Page 33 of A Light in the Dark

THIRTY-THREE

I have teeth, too. I’m definitely willing to use them.

Joel protested having to return to human form in squeaks, although he did eventually cooperate. Once in the SUV, he passed out, leaving me to buckle him in. “Please tell me this is normal.”

“For his situation, it’s normal enough. They usually manage to get their seat belts on before sleeping it off, though. The first time one of the injured Hunters pulled that after a shift, I almost had a heart attack. Calden laughed at me. You have his travel documents?”

As I had a purse, I’d offered to carry Joel’s stuff, which he’d accepted without complaint. “I have everything.”

“Good. We shouldn’t have to wake him up at the border. Honestly, they’ll see you, match your name with your identification, welcome you home, and we’ll end up in the damned immigration center while you get brought up to date on any important mayoral business. With luck, the mayoral business will be carting a box of documents from their guard station to the city. That’s usually what Calden’s father has to do whenever he crosses the border. I’m pretty sure they do it just to tweak his nose. In your case, I fear they might not have had anyone come fetch their records for a while.”

I sighed at yet another reminder the former mayor had been an irredeemable asshole. “I’m going to be guilted into keeping this job, aren’t I?”

“Assuming you do a good job and resist corruption, that’s how it goes. Calden’s father has been trying to get kicked out for years, and the people keep telling him to shut up and go back to work. Calden tried to get his father out, too—he got elected the heir properly, because he’s just as ethical as his daddy. Everyone knows it.”

“I remember seeing those election results and having a good laugh over the animals.”

“I highly recommend that you steal that element of the elections from us and that you work on having the election rules changed so tyrants can be more easily removed. Since you don’t want the position, it’ll be much easier for you to set things up so there can’t be another mayor like your predecessor.” Coraline sighed. “Honestly, I’ll be surprised if we get to go hunting. They’re probably freaking out that their new mayor is running around unattended.”

“We are going hunting, and they’re going to discover they have welcomed a dictator into their leadership if they think I’m going to hurry home. I want fresh rabbit on my dinner table, rabbit I hunted! If we have to wander the wilderness for three days because I suck at hunting, so be it.”

The woman laughed. “You’re going to turn their entire city-state upside down on them. ”

“And that’s their fault for thinking it was a good idea to elect me to be the mayor.”

“All the other possibilities did was talk. You acted. Actions always speak louder than words, and you put your life on the line for Gabriella—and for the other refugees. And you treated them like people rather than inconveniences out to take jobs. And honestly, without corruption getting in the way, it’s probable you’ll be able to fix Stonecreek’s unemployment problem nicely.” Coraline grinned at me, twisted in her seat to check on Joel, and shook her head before putting the vehicle into gear. “Before Calden, I refused to learn how to drive or fly because of the expense. Now I do it all the time. Calden insists I need more practice without his handsome hovering distracting me.”

“I mean, he’s very handsome. I could see being distracted if he were mine and I was trying to drive.”

“Joel’s not bad.”

“Joel’s also quite handsome, and I’m sure he’d be a distraction were I to be driving.” I glanced in the direction of the back, wondering if the poor man was awake enough to enjoy our commentary. “Am I going to be able to get away with keeping my hostage if I have to pretend I’m the mayor?”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to keep your hostage. It helps that your hostage is a willing participant. Calden’s father keeps freaking out because he has to go on a lot of dates. The women are all nice, and he’s actually becoming friends with a few of them, and what will he do if he actually likes one?”

“Date her?” I suggested.

“That’s what I said, and he threw a fit. Calden had to excuse himself so he wouldn’t laugh in his father’s face. ”

“I’m impressed that they forced you to drive all the way to Stonecreek and back alone,” I admitted.

“They’re up to something. What? That I don’t know. But Calden usually begins to whine if we’re separated for more than a few hours. Normally, I’d become a beast, too, but I am capable of handling some separation. It helps we’re doing things I like. I’m also being bribed with a camping trip.”

“Since Joel’s asleep, we can hunt at the grocery store. Then I can force you to come visit me so we can go on a proper hunting trip,” I suggested.

“We’ll still go shopping for your kit and getting your licenses, and if Joel’s that sleepy, we’ll hunt for a few minutes for dinner. The rabbit population is out of control in some areas, and thinning the numbers a little will be good. I’ll just ask the hunt shop where would be best to hunt. When we go to the abundant places, we can fill our freezer in twenty minutes. And the abundant areas really need to be thinned.”

“That sounds like a plan. I suspect my boss is getting edgy because the last time he let us out of his sight, I was kidnapped and Joel had his head smacked with a bat.”

“I can’t say I wouldn’t be edgy in his shoes. In good news, only an idiot would hit either one of you right now—and should they try, I transform into a wolf. I have teeth and I’m willing to use them.”

