/59

First, "o) t$+e !$c+ th$t cr$p $!o)t &" &$% $%d >ero&e( >$s&i%e

r$% )p o% her to gr$! $ *ist*)l o* her co$t *ro& !ehi%d( 8el et stopped i%

her tr$c+s( T$+e it $ll !$c+(

I t$+e it !$c+, 8el et s$id %ot !otheri%g to t)r% $ro)%d( #he w$sdo%e, $%d >$s&i%e w$s /)st tr"i%g to s$ e *$ce(

#teppi%g o)t i%to the %ight, she !re$thed deep( #he0d !ee% wro%g,

Tro" w$s%0t hidi%g o)t !ehi%d his wi*e0s *)r( He w$s with >ero&e(

?@?

At the o**ice, she ch$%ged o)t o%e o* her g)%s, *illi%g it with sil er

$&&o( #o *$r, she h$d co%*ro%t$tio%s with the *)rr" $%d )%de$d, !e*ore the

%ight w$s o er, so&eo%e w$s !o)%d to co&e $t her( Not th$t she %eeded

g)%s to *ight, her &$gic &$de her stro%g e%o)gh to h$%dle $%" !r)te $%d

her light power w$s the !est e4)$li'er she +%ew o** $g$i%st $%" !ei%g li i%g,

de$d, )%de$d, or &$gic$l( 9ith $&pires tho)gh, she h$d to !e c$re*)l(

The" were tric+" $%d cle er( #he +%ew *ro& her d$"s with 9ilder, so&e

co)ld /i%x her &$gic( 9ilder w$s%0t s)re how, /)st th$t he s$w it h$ppe%

&ore th$% o%ce( Three $&pires e%g$gi%g $ witch co)ld $cco&plish itso&ehow( I* 9ilder +%ew th$t so did >ero&e( Li+el", th$t w$s wh" he

hesit$ted, he0d get o%e ch$%ce $t her, $%d o%l" o%e( A%d th$t o%e shot w$s

co&i%g soo%, she co)ld *eel it(

9e$ril", she r)!!ed her e"es "$w%i%g, it w$s %e$rl" two o0cloc+(

#itti%g !ehi%d the receptio%ist des+, *eet )p, she co%/)red hersel* $ hot

ste$&i%g c)p o* s)g$r" co**ee with lots o* cre$&( The% $s i* o%e c)e to r)i%her &o&e%t o* !liss, i% strolled $%+i%( Mi**ed $t his prese%ce, she st$red

!$c+ $t hi&( He s$id %othi%g !)t proceeded o% dow% the h$ll to his o**ice(

2$st$rd, she tho)ght li+e she did e er" ti&e he showed )p li+e th$t(

#he h$d little ti&e to re*lect o% the thi%gs th$t !)gged her $!o)t the


41/59

i&&ort$l, !ec$)se !e*ore she too+ $%other sip o* the delicio)sl" dec$de%t

!rew, i% !$rged Tro" A%to%io, h)ge $%d &e$%(

Oh cr$p; she sho)ted spilli%g hot co**ee o% hersel* i% her &$d h$ste

to get to her *eet( He w$s the !iggest werewol* she e er s$w( His chest w$sexp$%si e, $%d he w$s so t$ll, h$d to !e se e% *eet t$ll $t le$st( His !l$c+ *)r

