“It’s cool.Academic rivalry.And I wasn’t exactly pleasant.”
“Maybe we were just flirting this whole time,” I say through a chuckle.
“Perhaps.It only took me ten years to snag you as my boyfriend.”His smile falls, and panic sets in on his face.“I mean, if that’s what you want.I’m…I’m not seeing anyone else, so like…”
To shut him up, I lean over and kiss him slowly.Without words, I let Taz Devries know that us being boyfriends has been a long time coming.The past is the past, and right now, I get to kiss and sleep with the dude I used to hate.We’re redefining the story of Taz and Luther, and this is one chapter I don’t want to skip.
CHAPTER 14- TAZ
DROPPING OUT OFspellcaster school ten years ago meant that I assumed I’d never be an agent of SPELL.And yet, here I am, walking through a Utah farmland, fully intent on helping subdue the monster of the week.The chief stated that this dark activity was larger in scope than usual, and that they’ve never had Other Side monster sightings in this area code—hence why he asked me to assist Luther, Necia, and Max.
When I swat away a fly, I catch my boyfriend’s gaze.He grins at me and says, “Suede boots aren’t exactly made for walking through the mud.”
Luther and I have been officially boyfriends for an entire week, a concept that still boggles my mind considering where we started.We hang out, get meals, and sleep together most nights.I’ve never felt this healthy in a relationship.“Next time I’ll bring galoshes.”I loosen my collar and fan myself.The late spring air is already warm in this part of America.“Or better yet, I’ll stay home in the comfort of my air-conditioned room and let the actual agents of SPELL take care of the next bloody threat.”
“Hey, you agreed,” he points out.Necia and Max give us funny looks before turning back around.They march a few feet in front of us between rows of tall grass.
“Yeah, well, you’re welcome.”
Luther snickers.“I’m grateful you’re here to help with any hexes.You know you’re a talented wizard.”
“Are my wizarding skills the only reason you’re grateful I’m here?”
He tries to hide his smile, and I resist the urge to take his hand.We’re on a mission, and I need to be cognizant of that.“There are…other reasons.”
“Aw,” Max says, shooting us an amused look.
“Get a room, you two,” Necia remarks.We laugh softly, and she points forward.“Or better yet, look alive.”
Before us is a small clearing leading to a woodsy area.The dark cult has a pattern of operating in rural areas.The four of us line up by the trees, preparing to make our move.Luther opens his mouth to bark orders, but he’s interrupted by one tree swaying to the left.There’s no wind, so it must be something arcane in nature.A moment later, we’re overwhelmed by a wave of dark energy.
We all glance at each other in silence; it’s like a stench, the undeniable aura of an Other Side monster.Necia raises her hands to launch a revealing spell, and, in seconds, a figure appears on the tree.
It’s a nasty-looking beast, like a big dog, clinging to the tree, with six legs total.I also count six eyes, and when it spots us, it lets out a low growl.
“Max, you go right,” Luther says.With a nod, Max runs off, hands brimming with energy.
“I’ll flank the left,” Necia states.The three move like they’ve done this their whole lives, which I guess they have.
“What do I do?”I ask, lifting up my fists.
Luther summons an energy net, but the monster leaps to another tree.It bounds again, landing on the ground, and Max summons an energy twister.The monster growls and runs deeper into the woods, and Max gives chase.
Luther takes off, so I keep up.“Westbrook, what do I?”
“Set a perimeter of fog!”he hollers.
“What?Why?”
He stops and turns, fixing me with a serious look.“Stay here and set a perimeter, Devries.”His tone leaves little room for argument, but arguing is kind of our thing.“We can’t have mortals walking in.”
“But you need?”
“I need you to listen to the lead agent, that’s me.”I’m taken aback by his words filled with authority.“Look, there are three of us and no hexes, so please!”He points to my left.“Do as you’re told, and set the perimeter!”
I frown in irritation, but he doesn’t change his tune.Luther dashes off to do the actual work, and I’m stuck here with the boring, inconsequential task.
A sigh escapes my lips, alone, here at the edge of the forest.The sounds of the others fighting the monster fill my earpiece, and I try to ignore them.Casually walking along the perimeter, I cast a simple fog barrier.Not the best use of my magic, but it’s what Luther, the team leader, asked for, I suppose.
