Chapter Six

Floating on the wind for what seemed like all eternity they brought him to ground at the back door of Elizabeth's house. Whining he sent out a wave of fire blowing the door to Elizabeths room off the hinges, showering the room with glass. Dragging himself onto her bed he berried himself in her scented blankets, and willed himself to die. Days blurred together as he laid their unmoving. Even when the Hunters gathered around with their swords, he did not stir. He only offered them his throat hoping the end would be quick. For he didn't wish to live without his angle. Death no longer scared him, he begged for it. The evidence of his suffering was evident in his eyes giving the Hunters pause.

He watched as the ring of blades around him rose. Breathing his last breath he closed his eyes as the silver razors descended upon him. Magic washed through him as a hand stoked his muzzle. He knew he must be dead for only one person ever petted him, and he knew she would be dead by now as well. Feeling his body raise he looked down at the warmth of the mattress that held her sent. This isn't right thought Shaw as he was packed away from the scent he longed for. Whining he found just enough energy to lift a paw in protest. "Shush now pup," came a mans voice the likes of nothing he'd heard before.

It rang in his ears like the sound of bells, and soothed him like the sound of water babbling over stones in a creak. He cared not where he was being taken. He only wanted this life to be over. "Sleep now my pet," cooed the man and he drifted into a dreamless sleep.

When he awoke he found Elizabeth scent all around him. The sound of hushed voices filled his ears, but he couldn't muster the strength too look. So he lay there in the comfort of Elizabeths scent. "No not even my fiercest hunters could take his life," said the man from earlier. "The sorrow they saw in his eyes pulled at their heart stings. He didn't even flinch when they drought the swords down to end his suffering, but they could not spill his blood."

"He's dyeing isn't he,?" whispered another voice from within the room.

I know that voice, thought Shaw but he was too tired to recall who it was.

"Yes, he is wasting away Daniel," said the man.

Daniel, yes I know Daniel. "I don't know if he can hear us. I'm not even sure if he's even in there any more. But talk to him Daniel. Tell him that when the beeping of that machine stops that she is gone. An stay with him until then."

"I will your majesty."

"When she is gone from this life. I will move him into the cell at Brom's house. There the wasting will take him. For the old ones it could take days, months even. But the wasting still took them. An when he too is gone, we will berry him among his kind."

Moving to the side of the bed, Daniel took Elizabeth's hand out from under the cover and laid it upon Shaw's muzzle and wept for his friend, his son.

Using the last of his strength Shaw licked Elizabeth's hand. Her scent was barely noticeable under the stinging smell of alcohol, and the drugs that were running through her system. But he could hear the beeping of the machine the High King had mentioned. All he could hear was the slow beep for nothing else mattered. Not the words Daniel was speaking to him. Not the sound of the birds outside, only the beeping. And through this he was with her, he was with her. He could no longer tell the difference between day and night in the blinding light of the room. It didn't matter. All that mattered was the beeping. He was with her. He would always be with her, and he was until the end. He was with her when she took her last breath. He was with her when the shrill tone rang out and there was no more beeping. He was with her when they pulled her lifeless hand from his muzzle. An the shattered pieces of his heart remained with her when they packed him from the room.

Closing the door behind the Fae High King. Dr. Carlton turned the heart monitor off and began removing the wires from Elizabeths lifeless body. Tucking her hand back under the blanket. He said a silent prayer over her before taking up the edge of the blanket.

Laying the the blanket over her sleeping face he collapsed in the chair beside the bed and wept. The grief that had filled this room for the past week had taken it's toll on the good doctor. If I die young, by The Band Perry floated down the hallway from the nurses station fueling his tears. Elizabeth would never know the happiness of marriage or the joy children could bring. He made sure that when he had some. He would smoother them with his love, and protect them so that they would be able to experience the small joys in life.

Dragging himself out of the chair he headed for the door, but just as he closed the door on a tragic story. The air was split by and explosion. Picking himself off the floor he shoved the door off of him. The ringing in his ear drowned out the streams as the nursing staff rushed toward him. Residents ventured out of their rooms as he staggered to his feet. Making his way through the rubble back into Elizabeths room. The Doctor saw Elizabeth pulling the tracheal tube from her throat. Brushing the black strings from her flawless body she looked at him with fear in her eyes. Holding onto the edge of the bed she took several wobbly step before falling to her knees. Rushing toward her Dr. Carlton slid to a stop when she through her arms up and screamed, "Don't touch me!"

