Chapter 4

Paige smashed herself against the wall as the vampire hovered in front of her, pressing ever closer. His clawed hand smacked against the painted barrier next to her and scraped down the plaster.

Chunks of mauve rained onto her shoulder, and she gasped before squeezing her lips together, waiting to die.

The beast pressed his nose almost against her cheek, red eyes glowing as it stared at her. It inhaled deeply before growling and spinning away.

Paige let out a breath, her eyes wide as she stared after it. It stalked to the center of the room and sniffed in the air before letting out a loud howl.

Paige swallowed hard as she tightened her grip on the bat. Her shoulders pushed down her back, and she started to raise the weapon when the creature stalked toward the bedroom.

Her breathing quickened, wondering if he'd caught Dewey's scent again.

The beast chittered as its webbed feet slapped the hardwood. It disappeared through the bedroom door.

Paige hurried after it, sliding her socked feet across the floorboards. A loud crash resounded before she reached the darkened doorway. She froze for a moment, then she raced through the door.

She swallowed hard when she entered, her eyes going wide again. The bat fell from her fingers and clattered to the floor as she gaped around at the sight.

She closed her gaping jaw for a moment before she called out, "Dewey?"

"Paige?" a little voice called from the closet.

"Dewey!" Paige cried, racing to her closet door and flinging it open.

The teal dragon shot from between a blazer and a dress, his arms outstretched. He flung them around her neck, squeezing her and knocking her glasses askew with one of his horns.

Paige stumbled back, collapsing on the bed. She wrapped her arms around the tiny dragon as he hung around her neck. His purple-teal wings pressed against her hands.

"Are you okay?" Paige asked. "Are you hurt?"

His head wiggled back and forth, his scaly skin rubbing against her still-teary cheek. "I'm okay. I'm fine."

He pulled away from her, his feet resting on her thighs, and wrapped her face in his fleshy paws. "Are you okay?"

Paige stared down at the little dragon. Tears welled in his eyes, and his nostrils flared as he waited for an answer.

Her head bobbed up and down, and she stroked a hand around his tiny face, cupping his chin. "I'm fine. Not even a scratch."

Dewey flung his arms around her again, and she wrapped him in a tight hug. Across the room, Dickens stalked from within the closet, sashayed to the corner of the area rug under the bed, and sprawled on it.

After a moment, Paige flicked on the light and wiped a tear from her cheek.

Dewey released her, collapsing in a heap on her threadbare comforter. "What a night."

"Yeah," Paige said as she blew out a breath, scanning the room. "I can't understand it."

"Maybe don't look a gift horse in the mouth," Dewey said, staring up at the ceiling as he flopped on his back.

"I don't mean just that. That thing being almost on top of me and then just turning around and leaving is only one of the oddities," Paige said, adjusting her glasses. "But look!" She waved a hand around her bedroom.

The beast had broken through the window not fifteen minutes earlier, scattering glass across the hardwood and ripping the mini-blinds from the window. Now, the room appeared completely untouched.

The window remained intact, no glass littered the floor, and the mini-blinds covered the glass pane, albeit still broken as they had always been.

Dewey propped himself up on his elbows and glanced at the unscathed space. "What?"

Paige furrowed her brow. "Are you serious? That thing wrecked my room, and now it's completely fine. Like it never happened."

"Oh, right. Yeah, that's normal."

"Normal?" Paige asked as the little teal dragon sat up.

"Yep. Probably used a restore spell to recover anything he messed up. With any luck, your TV is fixed too."

"A restore spell?"

Dewey nodded as he flitted into the air and flew to the door, peering into the living room. "Yep. The living room's all good."

Paige rose to her feet, pressing a hand to her forehead as she shook her head. "Wait, I still don't get it. What's a restore spell?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Dewey said as he twisted to face her. "It restores stuff. I'm betting he used the same thing the night he gave you the beast mark. That's why your bedroom looked normal the next morning."

Paige blinked, her fingertips still rubbing her forehead. "Uh…I can't even. So, basically, this thing can break into my place anytime it wants and then leave no trace because it just waves a magic wand and restores anything broken or out of place before it leaves?"

"Of course not, Paige," Dewey said with a roll of his dark eyes. "He doesn't have a wand."

He pressed his lips together and shook his head at Paige's ignorance.

Paige offered the dragon an unimpressed stare.

"Here's the good news," he said as she followed him into the unblemished living room. "That talisman must have worked. He couldn't find you."

Paige tugged the crescent moon-shaped charm from under her shirt and stared down at the purplish stone in the center. "That was…odd."

"It also appears the talisman protects you from the effects of being near to him, too."

"What do you mean?"

"Before we retrieved the mirror, the night you brought the pizza, you said you collapsed while feeding Dickens," Dewey said, plopping on the couch. "I'm betting he was near you. But you didn't collapse tonight when he was practically on top of you. Did you have any side effects? Pain? Headaches?"

Paige eased into the armchair and shook her head. "No. Nothing."

"Good. The talisman is not only shielding you from his vision, but it's stopping any negative side effects from his presence." Dewey balled his paw into a fist and slammed it against his other paw. "We've got to find a cure for you and rid you of the danger once and for all!"

