Chapter 16

I slept fitfully with bad dreams full of the beast and the kushtaka. When my phone alarm finally sounded, I was relieved to get up; I needed to actually do something to save my nearest and dearest.

Connor and I got up and dressed. When I checked my phone, I saw I'd missed a call and a text from John so I hurriedly texted that I'd call him when I got back from a case. I felt bad for foisting him off but I really needed to focus. I also had a message from Thomas Patkotak who said he'd meet us in an hour at the spot where we'd exited the barrier last time, up past the Grimes' brother's house.

Mum questioned me as Connor and I packed bags for the trip with all the essentials: blood, snacks, water and a first aid kit. I really hoped we wouldn't need the last one. ‘Are you sure someone else can't do this?' she asked anxiously, almost wringing her hands, though I noticed that she didn't volunteer.

I shook my head. ‘Gunnar won't leave Sig's side and I'm the law when he's down – me and Sidnee.'

‘Elizabeth, you should look for a job that better fits your station,' she started, but I shut that down fast. I was tired, cranky and cross, definitely not in the mood to be lectured to. I'd rolled out of bed Portlock Bunny; it was time for Mum to meet her and hear some hard truths.

I faced her. ‘I'm here because you wouldn't help me escape from London. You were quite willing to have me press-ganged into servitude. I love this job, I'm good at it and I'm going to help my friends. I have no station – what I have are friends, a lover and some happiness. This is the happiest I've ever been, even if it's far from you and Dad. I will never give up this job. You can bury me in the uniform. End of discussion.'

She sat down heavily and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Where did I go so wrong with you?'

I didn't pull my punches. ‘You didn't want a ped daughter and chose to foist me off on other people. Just think how lucky you are. Problem sorted. That's what this is.'

Tears fell and she ran to her bedroom; in her defence, she didn't slam the door. I sighed. My conscience was already pricking, I'd have to apologise later. I didn't regret what I'd said but I could have said it in a better way.

I looked around for paper and pencil to leave her a note. If I didn't come back, I wanted her to know I was sorry.

Sorry, Mum. I'm anxious and worried. I didn't mean to take it out on you.

I love you, Bunny.

P.S. Please look after my pets.

I fed the animals, then Connor and I went to pick up Sidnee. ‘You think I was too harsh?' I asked.

He squeezed my hand. ‘Honestly? No, not harsh enough.'

April had taken over the Nomo's office – she promised she'd even sleep there if she needed to. She was a real team player, a smart hire on our part, but hopefully no one would need real police help since the entire force was occupied and three council members were also out of action. If someone did need something, they'd have to brave Liv or Calliope or try to find the mayor – who was usually out fishing.

I longed for Fluffy's company, but with him being cursed he was better off at home.

Sidnee looked pale but determined and I knew how she felt. I smiled tightly but had no words; what we were about to do was incredibly dangerous. I reached out to Connor and touching him steadied me. Nothing was going quite how I'd envisaged, but with him by my side, I was steady. My feet felt like they were more connected to the ground and my stomach settled. I took a deep breath and drew my determination around me like a cloak.

We parked next to Thomas's truck. ‘Hey,' I greeted him as I hopped out.

‘Morning, all,' he replied. He was right: it was morning. The sun was high in the sky and it was just shy of midday. Last time I'd been scampering around the barrier at night; maybe the beast was nocturnal and would hide, I thought hopefully, though I didn't say it out loud in case one of the others disabused me of my happy notion.

We shouldered our packs. Mine felt surprisingly heavy: why I'd felt the need to pack that many biscuits was anyone's guess. Never pack a bag when you're hungry.

‘Hi, Sidnee.' Thomas smiled. ‘I didn't know you were coming.'

‘Sig's been cursed. I'm here in Gunnar's place.'

Thomas's admiration was plain to see. ‘I'm sorry to hear about Sigrid. You really are a brave woman.'

Sidnee squared her shoulders. ‘I'm trying, but I'm actually scared shitless.'

‘That's all that bravery is – you're scared shitless but you still do the right thing.' His tone was gentle and I suppressed a smile. This was the man who'd said he could kill me ten different ways before my fangs dropped. He had it baaaad.

Sidnee nervously checked her gun one more time. I didn't tell her that last time bullets had barely registered with the beast.

Connor tugged me behind the car for a moment alone. ‘Before we go,' he murmured and pulled me in for a scorching kiss. The zing rocketed through me in the very best way. I wanted to stay frozen in the moment with him forever but we had a job to do. Lives were at stake, possibly ours but certainly Sigrid's, Stan's and Jeff's. Not to mention Fluffy's. Failure was not an option.

Sidnee was talking quietly to Thomas; they were giving us a moment and – unless I was mistaken – having a little one of their own. Thomas wasn't at all forward but he was definitely interested. Yes, he was older than her but he was steady and dependable, and he wasn't hard on the eyes, either. I could see that Sidnee had noticed that too when she gave him a warm smile.

Connor's hand rested comfortingly on the small of my back as we joined them. I looked at the barrier; the last time, I'd sensed dissonance and discovered it had a tear, but this time I felt nothing but the usual hum in my back teeth. The barrier was healthy – for now – but with the gems acting wonky, you never knew. Hopefully Mum and the other three witches who were coming would heal it for good.

This time I knew the spell to re-enter, which I hadn't the previous time. Thomas looked me over, judging my emotional state. He was far too observant for a human, far too good at everything. ‘Are you ready?' he asked.

I wasn't, but I had no choice. At least this time I knew what my fire magic could do to the beast and I was better prepared. ‘I'm good.'

He stared at me a moment longer then gave an approving nod. ‘What are we going up there for? Gunnar said some weed but I doubt he has much use for the devil's lettuce.'

I snorted a laugh. ‘We need to come back with alpine azalea and devil's club. Do you know what alpine azalea looks like?' I'd printed some pictures to show them.

Thomas frowned. ‘I do – but I don't recall seeing it up there.'

My stomach sank. If we couldn't find that bloody plant, there was no guarantee that we'd get the stuff from the subarctic in time. We could lose Sigrid and Stan. Thomas saw the panic on my face and hurriedly reassured me. ‘I haven't been up there in years and I wasn't looking for plants. Don't freak out. We aren't going to stop until we find it.'

I took a few deep breaths, as did Sidnee. ‘We're going to find it. It's there.' I'd manifest it, dammit.

Thomas turned and we followed him through the barrier.