Falling over on her side she curled up in a fetal position clutching her head. At a loss for words the Doctor in him took over, "Elizabeth tell me what's wrong? Where does it hurt?"

Screaming again she crawled away from him as he reach for her. "I'm dead! I know I died again! What did you do to me!"

"Get help," shouted Dr. Carlton at the staff that entered the room.

Luckily he'd placed Elizabeth on the floor that he reserved for the towns supernatural residents so he didn't have to explain who help was.

Cowering into the corner of the room Elizabeth rocked herself back and forth. "It's okay Elizabeth-"

"No it's not alright," screamed Elizabeth interrupting him. "Everything was alright! I was in heaven talking to my baby brother that died when I was a child! Why have you brought me back here!"

"I didn't," said Dr. Carlton trying desperately to sooth her.

"Lier," screamed Elizabeth just before she vanished.

Staring at the empty space where Elizabeth once sat. Carlton didn't even notice when Brom appeared. If he hadn't been shaking him, he would probably still be staring at the walls. "Jeremy! What happened! What exploded? Where is Elizabeth's body," asked Brom still shaking his friend.

"She... She...vanished," stuttered Dr. Carlton pointing at the wall. "She was there when I closed the door," he stammered pointing to the bed. "Then I don't know what happened, but when I came back in she was there," continued Carlton pointing to the bloody trac and the pile of black threads, and staples he'd used to close all of her wounds. "Then she was right there," said the doctor looking back at the wall. "And she just vanished right before my eyes."

"Fuck," growled Brom digging his phone out of this pocket.

Punching in a number he didn't wait for the person to answer, but jumped right in when her heard the click. "Get your fucking ass back to the hospital now!"

Before he had finished the sentence Ashley appeared in the room with her phone still pressed against her ear. "What happened here," exclaimed Ashley looking at the disaster.

"Elisabeth, that's what happened," growled Brom grabbing a hand full of Ashley's dress dragging her close to him. "Do you want to tell me that story you're forbidden to tell me now or latter!"

Grabbing ahold of Brom's wrist she twisted it sending him to the floor. "No need to be hostile Brom."

Dr. Carlton watched as Brom and Ashley vanish from the room in the same instant the room put itself back together. Looking around the pristine room like nothing had just transpired here Dr. Carlton passed out.

Dropping Brom into the floor of a room he'd never seen before in his life he looked up at the Fae King. "Aisling what is the meaning of this," snapped the King pointing down at Brom.

Looking around at the overly embellished room Brom froze when he found several blades at his throat. "Beg my intrusion into your bed chambers your Majesty."

"Oh so this is your room," said Brom before a guard placed the blade of his sword against his neck.

"This had better be good Aisling, or your head will role for your insolence!"

"I made a promise to Brom that I would answer a single question he asked."

"And," snarled the King.

Kneeling in front of the King, Ashley bowed as low as she could, speaking to the ground. "You have forbidden the telling of the story he'd asked. Punishable by death."

"Then it was a foolish promise," snapped the King.

"It was Your Majesty. That's why I beseech you to tell it."

"And why would I do such a thing, may I ask? Is it that important that you bring this creature into my bed chambers. Where all else is forbidden to enter. Even you Aisling!"

"Elizabeth just vanished from her room. All of her dressing and all the things they used to close her wounds lay on the floor. She lives High King?"

Walking backward the King plopped down in his chair in an un-kingly manor. "Leave us," said the King waving everyone out of the room. "Now," shouted the King when the servants and guards didn't vacate fast enough to his liking. "Now Aisling tell me of this promise you made to this animal."

"He wishes to know the story of the Hell Hounds in which we wiped from all records."

"And why should I tell him thuss?"

"Because it'll save her life for one," snapped Brom who still sat in the floor.

"Aisling it would be wise if you muzzled your pet."

Kicking Brom in the knee. She glared at him from under her arms. "Because I feel very strongly that the answer to Elizabeth undead state, and the state of the magic on earth lie within that story my King."

"Very well Aisling," said the King sitting back in his chair. "But please get out of the floor. It is unbecoming of a High Lord to gravel in the floor with her dog."

"Yes your majesty," replied Ashley taking a seat beside Brom giving him a look that said zip it!

"So what part of the story do you seek mongrel?"

"I know-"

"You do not know mutt! You are told," interrupted the King.

