Magic Lies: Croft and Sterling Paranormal PI Agency, #2

1

When the dead come back to life, my day isn’t going to end well. I stared in horror at the man in front of me, who was unfortunately very much alive. At one time, I called him Father, but now he was just the monster. He was here and then gone as if nothing had happened all those years ago.

My last memory of my Father was when the flames ate the flesh off his bones. That day, I forced myself to watch the flames greedily consume the man who was more monster than human. Watching him die meant the nightmare was over and I was free. No one could survive that fire, or so I had thought at the time.

Why isn’t he dead? How hard can it be to kill someone?

Seeing him just now, at my home no less, forced me into a mindless terror. The emotions I felt were like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I almost choked from the fear racing through me. It saturated every fiber of my being and made me shake from its intensity.

Sounds slowly filtered through my fear and I realized I was no longer alone.

Something’s wrong. She’s not responding, someone said. In my panic, I couldn’t recognize the speaker or make out what they were saying. Their words were muffled like the speaker was whispering from across the room or talking through a thin wall.

Marty. Marty!

A slap across my cheek finally brought me fully out of my panic. I blinked and tried to focus on Sterling, who was crouched in front of me, frowning.

My face stung from his hit. I focused on the pain, holding it in my mind with a fierce desperation, as if it could replace the fear and panic overwhelming me. The pain helped ground me and kept me from sinking under the hysteria that lingered just below the surface waiting for me to succumb to it.

Callie stood a little ways off frozen in shock and her hand covering her mouth. She had never seen me freak out, so it was just as shocking to her and the others that I finally found something that I couldn’t handle.

As my panic became more manageable, additional details filtered to me. Muffin was snarling as he strained against Sterling’s hold on his leash. At least the canine was protecting me. Muffin wanted to go after the monster, but my father was gone – at least for the time being.

Sorry, but I had to do it. You were hyperventilating, he said.

Sterling looked sorry and concerned, which he should since I never lost it like this. I’m sure he felt bad for hitting me. I would have done the same if our positions were reversed.

It’s okay, I needed that. And I have to talk to you about what put me in this condition.

I’m so embarrassed and so stupid.

I had no clue how long I laid here on the ground freaking out before Sterling and Callie found me. I’d been completely defenseless and a sitting target for my Father – well not completely without protection since Muffin was with me. I’m still not sure how protective he was. Our relationship was more of a love and hate thing. Afterall, it wasn’t all the long ago that the darn dog had peed on me.

My breathing was still jerky and black spots did a merry little dance before me. If Sterling noticed me trembling, he kindly kept it to himself.

To Callie, I said Can you gather everyone?

Right now? asked Callie. You were just about to pass out from fear. Can’t it wait until you’re more settled?

She was being protective of me and while I appreciated it, I also found it annoying. It showed that neither of them thought I had my crap together and needed to be babied. I didn’t need this. And as much as I didn’t want to tell them about this, I had to explain the danger we now faced.

My next words came out harsher than I intended. Yes, everyone needs to meet me in the living room right this minute. Can you manage that?

I’d do it without you being nasty, she said before stomping into the house.

Sterling gave me a funny look, What exactly happened out here? he asked.

I reached for Muffin, but Sterling held tight to his leash. For now, let me hold him. Give yourself a few minutes to calm down.

I don’t have time for this. I did need a minute, but I didn’t want anyone else seeing me weak. I couldn’t stand feeling this way. Falling apart wouldn’t fix anything and it would take all of my strength and wits to have even a remote chance of surviving whatever my father had planned for me.

You were having a freak out and still look nauseous, he said. When I didn’t respond, he continued speaking. I’m worried about you.

I sighed. He had reason to worry, but I couldn’t tell the story more than once. I needed him to wait until all of us were together.

I’ll explain once everyone is here.

Now that my nerves had settled down some and I wasn’t at risk of hyperventilating, I tried to wrangle my emotions to something controllable. Currently, they were tumbling around in my mind bringing with them darkness and dread.

My father was toying with me. He could have easily killed me back there, but he hadn’t. That was scarier than anything since that man never did anything without a specific goal in mind. He was the personification of evil. I spent the past few years comforted in knowing that he died in the fire that fateful day and in a single moment that was shattered.

