But they were more than just killing machines. More than big bads to scare children. They were family, they were community, and they had shown they would protect those less powerful than they were.
“I’m seeing a few hunters in a different light,” I admitted.
“Life is like that,” Elmer said. “Shines a light on what you think you know. If you’re lucky, you’ll answer with your heart, instead of with all the stories people stuff in your head. Kindness is damn powerful. Any man who abides by it, changes the world. For the better, I’d say.”
“Is that why you yelled Abbi and us out of your shop the other day?”
Elmer grimaced. “I’m not a perfect man. I was worried about her getting mixed up with you two. That girl trusts too easily.”
“She’s not a girl,” I said, and he just made a sound that pretty much echoed my feeling.
She might be a hell of a lot older than Elmer, and even a hell of a lot older than me, but she was still innocent. I could see why he would want to make sure she wasn’t trusting strangers rolling through his town.
She looked our way, as if she felt our gazes on her, and waved.
Lu laughed at the story Ricky and Danube were telling her, one that involved a lot of hand gestures. Even Val was getting in on the mime show.
“Looks like you’ve got a lot to look after now,” Elmer said.
“Always have,” I said, my gaze holding on Lu, until she finally looked up and gave me a quirk of her eyebrow. “Wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
“Good man,” Elmer said. “I’m surprised to say it’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Gauge. Safe travels to you and yours.” Elmer stuck out his knobby hand.
I accepted the gesture and returned the farewell so common on the road. “Safe travels.”
“Oh, I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “These old bones? I’m lucky I can get out of bed in the morning.”
He tottered off, really playing up the old guy act, and I realized I was going to miss him too.
Being alive stirred up all kinds of emotions. But I was starting to enjoy feeling with my whole soul.
Lorde licked my fingertips, then walked with me back to Lu.
The werewolves drew out of my path like the tide retreating from the shore.
Ricky caught me in a hug I couldn’t escape until I returned her hearty back slap and promised, really promised, that we’d be back soon. Next summer at the latest.
Danube shook my hand, but I drew him in closer so that our shoulders bumped. “Make things right with Val. He misses you and your friendship.”
“I’ll try,” he said.
“See that you do. I’ll be back by to check in. Don’t tell Val I said that.”
We loaded the last things into the truck. Lu swung into the driver’s seat and adjusted the mirrors while I stood outside the open passenger door, Abbi and her huge panther next to me.
“Huh,” I said. “I think he’ll need to go in the back.”
“What?” Abbi asked through a mouth full of moon balls. “Who?”
“Hado. There isn’t room in the cab for all of us.”
She glanced into the cab where Lu and Lorde had already claimed their space, then looked up at me.
“Oh, we’ll be okay. Hado?”
She wiggled her fingers and tapped her shoulder.
Hado, the big black panther who could take down any of the strongest werewolves here, the Moon Rabbit’s fierce protector who had fallen to earth and endured all manner of pain at the hands of the Hush to keep her safe, sneezed.
