Chapter
11

“I’m going to need a stiff drink”
Jessica said thumbing her way down a row of black dresses. “You’ll be fine,”
Meg answered eyeing her way down another row “remind me to hit the gym, I really
let myself go.”  “Let yourself go, honey
have seen yourself” Jessica asked “you look as good as you did before your leg
was broken. “Yeah, and who made sure of that” the otter teased. “Do you hate me
for it” the vixen asked batting her eyes.

The otter rolled her own before
moving to the next row. “Now the one we really have to watch out for is this
little heartbreaker” Meg said sizing Sheba with a backless number. “Meg, she’s
only twelve, wait till she’s sixteen before going backless” Jessica chided. “Right,
oh I know” the otter said thumbing over some more. Sheba wanted nothing more
than hide in her hood but her protector had to stay in the car.

“Hun what’s wrong” Meg asked. The
child shook her head taking a step back. “She’s a twelve year old tomboy and
you’re picking out ballroom gowns for her” the sales woman said trying not to
sound catty. “Alright, what would you pick for her” Jessica asked picking a
backless with a low cut front and loose shoulders. “Well, you can’t tell she’s
twelve just from looking at her” the saleswoman said walking around one row and
down other “but I wouldn’t want to just show her off.”

The feline saleswoman picked a hand
full of dresses before taking the young folf to the dressing rooms. Once the
door had locked the saleswoman pulled Jessica off to the side. “I don’t mean to
be rude but I deal with this kind of thing a lot” she said “you’re trying to
get with someone close to her.” “Yeah that is rude of you” Jessica said turned
away. “I’m not judging, just saying you’re trying too hard” the feline said.

“And what, next you’re going to
tell me I have love struck written all over my face” the vixen laughed. “I
wouldn’t know about writing but I hear it in your voice” she said fingers
counting across one of the racks to an open space “would you be a dear and hand
me the third hanger down from that stack on the chair.” Jessica turned filed
out the top the feline asked and held it out to her. “Please put it in my hand”
the feline asked.

“Oh sorry” Jessica said and fixed
it so the feline could take it. “Thank you,” she said and counted again “funny,
huh, a blind woman running a store full of colors and designs.” “I didn’t say
anything about that” the vixen said taking a step back. “Of course not, just
not something you see everyday” the feline said with a small laugh “just like
you don’t see the daughter of a major crime boss and one of the most powerful
casters known to go clothes shopping together.”

“I have no idea what you are
talking about” the vixen said taken by the facts. “No matter, I’m not after her
anyway, thou I would love to have her try on the new teen line that just came
in” the feline said “could hand me the two middle hangers please?” “Sure” she
said and pulled the two the feline asked for and hand them to her. “Thank you
again, so nice of you to help me with this” she said filling the open spaces.

With a snap the feline turned back
to the dressing rooms. “Let’s go see how she looks” the saleswoman said leading
the way. And just as the door open the two were standing next to Meg waiting.
The dress had a moistest design that made the young girl look just a year or
two older but still made her slim figure eye catching. Sheba stood barefoot
just outside the dressing room ready to run back inside. “See what I mean and It’s
loose enough that she can wear running shorts under it and no one would know”
the feline said “I would recommend low heel shoes and we have a sale on silk
gloves if you like.”

Sheba looked at her left hand
before coving it with the other. “But go ahead and try on another and see what
you think of them” the feline said with a smile. Shyly the young folf locked
herself back in the little changing room. “Like I said would love to have her
model the teen line we just had come in” the feline said and turned back to
Jessica “if there is anything else, don’t be afraid to ask.” the sales woman
turn and walked off counting the rows with her hand.

Jessica watched the feline leave
before turning back to the dressing room doors. “Shit, Not today please, any
day but this one” the vixen said to herself. “Jess,” the otter said rubbing her
leg out of habit “leave it alone, we have guards walking around everywhere, we
have a demon in the book shop next door and the sweetest little witch trying on
clothes, everything is fine.” Sheba chose then to step out of the dressing
room.

The dress she wear covered her
almost completely. Meg shook her head. “Sheba, the point of getting new clothes
is to show off” Jessica said “more to the point getting people to see more of
you.” “If I wanted people to see more of me I would go out naked” Sheba
answered quietly. “I’m sure Alex would have something to say about that” Meg
chide in. “I don’t know” Sheba said “I like the clothes he gets me.”

“He also tends to get you clothes
meant for someone half your age” Jessica tacked on. The vixen thought it over
before turning to Meg. “Meg, go get that backless number you had a minute ago”
she said tapping her finger on her lip. The otter shot up and was gone and back
with the dress. Jessica took the dress and shoed the little folf into the
dressing room. Use to wearing them Jessica had joined the young folf to help
her change into the dress.

Sheba became even more shy having
to change in front of someone else. “I … I can do it myself” she whispered. “I
know you can I just want to help.” Jessica said and helped the young girl unzip
the back of the dress she had on. “Did you take your bra off before putting
this on” Jessica asked after seeing the girl’s bare back. “I … don’t have one”
Sheba answered slipping out of the dress and setting it back on the hanger.

“I see, why not” Jessica asked
helping Sheba put the new dress on. “I … I never asked him about it and Meg was
always busy” Sheba answered “and I didn’t want to just ask for money.” “Let me
get this straight, you don’t ask him for money for things like clothes” Jessica
asked noticing the girl’s bright cartoony underwear. Sheba nodded fixing the
dress around her hips as her tail settled in the space made for it.

“So he picks out all of your
clothes” Jessica asked holding the front of the dress. “No, when we can we go
into the store and I get what I need then he pays for it” Sheba answered “and
never thought to get one and now I … can’t get any with him around.” “I see,”
the vixen’s ears shied back “And you couldn’t ask me.” Sheba looked always and
answered quietly “I was afraid to even look at you.” Jessica nodded and fitted
the front of the dress to the girl’s chest.

“Truth is I always wanted to help
you two,” Jessica spoke tying the neck strings under Sheba’s hair “but that
wound have put both of you at risk and you and him were the only ones who could
have asked me anything and I would make it happen.” “Was this before or after
you found out I’m a witch” Sheba chide. “Before” Jessica answered “and it was that
crazy old Hoots that told me of your gift.” “You knew Mrs. Hoots” Sheba asked.

“Yes, she worked for me” Jessica
answered “we didn’t tell you because it was somewhere the both of you felt
safe.” “She died because of me” Sheba said turning away from the mirror. “No,
she died because I pulled you two into this mess” Jessica corrected “and don’t
fight me on this I have more blood on my hands then you will ever know of.” Jessica
smiled looking over her handy work. “If this doesn’t show him how much you have
grown then he is blind as hell” she added “there was something you wanted to
ask me?”

“It was nothing” Sheba said “this
feels weird.” “Yeah it does but you look beautiful in it” Jessica said and open
the door “let’s show Meg.” Jessica stepped out first to find both Meg and
Nightmare standing close together with the demon whispering in the otter’s ear
as she giggled. It took Jessica a minute to coax the young girl from the
dressing room and closed it before the girl changed her mind. “Jessica, what
have you done with Sheba” the demon said turning his head one eye partly open.

“She is right here” the vixen
answered point out the young folf with her hand. “No my master is but a child”
the demon spoke up “this beautiful creature looks too old to be my master.” “I
don’t know, maybe she aged the girl a few years” the otter questioned “cause
that is what I imaged what that girl would look like in a few years.”

The girl blushed looking away
shyly. She had seen the light gold color of his eye and that had added to her
embarrassment. “Sheba, there is no reason for you to be embarrassed” the demon
said moving closer “I mean what I said, and it is only truth that I speak.”
“Nightmare, this is too much” she said backing away from the demon.

The demon paused, taking step back.
“Let us get a good look at you then you can return to your clothes” he said
motioning her to turn around once. In her haste she spun quickly as the cloth
moved with her smoothly as if meant for her to wear. After the child stop she
felt more at easy taking another slower turn watching herself as she moved.

“I think we have a winner” Jessica
said watching the young folf. Sheba paused looking to the vixen with large
round eyes. “You don’t even have to ask” the vixen answered “now get back in
there’s one or two things left to take care of.” With that the two went back
into the dressing room where Jessica took the time to check a few things before
leaving the young to change back into her own clothes.

Sheba, Meg and Nightmare joined
Jessica at the register after Sheba had change back to her own clothes.
“Anything else I can help you with” the blind feline asked. Sheba spotted a
picture of a young minx that looked just like the Pack. “Is that a picture of
your daughter” she asked. “Why yes it is” the feline said before quick turning
the frame down cracking the glass “her name was Gwen, but she passed away not
too long ago.”

Sheba took a sharp step back right
into her own demon. The demon rested his large hands on her shoulders before
speaking up “you used dark magic to bring her back?” “Once, I was not strong
enough,” the feline’s ear fell back “I take it you already met that thing that
has taken her body for itself.” “Sadly, yes” the demon answered.

“It promised to bring her back if
we help it win this stupid game” the feline said “I know it’s a lie but my son
on the other hand can’t let her go.” The demon nodded quietly. “If there is
nothing else, please leave” the feline asked as her voice started to break.
Before Sheba could press the matter Nightmare nudged her away. “I’m sorry” the
child said and walked away.

