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“They only produce girls,” I replied.
“Imagine that. Witches right here in Fairhaven.” Nana glanced out the window. “A shame to discover all this fascinating information after I’m dead. I would’ve liked to know more.”
“You’ll know more now,” Ray told her. “Better late than never.”
I let them continue their wonderment while I formulated a plan. I was beginning to rethink my decision to track the monster alone, not because I needed reinforcements, but because there was simply too much ground for one person to cover. The information about bodies of water was helpful; it could explain why the wolves were unable to track the creature the last time.
I swiped my phone off the counter and dialed West’s number.
“Oh, good. She’s doing as she’s told,” I heard Nana Pratt say to Ray. “More than my Ashley was capable of.”
West answered on the third ring, and I gave him the update, including the fact that it could live on land or in water, which made it harder to track.
“The good news is it can be killed by mortal means.” No need for Poseidon’s trident or Thor’s hammer to defeat the beast. Small mercies. Of course, we still needed a plan.
“I’ll assemble a team, and we’ll meet you near the Falls in an hour, if that suits you,” he tacked on carefully.
West was clearly accustomed to giving orders; his compulsion to kowtow to me must’ve rankled him.
I left the phone on the counter and hurried upstairs to gather my gear. I felt Ray and Nana’s eyes on me as I pulled a trunk out from under the bed and unlocked it.
“Is that where you keep your diary?” Nana asked.
“I don’t have a diary.” I flipped up the lid to reveal a cache of weapons.
“Glory be!” Nana cried. “You’re keeping those dangerous things right under your bed?”
“Can you think of a more convenient place if an intruder breaks into my bedroom again?” I kept my focus on the selection of weapons. I needed a dagger for close range and a set of throwing knives for longer range.
“If Chief Garcia catches you with all that, she’ll arrest you,” Nana said.
“She won’t catch me.” I collected the chosen weapons and headed out.
I climbed into the truck and sped toward the woods. It would take time to hike to the Falls from where I intended to leave the truck, and I didn’t want to be late. Knowing West, he’d have them start without me.
The entire pack seemed to be crawling through the woods by the time I arrived. They didn’t seem thrilled to see me. Anna immediately disappeared behind a cluster of trees. Most kept their distance, except West.
“I’ve got a team checking the river and another one checking the creek,” he said. “Do you have any preferences?”
“I was curious to see the Falls.”
He grinned. “You think it’s hiding behind them?”
“No, I’ve heard they’re impressive is all.”
And they were. The Falls roared as water cascaded down the hill, crashing over rocks on its way.
“If you’re finished exploring the sights, maybe you could join a search party,” West suggested.
“I work better alone.”
“Yeah. I’m sure you do.” His gaze flicked to the dagger sheathed to my leg. “We’re meeting back here at sundown for a head count. Take care of yourself, Clay.”
“I always do.”
I spent hours traipsing up hills and through the wilderness. I crossed paths with a few werewolves over the course of the day, as well as a herd of deer, a fox, and a multitude of squirrels. Nary a gwiber in sight. No ghosts either, which put my mind at ease. I didn’t need another Arthur situation today, and neither did the pack.
The sun had set by the time I returned to the appointed site. I tried not to let my frustration show. Aside from flattened bushes and a short trail of goop, we were no closer to finding the gwiber.
