“So you can either take help from me, or we can call the local District Monitors.” Geographic areas had magic carriers who acted as sort of sheriffs-slash-social workers, mostly to help the local Wonders who couldn’t pass for human, but they’d step in for magic carriers as well. The Houston area actually had two District Monitors, a mated pair. I knew one of them was named Shane something or other, but I'd never met either of them. Wolf packs were self-sufficient.
At my statement, Manny looked up, alarm written all over his face and in the stiff way he held his body. “No, there's no need to bring them into this.” He glanced uneasily around the room, as if the District Monitors might be hiding in a corner.
“Okay. In that case, you have two options. One, my pack owns an apartment complex near the Medical Center. You can move into one of the empty apartments there. It's gated and you'd be surrounded by wolves to keep you safe.”
He'd started shaking his head before I finished speaking. “I'm not losing my privacy, and I'm already paying rent on this place, so I can't afford to move.”
“I have a bunch of apartments sitting empty. I won’t charge you rent. However, you have another option”—I held up one finger—“at least for the time being until we get any indication that you're not safe here. Give me your phone.”
This garnered me another eye roll, but he handed it over. I put my number in, and then I gave it to Elton to enter his number.
Elton passed it back to Manny, whose mouth dropped open. “Your name is Elton Johnson?” He chortled. “I'd like to meet your parents.”
I froze. How had I not known something as basic as Elton’s last name? Wait, wasn’t his brother named after some musician too?
Elton smiled fondly. “They’re definitely unique. They retired a few years ago and they’re traveling around in an RV. I think they’re in Oregon right now.”
“Good for them.” Manny turned to me. “I have your numbers now. I'll call you if I need anything. Happy?”
I smirked. “That's just the beginning. My people will be checking on you at least once a day, twice when we can manage it.”
He stared at me incredulously. “What the fuck? Why? I'll be at work a lot of the time, or asleep. What are they gonna do, drive by? What use will that be?”
“One of my pack members runs a security firm. You'll give me your work schedule, so we know when you're supposed to be home versus not. We will do drive-bys, yes. But we’ll also require at least one text or voice check-in per day.”
“No. I won't agree to that.”
“Alright. In that case I’ll park someone out in front of your house twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and they’ll follow you to work or wherever you go.”
He exploded out of his chair, forcing it to scrape across the worn wooden floor. “I don't understand you. That'll cost so much money. What would you even get out of it?”
I took a sip of my water and leaned back in my chair. “Wonders, including wolf shifters, have been kidnapped and trafficked for decades. Someone like you, who can heal people, cure something like leukemia if the rumors are correct, is probably the most valuable person on this planet. It's only a matter of time beforethe wrong types find out you exist. They'll try to kidnap you and use you for their own benefit. My pack members live together for community and friendship, yes. But we also live together for safety. I don't care how much it costs. The pack has been lucky enough with our investments that we can afford it. I won’t let you be another statistic.” I pointed my finger at him, staring into his eyes. “But make no mistake. As soon as there is a verified threat against you, we're moving you into an apartment in the packhouse.”
Manny sank back into his chair, his expression bleak. Elton leaned forward. “This isn't news to you, Manny. You know it. If you came into your abilities at puberty like everyone else, I'm honestly shocked you're still able to live on your own. Why haven't you taken precautions before now?”
He shook his head. “I didn't come into my powers at puberty. It's a long story, but I didn’t have magic until last summer.”
My mouth dropped open. People didn't spontaneously gain powers as adults. “You were human?”
He put his hand on his stomach. “I don't want to talk about it. But I'll accept your help.” He slumped in his chair, looking defeated. “Thank you.”
We were back in the truck an hour later. Manny’s groceries were put away, and he'd promised to rest for the remainder of the day.
“Is there anything in particular you'd like to do now?” I waited to pull out onto the street until we’d decided on our destination.
Elton made a little humming noise as he considered. It was almost 8:00 p.m., but after such a busy day, I wouldn’t be surprised if he just wanted to say goodnight. He rubbed his face. “I'm not up for anything with a lot of people. Do you want to come back to my apartment for a drink?”
“Sounds great.” It’d give us some privacy. I had questions for Elton about his magic.
INSTAGRAM REEL FROM EJVIBES – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
“When considering whether someone is permanent partner material, it's important to disclose your ugly and uncomfortable truths to them early on. How they react will tell you whether the future looks bright or not.”
CHAPTER 9
ELTON
When I'd invitedRafferty back to my place, I’d pictured us sitting at opposite ends of the couch, which would give us enough room we wouldn't accidentally touch each other. However, I didn’t take into account Rafferty’s enormous wolf shifter physique. He'd leaned up against one arm of the couch, but when I brought him his beer, I could tell I’d have to pay attention to how I was sitting or we’d accidentally knock knees.
