Pulling out my phone, I called Roma and rushed to Rey's side.
A note had been pinned to the wolf. Literally through the poor shifter's fur and skin.
Stop this madness or you will be exterminated like the vermin you are.
What madness did they mean? There was so much going on in my life right now I wasn’t sure if they meant the cure or helping the Others come into our world from Dream.
"Call Halo," I said as the phone in my ear rang. I used her badass name. Seemed appropriate at the moment.
Tears poured down Rey's cheeks as he pulled his phone out of his back pocket and dialed. We needed help and we needed it now.
Rissa arrived shortly after, followed by a few shifters who'd been called to help. Rey hadn't moved from the wolf's side. "Who is he?" I asked as a man I didn't know picked up the body. He had to be a shifter because that wolf was huge. A regular man couldn't have managed it alone.
"He was a friend," Rey said in a low voice, staring at the bloodstains left on the sidewalk. “Isengram.”
They took care of the body while I pulled Rey to his feet and into the house. He headed straight to the kitchen and stood with both hands on the counter as if he'd lost his sense of purpose. I didn't know what to do besides put a hand on his back and let him know I was here. "They're burying him in your garden," Rissa said a few minutes later. Her tone was careful, cautious. "We smell nothing on the body."
Rey nodded once.
"I'm willing," Rissa said. "If coming out and exposing ourselves will stop the alchemists from trying to kill our pack, then do it. Unless you’re willing to call a hunt on them."
Rey looked up, his eyes red from his tears and burning with a fierce determination that made my heart break for him.
"Go get some rest," he said. "Leave your door open. We're good to nobody like this. I’ll decide what must be done."
Rissa considered it, nodded, and ghosted up the stairs like the cat she could turn into.
I grabbed Reynard's hand and tugged. "Come on. You're next."
He let me lead him up the stairs, and I looked around. "Uh, which room?" The hall was long and full of doors. He pointed to the first door on the right.
His bedroom was dark, but I could make out the massive bed and an en suite for a bathroom.
"I'm going to take a shower," Rey said, his voice calm and smooth. Too calm.
I nodded and watched him head into the bathroom before kicking off my pants, taking off my bra, and collapsing on the bed in a tee I'd found in one of Rey's drawers with a relieved sigh. I was so ready for this night-turned-day to be over.
Rey emerged from the bathroom a short while later, his hair wet and slicked back. He'd changed into some soft-looking pajamas, and he looked so adorable I couldn't help but give him a soft smile.
He smiled back, his eyes still rimmed with sadness. I opened my arms and he crawled into bed with me, wrapping his own arms tightly around me.
"We're going to get through this," I whispered into his ear. "We're going to make it work, somehow."
He nodded against my shoulder and kissed my cheek before he settled in closer. We stayed like that, him idly stroking my hair until he eventually fell asleep.
I took a few deep breaths and closed my eyes, hoping this was just the beginning and also that this had been the worst.
13
CATHY
"You ready?"Rey asked.
With a sigh, I pulled my red hair up into a ponytail. I'd showered and put on a pair of Rey's boxer briefs, which felt a little naughty, my pants and bra, and one of his tees. I'd definitely have to go home later and get some clean clothes on.
Rey gave me a nod and grabbed my hand, leading me down the stairs. I loved how much he touched me. The relationship was new and exciting, and every time my skin met his, a thrill went down my spine. Several of his friends, his pack, were all gathered around the kitchen table, including Carissa. I gratefully accepted a paper cup of coffee and a donut from the formidable woman. She didn't seem so threatening right now. Just somber.
"The pack is coming today to pay their respects," a blond man said. "We didn't plan anything at any set time, given what's going on, but everyone will want to say goodbye to Isengram."