She took one last look at the
feline as she pulled the small picture frame to her and dropped behind the
counter crying. “Demons will use any means to gain power, even prey on those in
grief” the demon said “the pack has no body of its own and needs a host, and
what better host then the living body of the dead.”

 “No one to fight it for control and to use the
body of a helpless little girl” the vixen added “oh what better way to break an
enemy.” “Ok can we stop with the evil planning stuff, we still have a birthday
to celebrate” Meg said trying to shake the gloom off everyone. “So Sheba what
did you want to get Alex for his birthday” Meg asked trying to pick which shop
to hit next.

After a quick shower to wash the
sweat off Alex and ranger made their way to the kitchen. “What is that smell”
he asked looking around as he walked “I feel like I should know It.” the young
rat could feel something in the pit of his stomach but couldn’t understand why
he felt It. he curl fingers into a fist and put Dreamcatcher on stand-by.

He slowed his pace as he closed in
on the kitchen. He pushed the door to the kitchen open slowly inching his way
into the room. “Take it easy, I’m not here to hurt you” a soft and sweet voice
spoke as the hum of a chime whistled passed his ear. The scent he had picked up
was coming from behind him. He heard soft breathing almost a purr.

Alex didn’t thinking his way
through the scene. How could he have missed her getting behind him so quickly? “Hands
up and power down and tell her to sit,” the voice order “you’re not the first
one to try to cover yourself after being caught off guard.” “I don’t trust you”
Alex answered charging his fist. “Don’t trust me, but keep this in mind” she
said “I could have killed you already.”

She had a point. Alex raised his
right hand fingers out with a soft white glow. “Tell your weapon to sit” she
said.  “Ranger” he answered “down.” “Good
now we may talk as civilized people” she said. “Right, give the fact you have a
sword to my neck and my back to you” Alex scoffed. “As rude as it may be it is
for your safety that we meet like this” she answered.

“You seem to know a lot about
what’s going on,” Alex asked looking at the blade from the corner of his eye
“so you might know how many tricks this thing has?” Buying time was not
something Alex was very good at but he just needed a few more seconds. “I could
guess but that would just waste time” she answered.

“Dreamcatcher” Alex thought to
himself “FLASH.” A pulse of white light filled the room. Alex happened to blink
at the right time and missed being hit right in the face with the bright light.
“Ranger” he called and felt the weight of a handle hit the palm of his hand. In
a second he turned and raised the blade. The feline that had been standing
behind him had covered her eyes and dropped her guard.

“Cute,” she said when her light
blue eyes came back into focus “he taught you well.” “I’m a fast learner” the
rat said “now, who are you and what do you want?” Now that he could get a good
look at what he was up against he took a step back. She blinked and smiled
before she spoke “Mistress Eclairage Gagliuso Daughter of the Storm, member of
the Order of the Crown and I’m here to get something to eat.”

She was tall and lean, but had a
shapely form with light orange fur wrapped with an almost white shade of blue
stripes. Dress in a form fitting business suit and high heel boots. She lowered
her sword and turned the grip away from herself never her smile breaking. Alex
felt like he knew her from somewhere. Everything from her scent to her face ate
at his memories.

“How do I know you” Alex asked
turning his hand reaching his blade closer to her. “Yes you know me,” she
answered “this is not our first meeting.” “Drop the sword” he said taking
another step back. Something about her was toying with his instincts. The
feline let the blade fall from her hand and chime against the floor. “Now move
over there” he said nodding with his head to a corner of the room next to the
stove.

She did making a clear note of her
turning her back to him but kept her hands in clear view. When she stop and
faced him again letting her body play with his mind. “Ranger” he spoke and let
the sword fall to the ground only to change back to the black wolf with her
fiery tail. The wolf stood eyes locked on the feline.

Alex picked up the discarded weapon
and set it on the counter behind him. “You are more trusting then you let on”
she said adding a teasing giggle. “How do I know you” he asked. “All business
with you forest dragons” she said “I’m the reason you are where you are now.”
Alex turned and looked at her from the corner of his eye.

“I was looking for you six years
ago and had that trash can of a home closed after we first met but I didn’t get
the chance to collect you when you ran away with the child witch” the feline
answered. Alex didn’t react but just glared at her. “Yes we knew about her even
before you did” the feline answered “I was to collect you both, you as an asset
and her to hide and protect and in worst case remove.”

“Are you still planning on killing
her” he asked. “Only if ordered to but she is safer with you for now” the
feline answered “there are other agents willing to help you but I cannot tell
you who they are but I can tell you there is more going on than just a game.”
“Tell me something I don’t know” the rat answered.

“Child you have no idea” the feline
chided and flicked her hand. The sword Alex had just set down zipped around the
room landing handle first right into the feline’s grasp. Alex and Ranger both
jumped ready to counter. But the feline simply set the blade back into its
sheath. “I am the granddaughter of a storm dragon and I am four hundred and
sixteen years old” she answered “but I think you could have smelled that.”

“Well you look good for you age”
was the only thing Alex could think to say. “I’m not sure how to take that but
given what a strong and handsome young man you are” the feline said and winked
at him. Alex shook his head feeling like she was just messing with his head.
“What are you trying to get a raise out of me” he asked locking eyes with hers.

Their eyes flashed his a bright
gold hers a dark gray. “If that was the case I would have taken my clothes off”
she answered “and with the way you’re going I might just do so.” “Get out” he
answered. She put her hands up with the same grin on her face. “Right, my
mistake, I should have known you already had a lover” the feline said “but yes
I have overstayed my welcome.”

“Next we meet I expect to share a
dance with you” the feline said. And with blinding flash of light she was gone.
“This can’t be good” he said to himself before his stomach protested the wait.
Before long he and Ranger were downing burgers almost as fast as Alex could
cook them. After a dozen or so burgers Alex went to get ready for tonight and
feared what was going to happen next.

Chapter
12

“Wilson’s Wish Making” read the
sign as Jessica and Alex stopped outside the little shop. “This looks like a
bad joke” Alex said reading the signs that dressed the door. “Fortune telling,
charms, spells, potions, magic tricks, toys and games” he read out. “Sounds
more like a gag shop” the vixen answered giving his arm a light squeeze “let’s
check it out.”

Alex was feeling very uneasy with
having Jessica so close to him and her acting like a teenage on her first date.
But before he could protest the door flew open almost hitting him in the face.
“Oh my apologies there laddie” spoke a silver wolf with short spiky white blond
hair. He wore a baggy overcoat over a faded blue polo shirt and cutoff shorts.

Alex took a sharp step back pulling
the vixen with him. The wolf stood on his toes with a long heel. The wolf’s
tail seemed to dance the same way Ranger’s tail did. He wore a patch over his
right eye but his smile, remind Alex of someone. “Well are you coming in or you
just going to stare at me” he asked stepping to the side.

“I take it you’re Wilson” Jessica
asked overlooking all the clues setting off alarms in the young rat’s head.
“Yes, yes I am” he answered “easy there lad not everything is out to kill you.”
Jessica looked down at Alex’s hand seeing it in a tight fist. The wolf just
smiled and waited. Ranger trotted up to them after running a squirrel up a
tree.

The fire tail wolf walked right up
to the other asking for attention. After some light pats on the head the wolf
walked herself right into the shop. Still uneasy Alex followed the wolves and
the vixen into the shop. “Tea, coffee, cake” the wolf asked leading the three
back to a small table with a glass ball and a silver bird sitting on it.

“No thank you” Alex answered taking
a seat as the wolf had motioned. “Yes please and I’m sure he will have some
too” Jessica said overrule his answer. After a moment the wolf returned with
drinks and snacks at the ready. “No I just always keep something ready” he
answered before they could ask if he knew they were coming.

“So what can I do for you” he asked
turning one of the chairs around and plopping himself on it. Alex shrugged.
“About giving the birthday boy here a reading’ Jessica jokingly asked. “Alright
palm, aura, cards, or the ball” the wolf asked. “Do his palm” the vixen jumped
pulling Alex’s hand across the table. “I don’t think it will work with that
one” Alex said about to pull it back. But the wolf was faster and pinned his
white paw to the table.

“I don’t see why not” the wolf
asked “was this casting of your choice?” “Um, kinda” he answered. “Kinda” the
wolf asked “were you told to pick something and this casting came from it?” the
rat nodded. “Then it was by choice” the wolf answered and opened the rat’s hand
for him to look over. Alex shot Jessica a glare.

“I see long life, lots of hard
work, strong will, but this is odd” the wolf spoke drawing out lines with the
tip of his claw. The two looked at him. “Your love lines are a mess” he said
looking closer “there many people who love you and you can’t seem to understand
which is which.” The wolf paused. “Two of these lines seem to clash. Meaning
there are two people very close to you that you have strong feelings for you.
But you are unsure which to choose” he added releasing the rat’s hand.

