Page 14 of Shadows of the Soul

I tossed a look over my shoulder. “This spell needs someone with a specific skill set. I could make it, but we don’t have the time and it would be subpar.”

“Okay, let’s go,” Hudson said, stepping after me out of the room.

I spun and slapped my palm onto his chest. “No, I go alone. I’ll be back in about an hour.”

“Cora.”

“Hudson.”

He covered my hand with his. “Someone kidnapped your aunt.”

“I know.”

He sighed like it took extra effort to deal with my dumb ass. “Someone who wants you. They could already have people waiting for an opportunity to take you. They could hide on the borders of your property.”

I ground my jaw. I hadn’t thought of that. “Fine,” I gritted out. “Hope you like the water, kitty.”

His face dropped, and I considered it a win.

***

There was a distinct odor around the Rockhard and Lenson pharmacy. It wasn’t unpleasant and had a herby undertone that was no doubt a result of the concoctions they brewed. The two men dispensed drugs to humans during the day, but by night they were elementals specializing in potions. Supernaturals from across the country sought them out. Lucky for me, they’d settled in White Castle. Despite the early hour, the air was humid and sticky, unnaturally so for October.

“We are going to see the Scientists?” Hudson checked. “Aren’t they booked months in advance?” Like me, they’d earned their nickname from their unique skill set. There wasn’t a potion they couldn’t brew.

“Not for family.”

“You’re related to The Scientists?”

“Not all family are blood relations, Principal, sometimes there are those you choose.”

The front of the shop was in darkness, so I moved around the building and knocked three times on the window as I passed it. The door swung open, revealing a heavyset man who indulged in the finer things in life. His gray eyes widened behind his thick-rimmed glasses.

“Cora,” he bellowed, yanking me into his arms and hugging me tight. “I haven’t seen you since that nasty business with the gangrene on my–”

“Rockhard,” I interrupted. Unfortunate name. “Meet Hudson.”

I was released, and Rockhard stared over my shoulder. “Oh my, girl, he is delicious with an extra helping of lick.”

“Who is it?” Lenson shouted.

“Cora and her new boy toy.”

“Ooh, let me see.”

Lenson came hurrying down the hallway, wiping his hands on the neon pink apron. He was the opposite of Rockhard, all narrow lines and slim build. His receding hair had opened up on the top in recent years. He was still handsome though, and Rockhard also thought so. I’d never witnessed two people more in love.

They eyeballed Hudson. “Good for you, Cora,” Lenson said.

I shook my head. “He’s my, umm, tenant?”

“That’s what you kids are calling it now?” Rockhard muttered.

“How’s your grandmother?” Lenson asked.

It took all of my concentration to keep my posture easy and not curse him. The last thing I needed was for Hudson to join the dots and realize my grandmother ruled the species he despised. “She’s good, thank you.”

“How was that last batch of nulling bombs?”

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