“He’ll become more powerful,” Landstrom snapped. “This is a—”
Holling held up her hand. “Jude Sullivan, welcome to the Coven.”
Jude let the tension he’d been holding tight ease. He got to keep his magic, and his familiar. And now he was an investigator for the Coven. He was one of them—though not on the board.
One thing bothered him. “What happened to the aufhockers?”
“There is a reserve for hellhounds well away from humans where they can be protected.”
That was enough to send a shiver down Jude’s spine. Somewhere out there was a collection of hellhounds roaming around. A pack? A tribe? A terror of aufhockers, that sounded about right.
Landstrom scowled. “I have no doubt you will make a mess of this.”
Jude held his stare and stood. “It’s been a pleasure, as always.”
He walked out without glancing back. It was only when he was out of the building that he allowed himself a smile.
Without Jude around, Mack’s house was empty. The Coven had called him a few days ago to ask if he’d changed his mind and to get his statement about what had happened. He hadn’t changed his mind, and he’d given them a reasonably complete statement. They didn’t need to know every detail. But he took the call as a sign that Jude was alive, even if he wasn’t answering his phone. That had been on Wednesday. It was now Sunday. He was sorely tempted to close the shop tomorrow and go to Seattle himself, except he didn’t know where Jude lived or where the Coven met. He didn’t know much about Jude at all.
But he knew enough.
And he’d know if something had happened, wouldn’t he? He’d feel it if the Coven stripped Jude’s magic? Or if the witches severed the familiar bond on the sly? He didn’t trust Landstrom. That guy was sneaky and had fully expected, or hoped, Jude would fail or die trying. Something had smelled off about his magic, too. The other two had clear scents, but Landstrom’s had been muddled.
It had been a whole week since they had taken Jude. How long did it take to face the board?
Unable to sit at home any longer, he went to the garage to do some work. He hadn’t had the most productive week. That Ned had come in to ask where Jude was hadn’t helped. Mack had lied. Mumbled something about Jude having to go back for work.
Ned hadn’t believed him, and Mack wondered if Jude would be back.
He was a city boy.
An electro-mage.
Jude didn’t belong here anymore than Mack could roam the streets of Seattle as a bear. But he’d thought Jude wanted to be here with him.
The ranger had gone up to North to search for the bear, but nothing had been found. He’d gone back out there to have a look around, but not even an aufhocker paw print remained. The Coven had cleaned up most thoroughly.
By the time he’d finished putting the car back together, it was getting dark. The owner would be happy to get their car back a day early. He thought about dropping into the bar but couldn’t face it. The sidewalk was still stained and he had no desire to flip a coin with Ned again.
So he went home. When his parents had first left, he’d valued having the house to himself. After having Jude stay, it was a reminder of what was missing. He turned down the street and saw a bright-blue car in his driveway. One he didn’t recognize. As he got closer, he realized it was an electric model.
His heart stopped then raced to catch up on the missing beats. He wouldn’t start hoping, but it was already too late. Hope was quickly followed with a wash of anger. How dare Jude turn up after a week without calling? Mack had spent the week worrying.
Mack pulled in behind the car and got out.
Jude sat on the front steps. His hair was immaculate, his checked shirt far too pressed, and the sleeves were neatly folded up, not scrunched like Mack’s. He’d clearly spent the week updating his wardroom with new jeans and…and boots.
Gone were the pointed toes, replaced instead with brown hiking boots that looked like they could do with getting dirty.
Jude stood, not putting too much weight on the leg that had been bitten. “I wanted to surprise you. Ta-da. Here I am.” He smiled, but it was tight, as if he expected to be turned away.
Mack blinked, not sure what to say.
“You aren’t happy to see me.” The smile left Jude’s face.
“I’ve spent all week wondering what the Coven was doing to you. Why didn’t you call?” The words came out gruffer than he’d intended.
“I couldn’t. They took my phone and all. I got your message yesterday, then decided it was better to be here than to call. The Coven only got through with me yesterday.”
“What took so long? Did they…?”
Jude opened his hand, so sparks danced between his fingertips. “I got to keep my magic and my familiar. That you didn’t want the bond broken counted in my favor. They think having a familiar might be good for me.”
Mack took a few steps closer to stand at the bottom step and look up at Jude. “You don’t know how worried I was.”
Jude came down a step. “Yes, I did. I could feel it.” He touched his chest above his heart. “I had surgery on the bite and treatment for the poison that female aufhockers have. Everyone found that discovery most fascinating. It would’ve been more interesting if it wasn’t happening to me.”
“But you’re okay now?”
“Better than okay.” He stepped down again to stand in front of Mack. “I’m home.”
Relief flooded Mack as he took Jude into his arms.
Jude leaned into him. “I missed you. I would’ve called if I could.”
Mack nodded and hugged him harder. He didn’t want to admit how much he’d missed Jude. How empty his house and life had been.