w$s slee+ $%d shi%"( A%d he h$d the power h)&p( M)ch !igger th$% the

wol* th$t $tt$c+ed Lero"(

2o", he w$s *$st, she tho)ght, !$c+i%g hersel* i%to the w$ll !ehi%d her

to $ oid swipes *ro& his d$%gero)sl" lo%g cl$ws( There w$s !$rel" roo& to

&o e, so he /)st p)shed the st$tio%$r" des+, te$ri%g it *ro& the *loor( A

&ist$+e, !ec$)se she w$s *$st too( #he p)lled $ sil er d$gger hidde%

hori'o%t$ll" $g$i%st the s&$ll o* her !$c+( #he h$d it slici%g i%to his %ec+

!e*ore he e e% to)ched her( #%$rli%g, he w$tched her *lip !$c+w$rd, the%

o)t i%to the ope%( Howli%g, he p)lled the +%i*e *ro& his thro$t, $%d threw

it, stic+i%g i%to $ w$ll !ehi%d her( He did th$t $s he ch$sed her( Howli%g

$g$i%, he threw *)r%it)re $ll o er the receptio% $re$(

Tro", #top; $%+i% co&&$%ded holdi%g $ ri*le(Tro" ig%ored hi& getti%g o% $ll *o)rs to le$p $cross the width o* the

*loor( $%+i% got $ shot o** hitti%g hi& i% the !$c+, i% the h)&p( #till, he

too+ 8el et dow% i% $ !ell" to !ell" h)g th$t co)ld s)rel" +ill $ %or&$l

wo&$%( For 8el et, it h)rt $%d +%oc+ed the !re$th right o)t o* her( His

)pper !od" co ered her *$ce, $%d she liter$ll" got $ &o)th*)l o* *)r( A*ter $

*ew &o&e%ts, she w$s $!le to co)gh $%d &o e( Tro" *elt li+e $ to% o* !ric+s( 9riggli%g o)t *ro& !e%e$th his de$d weight, she w$s%0t so s)re he w$s

!re$thi%g( Tro": His !lood w$s o% her *$ce $%d i% her h$ir(

8ee: $%+i% o**ered his h$%d to p)ll her )p(

I I do%0t thi%+ he0s !re$thi%g(


42/59

He0s *i%e( >)st $ tr$%4)ili'er( =sed the& !e*ore( He e"ed her,

showi%g co%cer% *or the !lood o% her he$d $%d *$ce( He wo%0t !e o)t *or

lo%g tho)gh( o) o+$":

>)st +%oc+ed the !re$th o)t o* &e( Th$%+s, $%+i%( I w$s%0t re$d"*or hi&( $%+i% r)shed to c)** Tro"0s wrists $%d $%+les( A &i%)te w$s

$!o)t $ll the"0d get(

I0& %ot e e% goi%g to $s+ "o) wh$t "o) did to this *ool( The loo+ i%

his e"e told her he expected $% expl$%$tio% $ll the s$&e( #he g$ e hi& $

!rie* r)%dow% o* the sce%e she c$)sed $t A%to%io0s( He &$de %o co&&e%t

/)st pressed his p$le lips together $%d we%t to sec)re the *ro%t door(

Tro"0s thro$t w$s closi%g )p $%d he st$rted to &o e $ro)%d $g$i%st

his !o%ds( #he we%t o er $%d rolled his he$ " !od" with her !oot $%d

h)%+ered dow% !eside hi&( He ope%ed his gl$ss" e"es tr"i%g to *oc)s the&

o% her( His !re$th to her gre$t s)rprise w$s %ot *o)l, /)st +i%d o* hot( He",

h$%dso&e, she s$id stro+i%g his *)r /)st to irrit$te hi&( #tro+i%g w$s

c$l&i%g, she +%ew the l$st thi%g Tro" w$%ted w$s to !e c$l& $t the

&o&e%t( He howled i%*)ri$ted, roc+i%g his !od" tr"i%g to e $de her to)ch(8el et, "o) sho)ld%0t do th$t, $%+i% s$id r)shi%g !$c+ o er(

Oh, it0s %ot h)rti%g hi&( A !ig !$d g)" li+e hi&, she s$id scr$tchi%g

!ehi%d his e$rs(

o) +%ow he h$tes "o)(

H$te is s)ch $ stro%g word( #he r)!!ed his *$ce $%d he s%$pped $t

her( T$+e it e$s", !o", she cooed r)!!i%g the *)r o% his chest( It w$s so*t$%d s)pple, +i%d o* prett"( There "o) go, she s$id so*tl"(

8el et( $%+i% p)lled her $r& !ri%gi%g to her *eet( #top to)chi%g

hi& $g$i%st his will( How wo)ld "o) li+e it i* $ &$% did th$t to "o):

