Chapter 15 #2
“I think before we go back to school, we need to make a decision,” Dakota said, keeping my gaze. “Do you want to stay at Silver Falls? We go where you go, Effie, so it’s up to you.”
I already knew my answer.
“I wouldn’t mind leaving; I’d honestly prefer it.” I exhaled. “But I also don’t want to pass the responsibility of Hastain to someone else. I’m worried he’ll continue to hurt people.”
“We can handle him without you being within reach of him,” Ryder pointed out.
“I have homes in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and we can also hire people to keep eyes on him. Sure, you’ll have to leave classes, but all of you can transfer your records and start fresh in the fall.
Hell, some schools may even take you for this semester. ”
How did I ask about moving to London without it seeming far-fetched? I nearly shook my head at that. One thing at a time, especially until Hastain was handled.
“And what about Ruby and Aanya?” I asked softly.
“Aanya knows and hasn’t been back to campus. Ruby, I’m not sure,” Ryder said.
Nibbling my lip, I looked down at my hands and spoke honestly.
“I think we need to tell Ruby what’s going on.
I think we need to take our stuff and go to Milwaukee or Chicago, at least for the time being.
I don’t necessarily want to stay or go to school there, but until we figure out this gate thing and Hastain, I don’t feel comfortable leaving. ”
In that split second, I felt a surge of pride at how good I’d become at expressing myself. The Effie that had come from the Whitepaw pack would’ve never been able to do that comfortably without fear of repercussion.
“And after, we can come back here,” Julian said.
A smile pulled at my lips. “You like it here?” I asked hopefully.
“We all like it here,” Tore said, looking amused.
“Really?” I sat up straighter. “Then we should definitely come back after all of this. I really like it.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Ryder said, Caedmon nodding in agreement. He still looked tense, and I had a feeling that my feverish state had really thrown him for a loop. I just didn’t know how to make him feel better.
Dakota stood up. “Let’s get ready to leave, then. Ryder, you got the flight covered?”
“Yep.” He nodded and took his phone out, sending a message.
“I’ve got Effie—she won’t move an inch. Tore has my back.” Julian chuckled, and I pretended to scowl as I realized they were keeping me captive between them.
“I’ll grab the bags. Caedmon, come help,” Dakota said.
Once everyone was off on their tasks, I cozied back onto the bed and looked around the space. I really liked it here.
“Should I try to call on Mona?” I asked Tore and Julian, interrupting their conversation about travel plans.
“Does it work like that?” Tore asked.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted, wrapping my hand around the pendant and closing my eyes. I focused on my magic and tried to call out for Mona, not verbally, but by searching for her very trademark power signature.
It felt like I was calling into a void, though.
Becoming frustrated after a few long seconds, I instead focused on my pendant.
I could feel the magic surging through it, almost a tool to push my own magic through, and I realized with a bit of surprise that I could use it for that exact thing.
I felt my magic waiting behind it, wanting to explode out.
The piece would help me control my magic, and I promised the next time that I had a chance, I would try out my kitsune magic and see if it helped me feel more comfortable with the new power.
“Wake up, sleepy.” Dakota easily lifted me into his arms, Julian and Caedmon making their way to the door alongside us. I was confused, not realizing so much time had passed, but wrapped my arms around him. I wasn’t tired by any means, but I would never complain about him carrying me.
Well, until he set me down and kneeled to help me lace up my boots. I almost told him not to, but the way he smiled up at me was so charming I couldn’t help but be okay with it. And to be honest, the idea of bending down sent my head spinning.
“Are we good?” Julian asked, squeezing my hand. I nodded and took his hand along with Dakota’s as we walked out to Ryder’s SUV, which was waiting on the curb. Caedmon and Tore’s attention were both on the busy street as they talked in hushed whispers and looked in the distance.
“What’s wrong?” I asked them.
“Let’s get in the car,” Tore said gently.
“We may end up having a tail,” Caedmon pointed out softly.
“A tail?” I asked, thinking about my wolf’s tail.
“Someone following us,” Ryder explained from the front seat, and I let out a worried noise. Yet as I got in the car between Caedmon and Julian, my eyes were on the London house.
I hoped we could come back here. I had never felt a connection so strongly to a place.
My mood dipped as we pulled away from it, and when I looked over my shoulder, I saw exactly what the boys had been talking about—three black SUVs. This spelled a lot more than our usual trouble.