We walked into the house and sat down in the living room. Lochlan walked into the room with Zander on his heels. Jennica and Callie trailed behind both of them.

Can you contain your pet? He’s doing his best to eat through my furniture, said Lochlan.

I checked and darn me if my miserable mutt wasn’t happily gnawing away at the leg of Lochlan’s couch. I jerked on his leash, the muscles in my arms straining with the effort, but Muffin wouldn’t let go. And darn if he didn’t keep chewing away – completely ignoring my attempts to get him to stop.

A little help here guys.

No one made a move to help me with the dog. Guess I’m on my own with mutt management.

If you want to keep that thing, then you need to train him, said Lochlan.

How exactly am I supposed to do that? It’s a devil dog.

Figure it out before he destroys my house.

I believe Marty has a reason for calling us together — and it’s not to discuss her pet’s poor manners, said Sterling.

I shot him a grateful look. I appreciated the support since I’d need it once they realized the risk I posed to all of us. First there was the threat from my caustic magic and the even bigger danger my father posed.

Now that I had everyone gathered and watching me expectantly, I struggled to start. I cleared my throat. This was harder than I thought to talk about.

The dog’s chewing was a welcome distraction even though Lochlan was giving Muffin a death glare. 

I’m gonna tie him up outside. I’ll be right back, I said, stalling for more time to compose myself.

I snatched up Muffin’s leash and the dog didn’t budge. I tugged, but he refused to let go of his newest chew toy.

Everyone was staring at me like I had grown another limb or something. I really didn’t want to deal with this dog. Frustrated, I brought my hand down hard on his backside. The dog was startled enough to let go of the couch. I snatched him by the collar and hauled him towards the front door. I had to force myself to do this and was ashamed to realize that I really didn’t want to go outside alone. Sterling looked worried as he got up to walk with me.

Nearly at the door, I heard the others snicker. They thought my disobeying dog and my inability to manage him was hilarious. They didn’t realize the potential danger that might await me outside, or they wouldn’t be amused.

Next time you take him out, I snipped as walked out, shutting the door in Sterling’s face. I didn’t want him babying me, but a part of me did and that weakness pissed me off.

I was brave in front of the others, but I didn’t like being alone outside with only Muffin. I didn’t know if my father, a.k.a., the Crimson Fiend, was still out here, watching me. He would be back, and I better be ready to face him and I couldn’t feel less ready than I did in this moment.

There was a gargantuan oak tree not far from the house. The tree was probably hundreds of years old. It should keep from breaking under the force of an unwillingly restrained devil dog trying to escape – or so I hoped. With my luck, I’d find him eating his way through the tree since he was so hell-bent on destruction lately.

Surprisingly, the dog didn’t fight me and was docile as I tied him to the tree. 

So now you behave? Of course you do, I said and met his flaming eyes, What am I going to do with you?

I straightened from where I was crouching and smacked into a man’s chest. Automatically, my fist shot out to incapacitate my adversary. It was a good thing that Sterling had amazing reflexes because he stopped the punch I’d thrown at his head.

What’s wrong? I’ve never seen anyone startle you, certainly not me.

We can talk inside.

I know something has you spooked.

Did your shifter senses tell you that?

No, I didn’t need them to pick up on the fear pouring off of you. I’ve known you for five years and I’ve never smelled fear like this from you. And, while I didn’t say it before, there is an unfamiliar scent out here. A stranger was here.

Him pestering me for answers was getting annoying fast.

Forget the smells for now.

He searched my eyes, staring for an uncomfortably long time, before looking away.

Very well, I’ll walk you back to the house.

Neither of us spoke on the short walk back to the house. I settled onto the couch.

Would they throw me out when I told them about my father? Would they even believe me?

We’re waiting, Marty, complained Zander in the whining tone he used when he was doing something he didn’t want to.

Our resident brat jolted me out of my pity party. This was one of the few times I was thankful for his rudeness.

I’m not sure how to tell you all this, but –

Spit it out already, said Zander.

You don’t have to be so rude. And she was trying to tell us before you interrupted her, said Callie.

I just ran into my father outside.

What?! The Crimson Fiend was here? shrieked Callie as she threw herself over the back of the couch in an uncharacteristic show of athleticism.

