Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 71312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
“She was carrying out her dad’s work,” I say, feeling stupid for not seeing it. I was so sure it was Stuart I didn’t consider any other possibility.
“Now, I was able to gather from the others that Ms. McMillan sought out the five most prominent figures in the community. She drugged you all, lead you to the city’s utility unit and attempted to murder you. But here’s where things get fuzzy. According to the others, a wolf and a large German Shepherd “materialized inside the room” and together the three of you were able to subdue McMillian.”
“Uh, yeah. That’s what happened.” I nod.
“Better than an army of cats,” he grumbles and I’m not sure I heard him right.
“Hunter,” Ethan says, voice steady. “Is our German Shepherd. Anora brings him with her pretty much everywhere. He got spooked when he heard sirens and ran off, but luckily a friend was able to find him and bring him home.”
“And the wolf?” Maxwell raises his eyebrows.
“I don’t remember a wolf.” I swallow, feeling Ethan’s eyes on me.
“All right. I’ve got all I need. Take care, Miss Benson.” He turns and takes a few steps toward the door. “And don’t be surprised if we request you consult with us in the future.”
He leaves and I try to get comfortable, which is hard with the IV lines in my arm.
“A wolf? Ethan echoes.
“It was there. With Hunter. It helped save us. And then it was gone.”
He doesn’t say anything, but the look on his face speaks loud enough. And I’m thinking the same thing. What the in the ever loving fuck is going on?
There’s another knock at the door and I look over to see Nik rushing in. He comes right to the bed and throws his arms around me.
“Oh my god, Anora. Don’t you ever do that ever again!”
“I don’t plan on it,” I grunt and he releases me.
“How’d you get in?” Ethan asks. “They wouldn’t let Rene up.”
“Immediate family only,” Nik replies. “I said I was your brother.”
“My brother?” I echo.
“We do look alike and we share an address.” Nik grins. “It’s on my ID.”
I blink. “You got a fake ID?”
“It came in?” Ethan asks and I shake my head. Of course he’d hook Nik up with a fake ID. I know Ethan has several aliases from his Order days. “Come out in the hall. I’ll tell you everything.”
I try to get comfortable again, lay back and close my eyes.. The sense of peace I felt only hours ago is gone, and something else nags at me. I want to say it’s just me feeling silly for thinking Stuart could kill from beyond the grave, but I know it’s deeper than that.
Demons are evil. They have no soul. They exist for one reason and one reason only: to cause pain and destruction. But people…people are supposed to be good. Ethan’s joked a few times that my best and worst quality is how I want to see the good in people. I want to trust that they’ll do the right thing.
And that is what’s bothering me. It’s no secret, it’s nothing new in the world. But it’s hitting me hard right now just how unsettling it is to have to accept that people are far more dangerous than demons.
“Your parents just landed,” Ethan says, adjusting my pillow. I’m camped out on the living room couch, with my feet propped up on the ottoman. I got home from the hospital a few hours ago and am comfortably drugged up.
“Our mom can be very overbearing,” I warn Saanvi. She and Harrison rushed to the hospital this morning after hearing what happened. The news made headlines again, and this time there was no keeping my name out of it. They didn’t list me as a psychic this time, at least. The news outlets have painted me as a true hero: a small-town girl who, along with her dog, fought off a psychotic killer and saved innocent lives.
I’ve declined interviews from CNN to Fox News and everything in between. I meant it when I told Maxwell I don’t want fame. I was given the gift of magic for a reason, and I’m just doing my job.
“I never thought anything would top surprising Mom with the news I have a serious girlfriend,” Harrison starts. “But you kicking a serial killer’s ass takes the cake.”
I laugh and then wince. “Don’t make me laugh. And I’m glad to be of service.”
Rene and Keith brought over breakfast this morning, and the vet texted me, asking if I needed help taking care of the horses. Even the owners of the feed store sent flowers to the hospital. It’s weird, being a bit of a local celebrity like this. And now, between Nik, Harrison, Saanvi, and—most of all—Ethan, I’m being completely doted on. Not that I mind, of course.