"I was told-"

"By Daniel more than likely. What a nuisance he is. I was hoping that with Sèitheach's passing he'd follow shortly there after. But since she still lives so will Sèitheach. Again my hopes are dashed. What a pity," stated the King ushering Brom to continue.

Taking a deep breath, Brom held back the words he wished to stay, and instead said, "I was told that the Fae created the Hell Hounds as their pets. An they changed their pets to their liking."

"You should sound more grateful dog. It was because of those changes did your race come into existence," snapped the King interrupting Brom yet again.

"Yes your majesty. As the story was told. The Fae changed the Hell Hounds many times before something happened that caused your mighty race to wipe the breed from the history books all together. Leaving only Shaw in your wake."

"His name is Sèitheach! You vile creature, and you have no status to call him by the term of endearment that Dannicus as bestowed upon him," growled the King staring down his nose at Brom.

I wonder how mad Daniel will be when I tell him I know his real name, thought Brom.

"My senecrious apologies your Majesty," said Brom playing it up with some fake groveling.

"It still escapes me how we over looked that pup, but what is done is done. Well, the answer to your question is the white ones where born."

"Forgive my ignorance your majesty, but what are the White Ones," asked Brom still groveling.

"Yes, you are quite ignorant aren't you," replied the King fixing himself a drink. "The White Ones where a fluke really. After the last change we made we felt very certain we'd gotten it right this time, and created the perfect and safe pet. That was until the first white pup was born to one of our prized pair of Hounds. When the other pups of that litter shifted for the first time that pup never did. We found it strange and began looking into the oddity. We came to determined that is was no more than a wolf and instead of changing the hounds once again. We set it loose in the world to do with it's life as it saw fit. If I had known then what I know now. I would have destroyed it before it even drew it's first breath.

Well several more where born throughout the centuries, and those too we turned out into the world. With our backs turned to your world, we didn't see what was coming until it was too late. The White Ones bred prolifically with the turning of time, and their numbers where great. At some point the humans found out that the White Ones knew the difference between human and non-human creatures. They began to gather them in and around their villages. It wasn't long before you couldn't travel into a town without seeing a White One. The filthy humans trained them to hunt us. They killed many a Fae and vampire, before it gained our notice. Luckily for us the White Ones preferred the dark Fae of the underworld. Then they did for us light Fae. For the dark Fae took most of the casualties during this time. Of course this is before we locked them in the Underworld. Let me think what did your simple minds call them," pondered the King.

"Demons your Majesty"

"Ah yes, that is the word, demon. So I took my top guards and trained them how to hunt and kill these White One. An so the Hunters were born. They traveled your puny world hunting, and destroying these White Ones. Unfortunately during this time the White Ones still got the better of us. One day a serf was over heard telling a grand tail. A tail I'm surprised that pest Daniel didn't impart to you. Considering it takes place in his beloved Roma. A White One, one day gave birth to twin boys. They knew that we were hunting them, and their days were short. The she-wolf and her pack left them in the path of a shepherd by the name of Faustulus. The twins were named Romulus and Remus and grew to be mighty men. Once they became men they decided to build a city where their wolf mother had raised them, but the exact location of where to build it caused a feud between the brothers. As a result Romulus slew his brother Remus in a fit of rage. Romulus created his city and named it after himself calling it Roma. Romulus created many offspring and even more illegitimate children. When we discovered the story, Romulus was well into his fifties and had already become a great-grandfather to many. Unable to slay to entire village we cast a great storm and swept him away from your world so that he could not sire any more abominations.

At that point we altered the story of the brothers so that they would fit into the history of your world. We made the offspring of their gods who where cast out to die, and then were adopted by a she-wolf. The people easily excepted that tail and all was forgotten, and no one remembered the White Ones ever existed. Just to think, Dannicus could be a decedent of a White One. I guess that would explain why him and Sèitheach are so close would it not?"

"Yes your Majesty that would explain a lot," said Ashley offering her glass up in salute to the King.

"So now you know why there are no snow white wolves anywhere on your world. Well except for the ones in Canada. You could imagine our fear when we stumbled across them. Thankfully they are just pure white wolves, but as precautionary measure we do keep a close eye on them. Should anything change, my hunters are ready to wipe them off the map as well. That is if your human counter parts don't do it for us first," laughed the King. "Well I think that full fills Aisling's promise to you. Have a good existence dog."

