Page 3 of Half Dead

“Keep an eye on the house,” I yelled. “You’re in charge.”

Kane grunted. “Really?”

“No, but it makes him feel important.”

The car sped off toward the adjacent forest. Wild Acres was a vast woodland that housed the Falls, the Arrowhead Pack, and most importantly, the crossroads for which I was the self-appointed liminal deity.

Spring was in the air as we ventured toward the rendezvous point. I felt buoyed by the rise in temperature, as well as Kane’s hand clasped in mine. It was so refreshing to touch someone without fear of triggering any nightmares, not at the moment, anyway. In a high-pressure situation, all bets were off.

I glanced over my shoulder at Josie. “Do you need to shadow us? I feel like we’re on a date with a chaperone.”

“I’ll make myself scarce as soon as you disappear into whatever corporate hell has your disgusting donut.”

“There is nothing disgusting about a Boston cream.”

“Josephine prefers chocolate sprinkles,” Kane said.

“Don’t tell her that,” Josie snapped.

Kane stifled a laugh as we arrived at the crossroads. “How do you feel?” he asked me.

“Hungry.”

He kissed my forehead. “That’s my girl. Plenty of room for a donut.”

“If I’m going all the way to their headquarters and risking my life, I’m having two.”

“Having two what?” a familiar voice interrupted.

“Not two werewolves, if that’s your concern,” I said.

Bert looked visibly relieved. It seemed that he and Paulie were on guard duty this morning. The pack handled the daily rotation, but if something big and bad came through the crossroads, I was the emergency call.

“Where are you headed?” Paulie asked.

“To a meeting with The Corporation,” I said.

Kane rubbed my back. “I’ll be waiting here with the two of you until she returns in one piece.”

“What about her?” Bert asked with a nod at Josie.

“My security detail,” Kane said.

“Somebody’s paranoid,” Paulie said under his breath.

Bert nudged a nearby ball with his toe. “I hope you like soccer. We can play two on two while you wait.”

“Oh, Josie isn’t staying,” I said.

The vampire shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind a little healthy competition to start my day.” She looked at Kane. “Are you game?”

“Why not?”

I liked that plan; anything to keep Kane preoccupied while I was gone.

“Whatever happens, do not let him charge in after me,” I warned.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Josie said.

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