Sterling didn’t wait to hear the details. He shifted, tearing his clothes to shreds as he transformed into his Kodiak bear. He took the shortest route outside, which unfortunately for Lochlan, was the living room wall. Zander looked scared and Jennica looked confused. Lochlan was calm and quiet, so I couldn’t gauge his reaction.

I certainly didn’t expect to start my day with a bear crashing through my wall, said Lochlan.

I laughed, but it sounded off and contained a trace of hysteria.

2

We all stared at the ragged edges of the crumbling wall, which now resembled a monster with an open mouth full of teeth – just waiting to swallow us up.

One of us needs to go after Sterling. I think it’s better that someone besides Marty goes, said Lochlan.

That pissed me off and relieved me at the same time. I didn’t need coddling, but I’m not sure that I am prepared to confront my father again. Seeing him was a huge shock.

I don’t suppose arguing will change your mind about that? I asked.

Nope.

And with a snap of his fingers he was gone. Why can’t my magic be something normal like that? And something I could actually use. Mine was only good for death and destruction.

Speaking of destruction, this wall wasn’t going to fix itself. I walked over to check out the remains of the wall. Up close it looked even worse. Splitters jutted out from the opening and part of the floor was ripped out.

I gathered up what I could salvage and started separating the damaged things from anything that could be restored.

Callie and Jennica joined me in performing the cleanup efforts. I felt disgust as I looked at the growing pile of ruined furniture, art, and pieces of the wall. The pile of what was broken was now twice the size of what things we could salvage.

Jennica finally broke the silence, Did everyone except me know about your father? she asked.

I know she was hurt and probably thought I was hiding lots of secrets, but that wasn’t the case. Me not telling her wasn’t anything personal. I never wanted to tell anyone.

No, they just found out. No one knew until recently and I told them about it when I demolished the Agency.

That was you? she asked.

Yes.

I’m not sure what to say. He’s scary and killed a lot of people, but he’s also your dad, said Jennica, who shivered in unease.

Do you really think your dad is back, Marty? Could it be a mistake and you thought you saw him? asked Callie.

It was him, I have no doubt that it was him. I wish more than anything that it wasn’t him.

Why is he here now after all this time? It’s been years, right? asked Callie.

And that is the question of the day.

I don’t know. And, that worries me the most. If he’s been alive and in hiding for five years, what prompted his reconciliation attempts? When Lochlan and Sterling come back, they can help us strategize. He can’t be allowed to remain free, I said.

Where is Zander and why isn’t he helping us?

"Has anyone seen Zander? I asked.

No, maybe he went with Lochlan? asked Callie.

You saw Lochlan literally snap his way out of here. Zander was still here when Lochlan left, I said. He’s probably smoking, but I’m not letting him get out of helping us.

Marty, I’m so sorry. Things have gotten bad. You have more than enough to take care of without me adding to the burden. Should I leave? asked Jennica in a soft, wavering voice.

I placed my hand on her shoulder. She leaned into me for the barest of touches, seeking comfort, before pulling back.

No, you should stay. Then to confuse her more, I added, Actually, I’m not sure whether you should stay or leave. I don’t know how safe anyone is if my father has me in his sights. I can’t promise that staying here won’t put you and the others in danger.

We aren’t leaving you Marty, said Callie.

I was being a jerk.

I’m sorry I suggested you guys leave or that I leave. We’re family, and I want us to stay together. I caught a Jennica’s look of hurt, Don’t think that doesn’t include you Jennica, I said. 

I no intentions of running away. I’m not that irresponsible, snipped Jennica. Do you think the worst of me?

She stomped away sniffling.

That was a mood change.

In that moment, she reminded me very much of Zander when he had a tantrum. With the two of them, it was like having hormonal and moody teenagers in the house. Not that I thought badly of her, it was just that she used to be so different from how she now was. The new Jennica could go from sweet and kind to waspish and surly in an instant.

Callie shook her head at me as if she knew what unkind thoughts were running through my mind.

I shouldn’t think of my dearest friend like this.

It wasn’t right or fair what was done to her. And, now I had magic and she didn’t. Magic was what Jennica so desperately tried to get unblocked for herself. She only succeeded in being kidnapped and having her magic stolen. I still felt guilty for having what she didn’t.