I w$s%0t


43/59

He0s helpless, 8el et(

#he got dow% o% the *loor with Tro" $g$i%( He te%sed &$+i%g g)tt)r$l

%oises $t her to)ch( It w$s%0t p$i%*)l, or sex)$l, Tro" w$s /)st h$&&i%g it

)p *or $%+i%0s !e%e*it( #he gl$%ced $t $%+i%, it w$s re$ll" !otheri%g hi&to the poi%t th$t he le*t the receptio% $re$ sl$&&i%g his o**ice door !ehi%d

hi&(

Alo%e $t l$st, she p)rred i% Tro"0s e$r( He !)c+ed $%d howled $%d

&$%$ged to +%oc+ her !$c+, st)%%ed o% her !)tt( All right, $ll right( #he

got )p !r)shi%g o** her !$c+side( Tr$%s*or&(

He c$%0t, $%+i% s$id steppi%g o)t $g$i%( He0s too we$+, "o)0ll

h$ e to t$+e o** the c)**s(

ight( T$+e o** the c)**s( #he loo+ed Tro" i% his d$r+ e"es, the" were

cle$r, $%d 8el et s)spected he w$s /)st $!o)t $!le to s%$p the sil er !o%ds

with his re%ewed stre%gth( Tro", tr$%s*or&, %ow(

8el et

$%+i%( #he co%ti%)ed to st$re dow% $t Tro", !li%+i%g &$"!e twice

$%d the wol* &$% w$s go%e( His %ec+ wo)%d co&pletel" he$led( 9elco&e !$c+, she s&iled $t hi& to)chi%g his chee+(


44/59

$%ished c)t she i%*licted o% his rich golde% s+i%( He w$s per*ect, %ot $ sc$r

o% his !od" th$t she co)ld see $%d she w$s loo+i%g; Goi%g dow% his !od",

her e"es were *$sci%$ted $t the te%se &)scles $%d sh$pe( H$rd !ell" le$di%g

dow% to thi% p)!ic h$ir, to his sti** pe%is growi%g right !e*ore her e"es;God, he w$s h)%g, she tho)ght, $s $ hot *l)sh o* so&ethi%g hit her right

!etwee% the thighs(

8el et; It w$s $%+i% so)%di%g $ll &$d( I +%ow "o)0 e see% $

%$+ed &$% !e*ore(

H)h: 9h$t: #he !ro)ght her e"es )p to Tro"0s *$ce( He w$s

gri%%i%g right $t her $%d *or $ *ew seco%ds there w$s %othi%g else i% the

world !)t his &o)th( The% her e"es tr$ eled dow% $g$i%( Oh &", she

whispered so*tl" i% $we o* it(

8ee; $%+i% shoo+ her $r& !ri%gi%g her o)t o* the h$'e( Go get $

dri%+ o* w$ter(

I I0& %ot thirst"(

>)st h)%gr", Tro" /i!ed( B)ite h)%gr", he gri%%ed(

A%i&$l; $%+i% crossed o er to sl)g hi& i% the &o)th( Tro" c$)ghthis $r& o% the seco%d swi%g, !)t did%0t $tte&pt to *ight !$c+( o) do%0t

to)ch her, or the %ext shot will !e 4)ic+ sil er, %ot !)llets(

$%+i%, 8el et chided( No %eed goi%g $ll h$rd core(

He w$s%0t )pset $t "o) to)chi%g hi&, he w$s getti%g t)r%ed o%( I

tried to tell "o)(

9ell, %ext ti&e do%0t !e trying to tell &e( >)st tell &e( A%other*l)sh o* he$t str)c+ her $t the tho)ght she w$s wh$t &$de Tro" get thic+(

