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Week Two

J olene tore out of the meeting like the hounds of Hell were after her—an apt comparison given that Boone was damned near running to keep up. It was odd to see him pay so much attention to one woman—especially one who seemed intent on getting away from him as quickly as possible.

It’s so curious, in fact, that I followed them to see what was going on.

Edgar is almost pinning her to the companion paddock, and while she doesn’t look like she’s trying to get away from him, Jolene is clearly not charmed by his looming presence. She finally socks him in the gut and opens the gate to the companion area while he’s stumbling backwards. A piercing whistle echoes through the parking lot and two large cats come bounding out. While Boone is still getting his bearings, she stomps off to her car, jumps in with the cats, and roars off like a Duke boy.

Damn, that woman is intriguing.

Leaving Edgar to his grumbling, I head back inside. Despite the intensity of my vision last week, I haven’t received further instructions on how to handle the situation here. My mission in Whistler’s Hollow was assigned well before Jolene decided to venture home, but I can’t help wondering if this was an event that the others foresaw. It’s unusual to station those of my kind outside of our temples, and placing me in the one town where a lost one came home is suspect. Lost ones don’t usually return to their enclaves even if they do emerge.

I frown as I consider that fact, wondering if I’m being kept in the dark purposefully or if my uniqueness is yet again separating me from the flock. As far as I know, I’m the only male of my species, and no one has been forthcoming on how it was possible. I suppose science and genetics have their part, but when the females mate, the male offspring do not inherit the gifts of their mothers—until me.

And everyone has made sure I’m aware of my status from the moment I gained my powers.

When I reach my classroom, I sit down at my computer and open the large file sent by the Society. It takes a few minutes to print, but once I have the pages in front of me, I begin to read.

Name: Jolene Athena Whitley

Adopted by: Andrew Justin Whitley and Eloise Clara Whitley ( nee Culverson)

Species: Human? (Possible Hybrid- marked lost one in 2007)

Adoptive Parents’ Species: Human (Andrew); Witch (Eloise)

Parents’ Occupations: Professors at State U (Eloise uses as cover)

Society Status: Agent (Eloise) and Read-In (Andrew)

Notes from Andromeda Bane:

Jolene has suffered from variable blackouts throughout her childhood. There is no medical reason for the condition and we believe it is related to her suppression spell—though that was not placed by us. There is little information on where or how she appeared prior to Eloise and Andrew being recruited to adopt her. I can only assume her spell was placed before she was brought to the Society. She has not emerged during her time in high school, and we are unsure if she will do so in the future. She will be easy enough to keep an eye on at State U due to our agents there, but when she graduates, she will need a Guardian if she still has not emerged. I have never seen a child with the memory lapses and fog so completely integrated into her psyche. Advise Society keep a close watch on this particular lost one. Her conditions are reminiscent of another, but different enough that I cannot give a concrete determination of fact.

The notes diverge after that—the file contains testimonials from adults and her adoptive parents from her childhood, information from her time at State U, and more transcripts of her adventures in Europe provided by her eventual Guardian, Saoirse Viola O’ Flanagan. There’s nothing in here that tells me why she feels so special or what to expect from her reappearance.

She does seem to attract trouble, though.

A noise outside my window distracts me and I walk over to see the subject of my current musings standing at the gate of the companion area, seemingly having a serious conversation with her animals. She seems particularly concerned with the cats, but once she finishes, she strides away with her ponytail bobbing. I can tell she’s on a mission and I’d bet she’s going to her classroom now that most of the rest of the staff have left for the day. The scene at the meeting wasn’t horrible, but I imagine if the ladies cornered her in the nearly empty art wing it would escalate.

It concerns me that no one seems to know what she is or why she’s still unemerged. Paired with the antagonism of people from her past, I worry an explosion may be imminent. Unemerged supes are powder kegs as it is—especially ones that experts feel have high viability for late emergence like Jolene. Their emotions frequently push the boundaries of the suppression spell until they break free, and that’s when everything goes to shit fast.

As mysterious as Jolene seems to be, it could be a damned meltdown in the middle of town.