"But the book said there was no cure," Paige answered, slumping back in the chair.

She stared at the restored image of Blade on the television screen, wishing the day-walking vampire that stalked her was more human-friendly and didn't leave her with a festering wound that would kill her in a few weeks' time.

"There must be something. We'll keep looking."

"Can we start first thing tomorrow morning?" Paige asked with a wrinkled nose. "After that experience, I'd really like to sit here and be thankful that I'm not dead already."

Dewey's eyebrows rose as he shot a hopeful glance at Paige. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to finish the movie and eat more candy and popcorn."

"I'd very much like to eat more popcorn and candy," Paige said with a nod.

He grinned at her, patting the cushion next to him. "I didn't want to say anything, but I really didn't want to hit the books tonight."

"I don't blame you. You were almost killed. To be fair, I'd like to pack up and flee and finish the movie somewhere else. Just feels creepy here now." Paige wrapped her arms around herself as she shivered.

Dewey's shoulders slumped. "You ought to move out of this place anyway. With your new salary, this is beneath you."

Paige smiled at the words. "Yeah, I was thinking of getting a new place. The paint's peeling, the floors are a mess, and the number three keeps falling off my door." She licked her lips, flicking her gaze at the window outside. "Though that doesn't fix my problem for the time being."

Dewey stared ahead at the coffee table as silence fell between them.

"Sorry to rain on your parade," Paige said, shifting seats to reclaim her spot on the couch.

She snatched the remote from the floor and pointed it at the screen. Blade exploded into action.

The scene played out for a few seconds before a scaly hand clamped down on her wrist.

"Paige!" Dewey shouted. "Stop the movie!"

Paige hurried to press pause before flicking her gaze back to the tiny dragon.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" She lowered her voice and leaned closer to him. "Do you hear the vampire again?"

"No, it's nothing like that. But I had an idea."

Paige's eyebrows shot up. "About saving my life?"

"No, sorry, but about not staying in your apartment. Move in with me!"

Paige crinkled her brow at the offer. "In your nest?"

"Sure. I've got plenty of room. We'll get an air mattress and lay it out. It'll be the perfect solution until we find a cure. We can work on it anytime we choose, and if anything changes with your wound, I'll be right there to assess it."

Paige drew her chin back toward her chest and wiggled her eyebrows. "That's really kind, Dewey, but what about Dickens?"

"What about him? Bring him, too. I wouldn't mind having a cat around."

Paige shoved her glasses higher on her nose. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. Just pack up some stuff, and we'll stop by the SmartMart for an air mattress on the way back over to the library."

A smile spread across Paige's lips, and she nodded. "Okay. I'll pack a bag."

"Wait," Dewey shouted.

Paige froze in a half squat as she rose from the couch. "What?"

"Let's finish the popcorn and movie first. Then we'll go."

She offered the dragon an amused glance as she shook her head and pressed play. They finished the film despite Paige's apprehension. Her leg bobbed up and down as the credits began to roll and, with a worried glance outside, she leapt from her seat.

"I'll clean up. You pack a bag!" Dewey said as he flew from his seat.

Paige glanced around at the mess of empty candy wrappers, popcorn bucket, and wads of used napkins. "Sounds perfect. I think I got the better end of the deal."

She flitted from the living room into her bedroom and flicked on a light. She hovered inside the doorway, biting her lower lip as she wrapped her arms around her midriff. Her nose wrinkled, and images of what occurred here mere hours earlier raced through her mind.

She shook her head and forced herself across the room to her closet. She dragged her suitcase from the back corner, flung it onto the bed, and filled it in minutes. With it zipped shut and rolled toward the door, she retrieved Dickens's carrier and a duffel bag from the top shelf of the closet.

She snapped open the duffel and hurried into the living room, then she tossed in Dickens's bowl and several cans of cat food. Dewey stuffed the trash into her trash can, his horns wiggling as he grimaced with effort to cram it all into the small black container.

"Almost ready. Wow!" she said as she scanned the living room. "You were quick!"

"Whew," Dewey said, raking a scaly paw across his forehead. "You almost ready?"

"Yep. I just have to wrangle Dickens into the carrier."

"Okay, Paige. I'll hop into mine, and we'll head out."

Paige gave him a nod and a smile as she dumped the duffel on the top of her rolling suitcase and left it near the door.

She dashed into the bedroom and set the open carrier on the bed. On her hands and knees, she searched under the mattress for Dickens. Two glowing eyes squinted at her from near the top.

"Come on, Dicky. We're going on a trip."

Paige reached a hand under the bed and rubbed his back.

She snapped it back seconds later, a thin, red slice on it. "Ouch! Dickens, you little monster! Get out here!"

With clenched teeth, Paige stuck her hands under the bed again and dragged the cat from under it. Dickens clung to the area rug underneath, his claws raking through the rug's thick pile as she tugged him backward.

He made a dash for the middle again as she adjusted her hands to lift him into the carrier.

"Oh no, you don't," she growled, clamping down on the tabby and lifting him from the ground.