“Wait, could it mean like I don’t
know, like family verses a girlfriend thing or” the vixen asked and cut herself
off. “I do not count a confused child as a ravel in love” the wolf answered
“but yes there are some mixed feels on both side of that coin.” “What” Alex
asked pulling his hand back. “You have sister or someone like a sister to you
yes” the wolf asked sipping his tea.

“Yeah” the rat answered “but I
don’t see what that has to do with anything. And how did you know I have a
sister?” “The look on your face” the wolf answered without looking up. He set
his cup aside and blinked his good eye. “I’m guessing, she is a good few years
younger than you and is at that turning point in a girl’s life” the wolf spoke
folding his hands into his lap.

 “The point where she starts liking boys” the
vixen chimed in “and him being pretty much all she has.” “Case in point” the
wolf finished “so it is no big matter, well in of itself anyway but I’m
guessing there is more to that story than I need to know.” “Oh” Alex said
looking away. “No matter” the wolf spoke up “talk to her, I’m sure she will be
understanding. And now it’s your turn my deer.”

Jessica was more unwilling to show
her hand than Alex given how good this guy was at what he did. “If you want we
can ask him to leave if it makes you feel any better” the wolf asked his eye
bouncing between the two. Jessica look at Alex from the corner of her eye
before reaching out her hand and opening it palm up to the silver wolf.

“He doesn’t know the many hardships
you have undertaken and only now you bring them to light” he said before even
looking at her hand. Jessica’s eyes dropped to the table top. He looked at her
hand and closed her fingers and gently pushed her away. “Child, darkness clouds
you and you will have to face your demons, ready or not” he said and swallowed
hard.

“I know” she answered “I’ve known
for a long time.” “You have a lot of love in your heart and a lot of hope,” the
wolf went on “never lose them.” Alex could tell Jessica was about to bolt for
the door. “However, that is a matter you do not have to face alone nor will”
the wolf said and stood up “I guess that is all I have. Took less time than I
thought it would.” He scratched his chin and leaded them back to the door.

Jessica and Ranger stepped out of
the shop and started to walk down the street. Alex was stopped just inside the
door. “Oh there was one last thing, well two to be honest” the wolf said “one
this was sent to me by mistake.” He handed Alex an envelope then reached back
into his coat after the young rat had taken the letter.

“And second Happy Birthday” the
wolf smiled handing him a small box “oh and don’t forget to make a wish.” the
wolf tapped his nose and rushed the young rat out the door. “But what do I do
with this” the rat asked holding up the small box. “Do with what” Jessica asked
looking back at him. Alex spun around to look at Jessica and then back at the
shop.

“Wait, There was a shop right here
just a second ago” he said looking at an empty lot next to him. Jessica looked
at the lot next to him. “Yeah, there was” she said eyes wide. Alex thought
about the name of the shop for a second. “Nah, couldn’t be” he said and brushed
the thought aside. “Well” the vixen asked as they started moving. “Well what”
he asked.

“What did he give you, ya goof”
Jessica asked giving him a light tap on the arm. “A box and a letter” he
answered. He put the letter away and opened the box. Inside was a small heart
shaped charm and a fold piece of paper. Unfolding the paper with his fingers
Alex started reading the note written on it.

“Make a wish and give this to your
girlfriend already,” it read “Wishmaker.” Jessica had read the note and looked
up the young rat’s face. His expression seemed to break into a smile. She had
never seen him smile before. It was more fitting than the blank look he had
always given her. She blushed when his eyes met hers.

Alex pulled the charm out by the
ribbon it was attached to and began to put it around the vixen’s neck. She
gasped thinking it was some joke or worst he was going to use it to kill her.
But he fixed the knot and let it hang from her neck. When she looked back at
him she was about to ask but was cut off with him sharply pulling her into a kiss.

Her eyes closed as she drowned
herself in it. Seconds felt like days to her but as he pulled away she felt
dazed and blinked till she could focus. Her mind swam with questions but all
she could do was smile. “Where to next” he asked taking her hand in his. “Know
any good movies” she asked before she could think on the question.

Alex thought about it and shook his
head “I never had time for movies or much of anything really.” “Oh” she
responded looking away. “I always liked books more anyway” he added. “Books”
she asked “I never thought you did a lot of reading.” “Yeah, books are easier
to work with when running around and jumping out of windows and what not” he
said and pulled an old paper back from his coat.

“Fly and the Spider” Jessica read
off the weathered cover “that’s a good one.” “You like spy novels” Alex asked
dropping the book back in his pocket. “Just the romance of them” she answered.
They walked along talking about the different books they had read and what they
thought might happen in later stories.

“I’m just saying I think he’d go
for the barmaid over the heiress because of the class difference between them”
Alex said. “I don’t think so, she offered him everything she had” Jessica said
rolling her eyes “plus the barmaid doesn’t even like him.” “She only likes him
because he saved her life” he said “and if that is the only reason she likes
him then there was no point in half of the story.”

“Right, the knight in shining armor
says playing the hero is no way to get the girl” she teased and pulled him
closer. “I didn’t say that” he objected “I’m just saying there should be more
to it.” “Like a love of books” she added with a grin. “Yes” he answered
“anything more than just. “Oh you saved my life, take me I’m yours.” He
finished with a bit of over acting.

It was a new feeling for Jessica to
just talk to someone. She hadn’t felt this at easy in years and just talking
about something like books just made her so happy. Alex felt much the same,
finding they had more in common then he first thought. He had never thought
just talking to her would be so easy. She had always scared him.

“I know this place” he said
stopping in front of an alleyway. The building next to it had a small spider
web set of cracks in the bricks like it was hit a few times with sledgehammer.
Jessica looked around and at the web-cracks in the wall. “Well we both should”
she add “this is where we first met.” “You still remember that day” he asked
with a questioning look.

“I remember you trying to play the
hero and failed” she said “you know I was just going to have Mitch knock you
out and move on.” “I remember him almost choking me out” Alex said thinking
back on that day. “Oh he was” she added “but the minute Sheba showed up that
was the game changer.” “Game changer” he asked “I was about to black out when
she showed up.”

“I know” the vixen answered “Mitch
had told me later on that he had to use enough force to break a man’s neck.”
Alex replayed that day in his head. Jessica took a few steps closer to the wall
ran her fingers along the cracks in the wall. “He missed because he thought she
was taller” the vixen said thinking back as well.

“Had you not put up a fight he
would have killed her” she added “I found out later on he had gone rouge from a
group called the order of the crown.” “She said something about that” Alex said
breaking his line of thinking. “She” the vixen asked looking at him from the
wall. “This woman was in the kitchen” he recapped “and she said she was from
the order of the crown.”

“What did she look like” Jessica asked
“was she armed? Were the lights on? Did you look her in the eye?” “Tall feline,
orange fur with light blue stripes, she had a sword but I did disarmed her” he
answered thinking about “no the light were off just the light from the window,
yeah her eyes flash to a gray color I think.”

Jessica grabbed the rat by the
collar and pinned him to the wall “Did she give you a name” she asked getting
as close to him as she could. “Eclairage Gagliuso” he answered. “She said
something about me having a lover.” Jessica smiled “you have no idea.” She
looked him in the eyes doing her best not to blink.

Alex blinked looking deep into her
eyes. After a moment his eyes flashed gold. When his eyes returned to their
light green color he put his hand to her side turning her with him lightly
pinning her against the wall. Her hands released his collar and reach behind
his head. They began to kiss heavily drawing small gasps from the other.

Jessica paused him with a finger
across his lips. “I think we should save the rest for later” she said forcing
herself to release him. Alex’s body was still driven but his mind slowed him
down. He nodded slowly taking a slow step back letting his hand slip from her
side only to be taken by her own hand.

“Maybe we should get back before it
gets too late” he agreed. Jessica smiled as he led her to where her driver was
to meet them. They forced themselves to hold back the whole trip back to the
manner. Alex’s wild ideas broke when he realized this was the first time he had
not seen his sister off to bed.

Once back in the manner he quickly
made his way to his sister’s room the vixen close behind him. Alex eased the
door open as not to wake the young folf from her slumber. “You are back sooner
than I thought you would have been” the demon’s voice whispered just high
enough for them to hear him “I hope everything is alright.”

“Yeah, old habits” Alex answered
lightly stepping his way over to his sister’s bed. The young folf had been
rolling around in her sleep again pushing sheets and blankets off her, her
loose clothing showing more of her growth day by day. “She’s going to be a real
heartbreaker soon enough” Jessica whispered as she helped Alex pull the
beddings back into place.

“Well it’s a good thing I learned
to be a good leg breaker” Alex smiled and kissing his sister on the head adding
in “I curse you to sweet dreams and happy days my little witch.” Jessica bit
her lip to keep from giggling. Alex looked up at the vixen before straitening
himself up. He turned to the night stand with an open book on it.

“The Double Dealer” he read the
name of the short story and sighed. “That was always her favorite story about
Wishmaker” he said and lightly closed the book. They bit the demon good night
and left the room as quietly as they could. “The Double Dealer” Jessica asked
once they were in the hallway and closing in on Alex’s room “never heard of
that one.”