#he &et Tro"0s e"es, he w$s thi%+i%g so&ethi%g sex" $!o)t her, she /)st

+%ew it; Felt it i% her chest, $s her he$rt !e$t !eg$% to 4)ic+e%(

I0ll !e right !$c+, $%+i% $%%o)%ced t$+i%g his le$ e !$c+ dow% to


45/59

his o**ice(

#o, Tro" gri%%ed( O! io)sl" per*ectl" *i%e to !e the o%l" %)de

perso% i% the roo&, he crossed his $r&s o% his chest( -r$ig told &e "o)

w$%ted to see &e( I* IDd +%ow% /)st how &)chIs th$t wh$t the r$ge w$s $!o)t: she $s+ed c)tti%g o** the s)ggesti e

re&$r+s(

9h$t else:

I tho)ght &$"!e >ero&e g$ e "o) orders(

Orders: -le$rl", he did%0t li+e th$t word i% co%/)%ctio% with

hi&sel*( I do%0t t$+e orders *ro& $%"o%e, 8el et(

#tro%gl" s)ggested the%, she &oc+i%gl" $&e%ded(

All th$t h$te "o) got goi%g with >ero&e is /)st th$t, !etwee% "o) two(

o) !)g the hell o)t o* &e, !)t I did%0t co&e here to +ill "o)( 2)t "o) !etter

get so&ethi%g str$ight, 8el et( 7o%0t h$r$ss &" wi*e $g$i%( A%d do%0t set

those *eet o* "o)rs i% o)r cl)!, or there will !e tro)!le(

I go where er $ tr$il le$ds &e(

o)r *rie%d w$s $tt$c+ed !" werewol es, !)t the" $re%0t &i%e(#o, "o) /)st let str$%ge wol es co&e to tow% $%d do st)**:

No( He st)died her sile%ce *or $ &o&e%t( 9h$t $re%0t "o) s$"i%g,

8el et: o) +%ow so&ethi%g $!o)t those wol es(

#he w$l+ed $ro)%d to the +%oc+ed o er co)ch, righted it $%d s$t

dow%, $%d pl$ced the %i%es !eside her( It too+ her g$'e *ro& his &$%l"

p$rts( He too+ $ ch$ir dr$ggi%g it to sit with her( 7id "o) e e% !other to godow% to the ri er*ro%t:

I we%t with $ crew( There w$s %othi%g, %ot e e% $ sce%t o* !lood(

9h$t: Lero" %e$rl" !led o)t dow% there( A%d s)rel", $ crew co)ld

s%i** o)t three


46/59

Nor&$ll", it0s $ ci%ch !)t th$t sce%e w$s wiped cle$%, li+e it %e er

h$ppe%ed(

2)t th$t0s i&poss Th$t w$s%0t tr)e, $%"thi%g w$s possi!le(

A%"w$", I c$% ide%ti*" the !ig g)"( He w$s T$%+ $%d I0& $l&ost s)re theother two w$s $ !rother $%d sister(

o) telli%g &e "o) c$% ide%ti*" werewol es i% wol* *or& d)ri%g

!$ttle: He so)%ded li+e he !elie ed $%"thi%g !)t th$t( He got )p to w$l+,

still co&*ort$!le i% his %$+ed%ess(

8el et s%e$+ed $%other lo%g pee+ $t hi& *ro& the !$c+( The iew w$s

/)st $s good( I* he w$s%0t &$rried, she tho)ght( 9h$t: 9h$t wo)ld she do:

Go o er there $%d gr$! $ piece o* !)ttoc+s: A%d the% wh$t, c)t his thro$t:

I +%ow T$%+ h$s $ h)&p li+e "o)( A%d I *o)ght hi& !e*ore "e$rs $go,

whe% I w$s $ cop( Also werewol es li+e e er"!od" else gi e o** i!es $%d

$)r$s( E er"o%e is di**ere%t( I +%ow the other two $re !lood rel$ted or

&$"!e &$rried, !)t I s$" si!li%gs( Tro" did%0t t)r% $ro)%d( 9$s he

s)dde%l" *eeli%g %$+ed: A%d %either o%e o* the& )ttered o%e word( Tro",

the" were "o)r people, i* "o) did%0t gi e the& the order to +ill Lero", whodid: A%d who h$s the power to &$+e lo"$l p$c+ &e&!ers de*" "o):