I’ll consult my source again when I get home, but for the moment, I need to finish my classroom prep so I can try to catch her before she leaves.

* * *

Following my disastrous encounter with Jolene, I’m certain I shouldn’t interact with her until I can glean more information from the vision. Beyond my typical clumsiness with women, I managed to freak her out when we spoke about her relationship with the doctors. The color left her face entirely, and the shift in the atmosphere of the room was palpable.

I left because I could feel her discomfort, and the last thing I want to do is be associated with negative emotions. I haven’t worked out exactly why she calls to me yet, but I know for certain that Jolene Whitley is significant. If I could just interpret that killer vision from last week, perhaps I’d have a better foundation for my intuition.

Or if any of the others of my kind would assist me with interpretation, it would help.

The parking lot is nearly empty when I walk out to my car. Before I can open my door, the sleek black Rolls belonging to Mayor Nelia slides into a spot nearby. She waves as she exits her vehicle with Zareb in tow, and I pause as she approaches. The lion shakes its mane and stretches, giving her space to speak to me without being menacing.

“Hugo! I am delighted to catch you before you leave for the day.” Nelia says.

Is she here to see me specifically? Why?

The Mayor laughs, her eyes dancing as she looks at me. “Don’t worry; you're not in trouble. I’m here to see Bobbi Jo, but having a chat with you was also on my list. I’m always pleased when I can combine two tasks into one.”

Something about her jovial tone trips my intuition—it feels forced, which is unlike her. Nelia is an unapologetically authentic person, and though she might be politically savvy, she’s not usually one for subterfuge. Her behavior makes me believe nothing about this meeting is unplanned.

“How can I help, Nelia? I’m always happy to assist—within the bounds of my oaths, of course,” I say with a friendly smile. It won’t do to tip her off that I’m suspicious of our ‘chance’ encounter.

“Of course, of course. I wouldn’t ever ask you to betray your duties, young man. However, I would like to ask you to help me watch over our newest citizen. Jolene is a lovely girl, and I fear her return has stirred up old rivalries. Tension doesn’t serve any of us in town, and I’d like to prevent any unnecessary drama from spreading like an outbreak.”

She wants me to help… protect Jolene?

I nod, pretending to consider her words. My personal goals align with Mayor Nelia’s at the moment, though it’s possible our motivations are not in line. However, if she’s recruiting her own little ‘Jolene Task Force’, I’d rather be part of it than left out. “I’d be glad to help her navigate some of the rougher seas, Nelia,. Count me in.”

Her lips curve and for a brief moment, I see the triumph flash in her gaze. I’m not sure what securing my participation gets her, but she definitely has plans that require either me or my particular skill set. “Thank you, Hugo. I know your patron and your sisters would be proud of how seriously you take your placement in Whistler’s Hollow.”

I highly doubt that. My family isn’t exactly warm and fuzzy.

“I appreciate your kindness, ma’am. I’ll pass your regards on to my patron when I’m next in contact.” I watch her as I relay this tidbit, but her expression doesn’t change. She may not be vying for the favor of my goddess, but she’s not uninterested.

“That would be lovely. She’s welcome for tea at my compound any time.”

That will never happen.

Smiling, I nod at her and the lion. “Is there anything else I can do to help? I fear you’ll miss your appointment with Bobbi Jo if I keep you any longer.”

“Very true, Hugo! I’m now dreadfully tardy, and the poor woman is probably having an episode. Thank you again for agreeing to help, and I will reach out if I need anything further.”

That said, she turns on her heel and heads for the front of the school, the lion loping behind her in a deceptively lazy stride. I have no doubt Zareb would tear something limb from limb if he was asked, and that’s before her partners got a hold of whatever foolish mortal pissed her off. I’ve never met her mates, but I’ve heard they are rare supes, and particularly bloodthirsty when Nelia is unhappy.

I can do without ever meeting them if possible.

Shaking my head, I get into my car. It’s been a very strange day, and I need time to think through all of the information and events. The only thing I know for certain is that if there’s this much fuss over one girl, there is something everyone wants. I need to know what it is and why before I can do anything to help her.

It may be time for a trip home…