Alex recapped the story of how
Wishmaker tricked two warring kingdoms into a peace treaty. “So he gave one
girl a gift from the sister of the boy from the other kingdom, by having him
give it to her” Jessica asked thinking about how silly it was. “Yep,” Alex
answered “because the sister knew how lonely the two were and had made a wish
for her brother’s happiness.”

“Sound silly if you ask me” Jessica
said opening the door to his bedroom and walked right in. “Yeah but she was
always like that,” Alex said giving another sigh “always trying to find ways of
helping people. That’s how we found out about her gifts.” “God damn saints the
both of you” Jessica said turning the lights on.

Sitting out in the open on Alex’s
desk was a small box with a bow sitting on top and a note reading “Happy
birthday Alex, love Sheba.” Jessica picked up the box and before Alex could do
anything else she put it in his hand and said “open it now.” Alex took the box
and opened it. Inside was a charm shaped like a dream catcher and another note.
“Promise saved promise kept” was all it said.

Alex laughed taking the charm and
threw its chain around his neck. Jessica read the note remembering how they
were hollow words to her but knew those same words were like gold to Alex and
Sheba. “You said this to her a lot haven’t you” she asked setting the box and
note aside. “Yeah,” he answered as he emptied his pockets.

“I heard those words a lot growing
up too” she said looking around the room and simple and clean it was “but they
were always lies.” “I’m sorry to hear that” he said meaning it. “Don’t be
you’re not the one who gave me a drug abusing mother and a criminal for a
step-father” she said. “At lease you got to have time with them, I never knew
my mother or father I was a doorstep baby” Alex said “and Sheba her folks died
in a car wreck.”

“I guess we all have had it rough”
she said turning back to him. “Yeah I guess” he said. She smiled moving closer
to him. He blinked and put his arms around her holding her close. “I know it
sounds silly but could you say them for me” she asked “that way I can hear it
once and know it wasn’t another lie.”

Alex squeezed the vixen close to
his chest and softly in her ear said “promise saved, promise kept all before
day is night.” She smiled feeling her heart racing in her chest. She could feel
his heart beating against his rib cage. “Now where were we” she asked smiling
up at him. He smiled back at her and picked where he left off on the street
corner.

Chapter
13

“I think you are confusing two
different types of love” Wilson’s voice rang in the young folf’s ears as
flashes of her brother ran through her mind. Ideas still new to her crossed her
mind countless times. The wolf’s words drew a sharp line between her thoughts
and dreams. “I know he doesn’t see me that way” she said “but part of me wants
him too. To see only me.”

“You are young, you have been
through a lot,” the wolf answered “it is understandable to think like that.”
“But she doesn’t know him the way I do” she said. “But she has feelings for him
anyway” the wolf asked. “I don’t know why” she answered “for years he had meant
nothing to her.” “Is your brother strong and caring” the wolf asked.

“Yeah, up till now he has done
everything for me and asked for nothing in return” she answered. She recalled
everything he had done for her. Every time she was scared he was there to
protect her. Every time she needed something he’d have it waiting for her. “Maybe
there is something in that fact that caught her eye” the wolf asked.

“I don’t even see how” she answered
“with one word she could have everything.” “Everything” he asked. Her thoughts
jumped to the number times she had see the vixen and the way she looked at her
brother. “Maybe I don’t know” she answered. “Maybe there was one thing she
couldn’t have” he said “Maybe there was something she couldn’t demanded.”

“You understand the power of a
promise” he asked. Her thoughts again jumped to the night she summoned
Nightmare and how his words not hers make the apple glow. “A true promise is
born from love and that is a power no one can match” the wolf said. She
recalled every time Alex had shown great strength and how it was always to help
someone else.

“Tell you what,” the wolf spoke as
Sheba’s mind returned to the shop where had met this odd wolf “go ahead and
pick two gifts.” “Two gifts” she asked. “Yes, Two,” he answered “one for your
brother and the other for the one you feel needs it most.” She went over and
began to look over the number of charms laid out under a glass case.

As she looked over the case one
charm stood out over the others. It was a small dream catcher charm that
matched the design on the back of Alex’s hand. “That one” she said without a
second thought. “I see” the wolf said closing around the other side of the case
“why pick such a charm?” “It just suits him, he was always there to scare off
monsters and boogie men” she said.

“I see” the wolf repeated “do you
know what a dream catcher is meant for?” “To stop bad dreams” she answered looking
up at the older wolf. “Very good” he said “but one needs faith to make it work
fully.” She looked down at the charm and thoughts of Alex always needing to
find answers. “He has a hard time finding or even keeping it” she said.

“He has a lot of love and hope in
his heart” the wolf asked taking the charm from the case. He set in a box and
set it to the side. “He couldn’t live without doing for others” she answered.
“Then two out of three will have to do for now” the wolf said turning back to
the case “now go ahead and pick another.”

She looked over the case again. Two
other charms caught her eye, one was a small heart the other a tear drop. “Can
I see those two” she asked and pointed them out. The wolf withdrew the two
charms and set them out for her. “One would think these two wouldn’t mean what
they do” he said pulling out another small box.

“The heart means hope” she said
thinking about it “the hope and trust to the one it is given to.” She looked
closer at the tear drop that looked more like a raindrop. “Very good” the wolf
answered “and the rain drop?” “Love” she answered “rain is love given to all.”
The wolf smiled sliding a piece of paper and a pen in front of her.

“I think I know which you want to
give to the other” he said but waited for her answer. “I want him to know it’s
ok to be with her but I don’t know if I could tell him. Because I want him for
myself” she said looking back at the heart shaped charm. The wolf smiled as he
spoke “let me ask you this. Do you want him to trust her or love her?”

“Both I guess” she said “I mean
after everything he has done for me. He should be able to give his heart to
someone he cares about.” The wolf grin dipped as he asked “even if it is not
you to whom he gives such a gift?” Sheba thought about it. He had never broken
a promise before, nor had he ever stopped loving her.

“Yes, because I don’t own his
heart, but I will kill anyone who breaks it” she said looking right into the
wolf’s good eye. When she looked down at the charms again the heart was gone
and one of the boxes was closed. “Then that matter is settled” he said “but I
will see to it myself that it is put into the right hands.”

The wolf looked back at the case
then to the young folf. “You know” he said dreams are like people.” She looked
up at him. “Well in truth there are really only three types of dreams that can
change the world” he said picking up the last charm off the glass case. Sheba’s
head tilled as the old wolf spoke. “But it’s not the dreams themselves that
change the world” he said crossing around the case again his baggy coat
shifting oddly as he moved “it is when they are met with faith, hope and love.”

He took the charm and placed its
thin chain around Sheba’s neck. “Here write him a note and put in the box and
take it with you” he said taking his leave of the room “I have gests coming
soon, I hope they like cake.” After she finished writing her note she left the
little shop and rushed into another dream.

Her body felt hot and itchy. She
felt uneasy and this sense of need was almost painful. She woke needing to use
the bathroom and found the blanket and sheet had been kicked off at one point
but somewhere in her dream she thought Alex and Jessica had put them back on
her and he had said something to her.

But her first need picked up again
and looking down at herself she made sure to do so quickly and clean the mess
she had made in her sleep. Once she had stripped the bed and changed her
clothes she picked them all up and went to take them the laundry room. But a
few steps into the hallway with her load of balled up beddings and clothes she
was startled by a voice.

She dropped everything was holding
when Megs voice caught her ears. “You’re up early” she said. Sheba was startled
and embarrassed by the otter. Meg stood watching the young girl rush to repack
the sheets and blankets and messy clothes. When Sheba finally looked at the
otter, she was still in shock.

The otter stood in the hall her
sleek form and curves made clearer by the tight one piece swimsuit she wore.
Meg smiled biting back a small giggle. “Sheba, are you ok” she asked taking the
load from the girl. Sheba couldn’t think of what to say and rumbled over her
words. “Feel very hot and itchy” the otter asked setting the mess aside.

Sheba nodded shyly. “Woke up and
found a mess in your bed” she asked leading the girl back to her room. Again
she nodded. “Tell you what, go put your swimsuit on and met me at the pool” the
otter said and gently pushed the girl back into her room. Without a second
thought Meg turned and grabbed the messy linens and tended to them.

Ten minutes later the two females
stood next to a large indoor swimming pool alone. The otter in her tight one
piece and the little folf in her modest cartoony two piece that was getting to
be a little too small for her. “Sheba, you know I’ve had to go through the same
thing with Jessica” the otter said stretching out her arms and legs.

Sheba nodded still feeling uneasy.
“It’s normal,” Meg said “you’re going through your first heat.” Hearing that
made the girl less standoffish about the matter. “And I did the same thing to
her I’m going to do to you when I caught her making that morning run” Meg said
giving the young girl a hug. Sheba blinked thoughts racing in her head.

“Time to cool off” the otter said
picking the young folf up and jumping into the pool. When she hit the cool
water her body was thrown off, breaking the burning itchy feeling and sent
chills down her back. When her head broke through the water and gasped for air
she stood shaking from the cold. The otter on the other hand had not come back
up.

This scared the girl thinking
something was wrong, till she felt arms around her. “See, isn’t that better”
Meg asked helping the girl warm up to the cold water. Once Sheba could talk without
her teeth chattering she began to ask a lot of questions that she otherwise
wouldn’t. The otter answered the best she could.