Before he knew what happened. Brom plowed face first into coffee table bringing it to a crashing end as the both hit the ground. Seeing a fire place in front of him he sighed with recognition for it was his own. "Brom Arnald Rainaldi," squalled Ellen as her feet appeared by his head. "Where the HELL have you been!"

Making sure to note the emphasis on the word hell, Brom stared up at her with a coy smile. "Exactly."

Placing both hands on her hips Ellen tapped her foot in annoyance. "You've been gone for a week and all you have to say for your self is exactly!"

Sitting up he looked around the small crowd that was gathered in his study. "I've been gone, but an hour at most. Maybe two."

"I know one thing," said Daniel holding his nose. "You smell like you've been rolling around in Fae shit for a month."

Picking himself out of the floor. Brom sniffed himself before replying, "Rolling around in shit would probably have been more enjoying. I'll have you know the Fae King is the biggest, argent son of a bitch! I've ever met! An I think he'd rather push me under the water and help me drown, then let me breath the same air as him!"

"Yes, Finnbheara is an asshole who thinks he's better than everyone, and it's pretty much because he is. He's only nice to me because he knows I'd love to rip his throat out. I bet he wasn't happy to hear that Elizabeth is back from the dead."

Taking the seat, his Beta had just vacated. Brom sat down and rubbed his face. "Just a little Daniel, but I did learn about that thing you asked me to ask them about. I did learn someone's name," said Brom biting his lip trying not to laugh.

"And what name is that Arnold," asked Daniel over his glass of scotch.

Fighting back a laugh Brom snorted before saying, "Dannicus."

Not showing a bit of emotion. Daniel took a sip of his drink. "I haven't heard that in years. I'll worn you though. Never let the owner hear you call him that, or he might be tempted to rip your throat out."

Snorting again Brom chuckled, "Okay, but anyway. So since I've been gone for a week, and everyone is in my study. Have we found Elizabeth?"

"No, we're still looking, but we've found hide nor hair of her," answered his Beta handing him a glass of scotch.

"What of Shaw? Is he still alive?"

"If you want to call that living. He's nothing but a pelt draped over bones now," answered Ellen when Daniel refused to.

"Well then let's prey to the Gods he holds on until we can find Elizabeth." Swallowing his drink Brom handed his Beta the glass before heaving himself to his feet. Walking over to Daniel he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Will you walk with me friend?"

Without a reply, Daniel followed in Brom's footsteps as he left the house. Once they were a safe distance from the house he could feel some fo the tension leave his body. Down one of the many trails that looped the property, Brom began reciting the tail the High King had told him. Daniel listened closely only nodding his head occasionally when needed.

By the time they neared the house at the end of Brom's story. The moon had already taken it's place in night sky. "Well, I tell tell you I'm not one of Romulus's kin, but I do know I was born to one of in the line of one of his best guards. That's way archery was my profession."

"Ah, so you were in the military. That would explain your wealth and how you could afford a house and horses."

"Yes, I was from a wealthy family. I was raised on the tail of Romulus and Remus being son's of a God. So you'll have to excuse me for not being too happy that I was raised on a lie."

"Understandable, I do have to ask-" but what Brom was about to ask was all forgotten when someone close to the house screamed for help.

Sprinting the rest of the way. Brom spotted Nicole in the drive holding the reins of a Black horse. "That's Jurisdiction," called Daniel who shot a head of him, leaving only a blur of movement. Sliding to a stop as Jurisdiction flattened his ears and the white of his eyes shown brightly in the night. "Hurry Brom! Elizabeths on him! You'll have to get her! He wont let me near him."

Racing to his side, Brom could see Elizabeth draped over his back. Pulling her limp form from him, he rushed her to the house. "Ellen," shouted Brom as he ran through the door, Daniel was holding open. Panting the older woman clutch her heart when she saw what Brom was holding. "She's burning up! Her skin feels like it's on fire!"

"This way," stated Ellen hurrying down the hall before pushing one of the many doors open.

Leading them into the bedroom. Ellen continued into the bathroom and turned the cold water on. "Here set her here," said Ellen pointing to the tub. "Daniel call Dr. Carlton," continued Ellen helping Brom lower Elizabeth into the tube.

Pulling Elizabeth hospital gown off Ellen opened her eyes to find that they had rolled back in her scull. "Brom, get me all of the ice in the house. We're going to have to drop her temperature before she dies on us, again."

