“Adonis, do you think I can’t handle this? Do you think I’m not strong enough to fight for my family?” My voice was harsh, but I was serious.
“I believe you’ll be as strong as you need to be, Keir. Mother is in hiding right now with Jophiel, both vowing to trade their existence to save your child. Keep your baby in your thoughts when the time comes, and you will have the strength of the ages to protect your child and the children of parents the world over. Have that faith, Keir.”
His words gave me a comfort I hadn’t anticipated. He was right. I couldn’t fathom the steps Nyx might take to force humans to bend to her will, and I was glad I couldn’t. Anticipating the kind of evil the demon could unleash on the Human Realm wouldn’t help me. I had to keep my focus on the image of the type of world I wanted to see as my daughter grew up. That vision would fortify my armor.
We ate breakfast, Dr. Carl sharing the details of his trip through Latin and South America. “I was visited by several spirit guides on my journey. Each advising that we need the protection and love only family can bring to break the curse. I’m not sure what that means. Hopefully, the bottom of the scroll will provide more details.”
I hoped he was right.
After we paid for breakfast, we went to Dash’s SUV, and I turned to the group. “I found the map my dad used when we buried the cigar box that weekend. I hope the area hasn’tchanged to the point I won’t recognize it. I know nature is constantly evolving, so let’s cross our fingers.”
“We’ll find it. No worries.” Adonis smirked as he turned to Dr. Carl. “Won’t we?”
“I’ll find it. Can you keep up?” That sounded like a challenge between them.
Dr. Carl Lopez was a lycanthrope, able to transform into a wolf at any time, regardless of the phase of the moon. He was damn big and quite vicious in that form, as I’d witnessed in the mortuary when Paxton De Vil, the warlock, thought he could pull one over on us. De Vil lost that fight, hands down.
Dash parked at the head of the Black Butte Trail, where a large sign covered the wood-framed map, cautioning that the trail hadn’t been well maintained.
Dr. Carl walked around, sniffing the air.
“What’s he doing?” Dash whispered in my ear.
How the hell would I know? I shrugged.
Adonis, who was walking behind the holy man, turned to answer. “He’s checking to see if any supernatural beings are nearby.”
“Yeah? Is there a chance there are? How would they know we’re here, and why?” With the thorough exploration they were giving the area, it was easy to see that each of them was a formidable opponent. I was glad they were on our side.
Both men returned at the same time. “Just wildlife, so no worries. Shall we?”
Dr. Lopez extended his hand for the map, so I offered it and the compass. He only laughed as he took the map from my hand. “I’m good without the compass, thanks.” He turned and began walking into the thick underbrush.
Dash took my hand, and we followed. “I might have to put you on my back so we can keep up.”
I chuckled. “I don’t think you’ll be able to walk the four or so miles Dad marked on the map if you’re carrying me.”
Before I could blink, Dash moved in a graceful circle. The next thing I knew, I was on his back, and he and Adonis were running side-by-side, just behind Dr. Carl, who was now in his Lycan form with the map in his mouth.
“What the fuck? How can you run this fast? And carry me?” I was shocked at the speed we were moving.
Dash released a hearty laugh. “Baby, I’ll carry you for the rest of my life.”
Adon came to an abrupt halt, so Dash and Dr. Carl stopped as well. Adon stepped closer and lifted my arms, checking them, along with my neck. He stared into my eyes and grinned. “You’re okay, right?”
I kissed the back of Dash’s head before turning to Adonis. “I’ve never been better, thanks.”
Adonis’s laughter bounced off the trees as we continued through the forest, me clinging tightly to my husband as we followed Dr. Carl through the woods. Apparently, Adonis knew what had happened between us the previous night. I didn’t have it in me to be embarrassed.
“Stop!” Dash screeched to a halt at my command. I glanced around the break in the trail. It all looked unfamiliar, but I sensed I’d been there before.
“Keir, come on, buddy. We’re not far. How much water did you drink, son?”
My father’s voice echoed through my mind.
“Dearly, are you okay?”
My mind snapped from the memory, and I looked around. I turned to my right and saw it. The carving with an arrow pointing toward the roots.