I do%0t +%ow(

#)re, "o) do(

8el et

o) h$ e three d$"s to *ig)re o)t wh$t h$ppe%ed, i* "o) e e% c$re(

o) thi%+ it0s >ero&e, Tro" t)r%ed his he$d, %ot his !od" to loo+ $ther $%d he$r the $%swer(

e$h(

9h":

H$te( The%, A%d he )ses other people to go $t &e( He0s !ee% $*r$id


47/59

o* $lie%$ti%g 9ilder0s $**ectio%, !)t th$t is %ot $ co%cer% right %ow( He /)st

w$%ts to h)rt &e $%d &$+e &e cr$'"( He0s )si%g "o) $%d his !rood $%d

ste$li%g "o)r people(

No, it0s too ridic)lo)s(All right( I /)st w$%ted "o) to +%ow $!o)t "o)r people( The" &ight

!e i% tro)!le, !)t i* the" $tte&pt $%"thi%g with &" people $g$i%, I0ll !e

*ighti%g to the de$th( =%derst$%d:

He 4)ietl" p$dded $cross the roo& &$+i%g %o so)%d $t $ll( #he

loo+ed )p i%to his e"es( o)0re telli%g &e, I sho)ld%0t !l$&e "o)(

All she co)ld thi%+ $!o)t w$s i* he w$s still rigid $%d lo%g( He h$d $

h$rd o%, w$s it $!o)t her, or /)st $ werewol* thi%g: .ri&$l !iolog":

A%"w$", he h$d $ wi*e( A wi*e th$t wo)ld tr" to scr$tch her e"es o)t, i* she

were so !old $s to re$ch o)t $%d to)ch his s+i%, r)% her *i%gertips thro)gh

the sp$rse thi% h$ir co eri%g his chest( #o&ehow she got the *eeli%g, he0d

let her do it, $%d &$"!e $ !it &ore(

Fi%$ll", he lowered his g$'e *ro& her *$ce, !$c+ed o**, t)r%ed $w$",

$%d g$ e her th$t &)scled !)tt to iew $g$i%($%+i% c$&e !$c+ c$rr"i%g $ pile o* clothes( o) $ll right: he $s+ed

her !)t st$red $t Tro"0s wide !$c+(

#he h$d to cle$r her thro$t, $%d te$r her e"es o** the t$ll %)de &$%

th$t see&ed to t$+e )p the whole receptio% $re$( #)re( How w$s it

possi!le to go *ro& sl$shi%g his thro$t to w$%ti%g to /)&p his !o%es i% /)st

$ *ew &i%)tes: A%d wh" w$s $%+i% there to see it: 2ec$)se he0s $lw$"sthere, cr$&pi%g her st"le o%e w$" or the other, it w$s his gi*t(

Here, &$%( $%+i% tossed the clothes i% Tro"0s ge%er$l directio%(

9he% he t)r%ed he s$id, Get dressed(

I do%0t %eed "o)r clothes( Tro" loo+ed li+e he0d die !e*ore p)tti%g


48/59

o% $%"thi%g th$t o%ce $dor%ed $%+i%0s !od"(

It0s %ot $% optio%, $%+i% stressed &o i%g i% *ro%t o* 8el et( I%

h)&$% *or&, "o) $re%0t &)ch !igger th$% &e(

9ell, right %ow, I c$%0t &$%$ge $ tight p$ir o* /e$%s( To pro e it het)r%ed $ro)%d, h$%ds o% hips( A%"how, 8el et $%d I h$ e co%cl)ded o)r

