on the counter, a mug cupped in his hands, and his legs swinging. He was humming away to himself as if he had no cares in the world. When he caught sight of us, however, he jumped off and ran over.
“What happened? Mack, are you alright? Was it Endor?”
I shook my head and pointed Solus towards the back room. We hobbled over together, then I lay myself carefully down on top of the sleeping bag in the corner before I completely collapsed. I could sense him exchanging worried looks with Aubrey, but I just closed my eyes and curled up my bruised and battered body.
Chapter Eighteen
I had thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep, but it had taken me no time at all to drift into a deep and dreamless coma. I didn’t wake up until Mrs. Alcoon was gently shaking my shoulder and saying my name.
“Mackenzie, dear, you need to get up.”
I stretched out, almost without thinking, and then hissed in pain. I felt even worse than I had the night before.
She tutted loudly. “You can’t be doing this, Mackenzie. You can’t be getting into fights like this. The consequences could be disastrous.”
I thought about how close I’d come to actually snuffing it the night before. She had no idea.
“I’m fine,” I said, sitting up, and trying to look like I was. “Is it time for…” my voice trailed off.
She nodded. “I sent Aubrey round to pick up something appropriate for you to wear. I’m not sure it’s wise for you to go though. Not with the way you are right now. I’m sure your young man will understand.”
The idea of pulling my sleeping bag over my head and just wishing the entire world away was remarkably appealing. But then I thought of Endor. And the weapons (hopefully plural) that Balud was going to bring after Staines’ funeral service. And the odd pleading look in Corrigan’s eyes when he’d asked me to go. I didn’t think about Aubrey, or the bloodsuckers, or the fact that I had a group of undefeatable warriors after me, even though I’d nothing to antagonise them other than being born. Life was just getting far too bloody complicated.
I got up, wavered slightly, then gave Mrs. Alcoon what I hoped was a reassuring glance. “I’ll be fine,” I repeated, more firmly than I felt.
She looked troubled, but left me in peace anyway to change into a depressing black dress. She’d left me a scarf out, either having noticed the marks on my throat while I was sleeping or having heard about them from Aubrey. Either way I was grateful for the thought, and wound it round my neck to cover up. At least the bruise on my face was starting to look a little better, I thought ruefully, as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
From somewhere outside a car honked, making me jump. A few moments later, Mrs. Alcoon curved her head back round.
“There’s a car waiting for you.”
Evincing surprise, I followed her out. When I recognised the number-plate as belonging to the Brethren, my stomach gave a little flip. I quashed it back down, telling myself not to be so silly. It was probably there because Tom had been thoughtful enough to arrange it. Even if it had been Corrigan who’d sent it, it would merely be because he wanted to make sure that I didn’t bail on my promise to attend the funeral. I clambered inside, my eyes inadvertently falling on the spot where I’d almost died just hours before. I quickly looked away, my gaze landing on Aubrey instead. He looked worried. I reminded myself that I’d have to find somewhere for him to go that would be well out of his former foster family’s reach. Then the car door closed automatically, and we drove off.
The service was being held at the Brethren’s stronghold. I spent the entire journey there in silence and, upon arriving and walking inside, little else changed. I could feel the eyes of numerous shifters on me, accusatory glances that held so much meaning, from how I’d treated Corrigan to allowing Staines’ death to occur. There was so much I was responsible for. I carefully took a seat at the back of the hall, which was clearly used for such occasions, and folded my hands in my lap, closing my eyes. I allowed a trickle of bloodfire to run through my body, enjoying its warmth and hoping it would in some way reinvigorate me. Lughnasadh was