The two climbed out of the pool and
cleaned up before returning to Sheba’s room. “Now go get dressed and wake Alex”
Meg said “And I’ll go make breakfast after I get dressed.” Sheba thanked Meg
and went into her room. Infrerna had made herself comfortable in the empty bed
as the demon slept in his stone like state.

Sheba rolled her eyes at the sight
of the two. She giggled to herself and change into a blue button-up dress shirt
and red skirt. She looked herself over in the mirror running her hand down her
front. “In time” she said to herself before fixing herself and put the raindrop
charm around her neck. When she was ready she rushed out of the room leaving
the door cracked.

Outside of Alex’s door, she paused
with a thought popping her head “he might not be alone.” She knocked on the
door, heart racing. No answer. She tried again this time calling his name.
Still no answer. Nerves she tested the knob and opened the door. Morning light
was breaking through the windows letting her see.

“Alex” she called stepping into the
room. He still live the same way as long as she had known him, clean but messy.
Clothes were thrown about the floor. But her first thought was that was just
like him, till she saw some of Jessica’s things thrown across the room. Sheba
bit her lip and swallowed hard. They spent the night together.

“Alex” she called again making her
way over to the bed. An uneasy shaking came with each step till she stood next
to the bed. She looked down at the sleeping rat. His arm wrapped around his
head with his mouth open and tongue hanging out. A hand laid curled along his
side with Jessica’s face resting on his chest, his free arm pulled tightly
around her.

Sheba was envious of Jessica’s
looks but see her like this, closed a gap between them. “Alex Wake up” she said
and lightly shook his arm “Meg is cooking breakfast.” Alex’s body shifted as
his head rolled around. Jessica sleepily squeezed him tighter as a reaction to
his sudden movement. Slowly two sets of eyes open blinking away from sleep.

At first they looked to the other
for reinsurance of the night before. “Good morning Sweety” Jessica said kissing
Alex. “Good morning” Sheba chimed in. both Jessica and Alex turned their heads
to see the young girl standing there already dressed for the day. Jessica
quickly pulled the blanket high up over her chest folding her legs under her as
she sat up.

Alex sat up covering as much of his
bare lower half as he could. “You forgot to lock your door” she said and
playfully rolled her eyes “I tell Meg to keep something warm for you.” the
young folf turned and quickly left the room locking and closing the door behind
her. Alex and Jessica looked to the other and both smiled.

Once the door was closed Sheba made
a mad dash for the kitchen. What had gotten into her that she would act like
that to her own brother? Her young mind dance his form around her eyes adding
thoughts of what he was hiding under the blanket. But she did her best to push
those thoughts aside. “Yeah I hope you aren’t making anything that can’t be
reheated” she said pushing her way into the kitchen.

One of the guards was standing next
to the coffee pot waiting for it to brew. Meg was bouncing around with a mix of
foods and smells flying all over the place. “I’ll be sure to save them some
beacon and eggs” the otter answered without a second thought. After a few
minutes the guard had his coffee and was taking his first sip when Sheba spoke
up her thoughts.

“I woke Alex and Jessica up and I
think they had sex last night. The guard’s coffee flew across the kitchen.
“Dave, she’s a grown woman and she can sleep with whomever she wants” Meg said
after seeing the guard’s face. “I’m not mad Miss Meg” he answered “just envious
of the bastard.” Meg shot the guard a dirty look.

The guard threw his hands up and
left the room before the otter could take a frying pan to his head. Sheba
covered her giggling by sipping her tea. “Don’t mind him Hun” the otter said
setting a plate out for Sheba. As the morning shift changes picked up Sheba
watched as guards and day workers pasted through the kitchen as they do every
morning.

“Hey kiddo” some of them would say
when they saw her. Others would ask about Alex. A couple would try to hit on
Meg but run before she’d hit them. The few that stuck around till they had to
start were shock to see two things. One their boss Jessica walking into the
kitchen in just a bathrobe. And second seeing Alex half dressed and holding
her.

One of the overnight guards dropped
his coffee. “What I’m not allowed to be in my own kitchen” She asked glaring at
half of them. The room cleared out of all but the four of them. “Alex, after
you eat, be sure to take the girls outside for a walk and take your time” Meg
said “we need to have some girl time.”

“And what are we eating” the demon
asked as he entered the room. “Bacon and eggs” the otter answered setting a
plate out for him. Ranger and Infrerna sat waiting for their fill as the Drake
sat on Nightmare’s shoulder. “I hear many things from the people that walk
around at night” Drake chirped. “Like what” Jessica asked having picked the
night security herself.

“Small talk of seeing things like
us and the woman who use to run the manner before Miss Meg” the little dragon
answered “She is like the boy but of a different breed.” “Yeah she said
something about that” Alex said packing a biscuit with egg and bacon. “I had
been meaning to ask” Jessica spoke tilting her head “where did you run into
that woman?”

“She was standing in this very room
not more than a day ago” the tiny dragon answered “I can smell her scent.”
Jessica looked to the dragon blade and back to Alex who scratched his ear and
looked away. “And you didn’t tell me about this why” she asked as her ears
began to fold back. “I forgot” he answered “I forgot and ever if I did tell you
I don’t think we could do anything about it because she knew what she was
doing.”

“Works for me” the vixen said
turning back to her plate “Eclairage Gagliuso use to work for my father.” “Your
father worked for the order of the crown” Alex asked. At those words the demon
set his fork down and turned his closed eyes to the young rat and the vixen.
“No, she was a mole and had been for years” the vixen answered.

“Question is for who was she a mole
for” the demon asked “the order of the crown dates back long before any but the
oldest of us would know.” “I can tell you she was one of the ones undermining
my father” the vixen answered “but she could only do so much without him taking
matters into his own hands.

Meg looked away. “Order of the
crown” Sheba asked unaware of what the others had said. “It is an ancient order
meant to curve the deeds of mortals for the betterment of the world” the demon
answered “my brothers and I are agreed to ourselves and the order to not act by
greater means.” “The Sons of the Caretaker not acting by greater means” the
vixen laughed.

“The stories alone make you three
out to be heroes the world over” she added. “Yes but name one story where
anyone or all three do anything to change the whole world on that scale” Meg
chimed in. Heads shook. “Case in point” the demon finished “but if the order
still watches you it means there is more to this game then even I had
foreseen.”

“Well then” Jessica smiled “good
thing we got Sheba a dress.” Alex’s head snapped around. “Well if we’re going
to a Ball we had all look our best” the vixen said. The rat’s eyes grew in his
head. “Relax, Dancing is just like fighting” the demon answered. “Fun part is
you’re going be dressing up too” she added.

The demon’s large ears shot back as
he spoke “I am not going.” “Oh yes you are” Jessica corrected “all four of us
are going. Make that everyone in this room is going.” Jessica set the open
letter down for the demon to read. “The whole team is invited and as fare and
I’m concerned that means everyone in this room right now.”

“Ranger and Infrerna and drake as
well” Sheba asked. “Yep” Jessica answered which means they’ll all need a bath.”

Chapter
14

It was an unnerving feeling for
Alex to walk into room full of people he had robbed, beaten or some other act
to under minded or cripple by Jessica’s order. Jessica herself held her own to
the number low lives she had put under her thumb. Sheba had hid herself fully inside
Infrerna’s cloak form. Nightmare showed little concern to hiding his form at
this point but retain his size to move around with greater ease.

Meg dressed to kill. The otter’s
dress fit her figure and drew the eyes of men and women alike. The walk into
the building was unsettling in many ways for each of them. “Good evening, may I
have the party’s name” asked a small white mouse wear slim but loose dress and
sunglasses. Her head was pointing down even as she talked.

Alex was quick to pick up on the way
the mouse’s moved. “Yes I’m Jessica Pinaco and my team’s name is dreamer” the
vixen answered. “Member names, as to announce your arrive” the mouse asked
without skipping a beat. But at the sound of Jessica’s name the mouse had taken
a notable step back. “The Caster is Sheba Bloodgold, her guard and champion in
Alex Hunter Greenvolt,” the vixen spoke watching the mouse’s reaction to each
name as she wrote them down “and her demon’s name is Nightmare the beast,
knight of the Caretakers keep.”

“Yes ma’am” she said shaking as she
spoke “As you know in the litter each member of a team is welcome to bring one
person with them, may I ask the number to be seated?” “Eight” Jessica answered.
The mouse nodded before turning around. “Follow me please” she said and began
to count each of her steps.

They were led into the building
where they pasted a second mouse girl equally as blind as the one that led
them. Other guests and staff turned heads at the sight of the almost seven foot
tall demon walking closely over a cloaked figure. The mouse stopped just
outside the ballroom and turned back to the group. “I must ask you to disarm
before passing this point” she said pointing her hand to a horse standing
outside a large walk-in closet full of fire arms and swords.

“Then half of our group will be
left out” the vixen retorted. The mouse’s head tilted. “Alex” Jessica said
turning to the tall rat next to her. Without batting an eye, he drew his sword
with its wolf head guard. He dropped the blade. Ranger land on her paws then sat
at her master’s side wait his next order. Drake leaped from the top of
Nightmare’s head and landed on the back of the fiery black wolf.