!)si%ess(

Oh: $%+i% gl$%ced $t 8el et( I w$s o%l" go%e *or

Good%ight( Tro" &o ed *$st, !l)r li+e $%d o)t the *ro%t door( 8el et

r$% !ehi%d hi&, o)t to the c)r!( The street w$s e&pt", she loo+ed )p to the

roo*tops( -o ered i% *)r, hidi%g his %$+ed%ess, he w$s &o i%g *$st *ro&

o%e !)ildi%g to the %ext(

9h" do "o) do it: $%+i% stood directl" !ehi%d her(

7o wh$t: #he w$tched the roo*tops e e% tho)gh Tro" w$s lo%g go%e

$lre$d"( #he /)st did%0t %eed to see the dis$ppro $l o% $%+i%0s *$ce right

%ow(

Go o)t o* "o)r w$" to rile hi& )p(

I did%0t w$%t this d$" to go i%to to&orrow witho)t $%swers(7id "o) get $%":

M$"!e, she $%swered decidi%g she did%0t c$re $!o)t his

dis$ppro $l, or the *$ct th$t she w$s still *l)shed *ro& the sight o* Tro"0s

per*ect !od"( 9$s%0t $%"thi%g to !e e&!$rr$ssed $!o)t $ct)$ll"( I* she h$d

%o re$ctio% the% th$t w$s c$)se to 4)estio% her ow% se%s)$lit"( #he loo+ed

$t hi&( He w$s pissed $t her, !)t %ot $!o)t !)si%ess( He h$ted th$t shere$cted so stro%gl" to Tro" $s $ &$%( I w$s right $!o)t >ero&e(

The wol es $re%0t Tro"0s:

The" $re, !)t he c$%0t !elie e it(

9h" c$%0t he:


49/59

He does%0t tr)st &e( A%d he co%siders >ero&e $ *rie%d( #he too+

o)t her pho%e, st$rted to &$+e $ c$ll(

8el et(

9h$t:7o%0t get !etwee% those two( Lero" is%0t de$d, $%d "o) w$r%ed hi&

$!o)t >ero&e( Th$t0s e%o)gh, let0s w$l+ $w$" *ro& it(

O%e, h)&$% !lood w$s spilled( Two, h)&$% !lood w$s spilled !"

>ero&e( A%d %)&!er three, I do%0t +%ow how Lero" c$&e to !e $t the

ri er*ro%t p$c+i%g he$t( #o I0& %ot $!o)t to step $w$" *ro& $%"thi%g( #he

w$l+ed dow% the sidew$l+ to &$+e her c$ll(

Milto%( He $lw$"s $%swered !" the seco%d ri%g, )%less he w$s

i% ol ed or e%g$ged i% so&ethi%g good( #o&ethi%g ood to Milto% w$s

!$ttle( I /)st &et Tro"( He does%0t +%ow &)ch( Loo+, I0& prett" s)re the

c)lprit is >ero&e( Is it possi!le "o) c$% go $*ter hi& to%ight:

7o)!t I c$% c$tch hi& to%ight, !)t I c$% )se $ wor+ o)t(

-$% "o) do this witho)t goi%g i%to *)ll dh$&pir &ood:

9h$t "o) &e$%:I do%0t w$%t "o) to get rele%tless( 9ill "o) !e $!le to p)ll "o)rsel*

$w$": >)st ch$se hi& *or $ &i%)te:

I co)ld, !)t wh":

o) +%ow wh"( #he he$rd hi& t$+e $ lo%g !re$th $%d she i&$gi%ed

hi& p)shi%g his loc+s !$c+ o er his he$d( I /)st %eed $ little &ore roo&

to%ight( T$+e T"r$ $%d 7e o% *or !$c+)p( #ile%ce( Milto%:Fi%$ll", It0s "o)r c$ll(

2)t:

Loo+, we /)st %eed to t$l+( All right:

#)re( He e%ded the c$ll %ot s$"i%g good!"e(


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Four

$%+i% w$s p$tie%t $%d h$d $ well ordered &i%d( He h$d thi%gs i%

there to occ)p" his tho)ghts i% $ co%str)cti e &$%%er( He w$s pro!$!l"

&$+i%g lists $%d sched)les $%d wh$t %ot, goi%g o er pl$%s( He0d li ed his

eter%$l li*e $s di**ere%t people, doi%g di**ere%t thi%gs( He co)ld le$r% $%"

l$%g)$ge i% $ *

Light Of The Moon excerpt

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