Without a word Brom shot from the room dragging several more people with him.

*******

Wiping the sweat from his brow Mac sighed. He'd been working his fingers to the bone and the work was still piling up. For a woman, Elizabeth was good and efficient at her job. He never realized how much she did until she wasn't there to do it anymore. On top of that with all the summer folk returning, his work load had pretty much doubled.

Deciding to take a break he headed back to his office for a bite to eat. Coming to the hanger door that lead into Cleo's office he picked up the tell end of a conversation. "I don't care what you say old woman! There is no way she went on vacation," shouted a woman with the same accent as Elizabeth, but he knew he'd never heard her before .

"Listen here you ungrateful witch! Maybe you're not as close of friends as you thought, and she didn't tell you. Did you ever think of that," shouted Cleo.

"And maybe you're on old codger who's gone senile in your old age too!"

Taking his que, Mac barged through the door, "What's going on here?"

"This disrespectful youth doesn't believe Elizabeth went on vacation," growled Cleo gesturing to a woman in her early 30's with short strawberry blonde hair.

"Elizabeth would never up and leave without telling me she was going," snapped the woman crossing her arms over a grey t-shirt that had Navy written across it.

Just what we need. One of Elizabeth old shipmates nosing around town. "Yes she went on a trip to Europe. France I think. Maybe she forgot to call you before she left the country," said Mac standing behind Cleo and pushing her back down into her chair.

"I ain't believe'n it! She loves to travel, that she does. An out right gypsy she is, but she would'na of left without tell me or her closest friends," snapped the woman.

"I'm surprised the woman even has friends," snorted Cleo.

"Please forgive my secretary rudeness," said Mac quickly cutting off whatever the woman was about to say.

Mac squeezed Cleo's shoulder hard enough he knew it had to hurt. "Be it is as we said. She's on vacation. When she gets back we'll have her call you."

Growling the woman tugged her purse higher on shoulder before growling, "This isn't over! I'll be back and next time the law with be with me!"

Storming out of the office Mac watched her slam the door of the waiting room before he snuck out to make sure she left, before rushing to the phone.

Punching in a number Mac held his breath. "Thompson Falls police department, Deputy Morante speaking how may I assist you Sir or Ma'am?"

Exhaling in a gust Mac said, "Thank God Justin it's you. We've got a major problem and it's heading your way I believe."

"Mac?"

"Yeah."

"Why? What's up buddy?"

"One of Elizabeths friends is in town demanding the where-abouts of her friend. An let me tell you she's a spit fire too."

"Alright I'll keep an eye out for her, and I'll let all the other Super's on the force know too. If I was you I'd call Brom and let him know if he's back yet."

"Thanks Justin," said Mac before hanging the phone up and dialing Brom's number.

*******

"Justin what are you still doing here," asked the Sherif poking his head into Justin's office.

"Catching up on paper work Sir," answered Justin holding up some papers.

"Yeah right, there isn't enough paperwork in this office to make a decent paper ball fight," laughed the Sherif. "Go home Deputy."

Straightening his desk Justine followed the Sherif out of his office. "I now you like it here in all, but I've never seen you stay late. Is there trouble with the Miss's," asked the Sherif walking Justine to the front door.

Laughing Justin clapped the elderly Sheriff on the back "No boss, not at all. She can get moody at times, but I guess it's the hormones."

"Ah yes, I remember when my Molly, God rest her soul, was pregnant with our first son. She'd scream at me, and then two seconds later she'd be crying her eyes out. Kept me on my toes though."

Pushing the lobby door open, Justine held it for the Sherif as a conversation floated to his ears. "I'm sorry Ma'am I understand you want to file a missing persons report, but if her boss said she went on vacation who's to say she didn't?"

"Pardon me real quick Sherif."

Excusing himself Justine walked through the lobby toward the conversation.

"I don't believe she's on vacation. That's why I'm standing here arguing with you woman! What is up with you people. My friend is missing and ya'll don't care!"

"Ma'am I'm going to have ask you to calm down, or I'll be forced to have an Officer restrain you," snapped the Clerk.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but over hear that your friend is missing? I can't say I've ever seen you around town. May I ask who your friend is?"

Eyeing the woman from her dusty cowboy boots up to the short cropped hair. Justin knew she had to be Elizabeth's friend Mac had called to worn him about. "Her name is Beth Marshall," snapped the woman. "I've already told her that," she pointed at the Clerk before continuing. "Because no one's heard from her in two months!"