“Infrerna” spoke a quiet voice from
under the fire red cloak. With just the word the cloak blew itself free of its wearer
shifting to a canine form seven long tails curling into a dancing flame. Sheba
wore a long red gown that stopped just below her knees in the front and came to
a point half way down her calf. The black trim cut between fur and cloth. The
front of the gown fit to her young body drawing out her growing curves. From
her tail to her shoulder was bare and only covered by a thin shawl.

Her hands gloved in black silk one
stopping at her wrist of her right hand the other at the elbow of her left arm.
She carried a small basket holding her family spell book and a golden apple.
Around her neck was a small tear drop shaped charm hanging by a thin gold
chain. Alex’s jaw dropped from seeing his little kid sister looking so grown
up. Gasps and awes made her blush.

“What did you do with my sister”
Alex asked pulling his eyes away from the girl and to the equally beautiful
vixen holding his arm.  “I did the best
with what I had and seems I had more to work with then I thought” she answered
playfully closing his mouth with a finger. “This way if you will” the mouse
asked leading on “one of the staff will inform you when your table is ready.”

Just pasted the door, the mouse
handed a card off to a bull with his eyes close in a respectful manner. He took
the card and read it over before looking back at the group. He cleared his
throat and spoke into a microphone that stood next to him. The eyes of the
guests turned to see who had just arrived.

The room became quiet as they moved
down the steps. Alex shook his head just a bit saying “I don’t like this, too
many people staring at us.” “That’s the point Alex” Jessica answered “just
relax and have fun.” “I have a bad feeling about this” Alex said looking
around. “I have the same feeling but I have that part under control” Jessica
said and kissed his cheek.

“Nightmare why is everyone staring
at us” Sheba asked staying close to the demon behind her. “Who would not gaze upon
three beautiful women such as yourselves” he answered. Ranger and Infrerna both
shot a look back at the demon. “You two are another story” he answered. Tails
waged as the two trotted off behind Meg.

“So the plus ones are sticking
together” Meg said petting their heads “well that’s fine I have to make a call
here in a bit.” Meg, Drake and the two canines were greeted and lead over to a
set of tables where others sat and talked. And she made quick work of becoming
part of the chatter. Sheba nodded Jessica and Alex off to dance as she stayed
right next to Nightmare who found another demon he had known years ago.

“Not use to being a guest and not
one of the crew” the vixen asked guiding his steps with a tap of her toes. “I’m
use to not being seen” he answered letting his moments fall into place. “I
know, but you were not as good as you thought you were” she smiled letting her
body press against his. His eyes met with her offsetting her words with a look.

“There was always one person who
saw you cutting between the shadows” she said never breaking from his gaze. “I
never knew you had kept that close of an eye on me” he laughed before leading
the vixen in a spin. “Remember that one job where you were stuck in a crowded
room” she asked. “That has happen more than once” he answered.

“It was a birthday party for
Bulloft’s daughter,” she pointed out “we went to school together and the old
guy thought me and her were friends.” “Yeah, I stole papers from one of the
offices in the building and on my way out, I got pinned down in the room the
party was in” he said bring her through a small dip. “I saw you trying to get
to the window” she smiled “and I just happen to have been groped by one of his
men.”

“Really, I thought a fight broke
out I didn’t stick around to see what happen” he said. “But that was not your
best work” she added. “Tell it wasn’t the magic show” he said shaking his head.
“I don’t remember that one,” she answered “but you’re going to tell about that
one later. But the one I’m talking about was when you got Sheba’s spell book.”

“Oh, how was that my best work” he
asked pulling her close once more. “You looked like an angel who forgot how to
fly” she answered as the music ended. A sharp scent caught the rat’s nose
making his ears and head turn. “You’re getting better” a soft voice spoke. The
voice was owned by the feline dragoness Eclairage Gagliuso.

Her silver blue dress pulled out
her markings and the tight fit to her form kept many eyes on her. Next to her
was a white fur wolf with bits of gray across his maw. “Eclairage, why is this
boy dancing with my daughter when he should be in a grave” the wolf said his distasted
clear in his tone. “My apologies my lord, but this one seems to have a few
tricks up his sleeve” the feline answered.

“Jealous to see me in the arms of
another man,” Jessica cut in “or still pissed that I wasn’t firing blanks?”
“Boy, step aside so I may have a dance with my daughter” the wolf said with the
wave of his hand. Alex looked to Jessica who looked back and nodded. “I’ll be
right back” Jessica said after giving Alex a gentle kiss.

The wolf pulled Jessica across the
dance floor before holding her close. “You forget your place Jessica” the wolf
whispered in her ear. “My place is where I choose to be” she answered pushing
herself back away from the wolf. “No your place is where I tell you to be,” the
wolf said “and that means I tell you be on your knees then you drop to them
where you belong.”

“You have no power over me, not
anymore” Jessica answered following in time with the music. “I never wanted you
beneath me Jessica,” the wolf spoke “but time and again you force my hand.” “Force
your hand,” she retorted “you had a woman’s leg broke for trying to take care
of her-self and then made her walk on it.”

“She stole and lied from me” he
answered. “You almost killed her” the vixen said continuing to move away from
the wolf “then a girl who wasn’t even twelve steps in to help her. And what did
you do?” “You had no reason to look in to my work, what happen to you was your
own doing” the wolf cut her off.

“I had every reason, time and time
again I heard the screams I saw the blood, I even saw my mother’s body being
bagged up and put out with the trash” the vixen chide tears filling her eyes
“and no less than a day later you raped me like I was some kind of toy.” “I
loved you Jessica,” the wolf barked “just like your mother, and what did the
two of you do? She went out to screw other men just for her fix. And you
defined me in my own home.”

Jessica laughed “and the next day I
got my hands on a shotgun blew you full of holes.” “As you can see your plan to
kill me failed” the wolf said forcing her close once more “kill me all you want
because I will just keep coming back bigger and better.” Hate filled her eyes.
“But I want to forgive you” he said “I want you to come back to me.”

“I’ve already moved on and he is a
much better lover then you ever were” she said and pushed the wolf back. “That
boy is only using you, what has he ever done for you that I haven’t” he said
pushing back. “He talks to me” she said a soft smile breaking her tears.
“Jessica if you don’t do as I say I will kill you” he cut off.

“Like I care, before all of this is
over one of us will be dead, and if I’m going to die then you’re coming with
me” she said laughing to herself. “Jessica, do not test me,” the wolf said “but
fine then pick which one you want to die, your street rat lover or the girl.” “This
is between you and me they have nothing to do this” Jessica answered.

“Really, Jessica, I’ve played this
game before I am the king of demons this is my two hundredth time taking part
in this game” the wolf said grinning ear to ear. Jessica’s eyes went wide. “And
no matter how powerful the beast is,” the wolf laughed in her ear “I only need
to kill the girl to win. But if you give me the girl and kill the street rat
then I will forgive you.”

“What do you want the girl for” she
asked “and why do you want Alex dead?” “You don’t need to know my reasons,” he
answered “you just need to do as is I command.” “You hurt or even touch them
I’ll kill you myself” Jessica said breaking free of his grip. The wolf looked
at the young vixen a growl deep in his throat.

The small charm that hung from her
neck glowed softly. “So help me Jessica, if you do not obey me,” the wolf
growled. “Don’t threaten me,” Jessica said “I’m not my mother, I’m not the
scared little girl you once knew.” The wolf stepped back the glow from the
small heart shaped charm was becoming blinding to him.

“I have something to protect, I
have a family now, and if you or any other even try to take them from me no
force in this world or any other will stop me from hunting you down and tare you
part” she said and walked off. The wolf stood forced to rub his eyes. “No,
you’re going to end your little family with your own hand’ he said to himself
turning away and returning to his table.

“Please understand, we’re running
out of time” the feline dragoness said moving in time with the music “and if he
gets his hands on her no one can stop him.” “What does Sheba have to do with
his plan” Alex asked following her lead. “I can’t tell you now but find the
story of the Caretaker’s keep,” she whispered “you’ll find the answers you need
there.”

“He made it made it clear that he
wanted me dead” he asked “why?” “because right now you are the only one keeping
him from his goal” Eclairage answered and pulled away “stay on you guard and
keep her safe.” Before he could blink she was gone as Jessica walked back to
and right into his arms. “I’m sorry it took longer than I thought” she said and
squeezed him tightly.

“We’ve got a lot to talk about
after this” he said “tell me you have a plan B to get us out of here?” “I know,
and always” she answered letting him lead her through another dance. “Sheba I
didn’t know you were so light of you feet” Nightmare said dancing with the
young folf who was being held a few inches off the floor. “I might be if I was
on my feet” she giggled.

“You two look so cute together” Meg
said “would you mind if I cut in?” Sheba nodded as Nightmare set the girl back
on her feet. “I saw a boy over there that looks a little lonely” Meg said to
her and pointed to one of the tables close to theirs. Sheba looked over and saw
a young minx who looked to be a year or two older then her.

