Page 75 of Bewitching the Wolf

I have to face facts. It’s been fifteen years since we last saw Mom, which clearly means…

But no, fuck it! I won’t let sad memories get in the way, not today when I need my energy to face the dangerous task ahead.

Besides, a new and very special youngling is going to enter the world. The cycle of life will continue.

“This news is my good luck charm for the day,” I say.

Clem and Sally hug me and wish me a safe journey.

And then I look at Otis, who’s already grabbed his hat. “I guess it’s time to go, then.”

Otis nods.

I square my shoulders and feel the wolfen energy rising in me like sap.

“I’m ready.”

Brody and Silas are waiting for us in the entry of the Vault, a vast cave that houses all our relics.

“The cape is prepped. More or less. Just a few finishing touches being added as we speak,” Silas says. His face is serious, as befits the occasion, but then, Silas is always serious.

Brody, on the other hand, is wearing his signature grin.

“Coffee?” he offers. “Or will that make you want to vape?”

“I’ve had food and coffee, courtesy of Sally Cane.” I say, then add proudly, “and I am cured of vaping.”

“That’s cool.” Brody ambles over and gives me a high five. Silas inclines his head and says, “Well done.”

“Tippy worked her magic,’ I say gruffly.

“You two got on okay, then? No bickering?” Brody is digging, I can tell by the twinkle in his dark brown eyes.

“There were a few misunderstandings, but we cleared them up quickly,” I say, avoiding his gaze.

“Great, sounds like you’ll be happy to see her now then,” Brody says.

“W-what?” My heart bounces. I thought we’d said our goodbyes already. The thought of seeing Tippy again before I go fills me with elation. “You mean she’s here in the Vault?”

“Yes,” Silas replies. “She’s in with Felicia, sewing the last of the runes into the cape’s lining. Come.”

He leads us into the room where the cape is housed. It’s draped over a dressmaker’s mannequin, looking more spruced than I’ve ever seen it. The velvet is plush, and the collar sparkles with the runestones that are part of its ancient magic system.

Tippy’s smile is for me and me alone. I’m sure everyone in the room must sense the chemistry that zaps between us.

“Ah, Jax,” Felicia says briskly. “We’ve added extra features with three new runes.” She goes on to explain the cape’s internal map, and the aura.

I’m grateful for the new mapping—Arlo wound up in all kinds of weird places when he stole the cape and infiltrated Sparkle on previous occasions.

Only one location, the parking lot below DeVines department store, finally hit the spot, because that’s where he met Sammy.

I certainly don’t need the cape to land me in a parking lot. Or a garbage dump.

“And the last feature,” Aunt Felicia pauses, “is to keep the cape operational in the event of any emotional upheaval.”

“I intend to stay calm,” I say.

“It won’t be because of you, Jax,” she says.“The cape has feelings too. But I’m confident this rune will keep its emotions in check.”