I shake my head, remembering the story behind Autumn’s older brother. It’s very common for paranormal beings to go missing every day. Whether it’s because of some war between two species, a feud, someone trying to steal someone else’s magic, or all the other millions of reasons it could be, it doesn’t matter. All the scenarios are terrible. It’s why sanctuary towns are important, and even then, people aren’t always safe.
“It’s my pleasure,” I reply sincerely. “But honestly, how can I say no after hearing their story? Twenty years. Fuck. Can you even imagine?”
Rook sighs. “I know. My thoughts exactly. I’ve seen what a missing person’s case can do to their loved ones. I witnessed it with Zero, and I’ve seen some of it with Autumn. It’s terrible.”
We’re both quiet for a moment, lost in thought. I’m about to speak up when Rook beats me to it. “So, have you had any dreams lately?” I can hear the teasing lilt in his deep voice.
A wide grin spreads across my face, making me feel foolish. Damn, I can’t help it. “I did. I can’t be certain, but I think my mate might be blond.” My inner kraken bumps up against my ribcage in excitement. For years, I’ve had dreams of a mysterious person who has to be my mate. Unfortunately, by the time I wake up, I can’t ever remember what this person looks like, just the emotions I experienced while sleeping. My dreams are always either sweet, romantic, or sexy as hell.
One day, when I mentioned my dream to Rook in passing, he showed me a book on fated mates. I poured a lot of my time into devouring and studying the text. I finally had answers to some of my questions. Rook thinks the image of my fated is incomplete because I haven’t met them yet. While it’s common for certain paranormal creatures to share dreams and memories, it’s uncommon for the fated mates to actually know what their soul mate looks like until they meet.
“Don’t give up; I have faith you’ll meet them someday.”
I laugh softly. “Yeah, well, you have to say that. You have Autumn in your life.” I used to be a hopeless romantic, imagining the day I would finally meet my other half. Since I grew up with two different cultures, I once believed I had double the chances of finding love. Both the mer and the kraken have vastly different beliefs when it comes to finding your fated, but one thing was for certain: both cultures believed there was someone out there for everyone.
I spot the sign for my exit to Rubinsville up ahead and begin merging over.
“How’s your magic meshing with the tracking spells? Can you still feel Kaleb?”
“Yeah, but every once in a while, the magic disappears. However, thanks to Lyra and Edwin and their ability to cast quickly, it makes my life a lot easier.”
“I’m just glad they’re finally able to sense their son.”
“Me too. I’ll have to concentrate once I get into town, though. Picking up a general direction is easy if my magic has something to follow. But finding the exact location requires me to pull my magic from deep within.”
Rook laughs. “I won’t pretend I know what that means. Ocean magic is way too complicated. But Zero trusts you, and so do I.”
“Thanks, Rook. Look, I just pulled off the highway. I’m going to get off the phone and see what I can do. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, I can finally give Edwin and Lyra some answers.” But if I truly had it my way, I would give them more than just pretty words. I would be bringing their long-lost son home.
“Sure thing. Thanks again, Darius.”
After parking my car, I look up at the sleek, modern brick building and notice a line of people in various costumes wrapping around the corner.
“Huh,” I murmur to myself, staring at the bright green neon sign. “Club Sip.” Fast pop music and a pounding bass cause my car to rattle under me. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to end up at a nightclub tonight. The people in line are chattering happily and waiting to enter.
Closing my eyes, I focus on my magic. Searching. Like a paranormal bloodhound, my magic senses the same signature linked to the casting spell. It’s strong, making it obvious that Kaleb Dumas is, in fact, here. Unfortunately, my magic also picks up several other paranormal beings inside, as well as hundreds of humans jam-packed into that tiny building.
Finding Kaleb isn’t going to be as easy as I’d hoped. It will be like trying to follow the scent of someone’s perfume, only to realize there are multiple bodies shoved into an enclosed space. If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to see the aura of his magic seeping out of him, but most likely, I won’t be able to fully figure out which person is Kaleb until I can get him in a secluded corner or convince him to go outside with me.
I unfold the piece of paper and study the sketch. It’s an image of a man who looks like he might be in his late twenties to early thirties. Thanks to the magical blocks placed on Kaleb when he was a child, the Dumas family has no idea what their son actually looks like today. Instead of using a tracking spell that would allow us to see Kaleb, his parents were forced to hire someone who could draw their best composite sketch with a natural age progression. In other words, there’s a possibility that he might look like this image they commissioned, or he might look nothing like this.
Sliding out of my seat, I re-pocket the piece of paper, walk around to the back of my car, and pop the trunk. I pull out a black lace masquerade mask I bought on the way into town. I figured since today is Halloween, it wouldn’t hurt to grab some kind of costume. I might as well be prepared, just in case.
I confidently make my way toward the front of the line, extending my magic out and quickly scanning each person I pass. Of course, I wouldn’t be this lucky. Kaleb is already inside.
A few people complain as I walk toward the security guard at the front. I pull out my Elite Guard badge, which is spelled to look like a normal detective’s badge to the human eye. Thankfully, the man is a bear shifter who nods in respect as soon as his eyes land on it.
“Am I going to have to get management to clear the club?” he asks in a gruff voice.
I’m shocked at the offer. Usually, other paranormals will let me into their establishments easily, but they aren’t willing to stop business unless it’s completely necessary. And even then, it depends on what type of establishment they are running.
“No need, friend,” I say, extending my hand out for the bear to shake. “Hopefully, it will be a quick in and out.”
He shakes my hand with a firm grip. “The name’s Dalton. Regardless, I’m going to have to inform the big boss that amember of the Elite Guard is here on official business. What is the nature of your visit?”
We speak low enough so that we aren’t overheard. A few more people from the line grumble and groan, but Dalton doesn’t pay them any mind. Instead, he pulls out his phone, probably to tell the boss what’s going on.
“I can’t go into the full details, but I’m under the impression there’s a witch in there that probably doesn’t know about the paranormal.”
