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That did nothing to alleviate Luca’s curiosity. “Out with it, Methuselah.”
“That’s rich, coming from someone who is three hundred-something. Now, do you want to hear my story or not?”
Luca chuckled. “I concede defeat. Tell me about this person you’ve met.”
“While I was in Chile researching the earthquake, I was walking back to my hotel one evening. I heard sounds of distress coming from a dumpster as I passed one of the alleys and thought a small animal was stuck inside. To my surprise, it was a little boy. Filthy as all get out and rail-thin. He was scavenging for something to eat. Broke my heart, I tell you.”
Luca smiled fondly. “You never could pass up a stray.”
“I couldn’t leave him there. The child was about ten. I got him a change of clothes, food, and a warm bed to sleep in. My Spanish is more than passable, but he was wary. Who wouldn’t be, with an old black man offering to take him home? But he agreed. Once I got him cleaned up and fed, he told me his name was Reynaldo. He’d run away from a foster home six months previously and lived on his own ever since.”
“What happened to him?” Luca asked, enjoying the distractions of the human world. He was glad he’d called his friend, who never failed to show him how good and honorable he was.
“He saw my library.” Jeremy laughed. “After the grime was gone and he ate, the boy turned out to be a genius. He’s got an eidetic memory, Luca! Do you know how rare that is?”
“I mean, where is he now?” Luca asked. “Did you take him to Social Services?”
“I sure did,” Jeremy said proudly. “And adopted him. I stayed in Chile long enough to arrange his citizenship. We’ve been home for a couple of months. He wanted an American name for his new life and chose Reid. He’s tested out of the high school courses and is attending classes at the university. Lucy and I tried to have kids and were never blessed. Then I practically trip over a wonderful child who just needed a chance.”
That warmed Luca’s heart. Having a kid in the house would keep Jeremy on his toes, and Luca was pleased that the boy would have a good life. Jeremy would see that he was well cared for and loved.
“I’m so happy for you both, Jeremy!” Luca exclaimed. “That’s great news. Lucy would be proud of you.”
“I hope so, man.” He sounded sober. “God, I miss her.”
Hearing the longing in his friend’s voice helped Luca get perspective on his situation. He and Ash would have extremely long lifespans, so this separation was the blink of an eye to them. Jeremy would miss his wife for the rest of his days.
“I know you do. She was a wonderful lady,” Luca agreed. Not wanting to upset Jeremy further, he changed the subject, but the life seemed to have gone out of the conversation.
“I have an evening class in twenty minutes, and it takes time to move these old bones around campus,” Jeremy said. “I’m glad you called, though. Keep in touch, will you?”
“I will. Thanks, Jeremy. It was great talking to you. Keep me posted on your research. I’d love to know what’s down there.” Luca hung up and sat back, feeling better. He had needed a little perspective, and he’d discovered that his friend had found happiness of his own.
He rose at a knock on the door. He sensed Viktorija on the other side and wondered why she didn’t barge in like she usually did.
“I know it’s you, Vik. Just come in.”
She looked worried as she stepped through the door, and he went on alert. “What happened?”
“The team I sent to investigate sightings of Jules and his pack missed their rendezvous,” she said. “They aren’t answering calls, and no one has heard anything from them.”
“Who was on the team?”
“Ivanna, Niletean, and four volunteer King’s Guards from the bears, tigers, moose, and lynxes.”
Luca swore. “That’s not a team anyone could easily overcome. Fuck!” He crossed the room to the door. “Come on, Vik. We need to tell the other kings and figure this out. Now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Mosier Home, Enfield, New York, Monday, January 7, 2013
Ash cupped her hands, allowing the magic to flow through her and coalesce into a ball of light in her palms. After a few days of training with Eiko, Ash’s abilities had rapidly progressed. As if a floodgate had been opened within her, the level of magic she could wield continued to rise. They sat at the picnic table in the Mosiers’ backyard.
Brian and Melinda had accepted their extra house guests with grace and kindness, grateful for anyone who worked so diligently to protect their family. While Ash learned from the witch, Dani was inside, shamelessly flirting with Uuka, who returned her amorous intent. Brian and Melinda had taken Bishara with them to the grocery store since feeding this many people required constant restocking. Harley sprawled in a patch of sunlight in the grass at Ash’s feet and the other panthers were on patrol.
“The ability to use magic is passed down through the bloodline,” Eiko stated. The older witch gestured at the ball of light. “There’s no doubt in my mind. There’s a witch in your family tree. The connection is weak, but it is growing each day. It’s up to you to make it strong through practice.”
Ash nodded and made the ball disappear. She formed another in its place and changed the color.