She made her way over to the young
feline but as she got closer she saw two faces that made her uneasy. She saw
the Pack sitting in the chair next to him dressed in a cute pink dress meant
for a girl that age and she even had a little pink bow in her hair. And next to
her was her mother the saleswoman she met when she got the dress wore.

Blinking the little girl looked at
her and waved her over. Sheba moved closer watching her. She didn’t act the
same as before. She was acting like a six year old taking in everything she
sees. The girl waved again and lightly pulled on her mother’s arm. “Mommy,
mommy there’s a really pretty girl over there” the girl said in the only way a
girl that young could say.

“Pretty girl” the saleswoman asked
the child “what does she look like?” “Hello again” Sheba said shyly and being
more then polite “I’m sorry I upset you last time we met.” “Sheba was it” the
women said her head turning to her. “Yeah” Sheba said after nodding her head.
“Don’t worry about it” she said “that thing does have some good qualities.”

“Mommy you know her” the child
asked looking between the two of them. “Yes Gwen, her friend bought the dress
she’s wearing and can do magic like mommy can” The woman answered. “She’s
beautiful” the child said “just like mommy.” Sheba covered her mouth to hide a
soft giggle. “Well you are very beautiful yourself” Sheba said smiling.

The girl’s eyes light up. “Henry,
Henry She said I am beautiful” she said batting at the boy’s arm. “Yes, this is
my daughter Gwen and this is my son Henry” the mother said “and my name is Ginger
Woodcut.” “I’m Sheba Bloodgold” she said dipping into a small curtsy. Henry
looked the young folf over and shyly looked away.

“Yeah hi” he said trying not to
look at her. Mrs. Woodcut’s twitched ears in her son’s detraction. Sheba tilted
her head a little to the side. She thought he was cute and his demeanor
reminded her of Alex. She bit her lip trying to find her voice. “Henry, are you
going to leave a lovely young lady standing there” Mrs. Woodcut asked reaching
over her daughter and gave him a small push.

He coughed as he stood up still
trying not to look at her. “Would you … like to … I mean care to” he asked
words getting stuck in his throat. Sheba shyly looked up at him give he was a
few inches taller. The young feline was forced to swallow hard. The look on her
face was too cute and made it hard for the young man to speak.

“I think she wants you to have a
dance with her” his mother answered the both of them.

Chapter 15

                Sheba’s
heart was racing. There was something about this ball. Even if most of the
people were low-lives, the party goers were so friendly and the music was
beautiful. The young minx holding her hand led her to dance floor. They turned
facing one another, still gripping the other’s hand. He set his free hand on
her hip as she took his shoulder in hers.

                Slow
uneasy steps turned to light and graceful movements falling in time to the
music. To Sheba it felt like it’s a kind of magic. She saw more and more of her
brother in him as they danced, a gentle touch holding back. She had to blink
and look at him to remind herself of who he wasn’t. “Are you part dragon” she
asked slowly letting herself draw closer to him.

                “No,”
he answered “I’m a golemor.” She blinked. “Gwen is my half sister from a
different father” he continued “mine was an earth spirit named Elvin, and
Gwen’s was a trucker name Steve.” “My brother is part dragon” she said “there
are times when he scares me because of how strong he is.” “Guess it will take a
lot for a guy to match up to something like that” the minx said jokingly

                Sheba
shook her head and smiled. “No,” she said “it’s not my brother to fear.” “Yeah
I know” he said “it’s you.” “ME” she asked feeling a bit taken. “Out of any
caster here you’re the only one strong enough to summon Nightmare in over a
thousand years” he answered. She looked away. “I’m not that strong,” she
corrected “I couldn’t do it on my own and even then I almost died.”

                “Well
don’t you two look cute” Jessica said as her and Alex found them in pasting.
“Hey Shebs,” Alex asked with a quick pat on her head. “Henry, Henry Woodcut”
the minx answered quickly “I’m sorry for all the trouble my sister put you
through.” “Sister” the two asked in tandem. “His sister is the host body for
the Pack” Sheba answered.

                Alex’s
ears shot back. “Wait, Alex,” Sheba cut in “it may not be as bad as we think I
mean I just met this sweet little girl sitting with her mother.” “You getting that
feeling too” Henry asked. “Yeah,” Alex answered “you might want to get back to
your family kid.” “I’m sorry Sheba, maybe we could meet up again sometime after
all this is over.

                Still
in shock she stood there as the boy she just met ran off. “Sheba, I didn’t mean
to chase him off like that but I need you to go find Nightmare and Meg” Alex
said ears twitch everywhere. “He’s right Sheba” Jessica added “if I know my
father well enough you and Alex are at the top of his list and we need to be
ready for anything.”

                Sheba
looked past Alex and Jessica in time to see three blind mice girls pushing
large rolling trays into the ballroom. “Alex” Nightmare spoke dancing up with
Meg in his arms. “Yeah I know” Alex answered. The five of them quickly moved
off the dance floor and back to their table. “Ok, we’ll save the fight for
later but quickly what do you know about his plan” Alex asked.

                “Not a
whole lot but this what I do know” Jessica answered “he wants you dead her
alive and anyone who could stop him out of the way.” “We’ll need to divide
ourselves to escape this place” Nightmare said quickly flicks his ears around.
“Maybe we can help” a bombastic voice spoke from behind the demon.

                They
all turned to the voice. The rooster, Great Dane and the crocodile they had met
a few weeks ago stood as a group. Dressed in suits that only seem to fit the
Great Dane’s look, they walked around the demon and parked next to the table.
“We’re team Neverlan” the rooster said sitting next the Ranger “I’m Peter
Panbrook, this is Captain James “Hook” Rodger and this is my demon Tick Tock.”

                The
crocodile took a pose hands out waving “Jazz hands” it chimed. “Tick tock”
Sheba asked just happening to be standing between the two demons. It leaned
down to her ear. “Tick, tick, tick, tick” could be heard deep inside the
demon’s head. “Yeah he’s a hell-mouth” the rooster answered. “If you want to
get out of here before anything goes down then you best listen to him” the old
sea dog spoke.

                “Give
me one good reason to trust you” Jessica said leaning over the table a bit. “I
can give you two” the rooster answered kicking his feet up on the table. Glares
enclosed on the rooster. “We’re with the order” he said. “And this son of bitch
can get his ass out of anything” the old dog braked. “You love me anyway” the
rooster teased.

                “We
don’t have time to argue about this so what’s your plan” Jessica said looking
around the ballroom and seeing other groups starting to do the same thing they
were doing. “First you the witch and the maid don’t stand a chance fighting
those gorgons” the rooster pointed out “so going with your idea of splitting
up, we’ll need to break into three groups to get out of here.”

                “If
their working for my father they’re not going to touch me” she said “but if
they can they’re going after Alex and Sheba.” “Kill him, catch her” the rooster
asked. Jessica nodded. “Thought so,” he said “you and him are going out the
front door. The rooster pointed to Jessica and Alex as he spoke. “Big guy think
you can make a door out of that wall” the rooster asked nightmare and pointed
to the wall behind them.

                “With
ease” the demon answered. “Good, you take the maid and the captain out that
way” the rooster said “and you will come with me and Tick Tock.” “Wait” Alex
said holding his hand out. “Look I know you’re playing over protective brother
and all but we don’t have time for it” the rooster said cutting the rat off
“she’s small and light, and we need to get her out of here first.”

                “He has
a point” Nightmare said. “Thank you” the rooster said. Alex looked at Sheba.
She looked back at him and smiled. “She gets so much as a scratch I’ll rip you
a new one” Alex said. “I love it when you talk dirty to me” the rooster
answered “but you have my word as a thief.” Alex shook off the rooster’s
comment and looked around.

                “I
don’t like this” he said “we had too much time to plan.” “That’s the point” the
old captain said “Pinaco is a man who believes himself to be better then
everyone that he doesn’t care if they plan or just die.” “Now that is no way to
speak about your host Captain” Eclairage’s voice said from behind Alex’s
shoulder. “So you want him to lie” the rooster spat kicking his feet off the
table.

                “Now
now Panbrook, I’m not here for you” the feline said curling her fingers around
Alex’s shoulder. Alex rolled her hand off keeping his back to her. “You are so
much like your father” she said. “My what” Alex jumped turning around. Before
anyone could react the feline had pulled the rat into a kiss.

                She
pulled away sharply with a smile. “Just like him” she said and trotted off.
Alex stood jaw gapping. Jessica’s ears folded back. Alex shook his head a few
times and started lick the feline tasted off his lips. “Damn everyone wants
you” the rooster said. “Stay focus” the Captain said knocking the rooster upside
the head with his hand.

                The
white wolf that Alex had few minutes ago stood half way up the stairwell they
had entered from. “Ladies and gentlemen and whatever unwholesome creatures we
have running about” he said his voice booming over the chatter and small talk
going on. The three blind mice stood at the top of the stairs blocking the only
known way out of room.

                The
crowd turned becoming quiet as the wolf spoke. “First off, thank you all for
joining me tonight” he said giving his hands a quick snap and clap. The guests
all gave a forced cheer all beginning to feel the same scents of doom looming
over head. “Second, I hope you are all enjoying yourselves” he added his grin
growing from the dismay building in the room.

