Page 143 of Home to the Hollow

The parking lot is nearly empty when I walk out to my car. Before I can open my door, the sleek black Rolls belonging to Mayor Nelia slides into a spot nearby. She waves as she exits her vehicle with Zareb in tow, and I pause as she approaches. The lion shakes its mane and stretches, giving her space to speak to me without being menacing.

“Hugo! I am delighted to catch you before you leave for the day.” Nelia says.

Is she here to see me specifically? Why?

The Mayor laughs, her eyes dancing as she looks at me. “Don’t worry; you're not in trouble. I’m here to see Bobbi Jo, but having a chat with you was also on my list. I’m always pleased when I can combine two tasks into one.”

Something about her jovial tone trips my intuition—it feels forced, which is unlike her. Nelia is an unapologetically authentic person, and though she might be politically savvy, she’s not usually one for subterfuge. Her behavior makes me believenothingabout this meeting is unplanned.

“How can I help, Nelia? I’m always happy to assist—within the bounds of my oaths, of course,” I say with a friendly smile. It won’t do to tip her off that I’m suspicious of our ‘chance’ encounter.

“Of course, of course. I wouldn’t ever ask you to betray your duties, young man. However, I would like to ask you to help me watch over our newest citizen. Jolene is a lovely girl, and I fear her return has stirred up old rivalries. Tension doesn’t serve any of us in town, and I’d like to prevent any unnecessary drama from spreading like an outbreak.”

She wants me to help… protect Jolene?

I nod, pretending to consider her words. My personal goals align with Mayor Nelia’s at the moment, though it’s possible our motivations are not in line. However, if she’s recruiting her own little ‘Jolene Task Force’, I’d rather be part of it than left out. “I’d be glad to help her navigate some of the rougher seas, Nelia,. Count me in.”

Her lips curve and for a brief moment, I see the triumph flash in her gaze. I’m not sure what securing my participation gets her, but she definitely has plans that require either me or my particular skill set. “Thank you, Hugo. I know your patron and your sisters would be proud of how seriously you take your placement in Whistler’s Hollow.”

I highly doubt that. My family isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy.

“I appreciate your kindness, ma’am. I’ll pass your regards on to my patron when I’m next in contact.” I watch her as I relay this tidbit, but her expression doesn’t change. She may not be vying for the favor of my goddess, but she’s not uninterested.

“That would be lovely. She’s welcome for tea at my compound any time.”

That will never happen.

Smiling, I nod at her and the lion. “Is there anything else I can do to help? I fear you’ll miss your appointment with Bobbi Jo if I keep you any longer.”

“Very true, Hugo! I’m now dreadfully tardy, and the poor woman is probably having an episode. Thank you again for agreeing to help, and I will reach out if I need anything further.”

That said, she turns on her heel and heads for the front of the school, the lion loping behind her in a deceptively lazy stride. I have no doubt Zareb would tear something limb from limb if he was asked, and that’s before her partners got a hold of whatever foolish mortal pissed her off. I’ve never met her mates, but I’ve heard they are rare supes, and particularly bloodthirsty when Nelia is unhappy.

I can do without ever meeting them if possible.

Shaking my head, I get into my car. It’s been a very strange day, and I need time to think through all of the information and events. The only thing I know for certain is that if there’s this much fuss over one girl, there is something everyone wants. I need to know what it is and why before I can do anything to help her.

It may be time for a trip home…

Week Two

Istillhaven’t gotten to talk to Tilly, and it’s pissing me off.

After the meeting, she practically told me to get fucked and took off to meet the vet. Itriedto mitigate the snotty women from Science and English, but there was only so much I could control out in the open. Drawing finite lines at the very first staff meeting would have set a tone for the rest of the school year, and I’d prefer to get more of the teachers on Jolene’s side before that happens.

She may have grown up here, but none of these people ever left.

Then, as if that wasn’t insulting enough, I got the phone call about construction for mydrugar’sGuardian. I wouldn’t have been nearly as irritated with the situation if I’d beenaskedor if they had briefed me about a secondary team. The additional frustration of dealing with the goddamnedelvesis making my hound pace—none of my sides are fond of the little perverts, and I don’t enjoy having them run around anywhere near Tilly’s house.

But they’re the fastest builders in the world, and not using them would be foolish.

Popping my Airpods in, I start laps around the track as I call Jamie to arrange the details of the land transfer. He owns so much at that end of town that this won’t make a dent in his holdings, and he can write the donation to the Society off on his hefty taxes, anyway. The phone rings a few times and I growl as I round the first curve of the Olympic quality training area.

“Howdy, Edgar. What can I do you for?”

Jamie’s Southern kicks up exponentially when there are guests in the building, so I catch the subtle hint that he’s not alone. “Jamie, they have tasked me with providing housing for a couple of new Guardians in town. The point of contact is Jolene’s Guardian—not that she knows that—and her orders were to have you and I transfer a few acres down the street from the Whitleys and have the house ready ASAP.”

“Don’t sound so thrilled, friend. I can do that quickly if I can send Agatha with the details; if not, I’ll need a couple hours to mosey down to Town Hall myself,” he replies carefully.

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