Heir of the Dog Black Dog - Hailey Edwards Page 0,57
said dryly. “My tongue’s on the short side too.”
The strangled sound must have come from Rook, because the cat eyed me with genuine pity.
“I aimed to preserve your privacy and indulged my own...aversions...at your expense. That was an unforgivable oversight. I did hope the birds on your mother’s lawn would suffice. Failing that, the feather I left on her pillow. I hoped you would read its warning—” his eyes narrowed on Rook, “—and avoid him at all costs.”
“The feather was another warning?” My lip curled, and I growled at Rook. “You said the etchings were coordinates to Faerie.”
“I had to bring you here.” His shoulders straightened. “When I realized you couldn’t read the runes, I took advantage.”
“You? Take advantage?” I scoffed. “There’s a shocker.”
The cat twitched his tail.
“The warnings didn’t help because I didn’t know who Rook was. I thought he—” I jabbed a finger at my sulky husband, “—was Raven. The chess lingo flew right over my head.”
With a huff, the cat shook his head. “I see now I should have stayed to make you understand, but I did not wish to alarm you by appearing in person.” He rolled his shoulders. “Some find me intimidating. I did not wish you to be afraid.”
“Afraid isn’t the word I would use.” Terrified sounded about right.
His rusty chuckle coaxed a timid smile from me. “Of course not.”
“Since we’re old pals, is there something I can call you?”
“I will give you my Name when there are not as many sharp ears around.” His eyes narrowed on Rook before turning back to me. “I have heard of your trials and am sorry for them. As recompense, I am yours to call. You are mine to protect. If you require me, you have only to summon me. Until such time as we are able to speak freely—” another cutting glare sliced through Rook, “—you may call me Diode.”
Rook shifted closer to me, causing Diode’s lips to quiver. I elbowed him hard in the ribs.
“Well, Diode, we have a problem.” I exhaled. “I don’t suppose my father is around?”
His lips mashed together. His tail thumped harder. With effort, he shook his head.
“Are you okay?” The air rippled with the scent of a triggered enchantment.
Diode took a moment to loosen his jaw before answering. “Yes.”
I studied him. “What type of spell was that?”
“Noticed, did you?” He purred with amusement. “I was charmed—of my own free will—by your father. I never had occasion to regret that decision until now. I apologize, but I cannot tell you where he is. It is physically impossible—” His head snapped up. “The hunt comes. Hurry. Follow me.”
Rook rolled onto his feet and offered me his hand.
I exchanged a worried glance with him.
“All is not lost,” he assured me. “If Black Dog was standing behind you, Diode couldn’t point.”
The big cat leapt ahead and called to us. “The entrance is hidden, but those hounds know your father well. It’s only a matter of time before they locate his den. I’ll do what I can to help until then.”
We bolted after him, struggling to match his lengthy stride.
“Dim-witted beasts,” Diode muttered. “True hunters would run alone. Not run in a pack.”
What a catty sentiment. “Is Macsen dim-witted?”
“Since you haven’t met him,” he said on a huff, “I won’t shatter your illusions.”
My side twinged when I laughed.
Our run was brief. Diode charged an enormous tree that would rival a redwood back home. He hunched his shoulders and pawed at the base. The rest I couldn’t see. I glanced at Rook, who studied the area, the wide tree and the method of entry much the same as I did. My attention on him spread a smug grin across his face.
A soft click brought my focus back to Diode and the tree. A three-foot section of its truck swung open, and the cat leaned against the door to keep it wedged open. He craned his neck, ears twitching.
“Get inside.” Diode batted me with his paw. “Hurry.”
I cuffed Rook by the wrist and dragged him into the gloomy chamber behind me. Diode ducked inside, and the door sealed on his heels.
“That will hold them a while.” Smugness dripped from Diode’s words. “Follow me.”
He hip-bumped Rook, flattening him against the entry’s wall. Me he urged forward with a flick of his tail. I didn’t check my hubby for boo-boos. I drifted into the circular room and shut my eyes, inhaling the rich scent of tobacco smoke and parchment. Fresh scents. Like I had just missed Mac.
I had inherited