hell is going on. Why they would be working with those they considered their enemy. I know why I work alongside them, but I’ve yet to come across others who believe the same as I do. I’ve been tracking them in hope of finding allies amongst my own kind.
The wooden cabin I’m watching is old and worn. Fates only know how long it’s been there. It looks abandoned, but the trail ends here. Tracking might not be my best skill, but I’m not some fucking amateur either. I crouch down, and focus on my listening, searching for voices within the cabin, but I get nothing.
How the fuck is that possible?
Unless…
Witches. They could have warded the place so that no-one outside can hear it. It’s the only way. They have to be here.
I move closer to the cabin, on silent feet, careful not to make a sound, but not so close that they might sense me, especially if they have Witches in there.
I hear the sound of the door handle, and duck down behind the bushes that line the cabin. Several sets of footsteps leave the cabin, and the murmur of voices is so low that I can barely hear them, even when I focus on them. They move away, but I wait, just in case they circle back. I wait for a few minutes, and the door opens again, a lone pair of footsteps moves down the front steps, and in my direction.
I lower myself to the ground so I’m practically laying down, trying to make sure I’m not seen.
“I can hear you breathing you know.” The voice rings out familiar, but I can’t place it. “You might as well come out. I’ll find you eventually.”
I weigh up the options, letting him potentially find me, on his terms, or reveal myself, and at least be partially prepared for whoever it is. I choose the latter, and palm the dagger on my hip, standing as quietly as I can manage. I circle round the back of the cabin, and find him, back to me, looking out to the tree line. I could leave, probably undetected, but that would void the whole reason that I came out here.
“You shouldn’t leave such an obvious trail if you don’t want to be followed,” I say, looking as relaxed as I can, swinging the blade between my finger and thumb. The blonde spins and faces me, his hand on the holster at his hip.
“Remington Bennett. But of course.”
“You seem to have me at a disadvantage.” I shrug. “But then, I guess my reputation precedes me.”
“Something like that.” His eyes dart around the clearing, and I listen to see if any footsteps are coming back towards us, but the sweat running down his face, the swallowing given away by his bobbing Adams apple, tells me we’re alone, and he doesn’t have any back up.
“So, tell me, stranger. What brings you all the way out here? After meeting with known rogue Dracul,” I ask, stepping closer to him, but remaining as nonchalant as I can manage, while assessing the threat level he poses.
“A meeting of minds, to find a better life for us all.” His words are like music to my ears, but his eyes give away his lie.
“Is that so? A betrayer of your faction? Tell me, traitor. What is your name?”
“Archer. Archer Dotoro.”
Chapter Eighteen
We landed back home a few hours ago, and arrived back at the house about twenty minutes ago, to find the house empty. Not even Everly is here. My stomach drops, because it doesn’t seem right, and no-one is answering their phones.
“I’m sure they’re fine, Princess. Go shower and clean up, I’ll keep trying them.” Roman says, kissing my forehead then turns me to face the direction of my room, and slaps my ass.
“But…”
“Remy, move your ass,” he barks, putting his phone to his ear. I move reluctantly, but I know there’s no reason to worry, not yet. We’re home earlier than expected, and we didn’t tell anyone when we landed because I wanted to surprise them, but guess fucking what. Surprise to me that no-one’s here.
I drop my bag inside my door, and strip my clothes before jumping in the shower. The door opens, and I expect to see Roman, but it’s Creek who’s face smiles back at me.
“Oh, thank fuck,” I gasp, and jump from the shower and hug him, not caring that he’s fully dressed and I’m soaking wet.
“I missed you too beautiful,” he says, burying his face in