Chapter Sixteen
Kysen
Its kind of like one of those old horror movies when the door opens and there’s no one there.
I share a look with the others. It’s strange, obviously I haven’t known the guys and Sage for long but there’s a similar connection to them as there is to my brothers.
It not as strong and it is a different kind of bond but its still there.
I know that Sage knows more than she’s letting on but I also know that she can’t tell me because of the goddess.
If she went against that and told me what was going on, why I can hear them when they talk through the Bond lines sometimes, then not only would she risk the wrath of a goddess but she could also change that outcome completely and changing that outcome could have a disastrous effect on several other outcomes.
I’m not going to risk it and besides I’m used to have weird hints and being told to go to random places out of the blue thanks to Ty and his gift.
“We aren’t going to find anything out if we just stand here.” Kai mutters out the side of his mouth and I chuckle quietly earning a warning look from Jax that has me smirking and him looking embarrassed.
Its so obvious to everyone around them that they have a thing for each other but it’s also clear that they aren’t ready to admit it to themselves.
So I will refrain from meddling. At least for now, I have a feeling that if they start to get ridiculous with it that Sage will be the one wanting to meddle and I’m more than happy to help.
“Your idea you first.” Sage smirks.
“I’d be happy to. Not worried about the likeness to horror films at all.” Kai replies puffing up his chest and moving forward.
Although he’s behaving like it’s all a big joke, I’ve been at the academy long enough now that I can pick up on the things civilians might not that suggest that he’s actually taking this very seriously.
Things like he’s scanning the area looking for anything slightly out of place or movement that would suggest we’re about to be attacked.
He’s also got his hand near his weapons ready to draw them at a moments notice.
We’re all doing the same and although I think these guys are going to have a shock when we finally do get to the academy the intensity is a lot more demanding than they’re used to at least they aren’t complete novices.
They’ve proven that time and time again with their fight skills and team work just to mention two.
They’re going to kick ass and I can’t wait for my brothers to meet them.
I miss my brothers more than I thought I would.
I think it’s because Sage and her men remind me of the bond that me and brothers have minus the Sage.
A pang of sadness pierces me and I push it a way unwilling to admit where it’s come from.
They’re keeping something from me at the moment and I can tell that it’s big.
I hope that Ty gives them the go ahead to tell me soon.
The bell rings above the door as Kai pushes through and I follow after the others.
The shop is dimly lit by warm glowing lamps dotted around it lights the area well enough to see the wares but with the dying light outside it still leaves areas of the shop dark and that makes the shadows long.
Levi’s gift could have a field day in here although it seems to be weak enough to be easily controlled.
As for what it sells well I couldn’t really say it’s one thing, more of a mix of things.
It doesn’t look like any old tat either, all of this looks expensive and as we weave our way through the various displays of a curious nature that could quite easily pull you in and distract you for hours on end.
I think magic plays a part in the allure.
My eyes widen as we finally get to the back of the store an ornate glass fronted display case behind the stained wood shop counter that is inlaid with beautiful swirls of gold and gemstones that I’d be willing to bet were imbued with spells.
Especially since in the display case is row upon row of spell bottles and already spelled gemstones. Some of them I know to be astronomically rare and expensive. The stock in that case alone is worth millions and millions.
“Well where’s Monty?” Jax asks.
“The door was open so someone must be here.” Kai says.
Hunter huffs in his wolf form his nose twitching. Something in this shop must be irritating his shifter sense of smell. The place is dusty as hell so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was that, that was making him sneeze.
“But it was disguised under a glamour so isn’t there a chance that no one is home?” I ask, my voice hushed.
“That’s true. He was warned we were coming though. Are you alright Dude?” Levi asks.
“Huh? What?” I ask and he raises his eyebrow at me.
“It’s just there’s millions and millions of, well in your terms, dollars’ worth of spells and potions in that display and although I’m sure its got plenty of protections on it.
