Happy Friday! Note, this story is NOT polished. I will be posting a scene or chapter weekly. Expect an urban fantasy world. Romance and mystery. And magic, of course. Enjoy!
PART 13
“I don’t know. A small town seemed like something different than I was used to. The bigger places hadn’t helped before.”
“We take care of our own here.”
“I noticed. But I’m not a shifter, elemental, or witch. I’m a mage.” Yep, I would talk myself into the truth if it killed me.
“Mages count. Barely.” His grin showed some teeth. “There’s more you’re not telling me, but I count myself fortunate you told me this much. She said you’d hold back.”
“She again?”
He nodded. “My friend. She told me I’d help you. And for her, I’d do anything.” He glanced at the roses and smiled.
“Ah, okay. So what now?”
“Now you become a part of this town. And that means you’re under my protection, Niece.”
“You are such a liar for someone who never lies.”
He chuckled. “Right. We need to make Micah feel better, so next week, we’ll head out to celebrate. The shifter crowd celebrates Aleah on the full moon. We’ll be there too. Be prepared for a lot of questions. And don’t freak out when you see shifters in were-form.”
“I’ve seen a few.” In the movies. Shifters rarely moved around the cities, and I’d never had occasion to run into one in his half form. They were said to be monstrous, not at all furry or cute like familiars.
“Sure you have.” Obviously, I couldn’t lie as well as Lobo. “Don’t worry about Micah. He and I are square. But realize what you do reflects on me.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re helping me. Prophecy, really? No one believes in the woo woo stuff.”
“That’s what people used to say about clairvoyants.”
“Yes, but mages are real. Prophecies and the Divine Word are all speculation.”
“Says the girl who can find my keys and turn into a field mouse when she thinks no one’s watching.”
I sputtered and tried to lie my way out of that one, but he just sighed.
“Save it. You’re a familiar, kid. That’s all I need to know. We’ll let everyone think you’re just a mouse familiar. The mage crap on your ID is a fake cover, got it? It’s a lot more plausible to lie about being a mage than it is about being a shifter. And you smell furry for sure.”
I blinked. I’d never smelled anyone “furry” before. “Is that why Mason is such a jerk to me at Feeds? Because he thinks I’m lying?”
“You are lying.”
“Yes, but you’re the only one who’s ever called me on it.” I swallowed, nervous.
“Again, how many shifters have you met? I’m a little more powerful than the rest. Micah will be able to tell. A few of his lieutenants too. And yes, Mason. But don’t take it personally. That bastard doesn’t trust anyone.” Lobo grunted. “Part job, partly his nature, I supposed.”
I wanted to know more, but I had to focus. “I really am a mage too.”
“I know.”
“Huh.” I stared at him like something I’d never seen before. “That doesn’t bother you? A mindmage and a familiar, existing in the same person?”
He shrugged. “There’s a lot that exists that shouldn’t. Doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Do you really think there aren’t other unseen things living in the mountains? In the wild places? We aren’t the first races to settle this world. And we sure as hell won’t be the last.”
We stared at each other, him slouched on the couch, me twitching on my feet. “Can I ask you something now?”
“I won’t turn you in, and I promise, you can stay here as long as you need to find answers.”
“Answers?” That threw me.
“To who’s hunting you. You need to find out why and who and stop them.”
“I know that. But I have no idea where to start looking. Any time I’ve gotten even a little close, they find me.”
“But now you have protection.”
“It’s dangerous.” I didn’t like him acting like a white knight. “People die around me.”
“I’m not people.” He grinned, and I saw some very, very sharp teeth before he bit them back. “Reunion takes care of its own. We’ll figure this out. And once we do, you’ll grant me one favor.”
“Wait. What?” Of course there had to be more to him helping me than an indulgence to an old girlfriend.
“One. That’s what she said. That I help you, and in return, you’ll give me something I’ve been after for years.” His gaze burned with intent.
The depth of his passion alarmed me. Lobo wanted something badly. How the heck could I give him anything when all I had was due to him?
“Don’t look at me that way. It won’t cost you more than you can afford.” He shrugged. “At least, I don’t think it will.”
“That’s reassuring.” I huffed. “Why shouldn’t I just leave now?”
“Go ahead.” He waved to the back door. “I’m not going to stop you. But where will you go? And who can you trust to have your back?”
“No one.” And didn’t that taste bitter on my tongue.
“Exactly. Here, you’re pack. Family. Here you’re safe.”
“For now.”
He nodded. “For now. But know that with me, you’re always safe. I made a vow a long time ago. And I honor that vow with my life.” He held a hand against his heart, and his eyes blazed golden.
“Wow.” I gulped. “Okay.”
“A god-pledge.” He nodded. That couldn’t be faked. “Now why don’t I show you where we go to shift and run? You can’t keep creeping out through the alley. The cats and birds around here are dying to eat you. I talked to them about it, but they can only take so much.”
“What?”
He winked and lumbered to his feet like a… bear. “You need to be comfortable in your own skin before you go before the alpha. Follow me.”
So I did.