"Who is no one," asked Justine pretending to be interested.

"Myself, Greg, and Clay and she calls me at least once a week, and talks to them at least every other."

"Well it's a small town as you can see, and everyone knows everyone. I heard she went on vacation to Europe."

Stomping her foot the woman balled her fists. "That's what I'm being told but that's a load of bull shit!"

"I'm sorry you think so, but when is the last time you spoke to your friend? Have you tried calling her?"

"I talked to her right before I went on deployment and Greg said the last time he talked to her was a little over two months ago!"

"Well if you where deployed then that would explain why she didn't tell you she was going to Spain," said Justine snidely.

"Spain," bellowed the woman. "Her boss said she went to France!"

Fixing his error quickly, Justine gave the woman an I don't care look as he shrugged. "Well he'd know better than I would. He is her boss. I just pick things up through the rumor mill."

"I don't believe this," gasped the red faced woman before she stomped out of the lobby.

Looking at the Clerk Justine shrugged his shoulders. "Wow I'm glad she's not my friend."

"I agree," said the Clerk shooting daggers into the back of the woman's head.

"Did she happen to say what her name was?"

"Jolene. Is that hill billy or what? You want to know what's funnier," asked the Clerk.

"And what's that Vicky?"

"She's out of Tomahawk, Kentucky. Redneck town if I've ever heard one," laughed Vicky slapping the desk.

*******

Jolene cussed, yelled, and slammed her fist into the roof of her car as she drove down the winding road toward Elizabeths house. Pulling into the drive of Elizabeth's place. Jolene brought the car to a stop when she saw a young woman in a peach dress closing the door to the barn. Throwing her seat belt off Jolene, exited the car just as the girl walked past her quickly heading toward the woods behind Elizabeths house. "Hang one Ma'am what are you doing here?"

Pausing the girl looked between the her and the woods before fiddling with her dress. "I only came by to feed Jurisdiction, and give him his apple," replied to the young woman nervously.

"That's cool, but can you tell me where Elizabeth is?"

"Um I'm told she's on vacation."

Before Jolene could rebuke that answer the woman fled into the woods surrounding the back of Elizabeth house. Giving chase Jolene finally gave up when she could no longer see the woman through the trees. "Man she's fast," gasped Jolene leaning against a tree.

Being in her prime and one of the fastest runners at her command. Jolene didn't understand how the girl could out run her. It was no contest, it was like a dog chasing after a cheetah. She didn't have a chance in the world.

Trudging back to the house. Jolene made her way up the front porch to find a dust covered UPS box sitting at the front door fueling her anxiety. Pulling the spare key that Elizabeth had sent her out of her pocket. She picked the box up, and opened the front door. Going from room to room her worry for her friend amplified. Walking back into the living room Jolene jumped when Stuck Like Glue, by Sugarland blared from her jacket pocket. "Thank God Honey," exclaimed Jolene answering the phone.

"That bad huh," rumbled the voice on the other side of the line.

"You wont believe the day I've had! These people here are so infuriating. They keep telling me she's on vacation, but I know that to be a lie!"

"Breath baby, tell me what's up? Are you at Elizabeth's house?"

"Yes, I found a girl at the barn who fed me the same line of bull shit, before she disappeared into the woods. I think she could out run you if that's any clue on how fast she was. Then I found a package that's been sitting on the porch for a while considering the shape it was in. An I know she wouldn't have ordered something if she wasn't going to be here to pick it up."

"She might have forgotten she'd ordered it."

"Yes perhaps, but that's not all. Her bed is a mess, her toothbrush is on the sink. There's dishes in the kitchen sink, and that's not even the worst of it," exclaimed Jolene pacing the living room.

"So far the clean freak is going through a grunge faze," laughed the man. "What's the worst part."

"Mathew you're not taking this seriously!"

"I'm sorry Honey, but maybe she's gotten a little messy, because she no longer has the terrible threesome to disasters the house and it reminds her of you guys. But please continue what's the worst part?"

"There is dust everywhere!"

"Okay now that is bad."

"I know! An no one here believes me when I try to tell them anything. They all tell me she's on vacation! Something isn't right here Mathew. I can feel it in my bones," said Jolene almost in tears.

"Please don't cry baby," said Mathew softly into the phone. "It'll kill me if you do, because I'm not there with you. I'm already upset that you called me from the airport without even consulting me."

