Page 15 of Deadly Reckoning (Broken Ashes #7)

“We have no idea if the Blue Fucker knows who you are, and if that’s why he’s after you, or if he’s looking for supernaturals with fast healing, or maybe even resurrection properties, and because of your success rate in HID, he thought that you could be useful to him, so he had you tested, and then you died.

But of course, thanks to the Choosing, he now knows that you came back from the dead, and wants you because of that,” Ransom says, and then frowns and adds, “Did any of that make sense?”

“Yeah, it did, and you’re right. Neither option is good, but I almost think that it would be better if it were the second option,” Doc says.

Something occurs to me, “If I shift, and it gets back to him, he’s going to know that I’m an angel, and since the last known angel was my mother, is there a chance that he’s going to put it together?”

Dark looks cross all of their features, and they stay silent for a moment, and we pull up the drive to Van’s parent’s house.

“It’s a possibility,” Reed finally says.

“He could, but your wings aren’t how they’re supposed to be, so he may not put it together,” Raiden adds.

My eyebrows rise, “Oh, good point. I forgot about that.”

“And we’re still waiting on the books from the Elders. They might have more information in them that could set you apart from what is typical for angels, so that would lessen the risk even more,” Raiden adds.

“That’s true. I think for now, I’ll follow my instincts and what the Voices tell me, like I said, and just be careful,” I suggest. It feels like it’s the right decision, but I’m hoping that I don’t feel that way just because I don’t want to hide who I am.

“Sounds good,” Evander says as he pulls the bus to a stop. He stretches and yawns, “Alright, let's go fill the parents in and warn them about the Blue Fucker. I don’t imagine that it’s going to go down too well with them.”

“Judging from Sully’s reaction,” River winces, “it really isn’t.”

We all jump out of the bus and head up the steps. As soon as we step inside, the most delicious smell hits me, and my stomach rumbles loudly.

“Your mom is the best,” Coen grins, as he takes a deep inhale.

Van grins, and we all pick up our pace as we head to the kitchen.

“Hey, kids. I thought I heard you pull up,” Calia grins. “Take a seat at the table, and we can eat while we talk.”

“Perfect,” Van says, as he takes a seat next to his dad, who is already eating.

We all fill our plates, and for a while, the only sound is the cutlery on plates.

“Alright, it’s pretty late, and you all still need to get home. What did you need to talk to us about?” Eamon asks.

“Before we get into that,” I start. “Calia, could you have a card set up for Rana so that I can transfer some money over to her, please?”

Calia smiles, “It’s already all set up and at the cabin waiting for her. She’s got plenty on there to keep her going for a while.”

I should have known.

Smiling, I say, “Thank you. You’re awesome.”

“I know,” she chuckles. Becoming serious again, she asks, “So what was it that you wanted to talk to us about?”

“So I’m assuming that Ty told you about who we call the Blue Fucker, the same guy that started the war in Trieneliea? And the link to the current case that we’re working on and the possible link to HID and Neith?” Evander starts.

Anger darkens each of their expressions.

“Yes, we are aware of all of that,” Calia says. “We’re also aware that the silencing spell is still in place and that we can't tell you who it is, how to identify him, or what he’s capable of.”

“Why do you bring it up?” Eamon asks curiously, a bite to his tone.

“Because he’s the one who wanted the wolves to attack, the same one that smelled like he was rotting according to Logan,” Reed tells them.

“Are you sure?” Eamon asks with a worried frown.

“Around ninety percent. It makes sense, and he’s the only one that would have a strong enough interest in seeing Neith dead that he would get the wolves to stake this place out,” Raiden explains.

I nod, “I’ve already put Sully on alert in case he’s got someone watching there as well.”

“Good idea,” Calia says, looking worried. “You all need to be extremely careful.”

“Don’t worry, we have some of the strongest wards available on the house and land, so we’re really safe,” Griff says, trying to reassure them.

“Plus, we can handle ourselves,” Coen adds with a smile.

“I’ll say, that was impressive what you pulled off today,” Eamon says with a proud smile. “Just be cautious, I don’t like that he has his sights set on Neith and you guys. That’s never a good thing.”

I nod, “We’re hoping that we’re going to get some more leads that will lead to him being brought down. We will ensure that we’re safe in the meantime.”

“Actually, speaking of wards, would you allow me to strengthen yours?” Ransom asks. “I’ve been checking them, and there are a couple of weak spots, and I would like to add a few extra things to them too, if that’s okay?”

Calia’s eyebrows rise, “When did you manage to check the wards?”

“Now?” Ransom replies, his reply rising slightly at the end and making it sound like a question.

“You’re strong enough to check the entire perimeter while sitting here?” Eamon asks, sounding shocked.

Doc grins proudly and claps a hand on Ransom’s shoulder, “Yep. Ransom is a literal genius when it comes to wards.”

“Then by all means, we would be rather foolish if we didn’t take you up on your offer,” Calia replies with a smile.

Ransom nods, “I’ll need to be standing near the ward to make sure that it’s done properly, so I’ll do it on our way out.”

“Great, thank you,” Eamon replies.

“And on that note, I think we’re going to take off. It’s now officially morning, and Ransom is going to need some time to do his things with the wards,” Evander says.