Quiet knocking sounded against the front door. Tanner peered around the refrigerator, laughed, and asked, “Where would I find towels for a couple of otters who look like they’ve been rolling in dirt?”
I pointed in the direction of the hall closet and peeked under the waffle maker’s lid. “Lower shelf.”
The men made a bit of a commotion after Tanner opened front door. He must have offered to hose off the two druids because there was quiet cursing and the sound of water hitting the deck. The men talked as they toweled off. I lifted my heels and peered through the window over the sink, catching flashes of naked backsides as Wes and Kaz shook out the towels and hung them over the railing.
Tanner ducked back into the kitchen. “They’re changing. And they have news.”
“Is it Abi and Cliff?” I asked, a hopeful flutter in my chest. He shook his head. All those little wings dropped to the floor.
“We found your portal, Calliope,” said Wes, walking into the kitchen, bare-chested in cut-off sweatpants.
His eyes wide and sparkling with the excitement of discovery, Kaz added, “And it’s a doozy.”
Chapter 4
Tanner shushed his friends into silence and motioned for them to gather plates and utensils and set the table. I worked on processing my need for instant gratification by adding to the mound of waffles. Kaz offered to get a pot of coffee going. He’d spent enough time in my house that he was opening cupboards and grinding beans before I could say yes.
Seated, plates full, and thanks given, I couldn’t hold back a second longer.
“Where’s the portal, and where does it go?” I directed my question to both Kaz and Wes.
“The portals occupy the entire area around the base of the old crabapple tree next to your garden, Calli. We know there’s more than one and suspect there are four. Access to each is dependent upon where you stand. Or who summons you.”
Portals. As in, more than one. And I didn’t even want to go near the idea of being summoned via a portal. How did my life get so weird? I’d tackle that question later. Instead, I asked, “How did you figure that out?”
“Locating active portals is a druid thing.” Kaz was nonchalant and seemed much more concerned with forking the last waffle onto his plate. “And Magicals, witches like you,” he said, pointing his utensil in my direction, “can use the portals. We just have to show you what to do. Or you can travel between them as long as you’re in physical contact with a guide or their portal key.”
He and Wes exchanged another look, before Wes took over explaining. “The portal connected with the northwest quadrant is one that requires a guide, and the guide currently in charge is very interesting.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask,” I said, shoving a bite of waffle into my mouth.
“He’s on the island to apprentice with Malvyn’s sister, Maritza. She’s a witch and professor of Necromantic Studies, and I think the guy’s name is Albert? Sebastian? Kaz, do you remember what he said his name was? Tall guy. Bald. Wears a cape.”
I paused, my mouth full. Kaz shook his head.
Wes continued, “Maritza doesn’t teach at a human university. She’s at the College for Magic. Actually, that’s not the school’s correct name, but that’s what everyone calls it.”
Everyone but me, because I had never heard of the place. I filed away yet another nugget and swallowed. Down the hall, the toilet flushed, and bare feet scuffled on the wood floor. Rowan, red hair tamed by a turquoise head scarf, appeared a moment later and walked bleary-eyed to the coffee machine.
“It’s a good thing I’m not on call,” she mumbled. “The babies would have to deliver themselves.” She filled a mug and called over her shoulder, “Anyone need a refill?”
Wes pushed his chair away from the table. “Kaz? Tanner? Calli?”
We all nodded.
“Our intrepid druids were just telling us about the portals on my property, Ro,” I said.
She waited until Wes was beside her to give him a shy smile. Together, they gathered milk from the fridge and more mugs and brought the carafe of coffee to the table.
“So. Portals. And have we heard from the kids yet?” Rowan asked, filling the lifted mugs before seating herself across from me.
“Nope,” I said, “and I wouldn’t be surprised if they sleep until at least noon.” I was reminded about Lei-li’s concern about her fathers. “Wes, Kaz, either of you hear from Malvyn or James?”
Kaz grunted and reached into the backpack near his feet. He pulled out his cell phone. “A text came in at two o’clock this morning. Says prisoners secured and they’ll be in touch once they’re en route to Vancouver.” He scrolled and frowned. “There are two messages from River. First one says Clifford and Abi never made it back to the farm. Second one came in a half hour ago. Still no sign of the Pearmains.” Kaz placed his phone faceup on the table and looked at Tanner. “Did you reach Jessamyne?”
Tanner clenched his teeth, picked up a knife, and drew a precise line in the stick of butter. He pressed down, placed the pat on the center of his waffle, drizzled maple syrup in a spiral, and dropped his knife. The utensil clanked against the edge of the plate.
“I don’t remember much of what happened after Jessa pinned me to the tree and nothing about how I got here.” He stood quickly, opened the front door, and scanned the area, his weight balanced on his forward leg. “And my truck’s missing.” The haunted look was back in his eyes, replaced in a blink by anger. “Either she drove me, or I found a portal.”
I
