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The old farmhouse that Tobias’s family owned was absolutely beautiful. Sandy bricks and a sprawling foundation across acres of green grass, it was quite an estate to own.
When Tobias had run into the old barn flanking the left-hand side of the house and brought out a hosepipe, Katana had never been so grateful to see running water.
Dowsing herself and Altair in cool, clear water, Katana scrubbed them both as best as she could. She knew she could thoroughly cleanse herself in the shower later, so Altair was her main priority.
When her phone kept ringing and ringing in her pocket, irritation only grew inside her when she wished whoever it was would just bugger off so she could clean werewolf blood and guts from her horse.
Her phone kicked in for around the twentieth time. She screamed in frustration and pulled it out of her pocket to see a number she didn’t recognise calling her.
“Hello?”
“Katana, it’s me, Jacques.”
Relief swept through her. The fate of her friend had been lurking in the back of her mind since their fight earlier in the day. “Oh my goodness. Where are you? Are you ok?”
Jacques quietened her mind when he assured her he was fine. When he told her where he was, only more questions popped up.
“Why on earth are you with Lenore and uncle Arald? What’s going on? Are you sure you’re not in trouble?”
“No, I’m fine, honestly. Lenore and Arald are helping me.” He went on to explain everything he’d since found out. “Gregory wants you dead, K. He made some deal with a demon.”
Katana frowned. “Why does that mean he wants me dead?”
“Because the demon’s payment is the blood or soul of a virgin.”
“Oh.” Katana froze, unsure what to do or what to say. “So what are you telling me? That I need to go and jump Tobias to save my soul?”
“Pretty much.”
“Someone’s changed their tune.”
“Sometimes needs must. It doesn’t mean I like it, Katana. It’s a means to an end.”
Katana felt a little hurt by his statement. She had no idea why, but it irked her. “Do you know he’s your cousin?”
Silence fell for a few seconds. “I do, yes.”
“When were you going to tell me that?”
“I didn’t see it was relevant.”
Katana snorted. “Right ok. So, is there anything else you know about that you felt I might not see as relevant?”
“Not that I can think of right now, no.”
Katana let out a long breath, gathering her patience. “I presume you’re staying with Lenore and uncle Arald for the time being?”
“It would make more sense, yes. I see little point in getting caught up playing a third wheel to you and Tobias.”
“Jacques, please don’t be mad at me. I had no choice—”
“There’s always a choice. Anyway, if you need me at any point, you can reach me on this number.”
“Whose—”
But it was too late. The line was already dead.
***
KATANA KEPT THE LATEST developments to herself. She needed time to think over her options and assess any potential consequences that could arise from here on out.
After settling Altair in the old barn, Katana headed indoors for a hot shower. When she’d scrubbed herself almost raw, she finally climbed out, satisfied she had no more blood and guts on her anywhere. Her clothes were carefully bagged, ready to be taken to whoever Tobias may be lining up to help their cause.
Collapsing onto the king size bed that dominated the large, magnolia walled bedroom, Katana grabbed her phone from the small bedside table and dialled Erica’s number.
“Hey chick,” Erica said. “How goes it?”
“Not bad. You? How did your shield exam go?”
“Excellent. I passed with flying colours. Your mum even recommended me for a distinction I was so good.”
“Erica, that’s fantastic. I’m so pleased for you. We must celebrate when I get back.”
“Get back from where? Bryn is taking me out this evening to celebrate. He told me to dress nice.” An excited squeal followed Erica’s sentence. “We’re getting on so well, K.”
“Scotland, Erica. I’m in Scotland remember?” Katana shook her head, curious at her friend’s scattered memory. “That’s brilliant news. I hope it carries on. Do you think it might turn serious?”
“Since when have you been in Scotland?” The shrill tone of Erica’s voice would have cut through glass.
“Err...since three, nearly four days ago.”
“And you’re only just telling me now? Hell, I could have come with you and we could have had a little party.”
“I’m working, Erica. What’s wro—” A dawning moment hit Katana square in the face. Erica had been gotten to. That meant more than just her father being involved in this. “You know what? I gotta go feed Altair and make something to eat. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, yeah? Have a good time tonight.”
“Thanks, honey. Speak to you tomorrow.”
Katana ended the call and resisted the urge to hurl her phone across the room.
God dammit. Now what?
Now her only contact back home had been compromised, Katana knew time was a fickle friend right now.