“Level three, we’re staying with a wolf pack.”
“WOLVES!!!” I screech.
“It’s okay, really Clem, they’re going to guard us.”
“But… but… Tippy said some of the wolf packs are bad, drug traders and the like.” I take in a ragged breath. “Wolves killed Sheriff Bradley Cane, did you know that?”
“Yes, I’ve heard. But it will be fine, hon, we’re not going near those wolves, I promise,” Sammy soothes. “We’re staying with the Trojan pack, who are fierce warriors, trained in combat and guerrilla tactics. They’re also intensely loyal to family. Their leader has promised to keep me and our youngling safe. They’d literally shred any human spy who came close.”
“Shred. Nice.” I swallow hard. “Are you sure they won’t shred you?”
“I’m positive. Arlo trusts them, so I trust them.”
“Of course you have to look after your precious baby—youngling,” I correct, using the monster term. After the ordeal Sammy went through in Sparkle, I can’t argue with her desire to play it one hundred per cent safe.
If only I knew that living with a wolf pack would be safe. After my conversation with Tippy, I can’t help being worried.
I try to untie the knot in my stomach. I’ve never met a wolf, so how would I know.
I have to trust that Arlo knows what he’s doing. After all, he has lived in the Labyrinth all his life. I’ve only been here for a day.
“How long are you going for?”
“It could be a few weeks. Maybe longer.”
“I’ll miss you.” I gulp.
“I’ll miss you too.”
“Maybe I could come and visit you—down there.” Even as I say it, the idea of descending to level three, full of packs of shaggy wolves with big fangs, make me very uneasy.
“I’d like that, once you’ve settled in. Meanwhile, Otis will look after you.”
As I put down the phone, I realize I feel quite wobbly.
Not since we lost Mom have I allowed myself to feel vulnerable, not even when Jax was taken off to remand school. Not even when Dad died. When I got a job at DeVines, the best department store in Sparkle, I worked my ass off to earn money, first to pay for Dad’s healthcare and later so that I could party like everyone else and forget that underneath it all was a big well of sadness. I’ve hidden behind a façade of brisk confidence, mixed with sass, to get by. I had food on the table, nights full of entertainment, and I got laid from time to time.
Big deal.
My life back in Sparkle feels like an empty shell now. But even though I love what I’ve seen of the Labyrinth so far, it’s hard to accept that my closest friend is leaving as soon as I get here.
Otis will look after you.Sammy’s words come back to me. Funny, Jax said more or less the same thing earlier today. I’ve always been fiercely independent, but somehow it feels so reassuring, sorightto trust my safety to Otis.
I sink onto Otis’s big office chair and wrap my arms around my midriff. I find myself imagining it’s him giving me a hug, his huge muscular arms binding me tight, like he did last night when I was terrified of the thing with a million legs.
Yeah, okay, I’m strong, but I am a wimp about insects.
Snap out of it.
I stare at theBaking for Beastsbook.
A big green orc with tusks and red eyes who bakes cakes. Who would have thought he would feel like my perfect guy?
What are you even thinking, Clem Summers? I scold myself, but I can’t seem to shake that dumb smile off my lips. I guess it’s better than worrying about Sammy moving to level three with wolves.
Or, for that matter, the weird and sinister shenanigans that are happening up in Sparkle City.
I heave in a breath and straighten my spine.