“I have teeth, too. I’m definitely willing to use them.”

“But they’re teeny tiny teeth, and you’re more cute than dangerous.” Coraline grinned at me. “Well, you’re a serious threat to the fruit supply. Calden and his father were horrified over the amount of food you two can pack away when moths. Wolves can be bad, but you were destroying your supper. Then there’s the silk issue. ”

“We explode into silk. They had even tried to warn me, but we literally just explode into silk when we transform. We’re worth a fortune as silk producers. I exploded into hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of silk.”

“But at least you can supply yourself for your crafting adventures.”

I pointed at Joel. “I’m extorting him for his silk, so I’m covered.”

She snickered. “Kidnapping and extortion. What else are you getting up to with him?”

“Well, I’m not trafficking him, that’s for certain. This luna moth is mine,” I informed her in a solemn tone. “I’m even being generous and allowing him to go to work when needed, although I might be tempted to show up if he’s late returning to my domicile. I’ll even escort him to his domicile to make certain everything is in good working order. What other charges do you think I can add to my rap sheet?”

“I think kidnapping and extortion are excellent starter charges.”

“But I could go for gold and get an epic list of charges. How about vandalism when I lock him out of his own home through changing his locks on him?”

“No.”

I sighed. “Come on, Coraline. It would be fun! How about theft? I’ll steal all his computer shit and put it in my house so he doesn’t want to leave.”

“I’ll allow that one. I’ll even aid and abet you for that level of mischief.”

I rubbed my hands together. “I can’t steal his SUV; I don’t have a parking garage under my house like he does, so he can keep his vehicle safely there. But I could do a few counts of carjacking? I’ll force him to visit his family.”

“That’s a good one. Approved. Speaking of family, you should probably call yours, as you haven’t been home to answer your phone.”

Crap. I dug out my phone, checked the reception, determined I’d get a nasty bill for roaming and calling, but dialed my parents’ landline anyway.

On the third ring, my father answered, “Mayor Valerie Chester of Stonecreek?”

Crap, crap, crap. “It’s not my fault!”

Coraline snickered, and all things considered, she did an admirable job of keeping quiet.

“That part I believe, as we read the news reports on what happened. Fortunately, your boss got our number and gave us a call, informing us you were busy securing some man for yourself when you weren’t resenting your stay at a hospital in Moonriver?”

I was beyond dead when my parents got a hold of me, but at least I’d go out grinning over my changed circumstances. “Did Humphrey actually tell you that?”

“Not in that order, but it got our attention. The hospital stay we believed without question. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. My neighbor, which is the man in question, got smacked in the head with a baseball bat. I had an adventure in the woods and ended up in Moonriver. All in all, I emerged mostly unscathed, but I was asked to stay in the hospital longer than I appreciate to keep my neighbor from trying to escape prematurely.”

“What’s this about being the mayor?”

“Apparently, due to my ability to negotiate peace on a street notorious for conflict, I was deemed somehow worthy. I treat refugees like they’re people. For the record, I protested the whole mayor thing, and I’m doing my best to ignore it. My first act as mayor is to make sure being mayor does not eat up more than fifteen hours a week, at most, excepting legitimate emergencies.”

“How strange.”

“I know, right? Also, you know that town of recluses next door to you?”

“Yes. Why are you asking?”

“The man is from that town.”

My father sighed. “Seriously, Valerie? You threw your lot in with them?”

“I kidnapped one of their men and made off with him. I’m not throwing my lot in with them. I’m stealing from them and using force to keep the man I selected for myself.” I giggled. “You should be proud of me. I haven’t screwed up my relationship with the man yet. His family is really nice, too.”

“Is he financially stable?”

I loved my father, but sometimes, his priorities drove me more than a little wild. “Considering he owns and operates Sampson Sigils, I’m confident in stating that he’s capable of pulling his own weight. I don’t think this mayor gig is going to do much for me financially, but my regular job just paid out a nice bonus and gave me a good raise, so I’m doing all right myself.”

“Now I know you’re pulling my chain.”

“I’m really not! He just happens to be one of my neighbors, we get along, and we decided to become friends. Becoming friends with benefits is a potential option. ”

My father sighed. “Will you be bringing him home to see us?”

“That depends on if you can keep the town harpies at bay.”

“With you as the mayor, the odds of that happening are slim. Everyone is curious.”

Ugh. That was the last thing I needed. I’d make a point of taking the long way into Joel’s hometown to avoid the risk of being spotted at the gas station in my hometown. “How about you and Mom come to me? There’s plenty of room in my house for you. I’m sure I can find someone willing to give you a ride to Stonecreek on my behalf so I’m not ambushed. I do not want to be ambushed by a bunch of gossiping busybodies, most of whom dislike me for not staying in town like a good girl.”

