Page 60 of Shadow Scorching

“Murdoch has been looking all over for you. Jangles spent the night on your bed, every now and then meowing. But I assured them you’re all right.”

“How areyoudoing?”

Penn hesitated for a moment, then said, “Magical burns are painful. But Laleilee gave me something for the pain. I can’t drive though, which is why she said she’d come in my place. I’m a little too doped up to be safe on the roads, or safe wielding magic. In fact, I’ll admit, I’m drained.” She sounded tired.

“Penn, who was talking through you last night? That wasn’t you, at the end. At least, I don’t think it was.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to know, but it was better that I found out rather than be surprised at some future time.

“That was Hecate. That’s the reason the revenant couldn’t hurt me as much as it wanted to. She was shielding me, and she sent that final blast at it.” Penn paused. Then, in a low voice, she added, “That’s the only time she’s ever jumped me, Kyann. It scared the hell out of me but I learned a lot about myself. And Ibonded me to her. She’s incredibly powerful. I learned another thing: I’ll never go back on my oath to her. I’m hers, until death.”

I felt like I was standing on the outskirts of a strange land that Penn had entered. A land that I could touch the edges of, but never walk through the gate. It made me feel oddly lonely, like she now belonged to a realm I couldn’t enter. Yet, I was happy for her.

Crossroads…they were there when you least expected them.

“Okay, give us the rundown on how to install these dampening devices—I think I remember, but I want to make certain.”

With Penn’s advice, we pushed through, setting them up in the other room. When we were done, she gave me Laleilee’s number, to expedite matters.

“She’ll be waiting for your text. I wish I could be there to help, but…”

“Butnothing. You did more than your share last night. Without you, we would have failed to clear the house. I’ll see you this afternoon.” As I hung up, all I could think of was that I wanted to get this over and done with.

“I’m going to text Jet.”I turned to Dante, who was frowning at his phone. “What’s wrong?”

“Altogether, it looks like Jet managed to steal eighty thousand dollars worth of jewelry and cash from the safe. He couldn’t cash the check, at least, but I hope we can recover Aunt Tilly’s gems. Some of those have great sentimental value.”

“We’ll do our best. We have his address. I’ll text him now.” I opened my phone.

my love. i’m so sorry i couldn’t answer. i was in a meditation retreat. i have our room booked—and i’m so looking forward to meeting you, in person. my heart is pounding and i can barely believe this is real. i have the cash for those fees of yours. can you come right away?

I didn’t have to wait long before he responded.

my queen, i, too, can’t believe we finally get to meet. tell me where to come, and i will be there. i can’t wait to hold you in my arms, to cover you with kisses, to feed you grapes and chocolates, to feel my body pressed against yours.

I grimaced. Trying to cut the sweet nothings short, I texted the address.hurry, my sweet. i’m here, waiting for you. i’ll order champagne and strawberries. fly to me, my love.

I sent the text and he replied that he was on the way.

“All we have to do, is wait,” I said.

Dante had ordered breakfast for us. The waffles were crisp, covered with berries and syrup. The sausage was spicy enough, and the eggs were scrambled to perfection. We ate in the suite, waiting till Jet arrived. I’d decided to text him to come in, that I was in the bath. Dante would hide outside the room like I’d planned to, and between the two of us, hopefully we could subdue him until Laleilee got here.

Jet texted that he was on his way up and we got into position. I texted Laleilee to head over. There would be no toying with him—he’d know I wasn’t Estelle the moment he looked at me. So I wouldn’t have to play any games or any roles.

The night’s sleep had helped a lot, and breakfast had, as well. I wasn’t sure how strong he’d be, though the choku-yi were supposed to be formidable. But Dante and I were far from slouches. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

A few moments later, I heard a gentle knock, then the door began to open. I was hiding behind it, so I could cut him off from running after he entered the room.

And then, he was there—looking around. As he continued further into the room, Dante slipped in, in his wolf form. He gave me a look, and I slowly shut the door.

“Estelle? I’m here,” Jet called, then froze. He slowly turned, his eyes widening.

“Welcome, you piece of filth,” I said, leaping toward him. He struggled under my weight as I took him down, but then he rolled, pinning me beneath him. He grabbed for my throat.

“Who the fuck are you?” he asked, but he didn’t give me a chance to answer. Instead, he tightened his grip. At that moment, Dante leapt, slamming against him. With one bite, he had Jet by the arm, and he bit deeper, drawing blood as he dragged the choku-yi off me.

Jet struggled to free himself, then he narrowed his eyes and I knew he was trying to shift away—to get back to the astral. But his eyes widened as he realized he was still here. I punched him in the stomach as Dante held him down.

Jet doubled over, grunting, and I brought out a pair of handcuffs. I slapped them on his wrists. Dante, now back in his human form, slammed him into a chair and tossed me a length of rope, holding him firm while I tied him tight.

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