                Alex
nodded to Nightmare who had already begun feeding from the negative force
growing around him. Other demons, casters and fighters began readying a
defense. The canine weapons were quick to their master’s sides. Drake was bored
and was blowing bubbles about the room getting them to float high in the air.

                “To be
honest with you all, I have gotten bored with this game and thought to myself”
the wolf spoke his hands moving slowly through the air “let’s kill a whole
flock in one go.” The men lining the rails pulled out a range of fire arms and
prepared to open fire. “But before we get to that” the wolf added bring his
hands together “let me tell you why.”

                The
shockwave of a large blast shook the room smashing the windows in. “A few years
ago I had found something long forgotten” he said unaffected by the blast. Nightmare
froze. “No, no, no, we hid that ages ago” he said looking out the window were
the Pinaco manner once stood. The building was gone as only flames and broken
stones remain.

                “Yes, I
had found what many wound say never was” the wolf said “and soon enough I will
have the power of a god.” He sighed and laughed. “So I don’t care who wins this
little game” he laughed “when I can have EVERYTHING!” Alex threw up his hand
yelling “AVALON!” a clear glass shell jumped before the crowd blocking them
from the rain of gun fire that just begun. “GO NOW” he yelled.

                The
croc opened his mouth spitting out a handful of guns and swords. Oddly they
were dry. “Grab and go” the rooster said taking his pick and grabbing Sheba’s
arm. The size of the shield and the continuous gun fire began to take its toll
on the young rat. The thin glass shell started cracking. “Alex” Sheba called as
she was taken away.

                He
looked back at her and yelled “PROMISE SAVE.” He turned away and focused. All
he could do was buy them time. The casters began to throw spells and shields.
Some even tried reinforcing the shield Alex had made. Jessica moved between
Alex on the gunners. “Break it” the wolf ordered. The three mice girls, all
threw off the sunglasses opening their eyes.

                The
small frail mice shifted in size and form. In no time there stood three snake-like
creatures hissing as their coiled bodies spring them into the air. Night had
changed in size ramming the wall across from where the rat stood. In one blow
crashed through the wall and into the night. The serpents hit the shield
causing it to shatter.

                Nightmare
turned catching one of the serpents. He held her with one clawed hand as a
number of party guest raced out the opening. Meg and the captain rushed out
with the others. “Is the mighty Nightmare scared to look me in the eyes” she
hissed. “You should not wish for such things” the demon answered.

                Her body
coiled around his arm in an attempted to crush it. “No one is afraid of you,
old man” she hissed. “In most cases I would enjoy that fact” he answered
opening his eyes “but even I have my reasons for what I do.” Their eyes met and
locked. Her gaze held powered, as bits of flesh became stone. But the held gaze
of the older demon broke her.

                Her long
body uncoiled from Nightmare’s arm as she began to tare at her own eyes as she
started screaming. The demon closed his eyes and set the screaming snake down. “I’m
sorry” he said as turned and made his exit. The second serpents had landed
right in front of the Woodcut family. Henry meeting her gaze before any of them
could act.

                His body
became stone in no time. The snake turned the woman and met her gaze but nothing
happen. With a snap of her fingers flames shot from the blind witch’s hand. “I’m
blind you bitch” she said as her flames scorched the serpent’s face. “Did you
know a gorgon’s gaze doesn’t work on a golemor” Henry’s broke voice said as he
grabbed the snake’s arm and flung her to the ground and knocking her out with
one punch.

                The third
serpent had landed right in front of Jessica. “You want him” Jessica said “you’ll
have to go through me.” Alex had dropped to the ground from exerting so much
energy. “Please, don’t make me hurt you” the snake hiss more scare of Jessica. “No”
the vixen answered. The snake shook her head before picking the vixen up by the
neck.

                Before the
snake could turn on the rat who was trying to pull himself up she saw her
sisters lay on the ground. One bleeding from her eyes the other badly burned. She
looked between her sisters and the rat. She shook her head again dropping the
vixen bond her way to her sisters. “Come on we got to get out of here” Alex
said breathing hard.

                Sheba
was running the best she could but the dress and shoes were slowly her down. The
rooster a few feet ahead of her turned into an open door. “This way” he said
grabbing her arm and pulling her into the room. “Ok not my best plan but we’re
doing fine” he said looking out the window. The croc found his way in the room
and closed the door behind him. “We got trackers” he said.

“Like they’re going to find us” the
rooster answered. “Heard one yell about the girl’s scent” the croc said and
turned back to the door. “Ok, so we not doing fine” the rooster remarked “no
matter I got a plan.” Infrerna barked at the door her seven tails opening like
a fan. “Right” the rooster said looking at the door “that’s not good.”

After looking around Panbrook opened
the window and looking at the fall to the ground. “Right, well I can get us out
of here but it won’t be easy” he said handing Sheba a backpack he pulled from
one of the file cabinets “I like to plan ahead.” Inside she found a full change
of clothes, even underwear. She looked up at him from the pack.

“I have my hobbies” he answered “give
me the panties you have on.” “What?” she asked needlessly covering herself with
her hands. “Look if anything I wish I was saying this to your brother” he
answered “but a decoy spell I can use needs a very strong scent.” “Oh” she said
before it fully clicked. “Tick Tock watch the door” the rooster said moving to
the window “please be quick we don’t have much time.”

After a moment she quickly changed
into the clothes in the bag. The clothes had an odd fit to them and some pieces
made her blush from feel alone. Once she was fully dressed and her dress and
other clothes packed away along with spell book and the gold apple she threw it
on her back and called Infrerna.

The rooster turned around finishing
his spell. Sheba had left the cartoon faced underwear on the floor and from
where she stood casted a shadow over it. The rooster waved his hand as the
shadow ate the cloth and then darted out the window. “That was a phantom runner”
the rooster said before jumping out the window.

Without a word the croc had turned
and picked the young folf up and put her on his back before jumping out the
window himself. Both the croc and the rooster floated with ease. “Now then” he
said and waved his hand once more. Sheba shook with a weird feeling. “One, I have
us shield from sight so we’ll need to get moving and second those are meant to
give you a wedge” the rooster said and took the lead, flying away from the
building and to an old warehouse.

Still holding a heavy oak door as a
shield Alex ran with Jessica a few feet ahead of him “This way” she said
turning down an alley as several rounds zipped past her head. For a second Alex
thought he could smell Sheba running past them and turning down a different
street. Turning down the alley and dropping the door Alex caught up with
Jessica who pulled him into a large dumpster and closed the lid.

Gun shots, roars and screams echoed
around them. When she could Jessica curled up to Alex’s chest shaking. He pulled
his arms around her and held her close. She knew it was going to be bad but the
idea of him out right killing so many people scared her. “This is not your fault”
the rat said squeezing the vixen.

They waited till the sounds died
off. “Wait here” Jessica said work her way out of the dumpster “if I don’t come
back, wait till dawn and run. Get Sheba and run. And don’t look back.” Alex
caught head and said “then you better come back before I come looking.” He kissed
her and slide back into hiding. Jessica quietly walked back to the open street.

Peeking out she found they had lost
them. She turned to go back to Alex when something grabbed her and slammed her
into a wall. “Running away are we” Pinaco said his hand around the vixen’s
neck. “Leave them out of this” she said clawing at his hand. “You made them
part of this and you dare think you can hide them from me” the wolf said
reaching in his pocket.

“I won’t let you hurt them” Jessica
spat gasping for air. “This is true” the wolf answered “you will.” “What” she
said. “If you do not bring me the girl, I will kill her” he added “and as for
the street rat give him this.” the wolf pulled a black apple from his pocket
and held put to the vixen. “And if you don’t I will rip him apart and stuff his
carcass down your throat” the wolf added cramming the apple in her hand.

The wolf dropped her letting her
fell to her knees. “Do this and I’ll forgive” he said walking off into a mist “oh
and I will be watching.” Without thinking she ran back to the dumpster where
she had left Alex. She tripped on her heels ripping her dress and scraping her
knee. She yelped in pain before picking herself up and limping the rest of the
way.

“Alex” she called lifting the lid. The
young rat pushed the lid off and jumped out of the dumpster. “Jessica” he
answered “are you ok?” he looked at her leg and seeing a good bit of blood
rolling down. Taking no time he fixed a wrap for her leg from his suit and tied
it in place. The black apple started burning her hand.

She held it as tight as she could
till it scorched her skin and dropping into the young rat’s open hand.  Alex looked down at his hand seeing a bright
red apple. “I know I’ve been eating a lot but I could have waited” he said with
a quick lick of his lips. “Alex don’t eat that” she said only second too late. He
had taken a sizeable bite of the apple.

He stood up as he spoke “we still
need to get out of here.” She looked at her hand tears filling her eyes. “Alex,
I’m sorry” she said holding up the burn marks for him to see. Before he could
even turn his head he became very dizzily. He held his head as everything fade
to black. He staggered and tripped hitting the ground hard. The last thing he
saw was Jessica crying. Then everything was black.