Plopping down on the couch, Jolene wiped the tears from her face. "I'm not crying."

"Lier."

"Okay maybe a little, but you were so busy. I didn't want to bother you."

"Have you forgotten I own part of this business, and you know I'd drop everything to have gone with you and you know that."

Smiling to herself. Jolene knew this to be true, and that's why she loved the man so much. "I'll tell you what. I'm moving all my appointments back and my court case for this week I'm handing over to Dexter."

"No don't do that," whined Jolene.

"To late, already done, and I'll call you as soon as I get my plain tickets," pausing for a bit Mathew rumbled into the phone. "I love you."

Jolene's heart skipped a beat every time he said it in that way. It gave her the chills and made her miss him even more. "I love you too," reply Jolene breathlessly into the phone.

"I'll call you later okay."

"Okay."

With that Jolene closed the phone and set to work cleaning Elizabeths house to keep her hands busy. She'd scrubbed the house from top to bottom, and made Elizabeth's bed by the time Mathew called her back. "Yes my handsome man you?"

"Such a beautiful woman shouldn't tell such lies Mrs. Keller."

"You would know it wasn't a lie if you ever seen my husband," giggling Jolene getting to business she asked, "So what time are you flying in?"

"Me and Edward are flying into that small airport that I got Elizabeth a job at."

"Edward's coming?"

"It seems as you were right, things are amiss in the small town of Thompson Falls. I want you to ward the house and don't go outside."

"Is it that bad," asked Jolene with worry clearly in her voice

"No, but still put some wards up anyway, okay baby."

"There is already a couple in place oddly enough, but I'll strengthen them and add several more for good measure."

"Okay baby do that, and I'll call you when we get close okay."

"Yeppers."

Closing the phone. Jolene started digging through her bags for the things she knew she'd need to cast the wards around the house to keep all unwanted guests out. Opening the front door Jolene looked down at the tray of crystalline salt safely locked behind a strip of plexiglass. "And here the hussy always made fun of my witchy stuff. It seems she took me more seriously than I thought."

Shaking her head. Jolene set to the task of pushing the living room furniture to the sides of the room. "She'll have my hide if she knew I was about to burn candles on her nice wood floor."

Casting the circle Jolene said, "With the casting of this circle, I invite the Goddess and God to my ritual and ask that I be protected from all negative influences. I ask that only spirits of the Light to be allowed to attend, and that only positive energies be allowed to participate." Sitting a single candle in front of her she took a deep breath. Waving her hand over the candle she watched it flicker to life. "I call this flame and I call it higher. Holy goddess! Not that high," shouted Jolene when the flame blew up almost to the size of a bonfire "Elizabeth what in tar hell have you done to his house? Man alive I think I just singed my eyebrows off."

Making sure they where still there Jolene continued, "I ask you flame to shed your light, upon this house this starry night. To protect this house for ever more. May your power guard this door. So none shall pass that is not friend, and to keep those safe that live within. So may it be!" When the flame flickered out she moved the spent candle and placed a shell full of water in its place. "I call you water from sea and air. Fuck My Life! Really," exclaimed Jolene as it began to rain. "She's really going to mop the floor with me. I'm sorry Elizabeth. I called a monsoon in your leaving room. I promise I'll fix the water damage. That'll go over as well as a straight man in a guy bar. I better make this fast,"said Jolene moving her wet bangs out of the way. "I ask the rain to blanket is house, to keep all out including a mouse. Let only those the owner lets in and to keep out those who live in sin. So may it be!"

Once the rain had stopped she looked around the lake that was once Elizabeths living room and groaned.

Tying her wet hair back. Jolene moved the shell and replaced it was a small wooden bowl filled with dirt. "Spirits be with me I have no ideal how this one's going to react."

Taking a deep steading breath and closed her eyes Jolene steadied her nerves. "I call the earth from mountain to plain." Pausing she opened them to see flowers of all types sprouting from ever corner of the room as grass began to cover the hard wood floor. "I ask the earth to bless this ground and the foundation all around. Let none to enter who seek to cause harm, bar them with your earthly charm. So may it be!"

Clearing the bowl out of the way she lay a single white feather down. "I hope I don't break anything. I haven't perfected my fixing spells yet," murmured Jolene. "I call the north wind to hear my plea." Sighing in relief as a light breeze floated through the living room. "I ask of you, share your gail to surround this house in your wonderful vail. Let all who live here never fear, for nothing bad will enter here. So I ask of you this starry night to guard this house with your might. So may it be!"

