Page 216 of The Lost Ones

“I’d be happy to. Not worried about the likeness to horror films at all.” Kai replies puffing up his chest and moving forward.

Although he’s behaving like it’s all a big joke, I’ve been at the academy long enough now that I can pick up on the things civilians might not that suggest that he’s actually taking this very seriously. Things like he’sscanning the area looking for anything slightly out of place or movement that would suggest we’re about to be attacked. He’s also got his hand near his weapons ready to draw them at a moments notice.

We’re all doing the same and although I think these guys are going to have a shock when we finally do get to the academy the intensity is a lot more demanding than they’re used to at least they aren’t complete novices. They’ve proven that time and time again with their fight skills and team work just to mention two. They’re going to kick ass and I can’t wait for my brothers to meet them.

I miss my brothers more than I thought I would. I think it’s because Sage and her men remind me of the bond that me and brothers have minus the Sage. A pang of sadness pierces me and I push it a way unwilling to admit where it’s come from. They’re keeping something from me at the moment and I can tell that it’s big. I hope that Ty gives them the go ahead to tell me soon.

The bell rings above the door as Kai pushes through and I follow after the others. The shop is dimly lit by warm glowing lamps dotted around it lights the area well enough to see the wares but with the dying light outside it still leaves areas of the shop dark and that makes the shadows long. Levi’s gift could have a field day in here although it seems to be weak enough to be easily controlled.

As for what it sells well I couldn’t really say it’s one thing, more of a mix of things. It doesn’t look like any old tat either, all of this looks expensive and as we weave our way through the various displays of a curious nature that could quite easily pull you in and distract you for hours on end. I think magic plays a part in the allure. My eyes widen as we finally get to the back of the store an ornate glass fronted display case behind the stained wood shop counter that is inlaid with beautiful swirls of gold and gemstones that I’d be willing to bet were imbued with spells.

Especially since in the display case is row upon row of spell bottles and already spelled gemstones. Some of them I know to be astronomically rare and expensive. The stock in that case alone is worth millions and millions.

“Well where’s Monty?” Jax asks.

“The door was open so someone must be here.” Kai says.

Hunter huffs in his wolf form his nose twitching. Something in this shop must be irritating his shifter sense of smell. The place is dusty as hell so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was that, that was making him sneeze.

“But it was disguised under a glamour so isn’t there a chance that no one is home?” I ask, my voice hushed.

“That’s true. He was warned we were coming though. Are you alright Dude?” Levi asks.

“Huh? What?” I ask and he raises his eyebrow at me. “It’s just there’s millions and millions of, well in your terms, dollars’ worth of spells and potions in that display and although I’m sure its got plenty of protectionson it. It’s just on show, practically begging for anyone with a slightly less than honest disposition to try and steal it.”

“I feel like somethings niggling you about it?” Maverick says observantly.

“It is. Either he is really sure in the protections he has on it or in the prestige of his cliental or more likely he wants someone to try and steal something so he can enjoy the chase and watch the fall out. You said he was a panther right?” I ask turning my attention to Sage she nods in agreement, “See they are notorious for playing with their prey and enjoying the chase when they let them go.”

“And what does it mean if it’s the latter?” Sage asks.

“Well he’s a tricky bastard and we need to be aware at all times. Don’t sign anything, don’t bleed anywhere even if its just a paper cut and don’t fucking agree to anything.” I say urgently.

“Fantastic.” She replies sarcastically and I smirk.

“So let me get this straight either the guys a sadistic bastard who is practically begging for some entertainment in the form of a chase and possible torture or he is super paranoid, careful and a very sought after man?” Maverick asks me for clarifying.

I open my mouth to reply.

“Why can’t I be both?” A disembodied voice announces with gusto and we all turn away from each other and back towards the counter.

All that appears in mid air is a wide and almost manic smile before the rest of him slowly starts to appear.

“Just like the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.” Sage mutters.

“Where do you think he got the idea from in the first place dear Sage?” He asks.

“You haven’t aged in three hundred and fifty-two years.” Sage comments in shock almost.

“Why thank you, you have become my new favourite for sure.” He adds adjusting his dark purple velvet waist coat. He’s dressed as uniquely as you could imagine but impeccably at the same time. His suit is black velvet apart from his waistcoat and lined with patterned purple silk. He has a gold pocket watch peeking out of one of his pockets and multiple rings adoring his fingers. He’s slim build around the same size as me and his grey streaked hair is slicked back.

“You know who we are then?” Levi asks stepping slightly in front of Sage.

Monty has not taken his eyes off of her since we arrived, almost as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing.

“Yes, yes. The goddess was very clear on it all.” He says flippantly, waving his hand in the air like it’s no big deal. For all we know to him it may be.

“You have something for us then?” Levi prompts.