It’s just on show, practically begging for anyone with a slightly less than honest disposition to try and steal it. ”
“I feel like somethings niggling you about it?” Maverick says observantly.
“It is. Either he is really sure in the protections he has on it or in the prestige of his cliental or more likely he wants someone to try and steal something so he can enjoy the chase and watch the fall out. You said he was a panther right?” I ask turning my attention to Sage she nods in agreement, “See they are notorious for playing with their prey and enjoying the chase when they let them go.”
“And what does it mean if it’s the latter?” Sage asks.
“Well he’s a tricky bastard and we need to be aware at all times. Don’t sign anything, don’t bleed anywhere even if its just a paper cut and don’t fucking agree to anything.” I say urgently.
“Fantastic.” She replies sarcastically and I smirk.
“So let me get this straight either the guys a sadistic bastard who is practically begging for some entertainment in the form of a chase and possible torture or he is super paranoid, careful and a very sought after man?” Maverick asks me for clarifying.
I open my mouth to reply.
“Why can’t I be both?” A disembodied voice announces with gusto and we all turn away from each other and back towards the counter.
All that appears in mid air is a wide and almost manic smile before the rest of him slowly starts to appear.
“Just like the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.” Sage mutters.
“Where do you think he got the idea from in the first place dear Sage?” He asks.
“You haven’t aged in three hundred and fifty-two years.” Sage comments in shock almost.
“Why thank you, you have become my new favourite for sure.” He adds adjusting his dark purple velvet waist coat.
He’s dressed as uniquely as you could imagine but impeccably at the same time.
His suit is black velvet apart from his waistcoat and lined with patterned purple silk.
He has a gold pocket watch peeking out of one of his pockets and multiple rings adoring his fingers.
He’s slim build around the same size as me and his grey streaked hair is slicked back.
“You know who we are then?” Levi asks stepping slightly in front of Sage.
Monty has not taken his eyes off of her since we arrived, almost as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing.
“Yes, yes. The goddess was very clear on it all.” He says flippantly, waving his hand in the air like it’s no big deal. For all we know to him it may be.
“You have something for us then?” Levi prompts.
“Yes I suppose you will be wanting the letter, hmm?” He mutters tilting his head to the side. “She warned me not to play my usual games but if this is to be the end I may as well have one last hurrah, no?” He muses tapping long nail tipped finger on his chin.
My heart thumps, shifter cats of any species are notorious for playing games that are almost too hard to beat.
They like to make it practically impossible to win, the game lasts longer for them then.
Don’t get me wrong they’re not all bad or anything like that.
Some just have a harder time controlling themselves than others.
I’m guessing that in Monty’s case it’s less a lack of control and more boredom.
He’s been alive for an incredibly long time.
“Be the end? What the fuck does that mean?” Hunter says through the Bond link, including me in it too.
I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that. I’m so used to hearing my brothers voices in my head that hearing someone completely new is somewhat jarring.
I shrug my response, I have no idea what he’s talking about but to be honest I’m not too interested I’m more concerned with the game he intends to play.
Before I can voice any sort of objection to his proposal, since I’m currently the one most knowledgeable here.
Which is odd in itself. Monty’s eyes widen and his hands fly to his throat as his feet lift off the floor.
The toes of his shiny plum purple dress shoes dragging along the floor.
Within an instant we all have our weapons drawn.
Sage drawing her swords from the sheathes on her back.
They’ve all told me about the Nyx blades but they are yet to make an appearance and I don’t know whether to be glad about that because it means that we haven’t been in any life threatening situations dire enough to warrant their appearance or disappointed because I really want to see Nyx’s famous swords in person and I can hardly believe that I know the person who has been intrusted with them.
Whatever invisible force that’s attacking Monty steers clear of us and I glance at the others.
“What the hell!” Jax exclaims.
“A-a-alright.” Monty gasps breathlessly unable to get much sound out since some invisible force is clearly blocking his windpipe.