“I suppose we should come see your place at least once.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll figure out how to get you to Stonecreek, and you can come see my house and meet my neighbor. Remember: I have no luck with men, and I’ve managed to lure one into my web. Please don’t scare off the sole man I’ve managed to lure into my web.”

“You’re not a spider, Valerie. How many times do we have to go over this?”

“With my luck with men? Clearly, I’m a praying mantis, and the men know I’m going to rip off their heads and eat them to feed our children.” I snorted a laugh, shook my head, and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll call you back to talk more about figuring out when you can make it over to visit, all right? I should have a better idea of my schedule by then, too. We’re about to cross the border into Stonecreek.”

“You’re not driving and talking, are you? ”

“No, Dad. A friend from Moonriver is driving us. Anyway, I don’t have a car.” I suspected I’d have a place to park one if I wanted, not that I cared to have one.

I would be making use of my hostage and his vehicle in the future if I had my way.

“All right. Please be careful. Not that I don’t think you weren’t being careful in the first place…”

“Dad, I was eating poisoned cobbler because I was too nice to tell my neighbor I didn’t want to eat poisoned cobbler. Let’s just be honest about the situation. Worse, I’ve developed an enjoyment for strangleberry because of her.”

My father heaved a sigh, the kind that warned me I tested his patience. “I had hoped that part of the rumors hadn’t been true.”

“For someone as brilliant as I am, I’m sometimes not really the brightest. But, thanks to her, I’m still alive and kicking, so I guess participating in her poisonous cobbler diet plan was good for my health at the end of the day. Also, you’re getting an educational course on what berries are toxic, and you will not be receiving it in poisoned cobbler format unless you’re very brave and quite possibly a little stupid.”

“I’m unfortunately curious,” my father admitted.

“I will arrange for a doctor to be on hand so you can try a small piece should you visit me at my home in Stonecreek.”

“We have a condition.”

Uh oh. When my parents came up with conditions, they liked to go for my throat. “I’m listening.”

“We want to see the luna moths from the next door town. The ghost ones. We’ve seen glimpses of them through the trees, but they never come over the river. ”

While I understood that the trip to Stonecreek was an inconvenience, it irritated me that my parents would pull that card—a card that was in the domain of my hometown’s gossips and busybodies, the exact people the luna moth shifters didn’t want sniffing at their doorstep. “I can inquire about some ghost luna moths, but I can’t promise anything.” Well, I could, but I’d be the ghost luna moth, and I’d stay well out of catching range. “They might be Stonecreek ghost luna moths, though. It’s not like I’m going to be running around the woods looking for ghosts.”

I had a lot left to learn about the luna moth shifters, and I wasn’t going to expose their secrets.

“That’s all we could ask for. I’ll talk to your mom, but I expect she’ll be ready to come to Stonecreek as soon as you’re ready to have us.”

“Let me get back into the city-state first, but I don’t think you’ll have to wait long to come visit. I’ll have to catch up on work, but I won’t be working overtime. I just won’t be able to take days off. But you can do me a favor and keep my neighbor company, as I don’t think he’ll be able to go to work quite yet. His employees take his health seriously.”

“He’s liked, I take it?”

“Let’s just say he has a loyal following keeping an eye on him when I’m unavailable to contain him. He’s not liking being restrained so his injury can heal. I got clobbered, but he got whacked with a bat.”

“Ah. That sort of head injury is touchy.”

My father could be trusted to apply common sense when needed, at least for the most part. “Right. I got observed for longer than necessary because if I was being observed, he tolerated being observed. It worked out. For me? It was paid time off. I’m not sure if he’s paying himself, but I’m sure he can afford some unpaid time off.”

A light snort from the back indicated my neighbor had woken up and listened in on the conversation.

“That’s good. What time can we expect your call?”

“In the morning. It might be afternoon. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed the comfort of my bed, and I intend on luxuriating in its glory.”

“You’d sleep the day away if you could,” my father accused.

“It’s true. Anyway, I’ll call you tomorrow.” After exchanging some pleasantries, I hung up, huffing and puffing over the conversation. “My father made his visit to Stonecreek conditional to seeing ghost luna moths, Joel.”

“Easily arranged,” my neighbor replied. “I’ll ask a witch to layer on some protections and get a few of my family members to show up and give them a show. And I’ll remind them that they need to avoid the town of gossips, else they get coerced into playing at being some ghosts.”

“Think your flutter will help in Stonecreek?”

“For a chance at your roses? You will not have a problem acquiring Stonecreek luna moth shifters to pay your family a visit.”

With that settled, I asked, “How did you enjoy your nap?”

“I could use another one.”

“Sleep at your own risk, Joel. If you’re passed out when we reach the border, I will be having fun at your expense.”

“Have all the fun you want. I don’t mind. Just try to leave me alive when you’re done with me.”

“That much I can manage.”