After a struggle, she managed to shove him inside the carrier and zip it shut. She flicked away the bead of sweat from her brow as she heaved the carrier's strap over her shoulder.

She strode from the room, her chin held high at her achievement and the carrier bouncing off her hip.

"Hey, maybe I should drop everything at the library first," she said as she lifted Dewey's carrier onto her other shoulder. "I mean I've got a suitcase, a duffel, Dickens, and you. Plus, I'll need to carry the air mattress."

"No way. You're not ditching me. You can ditch the cat, but I'm going to the SmartMart," Dewey called from within his carrier.

"Okay, I'll drop the rest of the stuff and keep you," Paige said with a chuckle as she flung her door open and pushed her suitcase into the hall.

On the uneven tile floor, the four-wheeled rolling luggage continued to trundle along as she swung her door shut and locked it.

She cursed as the key got stuck and wiggled it, her nose scrunching with effort. It broke free, sending her stumbling backward into the railing behind her.

"Watch it, Paige!" Dewey shouted.

She blew out a breath as she righted herself and glanced around for her suitcase. The luggage barreled toward the stairs, picking up speed while it traveled the hall.

"Uh-oh," Paige murmured, adjusting her glasses with a wince.

She hurried toward the wayward luggage when it disappeared, pitching over the first stair and bouncing down the worn stone steps.

A figure mounted the steps from the landing below while the suitcase continued its journey. It smacked into the individual, flattening them before smacking off the stone tile and bursting open. Clothing littered the landing below. Paige hurried down the stairs toward them.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. The suitcase rolled away on the uneven floor and went down the steps before I could catch it. I–"

Her voice cut off as the victim peeled a camisole from his head, dangling it between his fingertips and shooting Paige a glance.

"Devon," she exclaimed. "Here, let me help you!"

Paige trundled down the remaining few steps, the two bags making her footsteps awkward, and reached for his hand. He waved it away, rising to his feet without difficulty. She stared up into his dark eyes, a toothy grin on her face.

She arched an eyebrow and licked her lips, leaning toward him. A pink piece of fabric covered in hearts waved in her face.

"I think this is yours," Devon said with a grin that showcased his deep dimples in the scruff that covered his chiseled jaw.

"Oh, right," Paige said, ripping it from his index finger as color rushed into her cheeks.

She wadded it into a ball and tossed it into the open suitcase before she struggled to kneel with the two carriers on each side of her.

"Need some help?" Devon asked, squatting next to her.

Paige glanced at him, noting the bra lying in front of his boot. She swiped it and stuffed it under the camisole as she shook her head. "No, I'm all good."

"Going somewhere?" he asked, grabbing a T-shirt and tossing it into the suitcase despite her refusal for help.

Paige blew a lock of hair from dangling across her nose as she flicked her gaze at him. "Huh?"

"Your suitcase. Are you traveling?"

"Oh, right. No. Yes. I mean…" Paige squeezed her eyes closed as she rambled incoherently. "I'm just going away for a few days."

She stuffed the last clothes into the suitcase, slammed it shut, and sat on top to zip its bulging form.

Devon rose to stand as Paige struggled to rise to her feet with the two carriers strapped to each side of her.

"Taking your pets?"

"Yes. Both pets. My cat, Dickens, and my second cat, Dewey."

"Oh, I thought you just had the one."

"Nope, I have two. Two cats." Paige poked a finger at each carrier. "One, two."

She shoved her glasses up her nose and grinned at him.

"Right," he said, narrowing his eyes at her. "Well, have a great trip. Where'd you say you're going again?"

Paige poked at her glasses again. "Mexico."

Devon's forehead wrinkled as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his perfectly fitted jeans. "You're taking your cats to Mexico?"

Paige giggled before turning serious. "What?"

"I've just never heard of someone traveling to Mexico with their cats."

"Oh, no. I'm not. I'm going to Mexico, but I'm taking them to a friend while I'm gone."

"Oh, gotcha. That makes sense." His lips pulled back into a sultry grin as his dark eyes bored into her.

She swallowed hard, adjusting her glasses as heat raced into her face. I'm probably red as a beet, her mind taunted. "Well, I'd better get going."

"Right. Well, have a great time in Mexico." He offered her a wave, his eyes lingering on her as he turned toward the steps.

"Thanks!" Paige answered, grabbing the railing as she slipped down the first step, nearly spilling down the entire set.

The smile faded from her face as Devon disappeared up the stairs and Paige continued her trek down them, lugging the two carriers and her suitcase with the duffel bag balanced on top.

"Nice going, Paige," Dewey hissed from her right hip.

"Sorry, I didn't expect my suitcase to accost Devon."

"It's what happened after the suitcase flattened him. You act like a kid around him."

"I can't help it! He makes me nervous."

"Because you think he's hot," Dewey said as they reached the lobby and Paige rolled the suitcase along the grimy penny tile.

She pushed into the cool night air outside and dragged the suitcase down the few stone steps to the sidewalk below. "I do not. That has nothing to do with it."

"Whatever. I still don't like him."

"You just don't like him because he's hot."

"Not true. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something off about him. You should steer clear of Devon LeBlanc."