We can fix this. I don’t know her like you do, but she’s working through things. We all get like that and you know what it feels like to be kidnapped. She’s probably reacting more out of fear than anything else, said Callie.

Not everything is so easily fixed by time, I said.

I did know how helpless it felt being imprisoned. While, I wasn’t held against as long as Jennica was, my own recent kidnapping was still pretty fresh in my mind. It took time to heal, but Jennica didn’t seem to be getting better in any way. She had been getting progressively worse.

When her kidnappers removed the block on her magic and stole it, she blamed on me. Jennica felt I should have done more to stop her from going to the mysterious group in the first place. Their promise of a cure to unblock her magic was crap and I knew it, but I was too wrapped up in my cases to look out for her. She had every reason to blame me, heck, I blamed me.

I turned my attention back to the damaged wall. If Lochlan hadn’t left, he could have magically restored the wall. As it was, we couldn’t leave it like this. It was a serious security breach and we needed security now more than ever. We’d come to stay with Lochlan when my magic demolished our old Agency and home. Now, we needed the protection from my dad as well.

Even with Lochlan’s protective wards surrounding the house, it wasn’t safe. My father had easily gotten through those without the wards indicating they were breached. Alarms should have gone off, but didn’t.

The front door flew open. I flinched and yanked out my sword thinking it was my father.

God, I’m such a baby.

Once I saw who it was, I relaxed and put my sword away.

I brought your bear back, said Lochlan.

3

Lochlan walked into the house with his arm around Sterling, partially holding him up. Sterling’s shoulders drooped and lines of fatigue were etched around his face. The look on his face told me more about his failure than his words could. My father was still out there.

A sound from outside cut through the air. It was a sort of baying and it distracted me from asking about Sterling’s condition.

What’s that noise? I asked.

That is your beloved animal. It sounds like he’s ready to be untied, said Sterling.

You look terrible. Wait until I get that monster of mine and then you can tell us all about what you found, I said.

I quickly got Muffin and sat down on the couch. My canine settled down on the floor near me, leaning against my leg.

Lochlan cleared his throat.

I’m concerned about your safety. I can’t have you losing control and rampaging my house and the community, said Lochlan.

Sterling ducked his head. He prided himself on his ability to control his bear. This lack of restraint was severe a blow to his pride.

I owe you an apology. You have every reason to question my control. I am not normally so undisciplined that I instantly transform. I’m ashamed by that. We’ll make it a priority to get a new place, said Sterling.

That wasn’t my intention. Be at ease, I’m not kicking any of you out, said Lochlan. We do need to establish some boundaries if we are going to continue living together.

He stopped and pointed at my feet. Marty, do something about that dog.

My dog was again nibbling on the furniture. I jerked on his leash to get the dog away from the couch leg. He ignored me, so I smacked his rump. Muffin gave me a baleful look like I’d taken away his favorite toy, but at least he stopped. My dog was out of control.

I didn’t ask for this dog, I said feeling defensive.

We don’t always ask for the things we’re responsible for, said Lochlan.

Callie just sat there in silence, taking everything in. She was the least impacted by everything, but that didn’t mean things were easy for her. We were all here on Lochlan’s charity and in the short time we’ve been here, we’d sorely abused his generosity.

Let’s start with fixing the wall. Having most of it missing isn’t the best security measure and then we can address what happened when Sterling ran off, said Lochlan.

Can’t you just snap up some magical mojo and it’s fixed? I asked.

Not exactly, he said. I can adjust the wards, but it won’t do anything to prevent anyone and anything from seeing in. Give me a few minutes. I’ll be outside fixing the wards.

We waited in silence until Lochlan came back. With him was Zander, who trailed behind him, looking all sorts of pissed off.

I found this young one smoking. He shouldn’t be outside alone and he’s not old enough smoke, said Lochlan.

Now that Lochlan is back, let me explain what happened when I took off after the Crimson Fiend, said Sterling. With him alive, the chances of him starting a new reign of terror is likely. Sorry Marty, but that man is evil, and a threat to all supernaturals.

You won’t hear any arguments from me about that. And you don’t need to apologize. I know his capacity for evil far more than anyone else, I said.

Since you know him best, do you know why he’s just now coming out? If he’s been around the past five years, then why is he just now contacting you. Do you know what he may want with you? asked Sterling.

"I wish I did and him lying in wait for years