Page 44 of Maneater

“So let me make sure I understand. Once we go down this road, there’s a dirt path turn-off that seems like a dead end?”

He nods. “Exactly.”

“Then…the truck sort of disappears?”

Rex quirks a smile. “It won’t be any different than when we go to my cave. The entire area of our gathering is sealed by ancient magical wards. Humans can’t get through without the Solstice token provided to them by their monster.” Rex taps the wheel with a couple fingers. “I suppose it would seem that we disappeared if a human were nearby watching. But that’s why we use access points away from common tourist areas.”

“Okay, that makes sense.” I consider the metal giant we’re traveling in. “What about the truck? Does it go through?” I chuckle. “Like, has its own necklace?”

Rex punches the glove box, and the door falls open. “Yup. Can you grab that cord with the stone on the end, please?”

I do as he asks and hold up a large stone featuring complicated etchings I don’t recognize. I might be more of an expert in plants and herbs, but my experience outdoors makes me somewhat familiar with rocks and minerals as well. This one is about the size of my fist with hidden veins of shimmering teal and various shades of pink running through the translucent royal blue surface.

“This is beautiful.” I examine it more closely, letting the sun filtering through the pines reflect off its colors. “It’s so different from the token you gave me to wear, and I don’t recognize the stone at all.”

“It’s a twinkling Vauxnasite. The type of magnetic power associated with this stone is needed to move non-organic objects past the magical seal. We’ll both wear our own rune tokens, but this…” he plucks it from my fingers and hangs it over the rearview. “This will allow the truck to pass through as well.” He snorted. “No way I’m parking this thing out here then huffing it with the canopy and bins over a mile to the event location.”

I arch my eyebrows. “Good call.”

Before I have the chance to take another breath, an almost imperceptible wall of resistance presses against my body. A prickling sensation runs through my veins, building to the point where I’m genuinely concerned I might explode, then whoosh. Back to normal as if nothing remarkable occurred.

I gasp at the sight before me.

Holy shit.

My hands shake, my mouth going as dry as burnt toast.

Creatures everywhere. I press my lips together. Oops. Don’t say creatures. Rex hates that.

While the myriad of walking, crawling, and flying beings assail my senses, I’m also intrigued to spot the occasional human amongst the busy crowd. Not one of them is screaming for their lives or being held against their will.

To the contrary, they’re talking and laughing with the supernaturals. Others are helping carry bundles of items or arranging tables and chairs. Canopies are being erected and garlands hung between trees.

I spot one human share a quick kiss with what I think is a Wendigo. It’s pale as fuck, super tall, and scary thin. My night of Internet research after Rex invited me to the solstice had drawings similar to this guy. The two are clearly an item. They work together doing set-up in between swoony stares and affectionate touches.

Okay, wow. I’m not sure whether I find the interaction sweet and comforting or too mind-blowing to comprehend. Perhaps a bit of both.

As Rex eases into a parking space by a grouping of mega-tall pines, an enormous flying something whooshes past, then lands at the top of a twenty-foot evergreen. I stare up at it, my jaw likely in my lap.

“Dude. Is that the Mothman?”

“Huh?” Rex is leaning over the seat, grabbing his backpack. He turns around, then peers through the windshield. “Well, one of them. Can’t remember his name. Might be related to Akai.” Rex glances back at me. “He’s also part of the Monster Network.”

“I…uh…” In truth, I’m out of words. It would be in my best interest to simply run with the events unfolding, absorb, then discuss with Rex at a later time. Otherwise, I’ll be jabbering non-stop and doing the exact thing I don’t want to do—embarrass both Rex and me.

I suck in a deep breath and drop out of the cab as Rex does the same. For the foreseeable future, I’ll be glued to his side like a needy chihuahua. Mentally, I know I have nothing to fear. Emotionally, I’m certain a cruel, horrible death awaits.

“What do you want me to grab first?” I figure focusing on mundane tasks will lower my panic level by a notch or two.

“Just your pack for now. We can set up the booth after we check in and drop our things off at the cave.” He plants his hands on his hips. “Hmm… maybe I can get some of these pre-orders picked up, too. That would save a ton of hassle.”

He makes a sharp nod, then pauses. His eyes dart my way. “Umm, I can’t remember if I mentioned this before… I guess I assumed…” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’ll be in my Howler form for the entire event.”

“Oh.”

He hasn’t, but now that I think about it, why wouldn’t he? This is his crowd, his safe haven. Rex can be himself without constantly looking over his shoulder or confining himself to his cave.

He doesn’t have to hide.