Moving the feather she picked up her last object. Kissing the picture of Elizabeth when they were kids. Jolene laid it in front of her. Dropping the single reddish brown hair she'd pulled from Elizabeth hair brush, she stilled herself for what was to come next. She'd never caste a protection spell like she was about to do, and if her coven were to find out it would be her neck. She was good and the fastest learner the coven had seen in years, but this was still beyond her level. But if things were as bad as Mathew said they where here. She wanted the most protection for her friend who was more of a sister than her real sister was. "I call the voices from far and near. The voices of old, the voices that are dear." Jolene squeaked as the house shuddered knocking the candles over she's used for her circle causing them to sputter out. Heaving again on it's foundation Jolene's heart rate went into over drive when the power winked out. It was so dark within the house, she couldn't even see her hand in front of her face. Blindly searching for the candle she had sat beside her earlier, Jolene lit the flame as she jumped to her feet. Enlarging the flame, Jolene screamed at the sight of all the glowing amber eyes that surrounded her. Pacing around the perimeter of her circle the wolves growled and snapped. Some even jumped at her but not one dared enter. Even knowing that, the sear number of the beasts where frightening. There was nothing but a sea of black as far as she could see.

The wolves where huge, unlike any she'd ever seen before. Trembling Jolene looked at the swirling mass not knowing what to do. Should she finish the spell? Should she banish it? Could she even stop in the middle? All the questions raced through her mind, but she had answers to none. "What have I done," said Jolene with trembling lips.

"Why have you called us," asked a voice that hovered on the air.

"Yes why have you called us," echoed thousands of voices in unison.

"I have asked you here to protect this house and its owner," said Jolene weaker than she intended.

"And who are you," asked the voice again.

"Yes, tell us who you are," echoed the chorus of voices.

"I am Jolene. Long time friend of Elizabeth the owner," said Jolene to the mass of black in front of her.

"Yes, I know you," came a voice from behind her.

Spinning around Jolene came face to face with a white version of the black wolves that circled her. Unlike them, this one was within her circle of protection.

"Who, who, who are you," stammered Jolene, but smart enough not to step back.

"You can consider me her guardian angle, friend of Elizabeth," replied the wolf as it circled her.

Watching the wolf as it circled her. Jolene fought to control her trembling limbs. "I am not here to harm you, friend of Elizabeth. For it is you who have called us here, is it not?"

"Yes, but you'll have to excuse my harsh reaction. I was kind of expecting um spirits."

"But we are spirits, and we all died long before the Christ your family so worships," said the wolf as it continued to pace around her.

"Oooh," stammered Jolene looking out at the now checker board sea of wolves. "So, will you protect Elizabeth, and her house from all who wish her harm?"

"You are such a novice girl," laughed the wolf as it stopped its pacing. "Did you think you were so good that the magic reacts that strongly for you?"

"NNNN, No. IIIIII figured Elizabeth hhhhadddd to have dddddonnnnne somethingggg to caussssssed it to happppppen, butt buttt buttt some ti ti ti times my my my my mamamagic freakkkkkkkkks out" stammered Jolene on the verge of tears and wetting herself as the wolf bared it's butcher knife sized canines.

"You are a stupid girl, friend of Elizabeth. If you were more experienced you would have noticed that the fabric of magic is woven more tightly here than Egyptian cotton. An you're standing at it's core. And do you know why that is, friend of Elizabeth?"

"NNNNN, no Sir."

"Because we are here," said the wolf looking out toward the rest. "All of us."

"Soooo UUUUUU allllllreadddddy pppppprotttttect this hhhhhhouuuuuse?"

"And everyone in it," echoed the chorus of voices.

"Good-bye friend of Elizabeth," said the wolf as he turned to leave the circle.

And as his first paw left her protected area, the sea of beasts vanished leaving her standing in Elizabeth living room like nothing had happened. All of the objects she'd used where nicely lined up on the coffee table in front of her. The couch and chairs where back just like Elizabeth had it, and there was no sign at all that Jolene had called a rainstorm in the house. Other than the planets by the window looked a lot heather.

Letting out the breath, she didn't know she was holding. Jolene regretted it when the world spun on his axis and someone turned out the lights as she whispered, "Thank you for closing my circle."